[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 29, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68968-68981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30424]



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Part V





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 32



2009-2010 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations--
Additions; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 29, 2009 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 68968]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 32

[Docket No. FWS-R9-NSR-2009-0023]
[93270-1265-0000-4A]
[RIN 1018-AW49]


2009-2010 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations--
Additions

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add two refuges to 
the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and 
increase the activities available at eight other refuges for the 2009-
2010 season. One refuge will see a decrease in activities and another 
refuge will see no net change in activities for the 2009-2010 season.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 
January 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal : http://www.regulations.gov . 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-R9-
NSR-2009-0023.
     U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: RIN 1018-AW49; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, 
VA 22203.
    We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all comments on 
http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any 
personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section 
below for more information). For information on specific refuges' 
public use programs and the conditions that apply to them or for copies 
of compatibility determinations for any refuge(s), contact individual 
programs at the addresses/phone numbers given in ``Available 
Information for Specific Refuges'' under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397; Fax 
(703) 358-2248.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966 closes national wildlife refuges in all 
States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the 
Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including 
hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that such uses are 
compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge 
System (Refuge System or our/we) mission. The action also must be in 
accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, 
developed in coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife 
agency(ies), consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife 
management and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. 
These requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity, 
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the 
benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
    We annually review refuge hunting and sport fishing programs to 
determine whether to include additional refuges or whether individual 
refuge regulations governing existing programs need modifications. 
Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and 
other factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may 
warrant modifications to refuge-specific regulations to ensure the 
continued compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to 
ensure that these programs will not materially interfere with or 
detract from the fulfillment of refuge purposes or the Refuge System's 
mission.
    Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in 
title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part 
32). We regulate hunting and sport fishing on refuges to:
     Ensure compatibility with refuge purpose(s);
     Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource(s);
     Protect other refuge values;
     Ensure refuge visitor safety; and
     Provide opportunities for quality fish- and wildlife-
dependent recreation.
    On many refuges where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing, 
our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting 
and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. 
On other refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more-
restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management 
responsibilities, as outlined in the ``Statutory Authority'' section. 
We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we 
open wildlife refuges to migratory game bird hunting, upland game 
hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations list the 
wildlife species that you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or creel 
(container for carrying fish) limits, methods of hunting or sport 
fishing, descriptions of areas open to hunting or sport fishing, and 
other provisions as appropriate. You may find previously issued refuge-
specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. 
In this rulemaking, we are also proposing to standardize and clarify 
the language of existing regulations.

Statutory Authority

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement Act]) (Administration Act), and 
the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation 
Act) govern the administration and public use of refuges.
    Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act, which built upon the 
Administration Act in a manner that provides an ``organic act'' for the 
Refuge System, are similar to those that exist for other public Federal 
lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage 
the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests 
for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. 
The Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus our 
Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant 
resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the 
Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, 
renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that 
the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was 
established and the mission of the Refuge System. The Improvement Act 
established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent 
recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use 
of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an 
appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six 
wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public 
uses of the Refuge System. These uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation.
    The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas 
within the Refuge System for public recreation as an appropriate 
incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is 
practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which 
Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act 
requires that any recreational use of refuge lands be compatible with 
the primary purpose(s)

[[Page 68969]]

for which we established the refuge and not inconsistent with other 
previously authorized operations.
    The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the 
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts 
and regulate uses.
    We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to 
opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop 
refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs 
with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and the Refuge 
System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration 
Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly 
acquired refuges through an interim determination of compatibility made 
at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we 
make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges 
to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 
32. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive 
conservation plans, specific plans, and by annual review of hunting and 
sport fishing programs and regulations.

Amendments to Existing Regulations

    This document proposes to codify in the Code of Federal Regulations 
all of the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that are 
applicable at Refuge System units previously opened to hunting and/or 
sport fishing. We are doing this to better inform the general public of 
the regulations at each refuge, to increase understanding and 
compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these 
regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these 
regulations in 50 CFR part 32, visitors to our refuges will usually 
find them reiterated in literature distributed by each refuge or posted 
on signs.
    We have cross-referenced a number of existing regulations in 50 CFR 
parts 26, 27, and 32 to assist hunting and sport fishing visitors with 
understanding safety and other legal requirements on refuges. This 
redundancy is deliberate, with the intention of improving safety and 
compliance in our hunting and sport fishing programs.

