[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49068-49091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16393]



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Part III





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



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

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 161 / Monday, August 22, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AT76


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 2005-06 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 1, 2005.

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 2005

    On April 6, 2005, we published in the Federal Register (70 FR 
17574) 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 2005-06 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 24, 2005, we 
published in the Federal Register (70 FR 36794) a second document 
providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations frameworks and the regulatory alternatives for 
the 2005-06 duck hunting season. The June 24 supplement also provided 
detailed information on the 2005-06 regulatory schedule and announced 
the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway 
Council meetings.
    On June 22 and 23, 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 2005-06 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 2005-06 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On August 1, 2005, we published in the Federal 
Register (70 FR 44200) 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 2005-06 season.
    On July 27-28, 2005, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2005-06 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 29, 
2005, 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 around September 20, 2005.

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 helicopters 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
    Habitat conditions at the time of the survey in May 2005 were 
variable, with some areas improved relative to last year and others 
remaining or becoming increasingly dry. The total May pond estimate 
(Prairie and Parkland Canada and the northcentral U.S. combined) was 
5.4  0.2 million ponds. This was 37 percent greater than 
last year's estimate of 3.9  0.2 million ponds and 12 
percent higher than the long-term average of 4.8  0.1 
million ponds.
    Habitat in the surveyed portion of the U.S. prairies was in fair to 
poor condition due to a dry fall, winter, and early spring and warm 
winter temperatures. Nesting habitat was particularly poor in South 
Dakota because of below average precipitation resulting in degraded 
wetland conditions and increased tilling and grazing of wetland 
margins. Birds may have overflown the State for wetter conditions to 
the north. Water levels and upland nesting cover were relatively better 
in North Dakota and eastern Montana, and wetland conditions in these 
regions improved markedly during June following the survey, with the 
onset of well-above average precipitation. The 2005 pond estimate for 
north-central U.S. (1.5  0.1 million) was similar to last 
year's estimate.
    The prairies of southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan were 
also quite dry in early May. The U.S. and Canadian prairies received 
substantial rain in late May and during the entire month of June that 
recharged wetlands

[[Page 49069]]

