[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52658-52678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20607]



[[Page 52657]]

Vol. 78

Friday,

No. 164

August 23, 2013

Part III





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 20





Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early Season Migratory 
Bird Hunting Regulations; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 52658]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057; FF09M21200-134-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-AY87


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks from which 
the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season 
dates, limits, and other options for the 2013-14 migratory bird hunting 
seasons. Early seasons are those that generally open prior to October 
1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin 
Islands. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection 
of hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual 
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations.

DATES: This rule takes effect on August 23, 2013.

ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections 
to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 
20240. You may inspect comments during normal business hours at the 
Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, 
Virginia, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-
2013-0057.

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 2013

    On April 9, 2013, we published in the Federal Register (78 FR 
21200) 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 
2013-14 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal 
Register notifications were also identified in the April 9 proposed 
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents 
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under 
numbered headings. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered 
items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we 
omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items 
might be discontinuous or appear incomplete.
    On June 14, 2013, we published in the Federal Register (78 FR 
35844) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- 
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 14 
supplement also provided detailed information on the 2013-14 regulatory 
schedule and announced the Service regulations Committee (SRC) and 
Flyway Council meetings.
    On June 19 and 20, 2013, we held open meetings with the Flyway 
Council Consultants where the participants reviewed information on the 
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 
recommendations for the 2013-14 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 2013-14 regular 
waterfowl seasons.
    On July 26, 2013, we published in the Federal Register (78 FR 
45376) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed 
frameworks for early-season regulations. We published the proposed 
frameworks for late-season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that 
start after October 1 and most waterfowl seasons not already 
established) in a late August 2013, Federal Register.
    This document is the fifth in a series of proposed, supplemental, 
and final rulemaking documents. It establishes final frameworks from 
which States may select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and 
possession limits for the 2013-14 season. These selections will be 
published in the Federal Register as amendments to Sec. Sec.  20.101 
through 20.107, and Sec.  20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20.

Population Status and Harvest

    Information on the status of waterfowl and information on the 
status and harvest of migratory shore and upland game birds, including 
detailed information on methodologies and results, is available at the 
address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web 
site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html

Review of Public Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 9 Federal Register) 
opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting 
regulations. Comments concerning early-season issues are summarized 
below and numbered in the order used in the June 14 Federal Register 
document. Only the numbered items pertaining to early-seasons issues 
for which we received written comments are included. Consequently, the 
issues do not follow in consecutive numerical or alphabetical order.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.

General

    Written Comments: Several commenters protested the entire migratory 
bird hunting regulations process and the killing of all migratory 
birds.
    Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include 
providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game 
bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each 
population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken 
into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, 
economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of 
migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided for 
herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird 
populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are 
obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information 
received as public comment. While there are problems inherent with any 
type of representative management of public-trust resources, we believe 
that the Flyway-Council system of migratory bird management has been a 
longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative management

[[Page 52659]]

since its establishment in 1952. However, as always, we continue to 
seek new ways to streamline and improve the process.