                                                 Table 1 - Changes for 2009-2010 Hunting/Fishing Season
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      National Wildlife Refuge                State          Migratory Bird Hunting   Upland Game Hunting      Big Game Hunting           Fishing
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Hillside                             MS                      Previously published    Previously published   B (turkey)             Previously published
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Holt Collier                         MS                      Closed                  Previously published   C                      Closed
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Mathews Brake                        MS                      F                       Previously published   Previously published   Previously published
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Morgan Brake                         MS                      Previously published    Previously published   A/B (hog)              Previously published
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Panther Swamp                        MS                      D                       Previously published   E                      Previously published
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Yazoo                                MS                      C                       Previously published   Previously published   Closed
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Nisqually                            WA                      G                       Closed                 Closed                 Previously published
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Turnbull                             WA                      H                       Closed                 H (elk)                Closed
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Waccamaw                             SC                      A                       A                      A                      Previously published
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Lake Andes                           SD                      H                       H                      H                      Closed
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Red River                            LA                      A                       A                      A/B (hog, turkey)      Previously published
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San Luis                             CA                      A                       Previously published   Closed                 Previously published
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A. = Refuge already open to activity but added new land which increased activity
B. = Refuge already open to activity but added new species to hunt
C. = Refuge already opened to activity but expanded the activity through increased type of hunt (e.g., youth waterfowl)/different weaponry now allowed
D. = Refuge already opened to activity, added new land but adjusted hunt days, so no net increase
E. = No increase in hunt days; rather a redistribution of hunt area/days to make for safer, quality hunt
F. = Decrease in hunter days due to limiting of weekend waterfowl hunters
G. = New activity on a refuge previously opened to other activities
H. = New refuge opened, new activity

    In the State of Mississippi, we revised the public hunting plan and 
propose the following changes for the Theodore Roosevelt National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex (comprising of six refuges: Hillside, Holt 
Collier, Mathews Brake, Morgan Brake, Panther Swamp, and Yazoo NWRs):
     Revision of the hunt plan for Holt Collier NWR (which is 
currently covered by the Yazoo NWR hunt plan) reflecting different 
weaponry and changing 14 days of the hunt from archery to archery/
muzzleloader for big game hunting;
     For Panther Swamp NWR: addition of deer hunting using 
muzzleloaders and modern weapons and waterfowl hunting on 2,900 acres 
of the Carter Unit; on the recently acquired 761-acre tract, expansion 
of deer and feral hog hunting (with no corresponding increase in 
hunters); and a redistribution/reduction of waterfowl hunting areas/
hunt days throughout the refuge, including the Carter Unit and recently 
acquired 761-acre tract;
     Addition of turkey hunting on Hillside NWR;
     Addition of youth waterfowl hunting allowed on Yazoo NWR;
     Limited weekend waterfowl hunt participation at Mathews 
Brake NWR, decreasing the number of hunters; and
     Increase in deer/feral hog hunting on 366 acres at Morgan 
Brake NWR.
    On Waccamaw NWR in South Carolina we added six new refuge parcels 
and propose to increase all allowable hunting activities on 1,905 acres 
and feral hog hunting on 1,200

[[Page 68970]]

acres. On Nisqually NWR in Washington we have added 191 acres of tidal 
flats that we propose to open to migratory bird hunting. On Red River 
NWR in Louisiana we have added approximately 6,000 acres of land that 
we propose to open to all three hunting activities, and we propose to 
add feral hog and turkey hunting. On San Luis NWR in California we have 
added approximately 2,000 acres of land (East Bear Creek Unit) that we 
propose to open for migratory game bird hunting.

Fish Advisory

    For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued 
consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing 
opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about 
current fish consumption advisories on the internet at: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fish/.

Plain Language Mandate

    In this proposed rule we made some of the revisions to the 
individual refuge units to comply with a Presidential mandate to use 
plain language in regulations; as such, these particular revisions do 
not modify the substance of the previous regulations. These types of 
changes include using ``you'' to refer to the reader and ``we'' to 
refer to the Refuge System, using the word ``allow'' instead of 
``permit'' when we do not require the use of a permit for an activity, 
and using active voice (i.e., ``We restrict entry into the refuge'' vs. 
``Entry into the refuge is restricted'').

Request for Comments

    You may submit comments and materials on this proposed rule by any 
one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept 
comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not listed in the 
ADDRESSES section. We will not accept anonymous comments; your comment 
must include your first and last name, city, State, country, and postal 
(zip) code. Finally, we will not consider hand-delivered comments that 
we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the 
date specified in the DATES section.
    We will post your entire comment on http://www.regulations.gov. 
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other 
personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware 
that your entire comment - including your personal identifying 
information - may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on http://www.regulations.gov.