and encouraged growth of vegetation. While this improved habitat 
quality on the prairies, it probably came too late to benefit early-
nesting species or prevent overflight. This heavy rain likely benefited 
late-nesting species and improved renesting. Record high rains flooded 
the lower elevation prairie areas of central Manitoba during April, 
producing fair or poor nesting conditions for breeding waterfowl. In 
contrast, the Canadian Parklands were much improved compared to last 
year, due to several years of improving nesting cover and above-normal 
precipitation last fall and winter. These areas were in good-to-
excellent condition at the start of the survey and remained so into 
July. Overall, the May pond estimate in Prairie and Parkland Canada was 
3.9  0.2 million. This was a 56 percent increase over last 
year's estimate of 2.5  0.1 million ponds and 17 percent 
higher than the long-term average of 3.3  0.3 million 
ponds. Portions of northern Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan also 
experienced flooding, resulting in only fair conditions for breeding 
waterfowl. In contrast, most of the Northwest Territories was in good 
condition due to adequate water and a timely spring break-up that made 
habitat available to early-nesting species. However, dry conditions in 
eastern parts of the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta 
resulted in low water levels in lakes and ponds and the complete drying 
of some wetlands. Therefore, habitat was also classified as fair in 
these areas.
    For the most part, habitats in Alaska were in excellent condition, 
with an early spring and good water levels, except for a few flooded 
river areas and on the North Slope, where spring was late.
    In the Eastern Survey Area (strata 51-72), habitat conditions were 
generally good due to adequate water and relatively mild spring 
temperatures. Exceptions were the coast of Maine and the Atlantic 
Provinces, where May temperatures were cool and some flooding occurred 
along the coast and major rivers. Also, below-normal precipitation left 
some habitat in fair to poor condition in southern Ontario. However, 
precipitation in southern Ontario after survey completion improved 
habitat conditions in that region.
Breeding population status
    In the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey traditional 
survey area (strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77), the total duck population 
estimate was 31.7  0.6 [SE] million birds, similar to last 
year's estimate of 32.2  0.6 million birds but 5 percent 
below the 1955-2004 long-term average. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 
abundance was 6.8  0.3 million birds, which was 9 percent 
below last year's estimate of 7.4  0.3 million birds and 10 
percent below the long-term average. Blue-winged teal (A. discors) 
abundance was 4.6  0.2 million birds, similar to last 
year's estimate of 4.1  0.2 million birds, and the long-
term average. Of the other duck species, the gadwall estimate (A. 
strepera; 2.2  0.1 million) was 16 percent below that of 
2004, while estimates of northern pintails (A. acuta; 2.6  
0.1 million; +17 percent) and northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 3.6 
 0.2 million; +28 percent) were significantly above 2004 
estimates. The estimate for northern shovelers was 67 percent above the 
long-term average for this species, as were estimates of gadwall (+30 
percent) and green-winged teal (A. crecca; 2.2  0.1 
million; +16 percent). Northern pintails remained 38 percent below 
their long-term average despite this year's increase in abundance. 
Estimates of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.2  0.1 
million; -15 percent) and scaup (Aythya affinis and A. marila combined; 
3.4  0.2; -35 percent) also were below their respective 
long-term averages; the estimate for scaup was a record low. Abundances 
of redheads (A. americana) and canvasbacks (A. valisineria) were 
similar to last year's counts and long-term averages.
    The eastern survey area was restratified, and is now composed of 
strata 51-72. Mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. 
merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus;]; -25 percent), mallards 
(-36 percent), American black ducks (A. rubripes, -24 percent), and 
green-winged teal (-46 percent) were all below their 2004 estimates. 
Ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris) and goldeneyes (common [Bucephala 
clangula] and Barrow's [B. islandica]) were similar to their 2004 
estimates. No species in the eastern survey area differed from their 
long-term averages.
Fall Flight Estimate
    The mid-continent mallard population is composed of mallards from 
the traditional survey area, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and is 
7.5 + 0.3 million which is 10 percent lower than the 2004 estimate of 
8.3 + 0.3 million. The 2005 mid-continent mallard fall-flight index is 
9.3 + 0.1 million, similar to the 2004 estimate of 9.4 + 0.1 million 
birds. 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' geese (C. rossii), emperor geese 
(C. canagica), white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and tundra swans 
(Cygnus columbianus). The timing of spring snowmelt in important goose 
and swan nesting areas in most of the Arctic and subarctic was near 
average, or earlier than average in 2005. Delayed nesting phenology or 
reduced nesting effort was indicated for only Alaska's North Slope and 
areas of the eastern Canadian High Arctic. Primary abundance indices in 
2005 increased from 2004 levels for 12 goose populations and decreased 
for 13 goose populations. Primary indices in 2005 increased for western 
tundra swans and decreased for eastern tundra swans. Of these 27 
populations, the Atlantic, Eastern Prairie, Mississippi Flyway Giant, 
and Aleutian Canada goose populations, and the Western Arctic/Wrangel 
Island snow goose population displayed significant positive trends 
during the most recent 10-year period. Only Short Grass Prairie 
Population Canada geese and Pacific brant displayed significant 
negative 10-year trends. The forecast for the production of geese and 
swans in North America in 2005 is generally favorable and improved from 
that of 2004.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

    During the 2004-05 hunting season, both duck and goose harvest 
decreased from the previous year. U.S. hunters harvested 12,312,200 
ducks in 2004-05 compared to 13,165,500 in 2003-04, and they harvested 
3,189,700 geese, compared to 3,828,200 geese taken in 2003-04. The five 
most commonly harvested duck species were mallard (4,531,600), green-
winged teal (1,373,600), gadwall (1,364,000), wood duck (1,105,500), 
and wigeon (750,600).

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 6, 
2005, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory 
game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which 
appeared in the June 24,

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2005, Federal Register, discussed the regulatory alternatives for the 
2005(06 duck hunting season. Late-season comments are summarized below 
and numbered in the order used in the April 6 Federal Register 
document. We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-
season issues for which we received written comments. Consequently, the 
issues do not follow in 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 April 6, 2005, Federal Register document.

General

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the possession limit of waterfowl to four times the daily 
bag limit, except where currently more liberal.
    Service Response: We do not support the recommendation to increase 
possession limits. The possession limit regulation [50 CFR 20.33] is 
sometimes the only tool law enforcement personnel have to combat over-
bag violations, due to the remoteness of some hunting locations and the 
difficulties officers/agents encounter while conducting surveillance of 
hunter compliance. Further, we believe the deterrence to violate would 
be substantially reduced by increasing the traditional possession 
limits.

