[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53536-53561]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21484]



[[Page 53535]]

Vol. 76

Friday,

No. 166

August 26, 2011

Part II





Department of the Interior





-----------------------------------------------------------------------





Fish and Wildlife Service





-----------------------------------------------------------------------





50 CFR Part 20





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

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 53536]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014; 91200-1231-9BPP-L2]
RIN 1018-AX34


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is 
proposing to establish the 2011-12 late-season hunting regulations for 
certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or 
outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number 
of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These 
frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and 
limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with 
population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting 
late-season frameworks by September 6, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposals by one of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R9-
MB-2011-0014.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014; Division of Policy and Directives 
Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 
2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
    We will not accept e-mailed or faxed comments. 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, 
NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2011

    On April 8, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 
19876) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a 
background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations 
process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other 
regulations for hunting migratory game birds under Sec. Sec.  20.101 
through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 
2011-12 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal 
Register notifications were also identified in the April 8 proposed 
rule.
    Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents 
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under 
numbered headings. Those headings are:

1. Ducks
    A. General Harvest Strategy
    B. Regulatory Alternatives
    C. Zones and Split Seasons
    D. Special Seasons/Species Management
    i. September Teal Seasons
    ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
    iii. Black Ducks
    iv. Canvasbacks
    v. Pintails
    vi. Scaup
    vii. Mottled Ducks
    viii. Wood Ducks
    ix. Youth Hunt
    x. Mallard Management Units
    xi. Other
2. Sea Ducks
3. Mergansers
4. Canada Geese
    A. Special Seasons
    B. Regular Seasons
    C. Special Late Seasons
5. White-Fronted Geese
6. Brant
7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese
8. Swans
9. Sandhill Cranes
10. Coots
11. Moorhens and Gallinules
12. Rails
13. Snipe
14. Woodcock
15. Band-Tailed Pigeons
16. Doves
17. Alaska
18. Hawaii
19. Puerto Rico
20. Virgin Islands
21. Falconry
22. Other

    Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring 
attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we will omit those 
items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items will be 
discontinuous and appear incomplete.
    On June 22, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 
36508) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- 
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 22 
supplement also provided detailed information on the 2011-12 regulatory 
schedule and announced the SRC and Flyway Council meetings.
    On June 22 and 23, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway 
Council Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on 
the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and 
developed recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these species 
plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and 
the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2011-12 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On July 26, 2011, we published in the Federal 
Register (76 FR 44730) a third document specifically dealing with the 
proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. In late August 2011, 
we will publish a rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-
season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2011-12 season.
    On July 27-28, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these 
species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for 
the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to 
final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting 
hours, areas, and limits.
    We have considered all pertinent comments received through July 29, 
2011, on the April 8 and June 22, 2011, rulemaking documents in 
developing this document. In addition, new proposals for certain late-
season regulations are provided for public comment. The comment period 
is specified above under DATES. We will publish final regulatory 
frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in the Federal 
Register on or around September 21, 2011.

Population Status and Harvest

    The following paragraphs provide preliminary information on the 
status of waterfowl and information on the status and harvest of 
migratory shore and upland game birds excerpted from various reports. 
For more detailed information on methodologies and results, you may 
obtain complete copies of the various reports at the address indicated 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web

[[Page 53537]]

site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.

Waterfowl Breeding and Habitat Survey

    Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring 
to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate the 
conditions of the habitats. These surveys are conducted using fixed-
wing aircraft, helicopters, and ground crews and encompass principal 
breeding areas of North America, covering an area over 2.0 million 
square miles. The traditional survey area comprises Alaska, Canada, and 
the northcentral United States, and includes approximately 1.3 million 
square miles. The eastern survey area includes parts of Ontario, 
Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New 
Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an area of approximately 0.7 million 
square miles.
    Overall, habitat conditions during the 2011 Waterfowl Breeding 
Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to above-
average moisture and a normal winter and spring across the traditional 
and eastern survey areas. The exception was the west-central portion of 
the traditional survey area that received below-average moisture. The 
total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 8.1 
 0.2 million. This was 22 percent above the 2010 estimate 
and 62 percent above the long-term average (1974-2010) of 5.0  0.03 million ponds. The 2011 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada 
was 4.9  0.2 million. This was 31 percent above last year's 
estimate (3.7  0.2 million) and 43 percent above the long-
term average (1961-2010; 3.4  0.03 million). The 2011 pond 
estimate for the north-central United States was 3.2  0.1 
million, which was similar to last year's estimate (2.9  
0.1 million) and 102 percent above the long-term average (1974-2010; 
1.6  0.02 million). Additional details of the 2011 Survey 
were provided in the July 26 Federal Register and are available from 
our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.
Breeding Population Status
    In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, 
and 75-77, the total duck population estimate was 45.6  0.8 
[SE] million birds. This estimate represents an 11 percent increase 
over last year's estimate of 40.9  0.7 million birds and 
was 35 percent above the long-term average (1955-2010). Estimated 
mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 9.2  0.3 million 
birds, which was 9 percent above the 2010 estimate of 8.4  
0.3 million birds and 22 percent above the long-term average. Estimated 
abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.3  0.2 million) was 
similar to the 2010 estimate and 80 percent above the long-term 
average. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.1 
 0.1 million) was 14 percent below the 2010 estimate and 20 
percent below the long-term average. The estimated abundance of green-
winged teal (A. crecca) was 2.9  0.2 million, which was 17 
percent below the 2010 estimate and 47 percent above their long-term 
average. The estimate of blue-winged teal abundance (A. discors) was 
8.9  0.4 million, which was 41 percent above the 2010 
estimate and 91 percent above their long-term average. The estimate for 
northern pintails (A. acuta; 4.4  0.3 million) was 26 
percent above the 2010 estimate, and similar to the long-term average. 
The northern shoveler estimate (A. clypeata) was 4.6  0.2 
million, which was 14 percent above the 2010 estimate and 98 percent 
above the long-term average. Redhead abundance (Aythya americana; 1.4 
 0.1 million) was 27 percent above the 2010 estimate and 
106 percent above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate (A. 
valisineria; 0.7  0.05 million) was similar to the 2010 
estimate and 21 percent above the long-term average. Estimated 
abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 4.3  
0.3 million) was similar to that of 2010 and 15 percent below the long-
term average of 5.1  0.05 million.
    The eastern survey area was restratified in 2005 and is now 
composed of strata 51-72. Estimated abundance of mallards in the 
eastern survey area was 0.4  0.1 million, which was similar 
to the 2010 estimate and the long-term average (1990-2010). Abundance 
estimates of green-winged teal, ring-necked duck (A. collaris), 
goldeneyes (common [Bucephala clangula] and Barrow's [B. islandica]), 
and mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], 
and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus]) were all similar to their 2010 
estimates and long-term averages. The American black duck (Anas 
rubripes) estimate was 0.55  0.04 million, which was 
similar to the 2010 estimate and 13 percent below the long-term average 
of 0.63 million.
Fall Flight Estimate
    The mid-continent mallard population is composed of mallards from 
the traditional survey area (revised in 2008 to exclude Alaska 
mallards), Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and was estimated to be 
11.9  1.1 million birds. This was similar to the 2010 
estimate of 10.3  0.9 million in 2010.
    See section 1.A. Harvest Strategy Considerations for further 
discussion of the implications of this information for this year's 
selection of the appropriate hunting regulations.

Status of Geese and Swans

    We provide information on the population status and productivity of 
North American Canada geese (Branta canadensis), brant (B. bernicla), 
snow geese (Chen caerulescens), Ross's geese (C. rossii), emperor geese 
(C. canagica), white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and tundra swans 
(Cygnus columbianus). Production of arctic-nesting geese depends 
heavily upon the timing of snow and ice melt, and on spring and early 
summer temperatures. In 2011, snowmelt timing was average to slightly 
below average throughout most of the important goose breeding areas, 
and most of North America will see average, or slightly below-average, 
fall flights of geese this year. Conditions in the central Arctic, 
especially near Queen Maud Gulf, improved relative to last year's very 
late spring, so improved production of snow and Ross's geese and mid-
continent white-fronted geese is expected. Gosling production of Canada 
goose populations that migrate to the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways 
should generally be good in 2011, with the possible exceptions of the 
Eastern Prairie and Mississippi Valley populations. Conditions 
throughout Alaska and northwestern Canada were very good. As a result, 
Pacific Flyway white-fronted geese, brant, and most Canada geese 
experienced average to above-average production. Indices of wetland 
abundance in the Canadian and U.S. prairies in 2011 were generally 
excellent, and were particularly improved relative to 2010 in Canada. 
This likely improved nesting and brood rearing success of temperate-
nesting Canada geese this year. However, flooding along many river 
systems may have destroyed some nests. Well-above or near-average 
wetland abundance in the United States and Canadian prairie regions and 
mild spring temperatures in many other temperate regions will likely 
improve production of Canada geese that nest at southern latitudes. 
Primary abundance indices decreased (>-10 percent) for 7 goose 
populations and increased (<= 10 percent) for 10 goose populations from 
2010 to 2011. Indices of 12 other populations remained similar among 
these years. Primary abundance indices decreased for western tundra 
swans and remained unchanged for eastern tundra swans. The following 
populations displayed

[[Page 53538]]

significant (P< 0.05) positive trends during the most recent 10-year 
period: Mississippi Flyway Giant, Short Grass Prairie, and Hi-line 
Canada geese; Western Arctic Wrangel Island and Western Central Flyway 
light geese; Pacific white-fronted geese and Pacific brant. Only the 
Atlantic Flyway Resident goose population showed a significant negative 
10-year trend.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

    National surveys of migratory bird hunters were conducted during 
the 2009 and 2010 hunting seasons. About 1.1 million waterfowl hunters 
harvested 13,139,800 ( 4 percent) ducks and 3,327,000 
( 5 percent) geese in 2009, and about 1.1 million waterfowl 
hunters harvested 14,796,700 ( 4 percent) ducks and 
3,169,900 ( 5 percent) geese in 2010. Mallard, green-winged 
teal, gadwall, blue-winged/cinnamon teal, and wood duck (Aix sponsa) 
were the 5 most-harvested duck species in the United States, and Canada 
goose was the predominant species in the goose harvest. Coot hunters 
(about 31,100 in 2009 and 50,500 in 2010) harvested 219,000 ( 34 percent) coots in 2009 and 302,600 ( 50 percent) 
in 2010.

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 8, 
2011 Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory 
game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which 
appeared in the June 22, 2011 Federal Register, discussed the 
regulatory alternatives for the 2011-12 duck hunting season. Late-
season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in 
the April 8 and June 22 Federal Register documents. We have included 
only the numbered items pertaining to late-season issues for which we 
received written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in 
successive numerical or alphabetical order.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.
    We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the April 8 and June 22, 2011 Federal Register documents.

1. Ducks

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

A. Harvest Strategy Considerations

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the adoption of the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative.
    Service Response: We continue to use Adaptive Harvest Management 
(AHM) protocols that allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in 
a manner that recognizes each Flyway's unique breeding-ground 
derivation of mallards. In 2008, we described and adopted a protocol 
for regulatory decision-making for the newly defined stock of western 
mallards (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008). For the 2011 hunting season, we 
continue to believe that the prescribed regulatory choice for the 
Pacific Flyway should be based on the status of this western mallard 
breeding stock, while the regulatory choice for the Mississippi and 
Central Flyways should depend on the status of the recently redefined 
mid-continent mallard stock. We also recommend that the regulatory 
choice for the Atlantic Flyway continue to depend on the status of 
eastern mallards.
    For the 2011 hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same 
regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the 
``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and ``liberal'' alternatives has 
remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended 
framework dates have been offered in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternatives since 2002. Also, in 2003, we agreed to place a 
constraint on closed seasons in the Mississippi and Central Flyways 
whenever the midcontinent mallard breeding-population size (as defined 
prior to 2008; traditional survey area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and 
Wisconsin) was > 5.5 million.
    Optimal AHM strategies for the 2011-12 hunting season were 
calculated using: (1) Harvest-management objectives specific to each 
mallard stock; (2) the 2011 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current 
population models and associated weights for midcontinent, western, and 
eastern mallards. Based on this year's survey results of 9.46 million 
midcontinent mallards (traditional survey area minus Alaska plus 
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), 4.89 million ponds in Prairie 
Canada, 798,413 western mallards (382,588 and 415,825 respectively in 
California-Oregon and Alaska) and 746,000 eastern mallards (strata 51-
54, 56 and the northeastern United States), the prescribed regulatory 
choice for all four Flyways is the ``liberal'' alternative.
    Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding selection 
of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative and propose to adopt the 
``liberal'' regulatory alternative, as described in the June 22, 2011, 
Federal Register.