Public Comment

    Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to 
afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. The process of opening refuges is done in stages, 
with the fundamental work being performed on the ground at the refuge 
and in the community where the program is administered. In these 
stages, the public is given other opportunities to comment, for 
example, on the comprehensive conservation plans and the compatibility 
determinations. The second stage is this document, when we publish the 
proposed rule in the Federal Register for additional comment, commonly 
for a 30-day comment period.
    There is nothing contained in this annual regulation outside the 
scope of the annual review process where we determine whether 
individual refuges need modifications, deletions, or additions made to 
them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from the 
refuges nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time 
available for public review. We believe that a 30-day comment period, 
through the broader publication following the earlier public 
involvement, gives the public sufficient time to comment and allows us 
to establish hunting and fishing programs in time for the upcoming 
seasons. Many of these rules also relieve restrictions and allow the 
public to participate in recreational activities on a number of 
refuges. In addition, in order to continue to provide for previously 
authorized hunting opportunities while at the same time providing for 
adequate resource protection, we must be timely in providing 
modifications to certain hunting programs on some refuges.
    We considered providing a 60-day, rather than a 30-day, comment 
period. However, we determined that an additional 30-day delay in 
processing these refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations 
would hinder the effective planning and administration of our hunting 
and sport fishing programs. Such a delay would jeopardize enacting 
amendments to hunting and sport fishing programs in time for 
implementation this year and/or early next year, or shorten the 
duration of these programs.
    Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept comments, 
suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate 
subsequent rulemaking.
    When finalized, we will incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR 
part 32. Part 32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific 
regulations for hunting and sport fishing on refuges.

Clarity of This Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To 
better help us revise the rule, your comments should be a specific as 
possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections 
or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences 
are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be 
useful, etc.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this 
rule is not significant under Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866). OMB 
bases its determination on the following four criteria:
    (a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or 
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, 
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
    (b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal 
agencies' actions.
    (c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, 
use fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their 
recipients.
    (d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 
U.S.C. 601, et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish 
a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare 
and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis 
that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e.,

[[Page 68971]]

small businesses, small organizations, and small government 
jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required 
if the head of an agency certifies that the rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts 
must exceed a threshold for ``significant impact'' and a threshold for 
a ``substantial number of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA 
amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to 
provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    This proposed rule adds two national wildlife refuges to the list 
of refuges open to hunting, increases hunting activities on eight 
national wildlife refuges, decreases activities at one national 
wildlife refuge and has a net change of zero at one national wildlife 
refuge. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on 
these national wildlife refuges will change. If the refuges 
establishing new hunting programs were a pure addition to the current 
supply of such activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 3,675 
user days of hunting (Table 2). Because the participation trend is flat 
in hunting activities since 1991, this increase in supply will most 
likely be offset by other sites losing participants. Therefore, this is 
likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an 
increase in participation rates for the activity.

                         Table 2. Estimated Change in Hunting Opportunities in 2009/2010
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                                    Additional Hunting
              Refuge                       Days                      Additional Hunting Expenditures
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Hillside                           90                                                                     $9,635
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Holt Collier                       150                                                                   $16,059
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Mathews Brake                      -200                                                                ($21,412)
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Morgan Brake                       25                                                                     $2,677
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Panther Swamp                      0                                                                           0
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Yazoo                              100                                                                   $10,706
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Nisqually                          700                                                                   $74,942
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Turnbull                           95                                                                    $10,171
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Waccamaw                           75                                                                     $8,030
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Lake Andes                         180                                                                   $19,271
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Red River                          1,600                                                                $171,297
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San Luis                           860                                                                   $92,072
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Total                              3,675                                                                $393,448
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    To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the 
refuge that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute new 
income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to the 
unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national 
estimates from the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and 
Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and 
lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the 
average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected 
additional participation of the Refuge System yields approximately 
$393,000 in hunting-related expenditures (Table 2). By having ripple 
effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part 
of the economic impact of waterfowl hunting. Using a national impact 
multiplier for hunting activities (2.67) derived from the report 
``Economic Importance of Hunting in America'' yields a total economic 
impact of approximately $1.1 million (2008 dollars) (Southwick 
Associates, Inc., 2007). Using a local impact multiplier would yield 
more accurate and smaller results. However, we employed the national 
impact multiplier due to the difficulty in developing local multipliers 
for each specific region.
    Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 
100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most 
of this spending would be ``new'' money coming into a local economy; 
therefore, this spending would be offset with a decrease in some other 
sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies would 
be no more than $1.1 million, and most likely considerably less. Since 
80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in 
hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add 
new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would 
be on the order of $210,000 annually.
    Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, 
gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait and tackle shops, etc.) may be 
impacted from some increased or decreased refuge visitation. A large 
percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local 
communities around national wildlife refuges qualify as small 
businesses (Table 3). We expect that the incremental recreational 
changes will be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will 
have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect 
approximately $210,000 to be spent in total in the refuges' local 
economies. The maximum increase ($1.1 million if all spending were new 
money) at most would be less than 1 percent for local retail trade 
spending.