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 ii. September 
Teal/Wood Duck Seasons, iii. Black Ducks, iv. Canvasbacks, v. Pintails, 
and vii. Scaup.
    Service Response: We are 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 2005 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 
continues to depend on the status of eastern mallards. Investigations 
of the dynamics of western mallards (and their potential effect on 
regulations in the West) are continuing; therefore we are not yet 
prepared to recommend an AHM protocol for this mallard stock.
    For the 2005 hunting season, we are 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, we agreed in 2003 to place a constraint on closed 
seasons in the western three Flyways whenever the midcontinent mallard 
breeding-population size (traditional survey area plus MN, MI, and WI) 
is >=5.5 million.
    Optimal AHM strategies for the 2005 hunting season were calculated 
using: (1) Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard 
stock; (2) the 2005 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population 
models and associated weights for midcontinent and eastern mallards. 
Based on this year's survey results of 7.54 million midcontinent 
mallards (traditional surveys area plus MN, WI, and MI), 3.9 million 
ponds in Prairie Canada, and 1.05 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 24 Federal Register.
C. Zones and Split Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service allow three zones, with two-way splits in each zone, 
as an additional option for duck season configurations in 2006-2010. 
Guidelines for zone-split configurations should be finalized by 
September 2005 so states have adequate opportunity to consider possible 
changes for 2006.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that the Service allow three zones, with two-way 
splits in each zone, and four zones with no splits, as additional 
options for duck season configurations in 2006-2010. In addition, the 
Committee recommended that States with existing grand fathered status 
be allowed to retain that status.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended allowing three zones, with 
two-way splits (three season segments) in each zone, and four zones 
with no splits, as additional options for duck season configurations in 
2006-2010.
    Service Response: In 1990, because of concerns about the 
proliferation of zones and split seasons for duck hunting, a 
cooperative review and evaluation of the historical use of zone/split 
options was conducted. This review did not show that the proliferation 
of these options had increased harvest pressure; however, the ability 
to detect the impact of zone/split configurations was poor because of 
unreliable response variables, the lack of statistical tests to 
differentiate between real and perceived changes, and the absence of 
adequate experimental controls. Consequently, guidelines were 
established to provide a framework for controlling the proliferation of 
changes in zone/split options. The guidelines identified a limited 
number of zone/split configurations that could be used for duck hunting 
and restricted the frequency of changes in these configurations to 5-
year intervals. In 1996, the guidelines were revised to provide States 
greater flexibility in using their zone/split arrangements. Open 
seasons for changes occurred in 1991, 1996, and 2001. The fourth open 
season will occur next year when zone/split configurations will be 
established for the 2006-2010 period.

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    In response to recommendations from the Flyway Councils, we 
considered changes to the current zone/split guidelines. We believe 
that the guidelines implemented in 2001 continue to achieve their 
intended objectives while allowing States sufficient flexibility to 
address differences in physiography, climate, and other factors and 
that the guidelines need not be changed. Thus, these guidelines will be 
used to guide zone/split selection for next year's and future open 
seasons.
    We request that by April 15, 2006, States notify us whether or not 
they plan to change their zone/split configurations for the next 5-year 
period (2006-2010). Those States wishing to change their configuration 
should submit a proposal for the change by this date.

Guidelines for Duck Zones and Split Seasons

    The following zone/split-season guidelines apply only for the 
regular duck season:
    1. A zone is a geographic area or portion of a State, with a 
contiguous boundary, for which independent dates may be selected for 
the regular duck season.
    2. Consideration of changes for management-unit boundaries is not 
subject to the guidelines and provisions governing the use of zones and 
split seasons for ducks.
    3. Only minor (less than a county in size) boundary changes will be 
allowed for any grandfather arrangement, and changes are limited to the 
open season.
    4. Once a zone/split option is selected during an open season, it 
must remain in place for the following 5 years.
    Any State may continue the configuration used in the previous 5-
year period. If changes are made, the zone/split-season configuration 
must conform to one of the following options: (1) Three zones with no 
splits; (2) Split seasons (no more than 3 segments) with no zones; or 
(3) Two zones with the option for 2-way split seasons in one or both 
zones.