C. Zones and Split Seasons

    In the August 25, 2010, proposed rule (75 FR 52398) and the 
September 23, 2010, final rule (75 FR 58250), we announced our 
intention to propose changes to the existing zone and split season 
guidelines for possible implementation in 2011 for use in State 
selections for the 2011-12 hunting seasons. In the April 8, 2011, 
proposed rule (76 FR 19876) we provided specific details of the 
previously announced proposed changes to the guidelines, announced the 
availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) we prepared on 
the proposed changes to the guidelines, and provided a brief summary of 
the anticipated impacts of the preferred alternative. In the June 22 
and July 26, 2011, proposed rules (76 FR 36508 and 76 FR 44730, 
respectively), we continued to discuss our April 8 proposal. This rule 
for the 2011-12 hunting season continues that discussion and announces 
our final decision on these guidelines.
Background
    We annually issue regulations permitting the sport hunting of 
migratory birds. Zones and split seasons are ``special regulations'' 
designed to distribute hunting opportunities and harvests according to 
temporal, geographic, and demographic variability in waterfowl and 
other migratory game bird populations. For ducks, States have been 
allowed the option of dividing their allotted hunting days into two (or 
in some cases, three) segments to take

[[Page 53539]]

advantage of species-specific peaks of abundance or to satisfy hunters 
in different areas who want to hunt during the peak of waterfowl 
abundance in their area. However, the split-season option does not 
fully satisfy many States who wish to provide a more equitable 
distribution of harvest opportunities. Therefore, we also have allowed 
the establishment of independent seasons in two or more zones within 
States for the purpose of providing more equitable distribution of 
harvest opportunity for hunters throughout the State.
    In 1978, we prepared an environmental assessment (EA) on the use of 
zones to set duck hunting regulations. A primary tenet of the 1978 EA 
was that zoning would be for the primary purpose of providing equitable 
distribution of duck hunting opportunities within a State or region and 
not for the purpose of increasing total annual waterfowl harvest in the 
zoned areas. In fact, target harvest levels were to be adjusted 
downward if they exceeded traditional levels as a result of zoning. 
Subsequently, we conducted a review of the use of zones and split 
seasons in 1990.
    Currently, every 5 years, States are afforded the opportunity to 
change the zoning and split season configuration within which they set 
their annual duck hunting regulations. While the schedule of ``open 
seasons'' for making changes to splits and zones is being evaluated in 
the recently released draft supplemental environmental impact statement 
(SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting program (see NEPA Considerations 
in the April 8, 2011, proposed rule (76 FR 19876) for further 
information), the specific guidelines for choosing splits and zones are 
not a part of that evaluation. The current guidelines have remained 
unchanged since 1996.
Public Comments
    The Flyway Council recommendations and public comments discussed 
below include recommendations and comments from both the 2010-11 
regulatory process and the current 2011-12 regulatory process. 
Recommendations and comments from the 2010-11 regulatory process were 
included in the August 25, 2010, proposed rule (75 FR 52398) and the 
September 23, 2010, final rule (75 FR 58250).
    Council Recommendations: Last year, the Atlantic, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended that the Service allow 3 zones, 
with 2-way splits in each zone, and 4 zones with no splits as 
additional zone/split-season options for duck seasons during 2011-15. 
The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended that the Service allow 3 zones with the 
season split into 2 segments in each zone, 4 zones with no splits, and 
2 zones with the season split into 3 segments in each zone as 
additional zone/split-season options for duck seasons during 2011-15. 
In addition, all four Flyway Councils recommended that States with 
existing grandfathered status be allowed to retain that status.
    This year, the Atlantic Flyway Council recommended allowing States 
two periods for selecting their zone and split options: spring 2011 for 
currently offered options, and spring 2012 for possible additional 
available options. The Mississippi Flyway Council, while urging us to 
provide new options for zones/split-season criteria for use during the 
2011-12 regulations cycle season, noted, however, that some States may 
not be able to use these new criteria even if they are approved this 
spring because of their internal regulations-setting process. Thus, 
they requested extending the open season for States to select zone/
split-season configurations through the 2012 regulations cycle. The 
Central and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended extending the current 
open season for States to select regular season zone/split 
configurations for 2011-15 through June 2012.
    Written Comments in 2010: The National Flyway Council requested 
that the Service allow 3 zones, with 2-way splits in each zone, and 4 
zones with no splits as additional zone/split-season options for duck 
seasons during 2011-15.
    The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin 
Department of Natural Resources requested that the Service allow 3 
zones, with 2-way splits in each zone, and 4 zones with no splits as 
additional zone/split-season options for duck seasons during 2011-15.
    The Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, 
the LaCrosse County Conservation Alliance, the Governor of Illinois, 
and several individuals expressed support for the Flyway Councils' 
recommended changes to the existing zone and split season guidelines.
    Written Comments in 2011: The Mississippi and Central Flyway 
Councils and the States of Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New 
York, Wisconsin and Wyoming expressed their support for our April 8 
proposal to modify the zones and split season guidelines to allow up to 
four zones (no splits) and up to three zones with two splits, including 
all grandfathered arrangements. Both the Councils and States supported 
the extension of the open season for State selections of zone and split 
season configurations into the 2012-13 regulatory cycle. There was also 
widespread support for the creation of a Human Dimensions Working Group 
that is capable of advancing informed decision-making frameworks for 
explicitly considering human dimensions aspects of waterfowl management 
issues. The States appreciated our efforts to assess the potential 
impacts of changes in the criteria on duck harvest, and believed that 
such impacts would be minimal.
    Six non-governmental organizations from Illinois and 106 
individuals from Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin expressed support for 
the Flyway Councils' recommended changes to the guidelines. Twenty 
individuals did not support changing the guidelines, while four 
individuals supported the abolishment of zone and split season criteria 
all together.
Service Decision
    In 1990, because of concerns about the proliferation of zones and 
split seasons for duck hunting, we conducted a cooperative review and 
evaluation of the historical use of zone/split options. This review did 
not show that the proliferation of these options had increased harvest 
pressure; however, the ability to detect the impact of zone/split 
configurations was poor because of unreliable response variables, the 
lack of statistical tests to differentiate between real and perceived 
changes, and the absence of adequate experimental controls. 
Consequently, we established guidelines to provide a framework for 
controlling the proliferation of changes in zone/split options. The 
guidelines identified a limited number of zone/split configurations 
that could be used for duck hunting and restricted the frequency of 
changes in these configurations to 5-year intervals.
    In 1996, we revised the guidelines to provide States greater 
flexibility in using their zone/split arrangements. In 2005, in further 
response to recommendations from the Flyway Councils, we considered 
changes to the zone/split guidelines. After our review, however, we 
concluded that the current guidelines need not be changed. We further 
stated that the guidelines would be used for future open seasons (70 FR 
55667; September 22, 2005).
    However, while we continue to support the use of guidelines for 
providing a stable framework for controlling the number of changes to 
zone/split options, last August (75 FR

[[Page 53540]]

52398; August 25, 2010) we noted the consensus position among all the 
Flyway Councils on their proposal and expressed our sensitivity to the 
States' desires for flexibility in addressing concerns of the hunting 
public which, in part, provided the motivation for this recommendation. 
Furthermore, we also expressed our continued support of the 
recommendations from the 2008 Future of Waterfowl Management Workshop 
that called for a greater emphasis on the effects of management actions 
on the hunting public. Thus, we announced that we planned to propose 
that two specific additional options be added to the existing zone and 
split season criteria governing State selection of waterfowl zones and 
splits. The additional options would include four zones with no splits 
and three zones with the option for 2-way (2-segment) split seasons in 
one, two, or all three zones. Otherwise, the criteria and rules 
governing the application of those criteria would remain unchanged.
    When we announced our intention to propose adding the Flyway 
Councils' recommended two options to the existing zone and split season 
guidelines, we also stated that we needed additional time to explore 
all the possible implications and impacts of such changes in the zone 
and split season guidelines in order to provide the public with all the 
necessary information for their consideration and comment. We also 
noted that existing human dimensions data on the relationship of 
harvest regulations, and specifically zones and splits, to hunter 
recruitment, retention, and/or satisfaction are equivocal or lacking. 
In the face of uncertainty over the effects of management actions, the 
waterfowl management community has broadly endorsed adaptive management 
and the principles of informed decision-making as a means of accounting 
for and reducing that uncertainty. The necessary elements of informed 
decision-making include: clearly articulated objectives, explicit 
measurable attributes for objectives, identification of a suite of 
potential management actions, some means of predicting the consequences 
of management actions with respect to stated objectives, and, finally, 
a monitoring program to compare observations with predictions as a 
basis for learning, policy adaptation, and more informed decision-
making. Currently, none of these elements are used to support decision-
making that involves human dimensions considerations. Because the 
Flyways indicated that additional zone/split options were important for 
addressing hunter recruitment, retention, and satisfaction issues, we 
saw this proposed change as an opportunity to advance an informed 
decision-making framework that explicitly considers human dimensions 
issues.
    To that end, we requested that the National Flyway Council marshal 
the expertise and resources of the Human Dimensions Working Group to 
develop explicit human dimensions objectives related to expanding zone 
and split options and a study plan to evaluate the effect of the 
proposed action in achieving those objectives. It was our hope that the 
study plan would include hypotheses and specific predictions about the 
effect of changing zone/split criteria on stated human dimensions 
objectives, and monitoring and evaluation methods that would be used to 
test those predictions. We stated that we believed that insights gained 
through such an evaluation would be invaluable in furthering the 
ongoing dialogue regarding fundamental objectives of waterfowl 
management and an integrated and coherent decision framework for 
advancing those objectives. We further stated that we would review the 
objectives and study plan at our February 2011 SRC meeting and consider 
this plan, along with public and Flyway comments on the proposed change 
to the zones and splits criteria, along with any required National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) analysis, in 
making a final decision on a course of action in 2011.
    We reviewed the objectives and the study plan at our February 2011 
SRC meeting and our June 22-23 SRC meeting and detailed our review in 
the July 26 proposed rule. At that time, we stated that while we 
remained supportive of the Flyway Councils' desire to expand the 
existing zone and split season criteria, the adequacy of the National 
Flyway Council's human dimensions study design that we required last 
year (75 FR 58250; September 23, 2010) as part of our initial intent 
and proposal still did not meet our expectations. Thus, the Councils 
and the Service committed to form a smaller working group to help 
resolve these differences, and that we would consider a revised study 
proposal as soon as it was available. Further, assuming an acceptable 
study plan could be agreed upon, we would consider offering the 
expanded zone/split criteria to States in both the current year's 
regulation cycle and again in the 2012-13 regulations cycle.
    Consequently, since the June 22-23 SRC meeting, the four Flyway 
Councils and the National Flyway Council submitted a revised study plan 
to examine the human dimensions aspects of revisions to the zones and 
split season criteria. This new study plan meets the original 
objectives laid out in the August 25, 2010, and the September 23, 2010, 
rules and we support the Flyway Councils' recommendation to expand the 
criteria to allow two additional options that States may use to 
configure duck zones and split seasons within their boundaries. 
Further, we appreciate the efforts of the four Flyway Councils and the 
National Flyway Council to revise the study plan to examine the human 
dimensions aspects of this issue.
    As we have previously stated, those States that are capable of 
implementing these new guidelines this year may do so. However, for 
those States not able to implement changes this year, we are committed 
to extending the current open season into 2012, and we ask that States 
provide us with any changes to their zone and split season 
configuration by May 1, 2012, for use during the 2012-13 season. After 
this open period, the next regularly-scheduled open season for changes 
to zone and split season configurations will be in 2016, for use during 
the 2016-20 period. In order to allow sufficient time for States to 
solicit public input regarding their selections of zone and split 
season configurations in 2016, we will reaffirm the criteria during the 
2015 late-season regulations process. At that time we will notify 
States that changes to zone and split season configurations should be 
provided to the Service by May 1, 2016.
Guidelines for Duck Zones and Split Seasons
    The following zone/split-season guidelines apply only for the 
regular duck season:
    (1) A zone is a geographic area or portion of a State, with a 
contiguous boundary, for which independent dates may be selected for 
the regular duck season.
    (2) Consideration of changes for management-unit boundaries is not 
subject to the guidelines and provisions governing the use of zones and 
split seasons for ducks.
    (3) Only minor (less than a county in size) boundary changes will 
be allowed for any grandfathered arrangement, and changes are limited 
to the open season.
    (4) Once a zone/split option is selected during an open season, it 
must remain in place for the following 5 years.
    Any State may continue the configuration used in the previous

[[Page 53541]]