[[Page 68972]]



         Table 3. Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated with Additional Refuge Visitation for 2009/2010 (thousands, 2008 dollars)
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                                                            Estimated Maximum
         Refuge/County(ies)            Retail Trade  in     Addition from New     Addition as % of Total  Establishments in 2007   Establ. With < 10 emp
                                       2002  (2008 $ )          Activities                                                                in 2007
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  Hillside
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        Holmes, MS                           $112,887.5  $4.5                     0.004%                  79                      56
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Holt Collier                                                                                                                      ......................
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        Washington MS                        $723,963.8  $7.5                     0.001%                  281                     201
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Mathews Brake                                                                                                                     ......................
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        Leflore, MS                          $364,678.3  -$10.0                   -0.003%                 183                     136
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Morgan Brake                                                                                                                      ......................
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        Holmes, MS                           $112,887.5  $1.3                     0.001%                  79                      56
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Panther Swamp                                                                                                                     ......................
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        Yazoo, MS                            $229,806.9  $0.0                     0%                      91                      66
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Yazoo                                                                                                                             ......................
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        Washington, MS                       $723,963.8  $5.0                     0.001%                  281                     201
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Nisqually                                                                                                                         ......................
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        Thurston, WA                       $2,676,041.6  $35.2                    0.001%                  794                     535
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Turnbull                                                                                                                          ......................
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        Spokane, WA                        $5,825,795.2  $4.8                     0%                      1,698                    1,105
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Waccamaw                                                                                                                          ......................
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        Horry, SC                          $3,858,832.9  $1.3                     0%                      1,681                   1,239
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Georgetown, SC                       $669,980.1  $1.3                     0%                      371                     275
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        Marion, SC                           $286,986.1  $1.3                     0%                      151                     112
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Lake Andes                                                                                                                        ......................
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        Charles Mix, SD                       $76,157.9  $9.0                     0.012%                  61                      45
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Red River                                                                                                                         ......................
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        Natchitoches Parish, LA              $375,577.5  $80.4                    0.021%                  149                     101
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San Luis                                                                                                                          ......................
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        Merced, CA                         $1,917,683.1  $43.2                    0.002%                  582                     395
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this 
proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small 
entities will have more than a small impact from the spending change 
near the affected refuges. Therefore, we certify that this proposed 
rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). An initial/final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis is not required. Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide 
is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no 
significant employment or small business effects. This rule:
    a. Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more. The minimal impact would be scattered across the country and 
would most likely not be significant in any local area.
    b. Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions. This proposed rule would have only a 
slight effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If 
the substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, 
then an increase in travel costs would occur. The Service does not have

[[Page 68973]]

information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that, 
since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased 
travel cost would be small. We do not expect this proposed rule to 
affect the supply or demand for hunting opportunities in the United 
States and, therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting 
equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.
    c. Would not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises. This proposed rule represents only a small proportion of 
recreational spending at national wildlife refuges. Therefore, this 
rule would have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent 
industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures 
of $72 billion nationwide.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Since this proposed rule would apply to public use of federally 
owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on 
State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than 
$100 million per year. The rule would not have a significant or unique 
effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A 
statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (E.O. 12630)

    In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule would not have 
significant takings implications. This regulation would affect only 
visitors at national wildlife refuges and describe what they can do 
while they are on a refuge.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act sections above, this proposed rule would not have 
sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment under E.O. 13132. In preparing this proposed 
rule, we worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has 
determined that the proposed rule would not unduly burden the judicial 
system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order. The regulation would clarify established regulations and 
result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)

     On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations 
that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 
13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when 
undertaking certain actions. Because this proposed rule would increase 
activities at eight refuges and open two new refuges, it is not a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866 and is not expected to 
significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, and use. Therefore, 
this action is a not a significant energy action and no Statement of 
Energy Effects is required.

Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. 
13175)

     In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects 
on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there 
are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on national wildlife 
refuges with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping 
jurisdiction before we propose the regulations.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not contain any information collection 
requirements other than those already approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.) (OMB Control Number is 1018-0102 and 1018-0140). See 50 CFR 
25.23 for information concerning that approval. An 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.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

    We comply with Section 7 of the ESA when developing Comprehensive 
Conservation Plans (CCPs) and step-down management plans (which would 
include hunting and/or fishing plans) for public use of refuges, and 
prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a 
refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. Section 7 consultation has been 
completed on each of the affected refuges.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the criteria of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 
4332(C)) and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 6, Appendix 1.
    A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to 
publication of proposed amendments to refuge-specific hunting and 
fishing regulations since it is technical and procedural in nature, and 
the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to 
lend themselves to meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10). 
Concerning the actions that are the subject of this proposed 
rulemaking, NEPA has been complied with at the project level where each 
proposal was developed. This is consistent with the Department of the 
Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are 
covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document (516 DM 
3.2A). An Environmental Assessment, along with a Finding of No 
Significant Impact, was completed for each refuge in this proposed 
rulemaking except for Nisqually NWR. For Nisqually, we completed a 
Categorical Exclusion, along with an Environmental Action Statement. 
The proposed action in Nisqually is to open 191 acres already open to 
hunting to allow boat access for hunting; the impact from this proposed 
action was previously analyzed in Nisqually NWR's Final CCP and EIS 
from 2004.
    Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing 
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge 
hunting and fishing activities in the refuge CCPs and/or other step-
down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 
Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these 
CCPs and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, 
and the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing 
NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to 
participate in the review, development, and implementation of these 
plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the 
refuges at the addresses provided below.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

    Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public 
use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and 
maps of their respective areas. If the specific refuge you are 
interested in is not mentioned below, then contact the appropriate 
Regional offices listed below:

[[Page 68974]]

    Region 1--Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Regional Chief, 
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, 
Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.
    Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, 26010 South Smith Road, Cheney, 
Washington, 99004, (509) 235-4723.
    Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, 
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 
1306, 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 
248-7419.
    Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Federal Building, Fort 
Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5401.
    Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, 
and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.
    Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. 
Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589; 
Telephone (413) 253-8306.
    Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, 
Colorado 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
    Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, 38672 291 Street, Lake Andes, 
SD 57356, (605) 487-7603.
    Region 7--Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 
99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.
    Region 8--California and Nevada. Regional Chief, National Wildlife 
Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room 
W-2606, Sacramento, California 95825; Telephone (916) 414-6464.

Primary Author

    Leslie A. Marler, Management Analyst, Division of Conservation 
Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System is the primary 
author of this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32

    Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend 
title 50, chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

PART 32-[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 
715i.

    2. Amend Sec. 32.7 by:
    a. Adding Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, in alphabetical 
order, in the State of South Dakota; and
    b. Adding Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, in alphabetical order, 
in the State of Washington.
    3. Amend Sec. 32.24 by revising paragraphs A.9. through A.12. and 
adding paragraph A.13. of San Luis National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.24  California.

* * * * *

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    9. We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear 
Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and 
from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to 
retrieve crippled birds.
    10. Access to the Frietas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat 
only with a maximum of 5 mph. Prohibited boats include air-thrust and/
or inboard water-thrust types.
    11. We prohibit the use of motorized boats in the free-roam units 
with the exception of the Frietas Unit.
    12. We do not allow vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in 
the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any 
location on the refuge.
    13. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at 
all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter.
* * * * *
    4. Amend Sec. 32.37 by revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Red 
River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.

* * * * *

Red River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl 
(duck, goose, coot, gallinule, rail, and snipe), woodcock, and dove on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
    2. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State 
season.
    3. We allow dove hunting on the days noted in the refuge brochure.
    4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
    5. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained 
rights of way of roads, from or across ATV trails, and from above-
ground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities.
    6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
    7. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting 
for migratory game birds.
    8. Youth hunters under age 16 must remain within sight and normal 
voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no 
more than two youth hunters.
    9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, 
outfitter, or in any other capacity that pay other individual(s), pays 
or promises to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any 
other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether 
such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
    B. Small Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon, coyote, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in 
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A7, and A8 (to hunt small game) apply.
    2. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight 
hours of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting during 
December and January. We prohibit the selling of raccoon and opossum 
taken on the refuge for human consumption.
    3. We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit during 
January and February.
    4. To use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night, 
hunters must first obtain a Special Use Permit at the refuge office.
    5. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must 
exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
    6. We allow coyote hunting during all open refuge hunts with 
weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.

[[Page 68975]]

    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral 
hogs, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with 
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A7, and A8 (to hunt big game) and B6 
apply.
    2. We allow general gun deer hunting on the days noted. We allow 
archery deer hunting during the entire State season.
    3. The daily bag limit is one either-sex deer. State season limit 
applies.
    4. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting 
regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
    5. Each youth hunter under age 16 must remain within sight and 
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may 
supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the 
field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, 
mineral, or any nonnatural occurring food attractant on the refuge.
    7. We allow hog hunting during all open refuge hunts with weapons 
legal for the ongoing hunt.
    8. We allow turkey hunting on the days noted in the brochure.
* * * * *
    5. Amend Sec. 32.43 by:
    a. Revising Hillside National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
    d. Revising Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
    e. Revising Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; and
    f. Revising Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.43  Mississippi.