Grandfathered Zone/Split Arrangements

    When the zone/split guidelines were first implemented in 1991, 
several States had completed experiments with zone/split arrangements 
different from Options 1-3 above. Those States were offered a one-time 
opportunity to continue those arrangements, with the stipulation that 
only minor changes could be made to zone boundaries; and if they ever 
wished to change their zone/split arrangement, the new arrangement 
would have to conform to one of the 3 options identified above. If a 
grandfathered State changed its zoning arrangement, it could not go 
back to the grandfathered arrangement it previously had in place. 
Current grandfathered arrangements are:
    Atlantic Flyway: Massachusetts, New Jersey--3 zones with 2-segment 
splits in each zone. New York--5 zones with 2-segment splits in each 
zone. Pennsylvania--4 zones with 2-segment splits in each zone.
    Mississippi Flyway: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio--3 zones with 2-segment 
splits in each zone.
    Central Flyway: Nebraska--5 zones with 2-segment splits in each 
zone. South Dakota--4 zones with 2-segment splits in each zone.
    Pacific Flyway: Alaska--5 zones with 2-segment splits in 1 zone. 
California--5 zones with 2-segment splits in each zone.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the wood duck bag limit in the Atlantic Flyway to three 
birds during October 1 to the first Sunday in November for a three-year 
experimental period (2005/06-2007/08).
    Service Response: We do not support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
proposal to increase the bag limit for wood ducks. We note that the 
breeding bird survey population trend for the past 10 years exhibits no 
significant trend, suggesting the population is stable at current 
harvest levels. Further, preliminary harvest rate estimates from the 
cooperative reward band study suggest that current wood duck harvest 
rates are higher than previously thought. We believe that a full 
assessment of this information is needed to determine whether or not 
wood ducks can sustain additional harvest pressure. We propose to 
continue our cooperative assessments of available wood duck population 
data with both the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, and expect a full 
assessment of this information to take several years.
iii. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
the Service give conceptual approval to allow the States of Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, 
and New Jersey an option to return to a two black duck daily bag limit 
in any or all waterfowl management zones for possible implementation in 
2006. The season length for black ducks would be reduced for the number 
of days appropriate to ensure no increase in black duck harvest or 
harvest rate. This approach would require the development of a 3-year 
experimental design covering a block of states large enough to support 
appropriate evaluation.
    Service Response: During this past year, we have continued dialogue 
with the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways regarding assessments of the 
harvest potential of black ducks. We are particularly concerned with 
evidence of a long-term decline in the productivity of black ducks, 
which implies declining harvest potential. Harvest rates of black ducks 
have increased concurrently with implementation of AHM and the return 
to longer seasons. Current harvest rates as measured by reward banding 
are now at or near the levels which are likely to produce maximum 
sustainable harvests. If the decline in productivity continues and 
harvest rates are not reduced, harvest and population size can be 
expected to decline as well. In light of the assessment work conducted 
to date, we do not support any regulatory changes this year. Thus, we 
do not support the Atlantic Flyway Council's proposal.
    In addition to the biological concerns expressed above, we have a 
more basic conceptual concern with this proposal. In general, we do not 
support dividing Flyways into regions with differential species 
regulations and/or regulatory options. Our approach is predicated on 
the fact that our monitoring and assessment capacity are primarily 
designed to monitor harvests and population status at the Flyway scale. 
In many cases, our monitoring programs do not have the necessary 
precision to evaluate approaches such as has been recommended here. 
Although additional effort can be directed at refining these estimates, 
we believe the costs of the additional information far outweighs any 
potential benefits to resource conservation, harvest opportunity or 
hunter satisfaction.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, 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, 39-
day season in the Central Flyway, and 60-day season in the Pacific 
Flyway.
    Service Response: Based on regulatory actions in recent years and

[[Page 49072]]

recommendations from the Flyway Councils, the canvasback harvest 
strategy was modified in 2004 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 would be closed. Further, based on a 
recommendation from the Pacific Flyway Council, Alaska would have 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 520,574 
canvasbacks. The estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.9 million, 
which was 17% above the average. The allowable harvest in the U.S. 
calculated from these numbers is 84,424 birds, which is below the 
predicted U.S. harvest of 118,904 associated with the `liberal' duck 
season alternative. Thus, for 2005-06, 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 61,758 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 full season for pintails 
consisting of a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central 
Flyway, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: We earlier endorsed the continued use of the 
pintail harvest strategy without alteration from the provision adopted 
in 2004. With an observed spring breeding population of 2,561,000 and a 
projected fall flight of 3,215,000 pintails, the harvest strategy 
prescribes a full season and a 1-bird bag in all Flyways. Under the 
``liberal'' season length, this regulation is expected to result in a 
harvest of 603,000 pintails with 2,288,000 birds in next year's 
breeding population. Thus, we concur with the Atlantic, Mississippi, 
and Pacific Flyway Councils on the selection of a full season for 
pintails.
    Furthermore, we agree with the Central Flyway's recommendation to 
adopt a 39-day ``season within a season'' for pintails. We understand 
that this departure from the pintail strategy is a necessary step for 
the Flyway to complete a 3-year evaluation of the ``season within a 
season'' structure for pintails and canvasbacks. This baseline 
information will allow a comparison to a proposed strategy to implement 
an experimental ``Hunter's Choice'' season in the future.
vi. Scaup
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway recommended States be 
given the option of choosing a scaup season of sixty days with a one 
bird daily bag limit, or a restrictive 30-day (consecutive) season with 
a three bird daily bag limit.
    Service Response: Almost two years of assessment work on scaup has 
led us to conclude that while population size has continued to decline, 
harvest rates have continued to increase. Although harvest has not been 
implicated as a causal factor in this population decline, harvests now 
appear to be at or near maximum sustainable levels. Moreover, there is 
evidence that the long-term decline of the scaup population has been 
accompanied by declines in the sustainable levels of harvest. 
Therefore, we believe regulatory restrictions on scaup are warranted 
and propose: (1) That each flyway reduce the current bag limit for 
scaup by 1 bird; (2) That we continue assessment work with a goal of 
developing a framework for making more informed regulatory decisions 
for scaup harvest management; and finally, (3) That we ascertain if 
this bag-limit restriction results in a meaningful reduction in harvest 
rate, which is more consistent with scaup population levels and harvest 
potential than is currently the case.