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy; (B) Regulatory 
Alternatives, including specification of framework dates, season 
lengths, and bag limits; (C) Zones and Split Seasons; and (D) Special 
Seasons/Species Management. The categories correspond to previously 
published issues/discussions, and only those containing substantial 
recommendations are discussed below.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Special Teal Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyway Councils recommended that the daily bag limit be increased from 
4 to 6 teal in the aggregate during the special September teal season. 
The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended that we allow Maryland to 
adjust existing shooting hours during the special September teal season 
from sunrise to one-half hour before sunrise on an experimental basis 
during the 2013-15 seasons.
    Public Comments: Twenty-five commenters expressed support for 
increasing the teal daily bag limit from 4 to 6 during the special 
September season. A waterfowl hunting association expressed support for 
allowing production States a special teal-only September season in the 
future.
    Service Response: We appreciate the long-standing interest by the 
Flyway Councils to pursue additional teal harvest opportunity. With 
this interest in mind, in 2009, the Flyways and Service began to assess 
the collective results of all teal harvest, including harvest during 
special September seasons. The Teal Harvest Potential Working Group 
conducted this assessment work, which included a thorough assessment of 
the harvest potential for both blue-winged and green-winged teal, as 
well as an assessment of the impacts of current special September 
seasons on these two species. Cinnamon teal were subsequently included 
in this assessment.
    In the April 9, 2013, Federal Register, we stated that the final 
report of the Teal Harvest Potential Working Group indicated that 
additional opportunity could be provided for blue-winged teal and 
green-winged teal. Therefore, we support recommendations from the 
Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyway Councils that the daily bag 
limit be increased from 4 to 6 teal in the aggregate during the special 
September teal season in 2013-14. However, we will not support 
additional changes to the structure of the September teal season until 
specific management objectives for teal have been articulated and a 
comprehensive, cross-flyway approach to developing and evaluating other 
potential avenues by which additional teal harvest opportunity can be 
provided has been completed. We recognize this comprehensive approach 
may include addition of new hunting seasons (e.g., September teal 
seasons in northern States), as well as expanded hunting opportunities 
(e.g., season lengths, bag limits) in States with existing teal 
seasons. In order to assess the overall effects of these changes, an 
evaluation plan must be developed that includes specific objectives and 
is tailored to appropriately address concerns about potential impacts 
resulting from the type of opportunity offered. We provided detailed 
guidance for conducting special season evaluations in SEIS 88 
(Controlled Use of Special Regulations, pp. 82-83), reaffirmed in SEIS 
2013 (Special Regulations, pp. 239-241), which should be used when 
developing the plan.
    We recognize that additional technical and coordination work will 
need to be accomplished to complete this task; thus, a small technical 
group comprised of members from the Flyway Councils and Service should 
be convened. We look forward to working with the Flyway Councils in 
undertaking the technical work needed to develop regulatory proposals, 
and would expect a progress report on such work at the February 2014 
Service Regulations Committee meeting.
    In the interest of guiding State and Federal workloads and 
facilitating a timely process for providing additional teal harvest 
opportunity, we provide the following initial considerations. First, we 
have stated that the primary focus of special season regulations is 
underutilized species and/or stocks whose migration and distribution 
provide opportunities outside the time period in which regular seasons 
are held, and where such harvest can occur without appreciable impacts 
to non-target species (see Second Final Supplemental Environmental 
Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport 
Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS No. 20130139) for further details). 
Although the Teal Harvest Potential Working Group's report documented 
the existence of additional blue-winged and green-winged teal harvest 
opportunity, we believe the unique migration behavior of blue-winged 
teal presents the opportunity to isolate only that species both 
temporally and geographically, consistent with the intent of special 
regulations. Consequently, regulatory proposals to increase teal 
harvest should direct harvest primarily at blue-winged teal.
    Second, previous alternatives to provide additional teal harvest 
opportunities have included bonus teal, special September duck seasons 
in Iowa, and Special September teal/wood duck seasons. Following 
implementation of the SEIS 88 regarding the sport hunting of migratory 
birds, all of these efforts were reviewed. Assessments of special 
hunting opportunities, including September teal seasons and bonus teal 
bags, were conducted. The results of these reviews indicated that the 
September teal seasons could adequately be assessed regarding their 
effects on migratory birds, but that bonus teal regulations could not. 
Thus, in the early 1990s, bonus teal bags were no longer offered in the 
annual duck regulations frameworks. With regard to special September 
duck seasons, we have previously stated that mixed-species special 
seasons (as defined in the context of SEIS 88) are not a preferred 
management approach, and that we do not wish to entertain refinements 
to this season or foster expansions of this type of season into other 
States (61 FR 45838, August 29, 1996). Special September teal/wood duck 
seasons in Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky have been provided in lieu 
of special September teal seasons and our preference at this time is to 
maintain that policy. If Flyway Councils wish to pursue these 
regulatory approaches to providing additional teal harvest opportunity, 
we request that they provide compelling information as to why such 
policies and approaches should be reinstated (i.e., bonus teal) or 
expanded/modified (i.e., September duck seasons or September teal/wood 
duck seasons).
    A copy of the teal working group's final report is available on our 
Web site at either http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html, or at http://www.regulations.gov.
    Regarding the regulations for this year, utilizing the criteria 
developed for the teal season harvest strategy, this year's estimate of 
7.7 million blue-winged teal from the traditional survey area indicates 
that a 16-day September teal season in the Atlantic, Central, and