5-year period. If changes are made, the zone/split-season configuration 
must conform to one of the following options:
    (1) No more than four zones with no splits,
    (2) Split seasons (no more than 3 segments) with no zones, or
    (3) No more than three zones with the option for 2-way (2-segment) 
split seasons in one, two, or all zones.
Grandfathered Zone/Split Arrangements
    When we first implemented the zone/split guidelines in 1991, 
several States had completed experiments with zone/split arrangements 
different from our original options. We offered those States a one-time 
opportunity to continue (``grandfather'') those arrangements, with the 
stipulation that only minor changes could be made to zone boundaries. 
If any of those States now wish to change their zone/split arrangement:
    (1) The new arrangement must conform to one of the 3 options 
identified above; and
    (2) The State cannot go back to the grandfathered arrangement that 
it previously had in place.
Management Units
    We will continue to utilize the specific limitations previously 
established regarding the use of zone and split seasons in special 
management units, including the High Plains Mallard Management Unit. We 
note that the original justification and objectives established for the 
High Plains Mallard Management Unit provided for additional days of 
hunting opportunity at the end of the regular duck season. In order to 
maintain the integrity of the management unit, current guidelines 
prohibit simultaneous zoning and/or 3-way split seasons within a 
management unit and the remainder of the State. Removal of this 
limitation would allow additional proliferation of zone/split 
configurations and compromise the original objectives of the management 
unit.
Impacts of Proposed Change
    We prepared an EA on the proposed zone and split season guidelines 
and provide a brief summary of the anticipated impacts of the preferred 
alternative with regard to the guidelines. Specifics of each of the 
four alternatives we analyzed can be found on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov.
    In summary, we anticipate that the proposed changes to the 
guidelines, specifically adopting the preferred alternative, would 
result in an increase in the number of exposure days (days in which 
ducks are exposed to hunting) throughout a hunting season, but would 
vary by Flyway. Whereas the maximum potential impact on duck harvest 
may be small in some Flyways (e.g., < 3 percent increase in the Pacific 
Flyway), the impact in other Flyways may be much higher (e.g., up to 25 
percent in the Mississippi Flyway). More specifically, regression 
analysis of the number of duck exposure days and number of duck zones 
within a State indicated that the addition of one zone in all States 
(excluding grandfathered States) could result in up to a 17 percent 
increase in the national duck harvest (or approximately 2.2 million 
birds) above the ``no change'' alternative (13.8 million ducks). It is 
important to note that this estimate is for total duck harvest 
nationwide, and we would expect the potential percentage increases to 
vary among Flyways, States, and species. Additionally, we recognize 
that our analysis utilizes assumptions that may not be fully realized 
during implementation of the new guidelines. For example, our analysis 
assumes that all States that are eligible to make changes to their 
zones-splits configurations will actually make such changes. However, 
many States have indicated that they will not avail themselves of new 
options available to them. This would lower the realized increase in 
harvest in a particular Flyway; thus, the magnitude of any potential 
increase in harvest would likely be lower than the estimated 17 
percent.
    Additionally, we annually prepare a biological opinion under 
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.), prior to establishing annual hunting regulations for 
migratory birds. Regulations promulgated as a result of this 
consultation remove or alleviate chances of conflict between seasons 
for migratory game birds and endangered and threatened species and 
their critical habitats.
    We also do not believe the preferred alternative would recruit new 
hunters, and therefore hunter numbers would probably remain similar to 
2008 levels, when the last economic analysis was conducted. However, if 
increasing the possible number of zones and split season configurations 
encourages current hunters to spend more days afield, we would expect a 
slight increase in expenditures. Therefore, the national estimate of 
the consumer surplus expected under this alternative may be slightly 
higher than the estimate of $317 million annually (range of $274 
million to $362 million [2007$]) that we would expect under the ``no 
change'' alternative. In general, the non-hunting public has not 
expressed an opinion about zoning and split seasons in the past. Within 
this large group, individuals opposed to hunting will likely object to 
increased zoning and/or split seasons if they believe it will enhance 
or encourage hunting. Others generally favor more restrictive 
regulations, and some further believe that all hunting should be 
discontinued. We note that the four Flyway Councils support the 
preferred alternative. Duck hunter numbers would likely be similar to 
that of 2008, which would maintain the current level of revenues to the 
States and Service through sales of waterfowl hunting licenses and duck 
stamps. While this alternative potentially could increase hunter 
expenditures above the current level of $1.2 billion (2007$), we have 
no specific information available that would allow an accurate 
estimation of this increase. However, we believe any potential increase 
would likely be negligible.
    The EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is available by 
either writing to the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT in the preamble of this proposed rule or by viewing on our Web 
site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov.
Response to Other Comments
    With regard to abolishing the zones and splits criteria, we 
disagree. Implementation of the criteria for zones and splits was meant 
to stem the increasing proliferation of zoning and split seasons, which 
complicated the assessment of the impacts of harvest regulations on 
duck populations. We believe the use of zoning criteria provides a 
certain level of stability to duck regulations, which enhance the 
assessment of the impacts of other regulations (e.g., season length and 
bag limit) on duck populations.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

iii. Black Ducks
    In 2008, U.S. and Canadian waterfowl managers developed an interim 
harvest strategy that will be employed by both countries until a formal 
strategy based on the principles of AHM is completed. We detailed this 
interim strategy in the July 24, 2008, Federal Register (73 FR 43290). 
The interim harvest strategy is prescriptive, in that it calls for no 
substantive changes in hunting regulations unless the black duck 
breeding population, averaged over the most recent 3 years, exceeds or 
falls

[[Page 53542]]

below the long-term average breeding population by 15 percent or more. 
The strategy is designed to share the black duck harvest equally 
between the two countries; however, recognizing incomplete control of 
harvest through regulations, it will allow realized harvest in either 
country to vary between 40 and 60 percent.
    Each year in November, Canada publishes its proposed migratory bird 
hunting regulations for the upcoming hunting season. Thus, last fall 
the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) used the interim strategy to 
establish its proposed black duck regulations for the 2011-12 season, 
based on the most current data available at that time: breeding 
population estimates for 2008, 2009, and 2010, and an assessment of 
parity based on harvest estimates for the 2005-09 hunting seasons. 
Although updates of both breeding population estimates and harvest 
estimates are now available, the United States will base its 2011-12 
black duck regulations on the same data CWS used, to ensure comparable 
application of the strategy. The long-term (1998-2007) breeding 
population mean estimate is 929,100, and the 2008-10, 3-year running 
mean estimate is 858,300. From 2005-09, 45 percent of the black duck 
harvest occurred in Canada and 55 percent in the United States; this 
falls within the accepted parity bounds of 40 and 60 percent. Based on 
these estimates, no restriction or liberalization of black duck harvest 
is warranted.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a full season for canvasbacks 
with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Season lengths would be 60 days in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 
107 days in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: Since 1994, we have followed a canvasback harvest 
strategy that if canvasback population status and production are 
sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for 
the entire length of the regular duck season, while still attaining a 
projected spring population objective of 500,000 birds, the season on 
canvasbacks should be opened. A partial season would be permitted if 
the estimated allowable harvest was within the projected harvest for a 
shortened season. If neither of these conditions can be met, the 
harvest strategy calls for a closed season on canvasbacks nationwide. 
In 2008 (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008), we announced our decision to 
modify the Canvasback Harvest Strategy to incorporate the option for a 
2-bird daily bag limit for canvasbacks when the predicted breeding 
population the subsequent year exceeds 725,000 birds.
    This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 692,000 
canvasbacks. This was statistically similar to the 2010 estimate of 
585,000 canvasbacks and 21 percent above the 1955-2010 average. The 
estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 4.9 million, which was 31 
percent above last year and 43 percent above the long-term average. 
Based on updated harvest predictions using data from recent hunting 
seasons, the canvasback harvest strategy predicts a 2012 canvasback 
population of 756,000 birds under a liberal duck season with a 1-bird 
daily bag limit and 697,000 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Because the 
predicted 2012 population under the 1-bird daily bag limit is greater 
than 500,000, while the prediction under the 2-bird daily bag limit is 
less than 725,000, the canvasback harvest strategy stipulates a full 
canvasback season with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the upcoming 
season.
v. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a full season for pintails, 
consisting of a 2-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central 
Flyway, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: The current derived pintail harvest strategy was 
adopted by the Service and Flyway Councils in 2010 (75 FR 44856; July 
29, 2010). For this year, optimal regulatory strategies were calculated 
with: (1) An objective of maximizing long-term cumulative harvest, 
including a closed-season constraint of 1.75 million birds, (2) the 
regulatory alternatives and associated predicted harvest, and (3) 
current population models and their relative weights. Based on this 
year's survey results of 4.43 million pintails observed and a mean 
latitude of 51.7, the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways is 
the ``liberal'' alternative with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
vi. Scaup
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended use of the ``moderate'' 
regulation package, consisting of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily 
bag in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season with a 2-
bird daily bag limit in the Central Flyway, and an 86-day season with a 
3-bird daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: In 2008, we adopted and implemented a new scaup 
harvest strategy (73 FR 43290 on July 24, 2008, and 73 FR 51124 on 
August 29, 2008) with initial ``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and 
``liberal'' regulatory packages adopted for each Flyway. Further 
opportunity to revise these packages was afforded prior to the 2009-10 
season and modifications by the Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils 
were endorsed by the Service in July 2009 (74 FR 36870; July 24, 2009). 
These packages will remain in effect for at least 3 years prior to 
their re-evaluation.
    The 2011 breeding population estimate for scaup is 4.32 million, up 
2 percent from, but statistically similar to, the 2010 estimate of 4.24 
million. Total estimated scaup harvest for the 2010-11 season was 
358,000 birds. Based on updated model parameter estimates, the optimal 
regulatory choice for scaup is the ``moderate'' package in all four 
Flyways.
vii. Mottled Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
removal of the restriction in Texas requiring a 5-day delay in the 
opening date of the mottled duck season from the opening of the general 
duck season (i.e., must be closed the first 5 days of the duck season).
    Service Response: We remain concerned about the status of mottled 
ducks, particularly those in the Western Gulf Coast Population (WGCP). 
In 2009, the Central and Mississippi Flyways implemented restrictions 
in either bag limit or season length in an attempt to achieve harvest 
reductions we believed were appropriate given the status of those 
mottled ducks. In the Central Flyway, the restrictions included a delay 
of 5 days in the opening date when dusky ducks (mottled duck, black 
duck and their hybrids, or Mexican-like duck) may be taken in Texas. 
Although the harvest estimates associated with those restrictions did 
not achieve the targeted 30 percent reduction, the reduction approached 
what we believed was appropriate for the current status of the WGCP. 
Therefore, we do not support removal of this restriction and believe 
that regulations in effect for the last two hunting seasons are 
appropriate for the 2011-12 season, including the delay in

[[Page 53543]]

the opening date in which dusky ducks may be taken in Texas.
xii. Other
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council and the Upper-
Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council 
recommended that the daily and possession bag limits for redheads 
during the 2011-12 duck hunting season be 3 and 6, respectively.
    Service Response: While we recognize the desire to provide 
additional hunting opportunity for redheads, at this time we do not 
support the recommendations to increase the daily bag limit of redheads 
from 2 to 3 birds. As we have done with other species (such as 
canvasbacks, pintails, etc.), we believe that changes to redhead daily 
bag limits should only be considered with guidance from an agreed-upon 
harvest strategy that is supported by all four Flyway Councils and the 
Service. Thus, we suggest that the Flyways work collaboratively to 
develop a redhead harvest strategy, which would include: (1) Clearly 
defined and agreed-upon management objectives; (2) clearly defined 
regulatory alternatives; and (3) a model that can be used to predict 
population responses to harvest mortality. If the development of a 
harvest strategy for redheads is a priority for the Flyways, a 
conceptual framework for a redhead harvest strategy could be discussed 
at the Harvest Management Working Group meeting in November 2011. 
However, we note that if the Flyway Councils wish to implement a 
redhead harvest strategy for the 2012-13 season, a draft strategy needs 
to be available for review and discussion by the February 2012 Service 
Regulations Committee (SRC) meeting, finalized by the Flyways Councils 
at their March 2012 meetings, and forwarded as a recommendation for SRC 
consideration at the early season SRC meeting (June 2012).