3. Mergansers

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that beginning with the 2005-06 hunting season, the Service offer the 
Atlantic Flyway States the option of including the merganser bag limit 
within the regular duck bag limit (the merganser limit would be the 
same as the regular duck bag limit). States would also have the option 
of selecting a separate merganser bag limit. The Council further 
recommended that the daily bag limit on hooded mergansers be increased 
from 1 to 2 birds.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendation to allow 
mergansers to be included in the duck bag limit in the Atlantic Flyway. 
Regarding hooded mergansers, we understand that a variety of data 
sources suggest that hooded mergansers may be increasing. However, the 
recommendation from the Atlantic Flyway Council to increase the bag 
limit from one to two has implications beyond the Atlantic Flyway. 
Therefore, we will defer a decision until next year to allow the other 
Flyway Councils to consider the ramifications of this recommendation in 
their respective Flyways.

4. Canada Geese

B. Regular Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting regulations include 
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, VA), season length would be 45 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 2 geese. In Back Bay, VA, season length would be 15 
days at the end of the Virginia's AP season, with a daily bag limit of 
1 goose. The framework opening date in the Chesapeake Region would be 
November 15 and the closing date would be January 31. Remaining AP 
harvest areas (i.e., Northeast Hunt Unit in coastal NC) would remain 
closed. The Council also recommended modification of the Pymatuning 
Zone in Pennsylvania to include a portion of Crawford County. Further, 
the Council recommended that the framework for the SJBP Canada goose 
zone in Pennsylvania be 70 hunting days between the second Saturday in 
October and February 15 with a daily bag limit of no more than 2 for 
days used before January 15 and a daily bag of 5 for days used between 
January 15 and February 15. Lastly, the Council recommended 
modifications to Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) regular-
season hunting zones in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North 
Carolina.
    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

[[Page 49073]]

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 the following changes for 
geese in the Pacific Flyway:
    1. Increase the daily bag limit for Aleutian and cackling geese in 
California's Northeast zone and Balance of State zone from 1 per day to 
4 per day.
    2. Remove the Canada goose hunting closure in the Sacramento Valley 
of the Balance of State Zone in California.
    3. Decrease the cackling goose daily bag limit from 4 per day to 2 
per day in the Oregon and Washington special permit goose zones.
    4. In the Oregon special permit goose zone remove the restriction 
on Aleutian geese.
    5. Remove the goose hunting closure in Coos and Curry counties 
Oregon.
    Service Response: We concur with all of the Atlantic Flyway 
Council's recommendations. However, regarding the recommendation to 
establish a limited season in Back Bay, Virginia, we are proposing the 
addition of a 15-day season, 1-bird/per season, in North Carolina's 
Northeastern Hunt Unit. Both States will be required to conduct a 3-
year evaluation to determine the origin of the harvested birds. We will 
work with Virginia and North Carolina to develop an MOU specifying 
criteria regarding sample sizes and methods of assessment. These 
assessments will be conducted at the individual State level.
    We also concur with all of the recommendations forwarded by the 
Pacific Flyway Council with one exception, the request to increase 
small Canada goose bag limits from one to four in California. We are 
aware of the concerns regarding increasing depredation complaints 
stemming from increasing numbers of Aleutian Canada geese in 
California. We are also committed to achieving the population 
objectives for cackling geese and support the recommendations from the 
Pacific Flyway Council to achieve the targeted harvest reductions. The 
proposal to increase the small Canada goose bag limit in the 
Northeastern and Balance-of-State Zones in California does address the 
Aleutian depredation problem, but not the requested targeted harvest 
reductions for cackling geese. Therefore, since we believe only 
cackling geese occur in the Northeastern Zone, we do not support the 
proposed bag limit increase for this zone, as this change will not 
address the Aleutian goose depredation issue and will increase the 
harvest of cackling geese. However, in recognition of the depredation 
issue, and recognizing the very limited cackler harvest expected to 
result from the proposed bag limit increase in the Balance-of-State 
Zone, we support the increase in the bag limit from one to four small 
Canada geese in this zone.