* * * * *

Hillside National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
merganser, coot, and dove in accordance with State regulations subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.
    3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during 
the muzzleloader deer hunt.
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. We allow ATVs only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this 
chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 
28.
    11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
    12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 
of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 
p.m. each day.
    14. We allow goose, duck, merganser and coot hunting from [frac12] 
hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the 
refuge at 4 a.m.
    15. There is no early teal season.
    16. We open for dove hunting the first and second State seasons. 
The first two Saturdays of the first season require a Limited Hunt 
Permit assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt you 
must return the permit with information concerning your hunt. If you 
fail to return this permit, you will not be eligible for any limited 
hunts the next year. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific dates 
and open areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with 
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1 through A11 apply.
    2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.
    3. We allow squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting with dogs in 
February.
    4. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or 
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square 
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible 
above the waistline as an outer garment.
    5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we 
restrict entry into the Turkey Point area until March 1.
    6. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and 
egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    7. We prohibit horses and mules.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1 through A11, and B5 through B7 apply.
    2. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts: all participants 
must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, 
fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer 
garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
    3. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and tree 
plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a 
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (See refuge brochure map). You 
are considered hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree in which metal objects have been screwed or driven (see 
Sec. 32.2(i)). Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior 
to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated 
hunt. Hunters may place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove 
them after each day's hunt.
    8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment 
and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball.

[[Page 68976]]

    9. Turkey hunting opportunities will consist of three limited draw 
hunts within the State season time frame. These hunts require a Limited 
Hunt Permit assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt 
you must return the permit with information concerning your hunt. If 
you fail to return this permit, you will not be eligible for any 
limited hunts the next year. Contact refuge headquarters for specific 
requirements, hunts, and application dates.
    10. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters 
in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
    11. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all gun 
and muzzleloader deer hunts.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We close all refuge waters during the gun and muzzleloader deer 
hunt.
    2. We allow fishing in the borrow ponds along the north levee (see 
refuge brochure map) throughout the year except during the gun and 
muzzleloader deer hunt.
    3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
    4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
    5. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
    6. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
    7. We allow ATVs on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this 
chapter) (see refuge brochure map) September 15 through February 28.
    8. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we 
limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period of 4 a.m. to 
1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.

Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit and furbearers 
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.
    3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during 
the muzzleloader deer hunt.
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.
    11. We allow rabbit and quail hunting with dogs in February.
    12. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or 
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square 
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible 
above the waistline as an outer garment.
    13. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and 
egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    14. We prohibit horses and mules.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions B1 through B7, B9, and B10 apply.
    2. During the muzzleloader deer hunt all participants must wear at 
least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange 
material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting 
and en route to and from hunting areas.
    3. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and or 
tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a 
stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We 
consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects 
(see Sec. 32.2(i)). Hunters must place a deer stand or blind 48 hours 
prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each 
designated hunt.
    8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment 
and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball.
    9. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in 
July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
    10. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during 
muzzleloader deer hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
merganser, and coot in accordance with State regulations subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting during the open State season. The first 2 days 
of the season and all weekends, with the exception of youth weekends, 
are limited draw hunts. These hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit 
assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt you must 
return the permit with information concerning your hunt. If you fail to 
return this permit, you will not be eligible for any limited hunts the 
next year. Contact refuge headquarters for specific requirements, 
hunts, and application dates.
    2. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.

[[Page 68977]]

    4. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    5. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    6. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    7. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    8. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
    11. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    12. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 
of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 
p.m. each day.
    13. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from [frac12] 
hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the 
refuge at 4 a.m.
    14. There is no early teal season.
    15. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last 
day of duck season, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 
p.m. until 4 a.m.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and 
raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A2 through A10 apply.
    2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.
    3. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with dogs in February.
    4. During the rabbit hunts, any person hunting or accompanying 
another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 
cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the 
waistline as an outer garment.
    5. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last 
day of duck season, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 
p.m. until 4 a.m.
    6. We prohibit horses and mules.
    7. Beginning the day before waterfowl season, we restrict hunting 
to the waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer 
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A2 through A10, A16, and B7 apply.
    2. We allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
    3. State bag limits apply.
    4. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    5. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree 
plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a 
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    6. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We 
consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    7. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    8. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects 
(see Sec. 32.2(i)). A hunter may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours 
prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each 
designated hunt.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following 
conditions: 1. We allow fishing in all refuge waters throughout the 
year, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which we close from the first 
day of duck season through March 15 (see refuge brochure map).
    2. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending March 1, 
we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m.
    3. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
    4. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
    5. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we 
limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period from 4 a.m. 
to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.

Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
merganser, and coot on the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.
    3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during 
the muzzleloader deer hunt.
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. We allow ATVs only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this 
chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 
28.
    11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
    12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 
of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 
p.m. each day.
    14. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from [frac12] 
hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the 
refuge at 4 a.m.
    15. There is no early teal season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with 
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1 through A11 apply.
    2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.