4. Canada Geese

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the Canada goose daily bag limit from 3 to 5 geese in the 
east-tier States.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several changes to dark 
goose season frameworks. More specifically, they recommended:
    1. Within the basic dark goose bag limit for California, Oregon, 
and Washington: remove the dark goose bag limit exception for Oregon of 
not more than one cackling Canada or Aleutian Canada geese per day.
    2. Within the Northwest Special Permit Zone for Oregon: increase 
the dark goose bag limit exception of not more than 2 cackling Canada 
or Aleutian Canada geese per day to not more than 3 cackling Canada or 
Aleutian Canada geese per day.
    3. Within the Tillamook County Management Area of the Northwest 
Special Permit Zone for Oregon: increase the dark goose bag limit from 
not more than 3 per day, including not more than 2 cackling Canada or 
Aleutian Canada geese, to not more than 4 per day, provided this total 
include not more than 3 cackling Canada or Aleutian Canada geese.
    4. Within the Northwest Zone for Oregon: restrict the bag limit for 
cackling Canada and Aleutian Canada geese to not more than 3 cackling 
Canada or Aleutian Canada geese per day within the overall daily dark 
goose bag limit of not more than 4 per day.
    5. Within the South Coast Zone for Oregon: remove the dark goose 
bag limit exception, within the basic dark goose bag limit, of up to 4 
cackling Canada and Aleutian Canada geese per day.
    6. Within the Southwest Zone for Oregon: remove the dark goose bag 
limit exception, within the basic dark goose bag limit, of up to 4 
cackling Canada and Aleutian Canada geese per day.
    7. In Washington's Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Quota Zone): increase 
the daily bag limit from 2 to 3 cackling geese.
    8. In California's Northeastern Zone: remove the restrictions on 
small Canada geese (Aleutian and cackling geese).
    9. Increase the daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Pacific 
Flyway portion of Colorado from 3 birds to 4 birds, and possession 
limit from 6 to 8 birds.
    10. In Idaho, consolidate the current goose zones to correspond 
with duck hunting zones.
    Service Response: We do not support the Central Flyway Council's 
recommendation to increase the dark goose daily bag limit in the east-
tier States from 3 to 5 geese. While we agree that the Flyway's 
proposed bag limit increase would likely result in an increased harvest 
of resident Canada geese (Great Plains Population), there are other 
Canada goose populations that would also be subjected to additional 
harvest pressure, including the Tall Grass Prairie (TGP), Western 
Prairie, and the Eastern Prairie populations. We recognize the 
continuing problems posed by increasing numbers of resident Canada 
geese and that migrant populations of Canada geese in the Central 
Flyway are above objective levels. We also understand the Flyway's 
desire to provide as much hunting opportunity on these geese as 
possible, and we share the philosophy that hunting, not control 
permits, should be the primary tool used to manage populations of game 
birds. However, we also recognize that hunting is not necessarily the 
most appropriate or effective tool to address these issues in all 
areas. Although States have used some of the additional tools provided 
to them through annual hunting regulations, Statewide Special Canada 
goose permits, and implementation of the preferred alternative in the 
Resident Canada Goose Environmental Impact Statement, we believe 
several of these tools are not being used to the extent available. 
Thus, we encourage the States to work with Service staff to better 
identify the most appropriate tool, or tools, for the various 
situations and conflicts in the affected States. Further, as we stated 
last year (75 FR 58250; September 23, 2010), we believe that more 
progress needs to be made regarding monitoring Canada goose populations 
in east-tier States, as well as collaboration with the Mississippi 
Flyway regarding impacts to shared goose resources, including progress 
on a revision to the TGP Population Management Plan. We would consider 
increasing bag limits in the future if progress is made on these 
fronts, particularly on the management plan.
    We support all of the Pacific Flyway goose recommendations. 
Originally, Oregon's Tillamook County Management Area was established 
to provide protection for Aleutian Canada geese originating from Semidi 
Island, Alaska. Modification of the closure area, as proposed by the 
Council, will reduce the closure area by approximately 22 percent. 
However, the Council notes that the original closure area included non-
goose use areas and the refuge recommended reducing the closure area as 
the Semidi Island birds do not use the entire closure area. Most of the 
proposed newly open area constitutes agricultural lands, primarily 
dairy pastures and hay fields, and opening these lands to goose hunting 
is expected to help relieve depredations caused by wintering geese. 
While we expect goose harvest in the Management Area to increase due to 
this proposed change, harvest will continue to be monitored by check 
station and goose distribution and collar surveys, focused on Semidi 
birds.
    The recommendations for removal of small Canada goose restrictions 
in eastern Oregon and for 1-bird daily bag limit increases to address 
agricultural

[[Page 53544]]

damage issues in Oregon and Washington are not expected to increase 
harvest of these populations substantially. We believe these 
populations are at levels that can sustain these minor increases in 
harvest without jeopardy to their long-term sustainability. However, we 
note that long-term solutions to agricultural depredation issues will 
not be completely addressed through harvest regulations and encourage 
the States of the Pacific Flyway to continue to work to implement the 
other approaches detailed in the Flyway's Canada goose depredation 
plan.
    The proposed removal of within bag limit restrictions on small 
Canada geese (Aleutian and cackling Canada geese) in California's 
Northeastern Zone is intended to simplify goose hunting regulations and 
we expect little or no increase in harvest. Few, if any, Aleutian geese 
occur in that portion of California and despite restrictive daily bag 
limits, the abundance of cackling geese in the Klamath Basin has 
declined from the tens of thousands in the late 1990s to essentially 
zero in recent years as cackling goose distribution has shifted 
northward. However, since that time, the Aleutian Canada goose 
population has grown from less than 1,000 birds in 1976 to over 110,000 
in 2011.
    Regarding the proposed increase in the daily bag limit in Colorado 
from 3 to 4 Canada geese, we note that removal of this more restrictive 
bag limit makes it consistent with most of the remainder of the flyway. 
Further, population measurement data support an increase in the bag 
limit as counts from both the spring breeding survey and post-hunting 
indices have increased over the last 3 years.
    In Idaho, the recommendation to consolidate the current goose zones 
to correspond with duck hunting zones is intended to reduce regulatory 
complexity in State and Federal regulations. We have no issue with this 
recommendation.

C. Special Late Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
changing Rhode Island's experimental late Canada goose season status to 
operational.
    Service Response: We agree with the Council's recommendation to 
change the status of Rhode Island's late Canada goose season from 
experimental to operational. Based on band recovery data submitted by 
the Council, there were no direct recoveries of migrant geese and the 
special late season meets the established criteria for special Canada 
goose seasons of <20 percent migrant harvest. Further, between 1997-
2011, only 7 banded Canada geese recovered were migrants (all of which 
were indirect recoveries).

5. White-Fronted Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi and Central Flyway 
Councils recommended that the white-fronted goose season option of a 
72-day season be increased to 74 days and the 86-day season option be 
increased to 88 days. Daily bag limits associated with each season 
option would remain unchanged.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended extending the latest closing 
date for white-fronted geese in California's Sacramento Valley Special 
Management Zone to December 28 and in California's Balance of State 
Zone to March 10.
    Service Response: We support the 2-day increase in the season 
length in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. These increases are 
consistent with the newly revised management plan for mid-continent 
white-fronted geese.
    We also support the Pacific Flyway Councils recommendations to 
extend the framework closing dates in California's Balance of State 
Zone and the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (SMA). In the 
Balance of State Zone, expanding the framework closing date to March 10 
is intended to allow additional hunting opportunity and potentially 
reduce goose crop depredation complaints. The Council notes that the 
white-fronted goose population is currently about 700,000 birds and 
above the population goal of 300,000 birds. In the SMA, extending the 
closing date to December 28 is expected to increase the harvest of 
Pacific white-fronted geese while still protecting the less numerous 
Tule subspecies. Tule Greater white-fronted geese currently number 
approximately 14,578 based on preliminary indirect population 
estimates. However, over-lapping this relatively small number of Tule 
geese are burgeoning populations of Pacific Greater white-fronted geese 
within the SMA. The Council estimates that the harvest of Tule geese 
are low, as determined by measurements of hunter-harvested white-
fronted geese at public hunting areas within the SMA; and the range of 
hunter-harvested adult Tule geese at the public hunt areas in the SMA 
since 1999 has ranged from a low of 13 (2005-06) to a high of 86 (2000-
01). We agree with the Council's assessment.

Public Comments

    The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever possible, to 
afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking 
process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written 
comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed 
regulations. Before promulgating final migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will consider all comments we receive. These comments, 
and any additional information we receive, may lead to final 
regulations that differ from these proposals. You may submit your 
comments and materials concerning this proposed rule by one of the 
methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept comments 
sent by e-mail or fax. 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 all comments in 
their entirety--including your personal identifying information--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.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Room 4107, 
4501 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203. For each series of 
proposed rulemakings, we will establish specific comment periods. We 
will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. 
As in the past, we will summarize all comments we receive during the 
comment period and respond to them after the closing date in the 
preambles of any final rules.

Required Determinations

    Based on our most current data, we are affirming our required 
determinations made in the April 8 proposed rule; for descriptions of 
our actions to ensure compliance with the following statutes and 
Executive Orders,

[[Page 53545]]

see our April 8, 2011, proposed rule (76 FR 19876):
     National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration;
     Endangered Species Act Consideration;
     Regulatory Flexibility Act;
     Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act;
     Paperwork Reduction Act;
     Unfunded Mandates Reform Act;
     Executive Orders 12630, 12866, 12988, 13132, 13175, and 
13211.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2011-12 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 15, 2011.
Jane Lyder,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2011-12 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following 
proposals for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession 
limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for 
hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 2011, and 
March 10, 2012. These frameworks are summarized below.

General

    Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
    Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise 
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
    Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits 
are twice the daily bag limit.
    Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service 
authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take 
by sport hunters, or both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans, some 
sandhill crane populations), the Service determines the amount of 
harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal 
regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to 
hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized 
by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not 
be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations.
    These Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to 
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on 
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory 
birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions 
of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The 
permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions 
and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The 
permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and 
may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another 
person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit 
becomes invalid.

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

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

Management Units

    High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian.

Definitions

    For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, the collective 
terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following species:
    Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in 
California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other 
goose species except light geese.
    Light geese: Snow (including blue) geese and Ross's geese.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related 
to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this 
document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are 
listed below by Flyway.

Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway

    In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and 
Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, 
all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including 
mergansers and coots).

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

    Outside Dates: States may select 2 days per duck-hunting zone, 
designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' in addition to their 
regular duck seasons. The days must be held outside any regular duck 
season on a weekend, holidays, or other non-school days when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may 
be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season 
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any 
other open season on migratory birds.
    Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, 
tundra swans, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be 
the same as those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and 
area restrictions would remain in effect.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
    Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age 
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must 
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt 
but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth 
day. Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing 
applicable tundra swan permits.

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit is 6 
ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 black duck, 2 
pintails, 1

[[Page 53546]]

mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 
scaup, 1 canvasback, and 4 scoters.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular 
duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the 
above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks 
during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be 
taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the 
regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession 
limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, 
only two of which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone 
of New Hampshire.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West 
Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, 
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, and Vermont may select hunting seasons by zones and may 
split their seasons into two segments in each zone.

Canada Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for 
Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons also include 
white-fronted geese. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split 
into two segments. In areas within States where the framework closing 
date for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons overlaps with special 
late-season frameworks for resident geese, the framework closing date 
for AP goose seasons is January 14.
    Connecticut:
    North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and January 
31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 45-day season may be held between 
the fourth Saturday in October (October 22) and January 31, with a 3-
bird daily bag limit.
    South Zone: A special season may be held between January 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Resident Population (RP) Zone: An 80-day season may be held between 
October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season 
may be split into 3 segments.
    Delaware: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Florida: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split 
into 3 segments.
    Georgia: In specific areas, an 80-day season may be held between 
November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season 
may be split into 3 segments.
    Maine: A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Maryland:
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Massachusetts:
    NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 
31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may 
be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 20 and January 
31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    New Hampshire:
    A 60-day season may be held statewide between October 1 and January 
31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Jersey:
    Statewide: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday 
in October (October 22) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held in 
designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    New York:
    NAP Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be 
held, with a 2-bird daily bag limit in the High Harvest areas; and 
between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held, with a 
3-bird daily bag limit in the Low Harvest areas.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in 
designated areas of Suffolk County.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 22), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the 
opening date is October 20, and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag 
limit.
    Western Long Island RP Zone: A 107-day season may be held between 
the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and March 10, with an 
8-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
    Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the 
fourth Saturday in October (October 22) and March 10, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
    North Carolina:
    SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
December 31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: A 7-day season may be held between the 
Saturday prior to December 25 (December 24) and January 31, with a 1-
bird daily bag limit.
    Pennsylvania:
    SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between the second Saturday 
in October (October 8) and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday 
in October (October 22) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. 
The season may be split into 3 segments.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 22) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Rhode Island: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. A special late season may be 
held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit.
    South Carolina: In designated areas, an 80-day season may be held 
during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The 
season may be split into 3 segments.
    Vermont: A 45-day season may be held between October 20 and January 
31 with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Lake Champlain Zone and 
Interior Zone. A 60-day season may be held in the Connecticut River 
Zone between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Virginia:
    SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January

[[Page 53547]]

14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special late season 
may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag 
limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
    West Virginia: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 
2 segments in each zone.