5. White-Fronted Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service include white-fronted geese as part of Canada goose 
hunting regulation frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway to allow the legal 
take of this species.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 2005-06 white-fronted 
goose regulations be consistent with the ``base'' regulations in the 
current White-fronted Goose Management Plan. This would result in 
regulations options of 72 days and 2 white-fronted geese per day or 86 
days and 1 white-fronted goose per day. Their recommendation is 
contingent upon the same regulations being implemented in the eastern 
portion of the Central Flyway.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended a season framework of 72 
days with a daily bag limit of 2 white-fronted geese, or an alternative 
season of 86 days with a bag limit of 1, in all East-tier States. 
States could split the season once and the possession limit would be 
twice the daily bag limit. In the West Tier States, the Council 
recommended a season framework of 107 days, except in Texas and 
Colorado where the season would be 95 days, with a daily bag limit of 5 
white-fronted geese except in the Western Goose Zone of Texas where the 
daily bag limit will be 1 white-fronted goose. States could split the 
season once and the possession limit would be twice the daily bag 
limit.
    Service Response: We support the recommendation of the Mississippi 
and Central Flyway Councils to return to the base regulations package 
for white-fronted geese this year as described in the original 
management plan.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit for Atlantic brant in 2005.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommends decreasing the brant season 
length in Washington from 16 days to 8 days and decreasing the brant 
season in California from 30 consecutive to 15 days. Both States may 
create two zones. Seasons in Oregon and California must end by December 
15.
    Service Response: We concur.

7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the light goose limit throughout the Flyway from 3 per day 
to 4 per day.
    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

[[Page 49074]]

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 this year.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 2005-06 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 
1990-96, updated in 1998, and updated again in 2004. 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 to 
$1,064 million, with a mid-point 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 http://www.migratorybirds.gov.
    Executive Order 12866 also 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 Regulatory Affairs, Department 
of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. 
You may also e-mail the 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 1990-95. 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 http://www.migratorybirds.gov.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed 
under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are 
utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the surveys associated with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information 
Program and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 2/29/2008). 
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. Lastly, OMB has 
approved the information collection requirements of the Alaska 
Migratory Bird Subsistence Household Survey, an associated voluntary 
annual household survey used to determine levels of subsistence take in 
Alaska. The OMB control number for the information collection is 1018-
0124 (expires 10/31/2006). A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor 
and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform-Executive Order 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined 
that this proposed rule 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

[[Page 49075]]

property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking 
of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise 
otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on 
the use of private and public property.

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

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

Federalism Effects

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the 
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from 
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory 
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on 
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the 
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their 
individual needs. Any State or Indian 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 2005-06 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 11, 2005.
Julie MacDonald,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2005-06 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, 2005, and March 10, 2006.

General

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

Flyways and Management Units

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

Management Units:

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

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except 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), 2 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 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. 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.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those

[[Page 49076]]

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. These seasons also include 
white-fronted geese. 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 22) 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 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between 
November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Maine: A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

    Maryland: Resident Population (RP) Zone: A 70-day season may be 
held between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag 
limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

    Massachusetts: NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between 
October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, 
a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-
bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 22) 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 22) 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: 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 22) 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 29) and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

    North Carolina: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between 
October 1 and December 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit, except for 
the Northeast Hunt Unit and Northampton County, which is closed.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and February 
15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: A 15-day experimental season may be held 
concurrent with the season selected for the Back Bay Area of Virginia. 
The seasonal bag limit is 1 bird.

    Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between the 
second Saturday in October (October 8) and February 15, with a 2-bird 
daily bag limit until January 14 and a 5-bird daily bag limit between 
January 15 and February 15.
    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 22) 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 22) 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 2-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Back Bay Area: A 15-day experimental season may be held during the 
last 15 days of the AP Zone season with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    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.