[[Page 68978]]

    3. We allow squirrel, rabbit and quail hunting with dogs in 
February.
    4. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or 
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square 
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible 
above the waistline as an outer garment.
    5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we 
restrict hunting through the remainder of the season(s) to the 
designated waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
    6. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and 
egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    7. We prohibit horses and mules.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations 
subject to the following conditions: 1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9 
through A11, and B5 through B7 apply.
    2. During muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must wear at 
least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange 
material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting 
and en route to and from hunting areas.
    3. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree 
plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a 
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We 
consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 
Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and 
must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt. Hunters may 
place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each 
day's hunt.
    8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment 
and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball.
    9. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in 
July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
    10. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all 
muzzleloader deer hunts.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We close all refuge waters during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
    2. From November 16 to February 28 we allow fishing in refuge 
waters north of Providence Road.
    3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
    4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
    5. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
    6. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we 
limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period of 4 a.m. to 
1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    7. Conditions A2 through A10 apply.
* * * * *

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
merganser, and coot in accordance with State regulations subject to the 
following regulations:
    1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.
    3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during 
the limited draw hunts.
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. We allow ATVs on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this 
chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 
28.
    11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
    12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 
of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 
p.m. each day.
    14. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from [frac12] 
hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the 
refuge at 4 a.m.
    15. There is no early teal season.
    16. We allow hunting of snow geese during the Light Goose 
Conservation order seasons by Special Use Permit.
    17. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 1 will be on Monday, Tuesday, and 
Wednesday. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 2 will be Friday, Saturday, and 
Sunday (see Refuge Brochure for details).
    18. We reserve the last weekend of December for youth waterfowl 
hunting. One adult hunter age 21, who we also allow to hunt, must 
accompany each youth hunter age 15 and under.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with 
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting during the open State season except during 
limited draw hunts.
    2. Conditions A1 through A12 apply.
    3. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.
    4. We allow squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting with dogs in 
February.
    5. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or 
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square 
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible 
above the waistline as an outer garment.
    6. Beginning the first day after the last limited draw deer hunt 
until March 1, we restrict all entry into the lower twist area.
    7. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and 
egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.

[[Page 68979]]

    8. We prohibit horses and mules.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9 through A12, and B6 and B8 apply.
    2. We allow shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
    3. You must immediately tag all deer harvested prior to moving it 
during limited hunts; we provide the tags.
    4. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must 
wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-
orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while 
hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
    5. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    6. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree 
plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a 
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    7. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We 
consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    8. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    9. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 
Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and 
must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt. Hunters may 
place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each 
day's hunt.
    10. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery 
equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball.
    11. The limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit assigned 
by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt you must return the 
permit with information concerning your hunt. If you fail to return 
this permit, you will not be eligible for any limited hunts the next 
year. Contact refuge headquarters for specific requirements, hunts, and 
application dates.
    12. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters 
in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
    13. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all 
limited draw hunts.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We close all refuge waters during all limited draw hunts.
    2. We open waters between the East and West levee, the Landside 
Ditch, and the portion of Panther Creek adjacent to the West Levee 
year-round except during limited draw hunts.
    3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
    4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
    5. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
    6. With the exception for frogging during the State season, refuge 
ingress and egress for fishing is limited to the period of 4 a.m. to 
1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    7. Conditions A1 through A10 apply.
* * * * *

Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, 
merganser, coot, and dove on the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter 
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 
16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use 
Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all 
regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
    2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their 
User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle 
so that the Permit Number is readable.
    3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the 
loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
    4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' 
(see refuge brochure map).
    5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see 
Sec. 32.2(j)).
    6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
    7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct 
roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this 
chapter).
    8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during 
the muzzleloader deer hunt.
    9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season 
incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: 
raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
    10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) 
while in the field.
    11. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    12. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 
of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 
p.m. each day.
    13 We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from [frac12] 
hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the 
refuge at 4 a.m.
    14. There is no early teal season.
    15. We allow hunting of snow geese during the Light Goose 
Conservation Order seasons by Special Use Permit.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with 
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting during the open State season except during 
limited draw hunts.
    2. Conditions A1 through A9 and A11 apply.
    3. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small 
game.
    4. We allow rabbit and quail hunting with dogs in February.
    5. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or 
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square 
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible 
above the waistline as an outer garment.
    6. With exception for raccoon hunting, refuge ingress and egress is 
limited to the period of 4 a.m. to 1[frac12] hours after legal sunset.
    7. We prohibit horses and mules.
    8. We allow rabbit hunting on the Herron and Brown Tracts. Contact 
refuge headquarters for hunt dates, maps, and additional information.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9 through A12, B6 and B7 apply.
    2. We allow shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot (see 
Sec. 32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
    3. You must immediately tag all deer harvested prior to moving it 
during limited hunts; we provide the tags.