Light Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 25-bird daily bag 
limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into 
three segments.

Brant

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 50-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. States may split their 
seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: The season may not exceed 60 days, 
with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards 
(no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 
2 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 1 canvasback, 2 scaup, and 2 redheads.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 2 of which may be 
hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag 
limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, 
and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into 
two segments in each zone.
    In Arkansas and Mississippi, the season may be split into three 
segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily 
between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and March 10; 
for white-fronted geese not to exceed 74 days with 2 geese daily or 88 
days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 
(September 24) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12); and 
for brant not to exceed 70 days, with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 
brant daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) 
and January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific 
regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general 
provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside 
dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and January 31.
    Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may 
not exceed 70 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    Arkansas: In the Northwest Zone, the season for Canada geese may 
extend for 82 days. In the remainder of the State, the season may not 
exceed 72 days. The season may extend to February 15. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Illinois: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days in the 
North and Central Zones and 66 days in the South Central and South 
Zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Indiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 74 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Late Canada Goose Season Areas:
    (a) A special Canada goose season of up to 15 days may be held 
during February 1-15 in the Late Canada Goose Season Zone. During this 
special season the daily bag limit cannot exceed 5 Canada geese.
    (b) An experimental special Canada goose season of up to 15 days 
may be held during February 1-15 in the Experimental Late Canada Goose 
Zone. During this special season the daily bag limit cannot exceed 5 
Canada geese.
    Iowa: The season for Canada geese may extend for 107 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Kentucky:
    (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days (85 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton County may extend 
to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 70 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 44 days. The 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    Michigan:
    (a) North Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Middle Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) South Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Allegan County and Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The framework 
opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada 
geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (2) Saginaw County and Tuscola/Huron GMUs--The framework opening 
date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may 
extend for 45 days through December 30 and an additional 30 days may be 
held between December 31 and February 7. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (d) Southern Michigan Late Season Canada Goose Zone--A 30-day 
special Canada goose season may be held between December 31 and 
February 7. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    Minnesota: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Ohio:
    (a) Lake Erie Zone--The season may extend for 74 days. The daily 
bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) North Zone--The season may extend for 74 days. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) South Zone--The season may extend for 74 days. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Tennessee:
    (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may not exceed 72 
days,

[[Page 53548]]

and may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 
days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Wisconsin:
    (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The season may not exceed 92 days. All Canada geese 
harvested must be tagged. The season limit will be 6 Canada geese per 
permittee.
    (b) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The season may not exceed 85 days. The daily bag limit is 
2 Canada geese.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Hunting Seasons:
    (1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 
97 days. The last 23 days must run consecutively and may start no 
earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 10).
    (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days.
    Bag Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with species and sex 
restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be 
females), 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, and 1 
canvasback. In Texas, the daily bag limit on mottled ducks is 1, except 
for the first 5 days of the season when it is closed.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck 
bag limit, only two of which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Colorado, Kansas (Low Plains portion), 
Montana, Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low 
Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains 
portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be 
split into two segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council 
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by 
each participating State.
    Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the 
outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 24) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light 
Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial 
restrictions that are consistent with the late-winter snow goose 
hunting strategy cooperatively developed by the Central Flyway Council 
and the Service are required.
    Season Lengths and Limits:
    Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 
107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession 
limit.
    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season 
for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted 
geese) not to exceed 107 days with a daily bag limit of 3. 
Additionally, in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season 
of 107 days with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. 
For white-fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 74 
days with a bag limit of 2 or an 88-day season with a bag limit of 1.
    In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select 
seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 
in the aggregate.
    In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 
days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose 
species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for 
white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

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

    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days. The daily bag 
limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female 
mallards, 2 pintails, 3 scaup, 1 canvasback, and 2 redheads. For scaup, 
the season length would be 86 days, which may be split according to 
applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each 
State.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules 
are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
24) and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by 
zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, 
and Wyoming may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico may split their seasons into 
three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona 
(South Zone).

Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits:
    California, Oregon, and Washington:
    Dark geese: Except as subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be 
selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 1), and the last Sunday in January (January 29). The basic 
daily bag limit is 4 dark geese, except the dark goose bag limit does 
not include brant.
    Light geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be 
selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 1), and March 10. The daily bag limit is 6 light geese.
    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and 
Wyoming:
    Dark geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be 
selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 
(September 24), and the last Sunday in January (January

[[Page 53549]]

29). The basic daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.
    Light geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be 
selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 
(September 24), and March 10. The basic daily bag limit is 10 light 
geese.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese 
and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each 
participating State.

Brant Season

    Oregon may select a 16-day season, Washington a 16-day season, and 
California a 30-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and 
California may select hunting seasons by up to two zones. The daily bag 
limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits. In Oregon and 
California, the brant season must end no later than December 15.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    California:
    Northeastern Zone: The daily bag limit is 6 dark geese.
    Balance-of-State Zone: A 107-day season may be selected with 
outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1) and 
March 10. Limits may not include more than 6 dark geese per day. In the 
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, the season on white-fronted 
geese must end on or before December 28 and the daily bag limit shall 
contain no more than 2 white-fronted geese. In the North Coast Special 
Management Area, a 107-day season may be selected, with outside dates 
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1) and March 10. 
Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January shall be 
concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone.
    Idaho:
    Zone 3: Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January 
shall be concurrent with Oregon's Malheur County Zone.
    Nevada: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    Oregon:
    Harney and Lake County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily dark 
goose bag limit may not include more than 1 white-fronted goose.
    Klamath County Zone: A 107-day season may be selected, with outside 
dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and March 10. 
A 3-way split season may be selected. For hunting days after the last 
Sunday in January, the daily bag limit may not include Canada geese.
    Malheur County Zone: The daily bag limit of light geese is 10. 
Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January shall be 
concurrent with Idaho's Zone 2.
    Northwest Zone: The daily bag limit may not include more than 3 
cackling or Aleutian geese.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: Outside dates are between the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1) and March 10. The daily bag 
limit may not include more than 3 cackling or Aleutian geese and daily 
bag limit of light geese is 4.
    South Coast Zone: A 107-day season may be selected, with outside 
dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1) and March 10. 
Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January shall be 
concurrent with California's North Coast Special Management Area. A 3-
way split season may be selected.
    Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese.
    Area 1: Outside dates are between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 1), and the last Sunday in January (January 29).
    Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Quota Zone): Except for designated 
areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit may include 3 cackling 
geese. In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B (Pacific County), the daily bag 
limit may include 1 Aleutian goose.
    Areas 4 and 5: A 107-day season may be selected for dark geese.
    Wyoming: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.

Quota Zones

    Seasons on geese must end upon attainment of individual quotas of 
dusky geese allotted to the designated areas of Oregon (90) and 
Washington (45). The September Canada goose season, the regular goose 
season, any special late dark goose season, and any extended falconry 
season, combined, must not exceed 107 days, and the established quota 
of dusky geese must not be exceeded. Hunting of geese in those 
designated areas will be only by hunters possessing a State-issued 
permit authorizing them to do so. In a Service-approved investigation, 
the State must obtain quantitative information on hunter compliance of 
those regulations aimed at reducing the take of dusky geese. If the 
monitoring program cannot be conducted, for any reason, the season must 
immediately close. In the designated areas of the Washington Southwest 
Quota Zone, a special late goose season may be held between the 
Saturday following the close of the general goose season and March 10. 
In the Northwest Special Permit Zone of Oregon, the framework closing 
date is March 10. Regular goose seasons may be split into 3 segments 
within the Oregon and Washington quota zones.

Swans

    In portions of the Pacific Flyway (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an 
open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. 
Permits will be issued by the State and will authorize each permittee 
to take no more than 1 swan per season with each permit. Nevada may 
issue up to 2 permits per hunter. Montana and Utah may only issue 1 
permit per hunter. Each State's season may open no earlier than the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1). These seasons are also subject 
to the following conditions:
    Montana: No more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1. The State must implement a harvest-
monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan 
harvest and should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter 
compliance in reporting bill measurement and color information.
    Utah: No more than 2,000 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 10 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 11) or upon 
attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the 
Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August 2001, 
regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education 
requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan 
season.
    Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 8) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In addition, the States of Utah and Nevada must implement a 
harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the 
swan harvest. The harvest-monitoring program must require that all 
harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by 
either State or Federal

[[Page 53550]]

biologists for the purpose of species classification. The States should 
use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing 
bagged swans for examination. Further, the States of Montana, Nevada, 
and Utah must achieve at least an 80-percent compliance rate, or 
subsequent permits will be reduced by 10 percent. All three States must 
provide to the Service by June 30, 2012, a report detailing harvest, 
hunter participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan 
populations in the designated hunt areas.

Tundra Swans

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

--The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31.
--In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.
In the Central Flyway:

--The season may be 107 days, from the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 1) to January 31.
--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,200 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,300 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway
    Connecticut:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Maine:
    North Zone: That portion north of the line extending from the 
Maine-New Brunswick border in Baileyville, Maine west along Stony Brook 
to Route 9 in Baileyville; west along Route 9 to Route 15 in Bangor; 
west along Route 15 to I-95 in Bangor; southwest along I-95 to the 
bridge across the Kennebec River in Fairfield; north/northwest along 
the western shore of the Kennebec River to the bridge across the 
Kennebec River in Anson; southwest along Route 148 in Anson to Route 43 
in Industry; southwest along Route 43 to Route 4 in Farmington; 
southwest along Route 4 to Route 140 in Jay; southwest along Route 140 
to Route 108 in Canton; southeast along Route 108 to Route 4 in 
Livermore; south along Route 4 to Route 11 in Auburn; southwest along 
Route 11 to Route 110 in Newfield; and west along Route 110 to Maine-
New Hampshire border.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts:
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont State line on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 
10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
State line.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line on 
I-95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south 
on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, 
west to the Rhode Island State line; except the waters, and the lands 
150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River 
upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the 
Center St.- Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
    New Hampshire:
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending 
west from the Maine State line in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of 
Dover, south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and 
Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, east to NH 
51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) 
in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts State line.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above 
boundary and along the Massachusetts State line crossing the 
Connecticut River to Interstate 91 and northward in Vermont to Route 2, 
east to 102, northward to the Canadian border.
    New Jersey:
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning 
at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the 
New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the 
Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the 
shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware State line in 
Delaware Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State 
line in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.
    New York:
    Lake Champlain Zone: That area east and north of a continuous line 
extending along U.S. 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary 
south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 
22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South 
Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east 
shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along 
U.S. 4 to the Vermont State line.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania State line.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending 
from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-
81, south along I-81 to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along 
NY 13 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, 
east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to NY 22, north along NY 22 
to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-
Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
    Pennsylvania:
    Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a 
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on 
the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle 
Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S.

[[Page 53551]]

220, Route 220 to I-180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
    Vermont:
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area north and west of the line extending from the New York border 
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; 
U.S. 7 to VT 78 at Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to Maquam Bay on Lake 
Champlain; along and around the shoreline of Maquam Bay and Hog Island 
to VT 78 at the West Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in Alburg; VT 2 to 
the Richelieu River in Alburg; along the east shore of the Richelieu 
River to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain 
Zone and west of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at 
Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2; east along U.S. 2 
to VT 102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the 
Canadian border.
    Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of 
the Interior Zone.
Mississippi Flyway
    Alabama:
    South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.
    Illinois:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
west from the Indiana border along Peotone-Beecher Road to Illinois 
Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road, 
west along Wilmington-Peotone Road to Illinois Route 53, north along 
Illinois Route 53 to New River Road, northwest along New River Road to 
Interstate Highway 55, south along I-55 to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road, 
west along Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road to Illinois Route 47, north along 
Illinois Route 47 to I-80, west along I-80 to I-39, south along I-39 to 
Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois Route 29, 
south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois 
Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across the Mississippi 
River to the Iowa border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Duck 
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70 
to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 
161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and 
west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along 
Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to 
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's road to Modoc Road, west along 
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to 
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry 
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route 
and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to 
the Missouri border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line 
extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along 
U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to 
Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on 
Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to 
Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, 
south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west 
along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 
3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank 
of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the 
Mississippi River to the Missouri border.
    South Central Zone: The remainder of the State between the south 
border of the Central Zone and the North border of the South Zone.
    Indiana:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Illinois State line along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 
31, north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, 
then southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio State line.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois State line along Interstate Highway 64 
to New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State Road 56, east along 
State Road 56 to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio 
River to North Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then 
northeast along U.S. 50 to the Ohio State line.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.
    Iowa:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the South Dakota-Iowa border along Interstate 29 southeast to 
Woodbury County Road D38, east along Woodbury County Road D38 to 
Woodbury County Road K45, southeast along Woodbury County Road K45 to 
State Highway 175, east along State Highway 175 to State Highway 37, 
southeast along State Highway 37 to State Highway 183, northeast along 
State Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east along State Highway 141 to 
U.S. Highway 30, and along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
    Kentucky:
    West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, 
Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
    Louisiana:
    West Zone: That portion of the State west and south of a line 
extending south from the Arkansas State line along Louisiana Highway 3 
to Bossier City, east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south 
along Louisiana 7 to Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, 
south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to 
the Mississippi State line.
    East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.
    Michigan:
    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin State line in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 
to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 
to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the 
centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of 
the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles 
into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to 
the Canadian border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
    Minnesota:
    North Duck Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the North Dakota State line along State Highway 210 
to State Highway 23, east along State Highway 23 to State Highway 39, 
then east along State Highway 39 to the Wisconsin State line at the 
Oliver Bridge.
    South Duck Zone: The remainder of Minnesota.
    Missouri:
    North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west 
from the Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; west on Lincoln County 
Hwy. N to Mo. Hwy.