[[Page 49077]]

Brant

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 30-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) 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 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except that the season 
for canvasbacks 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 (no more than 2 
of which may be females), 3 mottled ducks, 2 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 
pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, and 2 redheads. A single 
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 erganser. 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 24) and March 10; 
for white-fronted geese not to exceed 72 days, with 2 geese daily or 86 
days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 
(September 24) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12); 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 24) 
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 
24) 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 80,600 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 16,000 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 86 
days or when 20,600 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 8,200 birds have been harvested in the Southern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    Indiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, except 
in the SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 50 days. The daily 
bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days and may be split into 3 
segments in each zone. 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 
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 a 72-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-
fronted goose with an 86-day season. Hunters participating in the 
Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.

    Michigan: (a) MVP--Upper and Lower Peninsula Zones--The total 
harvest of Canada geese will be limited to 50,000 birds for these zones 
combined. The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and 
the season for Canada geese may extend for 28 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 2 Canada geese.
    (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 28 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Southern Michigan GMU--A 30-day special Canada goose season may 
be held between December 31 and February 7. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 5 Canada geese.
    (d) Central Michigan GMU--A 30-day special Canada goose season may 
be

[[Page 49078]]

held between December 31 and February 7. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 5 Canada geese.

    Minnesota: (a) West Zone
    (1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 
40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--A special Canada goose season 
of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in the West Central 
Goose zone. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada 
geese, except in the Southeast Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 
2.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.

    Missouri: (a) 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 40 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 16. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 
days, with no more than 40 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 16. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 days. 
The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31 and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 60 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 40 days and the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. 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 62,500 birds.
    (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 21,000 birds. 
The season may not exceed 92 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 800 birds. The 
season may not exceed 65 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 40,700 birds, 
500 of which are allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 92 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where 
the season may not exceed 72 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 
40,200 birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

Quota Zone Closures:

    When it has been determined that the quota of Canada geese allotted 
to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois Quota 
Zones in Illinois; the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in 
Kentucky; the Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and 
Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Units in Michigan; and the Exterior Zone 
in Wisconsin will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese 
in the respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be 
closed, either by the Director upon giving public notice through local 
information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of 
closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and 
time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:

    (1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 
97 days, except canvasbacks and pintails, 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, 2 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The 
last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 
(December 10). A single canvasback and pintail 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 canvasbacks 
and pintails, 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, 2 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. A single canvasback and pintail 
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

[[Page 49079]]

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 24) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 24) 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 72 days with 
a bag limit of 2 or a 86-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 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, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. A 
single canvasback may also be included in the 7-bird daily bag limit 
for designated youth-hunt days.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules 
are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    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 1), and the last Sunday in January (January 29). Basic daily 
bag limits are 4 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 
24), and the last Sunday in January (January 29). Basic daily bag 
limits are 4 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

    Oregon may select a 16-day season, Washington an 8-day season, and 
California a 15-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and 
California may select hunting seasons by up to two zones. The daily bag 
limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits. In Oregon and 
California, the brant season must end no later than December 15.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.

    California: Northeastern Zone: The daily bag limit is 4 geese and 
may include no more than than 1 cackling Canada goose or 1 Aleutian 
Canada goose and 2 white-fronted geese.
    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 5).
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: Limits may not include more than 4 geese 
per day, of which not more than 3 may be white-fronted geese. 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.
    Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag 
limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling or Aleutian 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

[[Page 49080]]

be no open season on Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual 
quotas will be established that collectively will not exceed 165 dusky 
geese. See section on quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily 
bag limit of dark geese is 4 including not more than 2 cackling or 
Aleutian geese.
    Closed Zone: All of Tillamook County.
    Southwest Zone: The daily dark goose bag limit is 4 including 
cackling and Aleutian geese.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 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 geese. See section on quota 
zones. In this area, the daily bag limit may include 2 cackling geese. 
In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B (Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties), 
the daily bag limit may include 1 Aleutian goose.
    Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
    Idaho: The daily bag limit is 4 geese.
    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.

Quota Zones

    Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of individual quotas 
of dusky 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 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 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 26). 
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 1). 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 11) or upon 
attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the 
Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August 2001, 
regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education 
requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan 
season.
    Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 8) 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 1) 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.

[[Page 49081]]

    South Zone: Remainder of the State.