[[Page 68980]]

    4. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must 
wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken, fluorescent-
orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while 
hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
    5. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
    6. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree 
plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a 
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
    7. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone 
along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated 
roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We 
consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow 
nocked in a bow.
    8. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and 
requirements in the refuge brochure.
    9. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or 
blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify 
stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting 
from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 
Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and 
must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt. Hunters may 
place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each 
day's hunt.
    10. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery 
equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball.
    11. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters 
in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
    12. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all 
limited draw hunts.
    13. We allow archery deer hunting on the Herron and Brown Tracts. 
Contact refuge headquarters for hunt dates, maps, and additional 
information.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
    6. Amend Sec. 32.60 by revising paragraphs A.2., A.4., A.6., A.10., 
B., C.15., C.16., C.19., and D. of Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge to 
read as follows:


Sec. 32.60  South Carolina.

* * * * *

Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. An adult at least age 21 must supervise all youth hunters age 15 
and under. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-
approved hunter education course.
* * * * *
    4. We allow scouting Monday through Friday during the waterfowl 
season. Anyone scouting may not possess a firearm and must be off the 
refuge by 2 p.m.
* * * * *
    6. We prohibit permanent blinds (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). 
Hunters must remove portable blinds and decoys at the end of each day's 
hunt.
* * * * *
    10. We prohibit hunting on any unit for wildlife species not 
officially opened to hunting or entering any areas posted as ``Closed'' 
or ``No Hunting Zones.''
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel, raccoon, 
and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, and A10 apply.
    2. We allow hunting only on days designated annually by the refuge 
within the State season. We allow upland game hunting only on 
designated refuge areas within Refuge Unit 1.
    3. We require nontoxic shot in shotguns. We allow .22-caliber 
rimfire rifles.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    15. We allow hunters to use flagging to mark the site of hunter 
entry from roads or trails and again at the stand site. We allow 
hunters to use clothes pins with reflective tape between entry and 
stand sites to mark the route to the stand. Hunters must label all such 
markers with their full name and remove them at the end of the hunt.
    16. We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the 
waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of 
solid, fluorescent-orange material at all times during big game hunts 
except for wild turkey.
* * * * *
    19. We limit turkey hunts to annual quota hunts. We will select 
hunters by a random drawing. The selected hunters must possess signed 
Refuge Turkey Hunt Permits at all times during the hunt.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State 
regulations.
    7. Amend Sec. 32.61 by adding Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge 
in alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec. 32.61  South Dakota.

* * * * *

Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird 
hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated 
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas 
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
    8. Amend Sec. 32.67 by:
    a. Adding paragraph A. of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge; and
    b. Adding Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in alphabetical order 
to read as follows:


Sec. 32.67  Washington.

* * * * *

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunters to possess and carry no more than 25 approved 
nontoxic shells while hunting in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
    2. Hunters may access the hunt areas by boat only. The maximum 
speed limit is 5 miles per hour for boats in all refuge waters.
* * * * *

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, 
and coot within 50 yards (45 m) of hunting sites designated by the 
refuge manager on the north side of Upper Turnbull Slough in accordance 
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. We only allow waterfowl (duck, goose, coot) hunting during the 
State's Youth Migratory Bird Hunt.
    2. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
    3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, pit 
blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
    4. We only allow authorized vehicles on designated routes of travel 
and require hunters to park in designated parking area (see 
Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter). We prohibit ATVs and ORVs.
    5. Hunters may possess and carry no more than 25 nontoxic 
shotshells per hunter per day while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
    6. We prohibit shooting or discharging any firearm from, across, or 
along a

[[Page 68981]]

public highway, designated route of travel, road, road shoulder, road 
embankment, or designated parking area.
    7. We allow hunter access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 1 
hour after legal sunset.
    8. Hunters must possess a nontransferable refuge special access 
permit that names hunters, their hunt partners, and accompanying adult.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of 
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We conduct the refuge hunt by State permit only. We require 
hunters to possess and carry current Washington State elk licenses, 
valid for the refuge hunt unit, and a refuge special access permit.
    2. We allow only authorized vehicles on designated routes of travel 
and require hunters to park in designated parking areas. We prohibit 
ATVs and ORVs.
    3. We allow access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 5 hours 
after legal sunset. Hunters needing additional time for retrieval must 
notify refuge staff or a State fish and wildlife officer.
    4. We prohibit possession of a bow with the arrow nocked within any 
safety zone or closed area.
    5. Safety zones of 500 feet (150 m) are in effect around existing 
structures. We prohibit shooting from or into any safety zone or Closed 
Area.
    6. One person may assist hunters only during elk retrieval. We 
require this person to remain with the hunter at all times during 
retrieval. We require all hunters/helpers to possess a nontransferable 
refuge special access permit.
    7. Refuge staff or a State Fish and Wildlife Officer must accompany 
hunters during retrieval of a wounded elk that moves outside the hunt 
unit in Closed Areas.
    8. Hunters must use nontoxic ammunition or remove or bury the 
visceral remains of harvested animals.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

    Dated: December 9, 2009
Thomas L. Stickland
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
[FR Doc. E9-30424 Filed 12-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-S