[[Page 53552]]

79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 to Mo. Hwy. 47; west on Mo. Hwy. 47 to I-70; 
west on I-70 to the Kansas border.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri not included in other zones.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo. Hwy. 25; south on Mo. 
Hwy 25. to U.S. Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo. Hwy. 53; north on 
Mo. Hwy. 53 to Mo. Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 to U.S. Hwy. 60; west 
on U.S. Hwy. 60 to Mo. Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. 21 to Mo. Hwy. 72; 
west on Mo. Hwy. 72 to Mo. Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. 32 to U.S. Hwy. 
65; north on U.S. Hwy. 65 to U.S. Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. 54 to U.S. 
Hwy. 71; south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Jasper County Hwy. M; west on Jasper 
County Hwy. M to the Kansas border.
    Ohio:
    Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all land and water within the 
boundaries of the area bordered by Interstate 75 from the Ohio-Michigan 
line to Interstate 280 to Interstate 80 to the Erie-Lorain County line 
extending to a line measuring two hundred (200) yards from the 
shoreline into the waters of Lake Erie and including the waters of 
Sandusky Bay and Maumee Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the Ohio-Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the 
Ohio-West Virginia border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.
    Tennessee:
    Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
    State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.
    Wisconsin:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Minnesota State line along U.S. Highway 10 into Portage 
County to County Highway HH, east on County Highway HH to State Highway 
66 and then east on State Highway 66 to U.S. Highway 10, continuing 
east on U.S. Highway 10 to U.S. Highway 41, then north on U.S. Highway 
41 to the Michigan State line.
    One or both of the following two zones:
    Mississippi River Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and 
the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending northerly along 
the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of 
Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to 
the Minnesota State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.
Central Flyway
    Colorado (Central Flyway Portion):
    Northeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of 
Interstate 70.
    Southeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and south of 
Interstate 70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas 
counties.
    Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas west of Interstate 25 and east 
of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las 
Animas counties.
    Kansas:
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Nebraska-Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with US-36, 
then east on US-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to 
its junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 
30 Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction 
with Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its 
junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd 
to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with US-24, 
then west on US-24 to its junction with US-281, then north on US-281 to 
its junction with US-36, then west on US-36 to its junction with US-
183, then south on US-183 to its junction with US-24, then west on US-
24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast on K-18 to its junction 
with US-183, then south on US-183 to its junction with K-4, then east 
on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then south on I-135 to its junction 
with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to McPherson County 14th Avenue, then 
south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, 
then west on Arapaho Rd to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-
61 to its junction with K-96, then northwest on K-96 to its junction 
with US-56, then southwest on US-56 to its junction with K-19, then 
east on K-19 to its junction with US-281, then south on US-281 to its 
junction with US-54, then west on US-54 to its junction with US-183, 
then north on US-183 to its junction with US-56, then southwest on US-
56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then south on Ford County 
Rd 126 to its junction with US-400, then northwest on US-400 to its 
junction with US-283, then north on US-283 to its junction with the 
Nebraska-Kansas State line, then east along the Nebraska-Kansas State 
line to its junction with K-128.
    Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Nebraska-
Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with US-36, then east 
on US-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to its 
junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 30 
Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction with 
Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its 
junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd 
to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with US-24, 
then west on US-24 to its junction with US-281, then north on US-281 to 
its junction with US-36, then west on US-36 to its junction with US-
183, then south on US-183 to its junction with US-24, then west on US-
24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast on K-18 to its junction 
with US-183, then south on US-183 to its junction with K-4, then east 
on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then south on I-135 to its junction 
with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to 14th Avenue, then south on 14th 
Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on Arapaho Rd to its 
junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to its junction with K-96, 
then northwest on K-96 to its junction with US-56, then southwest on 
US-56 to its junction with K-19, then east on K-19 to its junction with 
US-281, then south on US-281 to its junction with US-54, then west on 
US-54 to its junction with US-183, then north on US-183 to its junction 
with US-56, then southwest on US-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 
126, then south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with US-400, then 
northwest on US-400 to its junction with US-283, then south on US-283 
to its junction with the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along 
the Oklahoma-Kansas State line to its junction with US-77, then north 
on US-77 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, then east 
on Butler County, NE 150th Street to its junction with US-35, then 
northeast on US-35 to its junction with K-68, then east on K-68 to the 
Kansas-Missouri State line, then north along the Kansas-Missouri State 
line to its junction with the Nebraska State line, then west along the 
Kansas-Nebraska State line to its junction with K-128.
    Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Missouri-Kansas State line west on K-68 to its junction with US-35, 
then southwest on US-35 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th 
Street, then west on NE 150th Street until its junction with K-77, then 
south on K-77 to the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along the 
Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction with the Missouri State 
line,

[[Page 53553]]

then north along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction with K-
68.
    Montana (Central Flyway Portion):
    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, 
Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, 
Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, 
Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and 
Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.
    Nebraska:
    High Plains: That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line 
beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy. 183; south 
on U.S. Hwy. 183 to U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to NE Hwy. 7; 
south on NE Hwy. 7 to NE Hwy. 91; southwest on NE Hwy. 91 to NE Hwy. 2; 
southeast on NE Hwy. 2 to NE Hwy. 92; west on NE Hwy. 92 to NE Hwy. 40; 
south on NE Hwy. 40 to NE Hwy. 47; south on NE Hwy. 47 to NE Hwy. 23; 
east on NE Hwy. 23 to U.S. Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283 to the 
Kansas-Nebraska border.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of Dixon County west of NE Hwy. 26E 
Spur and north of NE Hwy. 12; those portions of Cedar and Knox Counties 
north of NE Hwy. 12; that portion of Keya Paha County east of U.S. Hwy. 
183; and all of Boyd County. Both banks of the Niobrara River in Keya 
Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. Hwy. 183 shall be included in Zone 
1.
    Low Plains Zone 2: Area bounded by designated Federal and State 
highways and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska 
border on U.S. Hwy. 75 to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to the intersection of 
U.S. Hwy. 136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to 
the intersection with Federal Levee R-562; north along Federal Levee R-
562 to the intersection with the Trace; north along the Trace/
Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to NE Hwy. 2; west to U.S. 
Hwy. 75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE Hwy. 43; north to U.S. Hwy. 34; 
east to NE Hwy. 63; north and west to U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE Hwy. 
92; west to County Rd X; south to County Rd 21 (Seward County Line); 
west to NE Hwy. 15; north to County Rd 34; west to County Rd J; south 
to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. 81; south to NE 66; west to County Rd C; 
north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 30; west to NE Hwy. 14; south to 
County Rd 22 (Hamilton County); west to County Rd M; south to County Rd 
21; west to County Rd K; south to U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; 
south to U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrel Rd (Hall/Hamilton county 
line); south to Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to U.S. Hwy. 
34; west to NE Hwy. 10; north to County Rd ``R'' (Kearney County) and 
County Rd 742 (Phelps County); west to County Rd 438 
(Gosper County line); south along County Rd 438 (Gosper County 
line) to County Rd 726 (Furnas County line); east to County Rd 
438 (Harlan County line); south to U.S. Hwy. 34; south and 
west to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to U.S. Hwy. 183; north to NE Hwy. 4; east 
to NE Hwy. 10; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east to NE Hwy. 14; south to the 
Kansas-Nebraska border; west to U.S. Hwy. 283; north to NE Hwy. 23; 
west to NE Hwy. 47; north to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to County Rd 13; north 
to County Rd O; east to NE Hwy. 14; north to NE Hwy. 52; west and north 
to NE Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to NE Hwy. 22; west to NE 
Hwy. 11; northwest to NE Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 183; south to Round 
Valley Rd; west to Sargent River Rd; west to Sargent Rd; west to 
Milburn Rd; north to Blaine County Line; east to Loup County Line; 
north to NE Hwy. 91; west to North Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup 
Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth Rd; east to Loup County Line; north 
to Loup-Brown county line; east along northern boundaries of Loup, 
Garfield and Wheeler counties; south on the Wheeler-Antelope county 
line to NE Hwy. 70; east to NE Hwy. 14; south to NE Hwy. 39; southeast 
to NE Hwy. 22; east to U.S. Hwy. 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to 
U.S. Hwy. 75; north to the Washington County line; east to the Iowa-
Nebraska border; south along the Iowa-Nebraska border; to the beginning 
at U.S. Hwy. 75 and the Kansas-Nebraska border.
    Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding 
Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.
    Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south 
of Zone 2.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion):
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.
    North Dakota:
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a 
line from the South Dakota State line along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north 
along the County line to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains Unit: The remainder of North Dakota.
    Oklahoma:
    High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State 
line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along 
U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to 
OK 33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north along OK 18 to OK 51, west 
along OK 51 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along U.S. 412 
to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State line.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
    South Dakota:
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 
83 to U.S. 14, east on U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the Blunt-Canning Rd 
to SD 34, east and south on SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee's Corner, south on SD 
50 to I-90, east on I-90 to SD 50, south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD 
44 across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD 47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18, 
east on U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the Nebraska State line.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along U.S. 212 to 
the Minnesota State line.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47 and south 
of SD 44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line; 
south on SD 50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes Highway to U.S. 281; south 
on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on SD 50 to the Bon 
Homme County line; the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south 
of SD 50; and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
    Texas:
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of 
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International 
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San 
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana State line at 
Orange, Texas.
    Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway portion):
    Zone C1: The Counties of Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, 
Platte, and Washakie; and the portion of Park

[[Page 53554]]

County east of the Shoshone National Forest boundary and south of a 
line beginning where the Shoshone National Forest boundary meets Park 
County Road 8VC, east along Park County Road 8VC to Park County Road 
1AB, continuing east along Park County Road 1AB to Wyoming Highway 120, 
north along WY Highway 120 to WY Highway 294, south along WY Highway 
294 to Lane 9, east along Lane 9 to Powel and WY Highway 14A, and 
finally east along WY Highway 14A to the Park County and Big Horn 
County line.
    Zone C2: The remainder of Wyoming.
Pacific Flyway
    Arizona:
    Game Management Units (GMU) as follows:
    South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and 
GMUs 10 and 12B-45.
    North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within 
Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.
    California:
    Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the 
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with 
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its 
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with 
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection 
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to 
Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North 
Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and 
east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the 
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines; west along the 
California-Oregon State line to the point of origin.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada State 
line south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
State line.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-State Zone: The remainder of California not included in 
the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the Southern 
San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.
    Idaho:
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Clark, Clearwater, 
Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, 
Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Power County west of State Highway 
37 and State Highway 39, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
    Nevada:
    Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties.
    Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, 
Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and 
Washoe Counties.
    South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln County.
    Oregon:
    Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, 
Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, 
Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, 
Morrow and Umatilla Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of the State.
    Utah:
    Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, 
Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and 
that part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington:
    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.
    Wyoming:
    Snake River Zone: Beginning at the south boundary of Yellowstone 
National Park and the Continental Divide; south along the Continental 
Divide to Union Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S. Road 600); west 
and south along the Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605; south along 
U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary; along 
the national forest boundary to the Idaho State line; north along the 
Idaho State line to the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park; 
east along the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Continental 
Divide.
    Balance of State Zone: Balance of the Pacific Flyway in Wyoming 
outside the Snake River Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway
    Connecticut:
    AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west 
of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and 
extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in 
Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection 
with the Hartford/Middlesex County line.
    AFRP Unit: Starting at the intersection of I-95 and the Quinnipiac 
River, north on the Quinnipiac River to its intersection with I-91, 
north on I-91 to I-691, west on I-691 to the Hartford County line, and 
encompassing the rest of New Haven County and Fairfield County in its 
entirety.