Massachusetts

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

New Hampshire

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

New Jersey

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

New York

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

Pennsylvania

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

Vermont

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

West Virginia

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

[[Page 49082]]

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

Iowa

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

Kentucky

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

Louisiana

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

Michigan

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

Missouri

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

Ohio

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

Tennessee

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

Wisconsin

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

[[Page 49083]]

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

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

Nebraska

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

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

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

North Dakota

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

Oklahoma

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

South Dakota

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

Texas

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

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

[[Page 49084]]

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, 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

    Resident Population (RP) Zone: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, 
Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery Counties; that portion of Baltimore 
County south of Route 138, Route 137, and Mount Carmel Road; that 
portion of Anne Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 
and Route 3; that portion of Prince George's County west of Route 3 and 
Route 301, that portion of Charles County west of Route 301 to the 
Virginia State line; and that portion of Carroll County south of Route 
88, west of Route 30 from the intersection of Route 30 and Route 88 to 
the intersection of Route 30 and Route 482, south of Route 482, south 
of Route 27 from the intersection of Route 27 and Route 482 to the 
intersection of Route 27 and Route 97, and west of Route 97 from the 
Intersection of Route 27 and Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

[[Page 49085]]

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 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,

[[Page 49086]]

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 route SR 97 
from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 
to intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, 
east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east 
of I-81 to intersection of I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey state 
line).
    SJBP Zone: Erie, Mercer and Crawford Counties except for the 
Pymatuning Zone.
    Pymatuning Zone: The area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line 
to intersection of SR 18, SR 18 south to SR 618, SR 618 south to U.S. 
Route 6, U.S. Route 6 east to U.S. Route 322/SR 18, U.S. Route 322/SR 
18 west to intersection of SR 3013, SR 3013 south to the Crawford/
Mercer County line.
    AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. 
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, 
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of 
I-80, south of I-80 to 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 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.

[[Page 49087]]

    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--Upper Peninsula Zone: The MVP--Upper Peninsula Zone consists 
of the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
    MVP--Lower Peninsula Zone: The MVP--Lower Peninsula Zone consists 
of the area within the Lower Peninsula of Michigan that is 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 east to the 
southwest corner of Eaton county, then north to the southern border of 
Ionia county, then east to the southwest corner of Clinton county, then 
north along the western border of Clinton County continuing north along 
the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm counties to the southern 
border of Isabella county, then east to the southwest corner of Midland 
county, then north 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 and 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 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;

[[Page 49088]]

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.
    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: that portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.

Nebraska

Dark Geese
    Niobrara Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd 
County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River. Where the 
Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in the Niobrara 
Unit.
    East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 281 at the Kansas/
Nebraska State line, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east to NE 
14, north to NE 66, east to U.S. 81, north to NE 22, west to NE 14 
north to NE 91, east to U.S. 275, south to U.S. 77, south to NE 91, 
east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State line.
    Platte River Unit: That area south and west of U.S. 281 at the 
Kansas/Nebraska State line, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east 
to NE 14, north to NE 66, east to U.S. 81, north to NE 22, west to NE 
14 north to NE 91, west along NE 91 to NE 11, north to the Holt County 
line, west along the northern border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine and 
Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, south along the Thomas/
Hooker County lines to the McPherson County line, east along the south 
border of Thomas County to the western line of Custer County, south 
along the Custer/Logan

[[Page 49089]]

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: Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Gregory, Hughes, 
Lyman, Stanley, and Sully Counties; that portion of Dewey County south 
of U.S. 212, that portion of Hyde County south of U.S. Highway 14; that 
portion of Potter County west of U.S. Highway 83; Fall River County 
east of SD 71 and U.S. 385; and that portion of Custer County, east of 
SD 79 and south of French Creek.
    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, Campbell, Crook, 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.
    Area 4: Big Horn and Fremont 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

[[Page 49090]]

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 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 (West): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on 
Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to 
the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly 
on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.

Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)

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

Idaho

    Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, 
Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions 
of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of 
ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; 
Payette; Valley; and Washington.
    Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of 
Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek 
drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; 
Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls.
    Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; 
Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton.
    Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.

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: All of Tillamook County.
    Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Harney, Klamath, Lake, and Malheur County Zone: All of Harney, 
Klamath, Lake, and Malheur Counties.

Utah

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

Washington

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

Brant

Pacific Flyway

California

    North Coast Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.
    South Coast Zone: Balance of the state.

Washington

    Puget Sound Zone: Skagit County.
    Coastal Zone: Pacific County.

[[Page 49091]]

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. 05-16393 Filed 8-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P