[[Page 53555]]

    NAP H-Unit: All of the rest of the State not included in the AP or 
AFRP descriptions above.
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.
    Maryland:
    Resident Population (RP) Zone: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, 
Frederick, and Montgomery Counties; that portion of Prince George's 
County west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County 
west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of 
Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and 
west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts:
    NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones).
    AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones).
    Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the 
Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal, 
north to the New Hampshire line.
    New Hampshire:
    Same zones as for ducks.
    New Jersey:
    North: That portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then 
south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 
440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with 
Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 
in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection 
with Route 94: then west along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; 
then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River 
to the beginning point.
    South: That portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70; 
then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to 
Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along 
Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck 
Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 
to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); 
then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along 
Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then 
north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route 
47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along 
Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle 
City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then 
north to the beginning point.
    New York:
    Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north 
of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada 
International boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 
9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along 
Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline 
of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast 
along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York-
Vermont boundary.
    Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a 
continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore 
of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 
to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to 
Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to 
Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 
22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County 
Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-Vermont boundary, 
exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside 
of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east 
along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east 
along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east 
along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball 
Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West 
Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along 
Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to 
State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along 
the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady 
County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south 
along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady 
County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 
406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 
99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, 
southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 at Altamont, west along Route 
146 to Albany County Route 252, northwest along Route 252 to 
Schenectady County Route 131, north along Route 131 to Route 7, west 
along Route 7 to Route 10 at Richmondville, south on Route 10 to Route 
23 at Stamford, west along Route 23 to Route 7 in Oneonta, southwest 
along Route 7 to Route 79 to Interstate Route 88 near Harpursville, 
west along Route 88 to Interstate Route 81, north along Route 81 to the 
point of beginning.
    West Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a 
continuous line beginning at the point where the northerly extension of 
Route 269 (County Line Road on the Niagara-Orleans County boundary) 
meets the International boundary with Canada, south to the shore of 
Lake Ontario at the eastern boundary of Golden Hill State Park, south 
along the extension of Route 269 and Route 269 to Route 104 at Jeddo, 
west along Route 104 to Niagara County Route 271, south along Route 271 
to Route 31E at Middleport, south along Route 31E to Route 31, west 
along Route 31 to Griswold Street, south along Griswold Street to Ditch 
Road, south along Ditch Road to Foot Road, south along Foot Road to the 
north bank of Tonawanda Creek, west along the north bank of Tonawanda 
Creek to Route 93, south along Route 93 to Route 5, east along Route 5 
to Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road, south on Crittenden-Murrays Corners 
Road to the NYS Thruway, east along the Thruway 90 to Route 98 (at 
Thruway Exit 48) in Batavia, south along Route 98 to Route 20, east 
along Route 20 to Route 19 in Pavilion Center, south along Route 19 to 
Route 63, southeast along Route 63 to Route 246, south along Route 246 
to Route 39 in Perry, northeast along Route 39 to Route 20A, northeast 
along Route 20A to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 364 (near 
Canandaigua), south and east along Route 364 to Yates County Route 18 
(Italy Valley Road), southwest along Route 18 to Yates County Route 34, 
east along Route 34 to Yates County Route 32, south along Route 32 to 
Steuben County Route 122, south along Route 122 to Route 53, south 
along Route 53 to Steuben County Route 74, east along Route 74 to Route 
54A (near Pulteney), south along Route 54A to Steuben County Route 87, 
east along Route 87 to Steuben County Route 96, east along Route 96 to 
Steuben County Route 114, east along Route 114 to Schuyler County Route 
23, east and southeast along Route 23 to Schuyler County Route 28, 
southeast along Route

[[Page 53556]]

28 to Route 409 at Watkins Glen, south along Route 409 to Route 14, 
south along Route 14 to Route 224 at Montour Falls, east along Route 
224 to Route 228 in Odessa, north along Route 228 to Route 79 in 
Mecklenburg, east along Route 79 to Route 366 in Ithaca, northeast 
along Route 366 to Route 13, northeast along Route 13 to Interstate 
Route 81 in Cortland, north along Route 81 to the north shore of the 
Salmon River to shore of Lake Ontario, extending generally northwest in 
a straight line to the nearest point of the International boundary with 
Canada, south and west along the International boundary to the point of 
beginning.
    Hudson Valley Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within 
a continuous line extending from Route 4 at the New York-Vermont 
boundary, west and south along Route 4 to Route 149 at Fort Ann, west 
on Route 149 to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Interstate Route 87 (at 
Exit 20 in Glens Falls), south along Route 87 to Route 29, west along 
Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to 
Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 
to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County 
Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to 
the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, 
southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest 
along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, 
southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along 
Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County 
Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, 
south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to 
Route 146 at Altamont, southeast along Route 146 to Main Street in 
Altamont, west along Main Street to Route 156, southeast along Route 
156 to Albany County Route 307, southeast along Route 307 to Route 85A, 
southwest along Route 85A to Route 85, south along Route 85 to Route 
443, southeast along Route 443 to Albany County Route 301 at 
Clarksville, southeast along Route 301 to Route 32, south along Route 
32 to Route 23 at Cairo, west along Route 23 to Joseph Chadderdon Road, 
southeast along Joseph Chadderdon Road to Hearts Content Road (Greene 
County Route 31), southeast along Route 31 to Route 32, south along 
Route 32 to Greene County Route 23A, east along Route 23A to Interstate 
Route 87 (the NYS Thruway), south along Route 87 to Route 28 (Exit 19) 
near Kingston, northwest on Route 28 to Route 209, southwest on Route 
209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary, southeast along the New 
York-Pennsylvania boundary to the New York-New Jersey boundary, 
southeast along the New York-New Jersey boundary to Route 210 near 
Greenwood Lake, northeast along Route 210 to Orange County Route 5, 
northeast along Orange County Route 5 to Route 105 in the Village of 
Monroe, east and north along Route 105 to Route 32, northeast along 
Route 32 to Orange County Route 107 (Quaker Avenue), east along Route 
107 to Route 9W, north along Route 9W to the south bank of Moodna 
Creek, southeast along the south bank of Moodna Creek to the New 
Windsor-Cornwall town boundary, northeast along the New Windsor-
Cornwall town boundary to the Orange-Dutchess County boundary (middle 
of the Hudson River), north along the county boundary to Interstate 
Route 84, east along Route 84 to the Dutchess-Putnam County boundary, 
east along the county boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary, 
north along the New York-Connecticut boundary to the New York-
Massachusetts boundary, north along the New York-Massachusetts boundary 
to the New York-Vermont boundary, north to the point of beginning.
    Eastern Long Island Goose Area (NAP High Harvest Area): That area 
of Suffolk County lying east of a continuous line extending due south 
from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of 
Roanoke Avenue in the Town of Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue 
(which becomes County Route 73) to State Route 25; then west on Route 
25 to Peconic Avenue; then south on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR) 
104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead 
Road); then south on CR 31 to Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to 
Potunk Lane; then west on Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in 
Westhampton Beach) to Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to 
international waters.
    Western Long Island Goose Area (RP Area): That area of Westchester 
County and its tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that 
area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line 
extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the 
northernmost end of the Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then south on the 
Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then south on the 
Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert Moses State Parkway; then south on the 
Robert Moses Parkway to its southernmost end; then due south to 
international waters.
    Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area): That area of 
Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose 
Areas, as defined above.
    South Goose Area: The remainder of New York State, excluding New 
York City.
    Special Late Canada Goose Area: That area of the Central Long 
Island Goose Area lying north of State Route 25A and west of a 
continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall 
Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, then east to Sound Road and 
then north to Long Island Sound and then due north to the New York-
Connecticut boundary.
    North Carolina:
    SJBP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Halifax (that 
portion east of NC 903), Montgomery (that portion west of NC 109), 
Northampton, Richmond (that portion south of NC 73 and west of US 220 
and north of US 74), Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Wake.
    RP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Alamance, Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie 
(that portion south and west of a line formed by NC 45 at the 
Washington Co. line to US 17 in Midway, US 17 in Midway to US 13 in 
Windsor, US 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Bladen, Brunswick, 
Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, 
Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe, 
Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, 
Halifax (that portion west of NC 903), Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, 
Hertford, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, 
Lincoln, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, 
Montgomery (that portion that is east of NC 109), Moore, Nash, New 
Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, 
Richmond (all of the county with exception of that portion that is 
south of NC 73 and west of US 220 and north of US 74), Robeson, 
Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Swain, 
Transylvania, Vance, Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, 
and Yancey.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Bertie (that portion north and east of a line formed by NC 45 
at the Washington County line to US 17 in Midway, US 17 in Midway to US 
13 in Windsor, US 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Camden, 
Chowan,

[[Page 53557]]

Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
    Pennsylvania:
    Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for SJBP 
Zone and the area east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of US Route 
30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of 
SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, 
and south of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.
    SJBP Zone: The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the 
city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie 
Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of 
the Lake Erie Shoreline).
    AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of US Route 
30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of 
SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, 
south of I-80 to New Jersey State line.
    Rhode Island:
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
    South Carolina:
    Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon County, that 
portion of Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6, and that portion of 
Berkeley County north of SC Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line 
to the junction of SC Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and that portion 
west of the Santee Dam.
    Vermont:
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Virginia:
    AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the 
Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at 
Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then 
Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the 
North Carolina line.
    SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of 
the following line: the ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West 
Virginia-Virginia Border (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) south to 
Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the 
western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle 
and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 
15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line.
    RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone.
    West Virginia:
    Same zones as for ducks.
Mississippi Flyway
    Alabama:
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.
    Arkansas:
    Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, 
Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry, 
Pope, Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and 
Yell Counties.
    Illinois:
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I-39, south along 
I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois 
Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west 
along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across 
the Mississippi River to the Iowa border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Goose 
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70 
to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 
161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and 
west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along 
Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to 
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's road to Modoc Road, west along 
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to 
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry 
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route 
and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to 
the Missouri border.
    South Zone: Same zones as for ducks.
    South Central Zone: Same zones as for ducks.
    Indiana:
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Special Canada Goose Seasons
    Late Canada Goose Season Zone: That part of the state encompassed 
by the following Counties: Steuben, Lagrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph, La 
Porte, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, De Kalb, Allen, Whitley, 
Huntington, Wells, Adams, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hendricks, Marion, 
Hancock, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby.
    Experimental Late Canada Goose Season Zone: That part of the state 
encompassed by the following Counties: Vermillion, Parke, Vigo, Clay, 
Sullivan, and Greene.
    Iowa:
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Kentucky:
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at 
the Tennessee State line at Fulton and extending north along the 
Purchase Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. 
Highway 641, north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 
to the Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the 
Henderson County line to the Indiana State line.
    Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and 
extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along 
the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on 
the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along 
the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to 
U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter, then southwest along U.S. 60 to the 
northeast city limits of Wickliffe.
    Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion 
of Union County within the Western Zone.
    Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and 
Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the 
Western Goose Zone.
    Louisiana:
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Michigan:
    (a) North Zone--Same as North duck zone.
    (b) Middle Zone--Same as Middle duck zone.
    (c) South Zone--Same as South duck zone.
    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate

[[Page 53558]]

Highway 196 in Lake Town Township and extending easterly along 136th 
Avenue to Michigan Highway 40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the 
city of Allegan to 108th Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 
108th Avenue to 46th Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th 
Avenue, westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then 
northerly along I-196 to the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east. Muskegon Wastewater GMU: 
That portion of Muskegon County within the boundaries of the Muskegon 
County wastewater system, east of the Muskegon State Game Area, in 
sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 32, T10N R14W, and 
sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 25, T10N R15W, as posted.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southern Michigan Late Season Canada Goose Zone: Same as the South 
Duck Zone excluding Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU), Allegan 
County GMU, Saginaw County GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU.
    Minnesota:
    Rochester Goose Zone: That part of the State within the following 
described boundary: Beginning at the intersection of State Trunk 
Highway (STH) 247 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 4, Wabasha 
County; thence along CSAH 4 to CSAH 10, Olmsted County; thence along 
CSAH 10 to CSAH 9, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 9 to CSAH 22, 
Winona County; thence along CSAH 22 to STH 74; thence along STH 74 to 
STH 30; thence along STH 30 to CSAH 13, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 
13 to U.S. Highway 14; thence along U.S. Highway 14 to STH 57; thence 
along STH 57 to CSAH 24, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 24 to CSAH 13, 
Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway 52; thence along 
U.S. Highway 52 to CSAH 12, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 12 to STH 
247; thence along STH 247 to the point of beginning.
    Missouri:
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Ohio:
    Lake Erie Goose Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line 
beginning at the Michigan border and extending south along Interstate 
75 to Interstate 280, south on Interstate 280 to Interstate 80, and 
east on Interstate 80 to the Pennsylvania border.
    North Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line beginning at the 
Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the West 
Virginia border excluding the portion of Ohio within the Lake Erie 
Goose Zone.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio
    Tennessee:
    Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State Highways 
20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W.
    Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties and those 
portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest 
Tennessee Zone.
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on 
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones 
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama State line to 
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky State 
line.
    Wisconsin:
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County 
and extending westerly along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago 
County, southerly along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the 
north boundary of Green Lake County, westerly along the north 
boundaries of Green Lake and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly 
along State 22 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to Interstate 
Highway 39, southerly along Interstate Highway 39 to Interstate Highway 
90/94, southerly along I-90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to 
State 83, northerly along State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 
175 to State 33, easterly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly 
along U.S. 45 to the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly 
along the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, 
northerly along the western shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox 
River, then westerly along the Fox River to State 21.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon Zone.
    Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe 
Railway and the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending 
northerly along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city 
limit of Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city 
limit to the Minnesota State line.
    Brown County Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Fox River with Green Bay in Brown County and 
extending southerly along the Fox River to State Highway 29, 
northwesterly along State 29 to the Brown County line, south, east, and 
north along the Brown County line to Green Bay, due west to the 
midpoint of the Green Bay Ship Channel, then southwesterly along the 
Green Bay Ship Channel to the Fox River.
Central Flyway
    Colorado (Central Flyway Portion):
    Northern Front Range Area: All areas in Boulder, Larimer and Weld 
Counties from the Continental Divide east along the Wyoming border to 
U.S. 85, south on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line, and all lands in 
Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and 
Jefferson Counties.
    North Park Area: Jackson County.
    South Park and San Luis Valley Area: All of Alamosa, Chaffee, 
Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Rio Grande and Teller 
Counties, and those portions of Saguache, Mineral and Hinsdale Counties 
east of the Continental Divide.
    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.
    Nebraska:
    Dark Geese
    Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the 
intersection of the South Dakota State line and the eastern Cherry 
County line, south along the Cherry County line to the Niobrara River, 
east to the Norden Road, south on the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east 
along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and 
County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County Line, 
north along the Knox County Line to the South Dakota State line. Where 
the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river are 
included in the Niobrara Unit.
    East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-
Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S. 275, south to 
U.S. 77, south to NE 91, east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State 
line.
    Platte River Unit: That area north and west of U.S. 81 at the 
Kansas--Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west along NE 91 to NE 
11, north to the Holt County line, west along the northern border of 
Garfield, Loup, Blaine and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, 
south along the Thomas-Hooker County lines to the McPherson County 
line, east along the south border of Thomas County to the western line 
of Custer County, south along the Custer-Logan County line to NE 92, 
west to U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61,

[[Page 53559]]

south along NE 61 to NE 92, west along NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south 
along U.S. Hwy 26 to Keith County Line, south along Keith County Line 
to the Colorado State line.
    Panhandle Unit: That area north and west of Keith-Deuel County Line 
at the Nebraska-Colorado State line, north along the Keith County Line 
to U.S. Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE Hwy 61, north along NE 
Hwy 61 to NE Hwy 2, west along NE Hwy 2 to the corner formed by Garden-
Grant-Sheridan Counties, west along the north border of Garden, 
Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the intersection of the 
Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming State line.
    North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State.
    Light Geese
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (West): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 283 and U.S. 30 at Lexington, east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 
281, south on U.S. 281 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 34, continue west 
on U.S. 34 to U.S. 283, then north on U.S. 283 to the beginning.
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 281 and U.S. 30 at Grand Island, north and east on 
U.S. 30 to NE 14, south to NE 66, east to US 81, north to NE 92, east 
on NE 92 to NE 15, south on NE 15 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 281, 
north on U.S. 281 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion):
    Dark Geese
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia 
Counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.
    North Dakota:
    Missouri River Canada Goose Zone: The area within and bounded by a 
line starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the South Dakota border; thence 
north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; thence west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; thence 
north on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; thence north on Mercer County Rd. 21 
to the section line between sections 8 and 9 (T146N-R87W); thence north 
on that section line to the southern shoreline to Lake Sakakawea; 
thence east along the southern shoreline (including Mallard Island) of 
Lake Sakakawea to US Hwy 83; thence south on US Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; 
thence east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; thence south on ND Hwy 41 to US 
Hwy 83; thence south on US Hwy 83 to I-94; thence east on I-94 to US 
Hwy 83; thence south on US Hwy 83 to the South Dakota border; thence 
west along the South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6.
    Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota.
    South Dakota:
    Canada Geese
    Unit 1: Remainder of South Dakota.
    Unit 2: Gregory, Hughes, Lyman, Perkins, and Stanley Counties; that 
portion of Potter County west of US Highway 83; that portion of Sully 
County west of US Highway 83; that portion of Bon Homme, Brule, 
Buffalo, Charles Mix, and Hyde County south and west of a line 
beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County line on SD Highway 34, east to Lees 
Boulevard, southeast to SD 34, east 7 miles to 350th Avenue, south to 
I-90, south and east on SD Highway 50 to Geddes, east on 285th Street 
to US Highway 281, south on US Highway 281 to SD 50, east and south on 
SD 50 to the Bon Homme-Yankton County boundary; that portion of Fall 
River County east of SD Highway 71 and US Highway 385; that portion of 
Custer County east of SD Highway 79 and south of French Creek; that 
portion of Dewey County south of BIA Road 8, BIA Road 9, and the 
section of US 212 east of BIA Road 8 junction.
    Unit 3: Bennett County.
    Texas:
    Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and north of 
a line beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border at U.S. 81, then 
continuing south to Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S. 81 and U.S. 
287 to I-35W and I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San Antonio, then 
east on I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and south of 
a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, then 
continuing north following I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San 
Antonio, then easterly along I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    West Goose Zone: The remainder of the State.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion):
    Dark Geese
    Zone C1: Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, and Washakie Counties, and 
the portion of Park County east of the Shoshone National Forest 
boundary and south of a line beginning where the Shoshone National 
Forest boundary crosses Park County Road 8VC, easterly along said road 
to Park County Road 1AB, easterly along said road to Wyoming Highway 
120, northerly along said highway to Wyoming Highway 294, southeasterly 
along said highway to Lane 9, easterly along said lane to the town of 
Powel and Wyoming Highway 14A, easterly along said highway to the Park 
County and Big Horn County Line.
    Zone C2: Albany, Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Laramie, Niobrara, 
Sheridan, and Weston Counties, and that portion of Carbon County east 
of the Continental Divide; that portion of Park County west of the 
Shoshone National Forest boundary, and that portion of Park County 
north of a line beginning where the Shoshone National Forest boundary 
crosses Park County Road 8VC, easterly along said road to Park County 
Road 1AB, easterly along said road to Wyoming Highway 120, northerly 
along said highway to Wyoming Highway 294, southeasterly along said 
highway to Lane 9, easterly along said lane to the town of Powel and 
Wyoming Highway 14A, easterly along said highway to the Park County and 
Big Horn County Line.
Pacific Flyway
    Arizona:
    North Zone: Game Management Units 1-5, those portions of Game 
Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game Management 
Units 7, 9, and 12A.
    South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in 
Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-45.
    California:
    Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the 
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with 
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its 
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with 
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection 
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to 
main street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North 
Valley Road; south to its junction with Diamond Mountain Road; north 
and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the 
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines west along the 
California-Oregon State line to the point of origin.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road''

[[Page 53560]]

in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San 
Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside 
County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of Desert 
Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this 
road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Imperial County Special Management Area: The area bounded by a line 
beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 
86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of 
Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on 
Highway 115 to Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; 
northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the 
Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; 
south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland 
Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County 
boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of 
the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity 
Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the 
Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning.
    Balance-of-State Zone: The remainder of California not included in 
the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    North Coast Special Management Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a 
line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn 
Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the 
junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on 
CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.
    Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion):
    West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, 
Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those 
portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties west of the 
Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.
    Idaho:
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Clark, Clearwater, 
Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, 
Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Power County west of State Highway 
37 and State Highway 39, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion):
    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana.
    Nevada:
    Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties.
    Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, 
Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and 
Washoe Counties.
    South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln County.
    New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion):
    North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north 
of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.
    Oregon:
    Southwest Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties 
east of Highway 101, and Josephine and Jackson Counties.
    South Coast Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry 
Counties west of Highway 101.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: That portion of western Oregon west 
and north of a line running south from the Columbia River in Portland 
along I-5 to OR 22 at Salem; then east on OR 22 to the Stayton Cutoff; 
then south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and due south to the 
Santiam River; then west along the north shore of the Santiam River to 
I-5; then south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene; then west on OR 126 to 
Greenhill Road; then south on Greenhill Road to Crow Road; then west on 
Crow Road to Territorial Hwy; then west on Territorial Hwy to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to Milepost 19; then north to the intersection of 
the Benton and Lincoln County line; then north along the western 
boundary of Benton and Polk Counties to the southern boundary of 
Tillamook County; then west along the Tillamook County boundary to the 
Pacific Coast.
    Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley Management Area: Those portions 
of Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties within the 
Northwest Special Permit Zone.
    Tillamook County Management Area: All of Tillamook County. The 
following portion of the Tillamook County Management Area is closed to 
goose hunting beginning at the point where Old Woods Rd crosses the 
south shores of Horn Creek, north on Old Woods Rd to Sand Lake Rd at 
Woods, north on Sand Lake Rd to the intersection with McPhillips Dr., 
due west (~200 yards) from the intersection to the Pacific coastline, 
south on the Pacific coastline to Neskowin Creek, east along the north 
shores of Neskowin Creek and then Hawk Creek to Salem Ave, east on 
Salem Ave in Neskowin to Hawk Ave, east on Hawk Ave to Hwy 101, north 
on Hwy 101 to Resort Dr., north on Resort Dr. to a point due west of 
the south shores of Horn Creek at its confluence with the Nestucca 
River, due east (~80 yards) across the Nestucca River to the south 
shores of Horn Creek, east along the south shores of Horn Creek to the 
point of beginning.
    Northwest Zone: Those portions of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, 
Multnomah, and Washington Counties outside of the Northwest Special 
Permit Zone and all of Lincoln County.
    Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Harney and Lake County Zone: All of Harney and Lake Counties.
    Klamath County Zone: All of Klamath County.
    Malheur County Zone: All of Malheur County.
    Utah:

[[Page 53561]]

    Northern Utah Zone: All of Cache and Rich Counties, and that 
portion of Box Elder County beginning at I-15 and the Weber-Box Elder 
County line; east and north along this line to the Weber-Cache County 
line; east along this line to the Cache-Rich County line; east and 
south along the Rich County line to the Utah-Wyoming State line; north 
along this line to the Utah-Idaho State line; west on this line to 
Stone, Idaho-Snowville, Utah road; southwest on this road to Locomotive 
Springs Wildlife Management Area; east on the county road, past 
Monument Point and across Salt Wells Flat, to the intersection with 
Promontory Road; south on Promontory Road to a point directly west of 
the northwest corner of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge boundary; 
east along an imaginary line to the northwest corner of the Refuge 
boundary; south and east along the Refuge boundary to the southeast 
corner of the boundary; northeast along the boundary to the Perry 
access road; east on the Perry access road to I-15; south on I-15 to 
the Weber-Box Elder County line.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington:
    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2A (SW Quota Zone): Clark County, except portions south of the 
Washougal River; Cowlitz County; and Wahkiakum County.
    Area 2B (SW Quota Zone): Pacific County.
    Area 3: All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the 
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.
    Area 4: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, 
Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties.
    Area 5: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the 
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Area 4.

Brant

Pacific Flyway
    California:
    North Coast Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.
    South Coast Zone: Balance of the State.
    Washington:
    Puget Sound Zone: Skagit County.
    Coastal Zone: Pacific County.

Swans

Central Flyway
    South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, 
Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Deuel, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, 
Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, 
McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, 
Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties.
Pacific Flyway
    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
    Nevada
    Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.
    Utah
    Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, 
and Toole Counties lying west of I-15, north of I-80, and south of a 
line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National 
Wildlife Refuge boundary; then north and west along the Bear River 
National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the 
Refuge; then west along a line to Promontory Road; then north on 
Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I-
84; then north and west on I-84 to State Hwy 30; then west on State Hwy 
30 to the Nevada-Utah State line; then south on the Nevada-Utah State 
line to I-80.

[FR Doc. 2011-21484 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P