[[Page 52660]]

Mississippi Flyways is appropriate for 2013.
    Regarding the Atlantic Flyway Council's request to allow Maryland 
to adjust existing shooting hours during the special September teal 
season from sunrise to sunset to one-half hour before sunrise to sunset 
on an experimental basis, we agree. Since the inception of Maryland's 
September teal season in 1998, Maryland has utilized shooting hours of 
sunrise to sunset. Maryland has agreed to conduct hunter performance 
surveys to assess the impacts of the expanded shooting hours on non-
target waterfowl species. The hunter performance survey and assessment 
criteria will be specified in an agreement between Maryland and the 
Service.
ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
    Public Comments: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the 
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resopurces, and the Tennessee 
Wildlife Resources Commission expressed support for allowing increased 
harvest opportunity for teal but requested that the Service also 
increase the daily bag limit from 4 to 6 birds in those States 
currently offered a special September teal/wood duck season (Florida, 
Kentucky, and Tennessee). All States expressed concern for the inequity 
of new teal harvest liberalizations.
    Service Response: The special September teal/wood duck season has 
been offered to Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee since 1981 in lieu of 
the special September teal season, and we prefer to maintain that 
policy. Further, we believe that any modifications to these special 
September teal/wood duck seasons should be proposed by the Flyway 
Councils with supporting information as to why such modifications 
should be made. We have not received any regulatory recommendations 
from either the Atlantic or Mississippi Flyway Councils to increase the 
bag limit on teal during these special September teal/wood duck 
seasons. Thus, we do not support the request to increase the bag limit 
on teal during the September teal/wood duck season.

2. Sea Ducks

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service amend the annual waterfowl hunting regulations at 50 
CFR 20.105 to allow the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat 
under power in New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia 
in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their 
respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.
    Service Response: We concur with the Atlantic Flyway's 
recommendation and note that this provision (which does not appear in 
the Code of Federal Regulations because of its seasonal nature but is 
contained in the annual final rule revising 50 CFR 20.105, scheduled to 
publish in late August) is already allowed in all other Atlantic Flyway 
States with special sea duck hunting areas. Sea duck hunting areas are 
typically large, open water areas (i.e., Atlantic Ocean) at least 800 
yards from shore where it is not reasonable to use retrieving dogs. 
Further, all States with sea duck seasons have defined special sea duck 
hunting areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective 
hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the daily bag limit in Minnesota from 5 geese to 10 geese 
during the special September season in certain areas of the State. The 
Council further recommended that there be no possession limits for 
Canada geese in either special seasons or regular seasons (see 23. 
Other for further discussion on possession limits).
    Service Response: We agree with the Mississippi Flyway Council's 
request to increase the Canada goose daily bag limit within certain 
areas that have experienced higher levels of agricultural depredations 
in Minnesota. The special early Canada goose hunting season is 
generally designed to reduce or control overabundant resident Canada 
geese populations. Increasing the daily bag limit from 5 to 10 geese in 
certain areas may help reduce or control existing high populations of 
resident Canada geese and associated agricultural depredation problems. 
Nest and egg permits, airport removal, trap and euthanize, and 
agricultural shooting permits have all been used in efforts to address 
damage caused by overabundant Canada geese. In 2012, a record number of 
shooting permits (234) were issued to landowners dealing with excessive 
numbers of Canada geese causing agricultural damage.
    The breeding population of resident Canada geese in Minnesota has 
averaged 332,000 Canada geese since 2001, which is 33 percent higher 
than the goal of 250,000 Canada geese. In 2012, the breeding population 
estimate was 434,000 Canada geese, which was the highest estimate on 
record and 74 percent above the population goal. Annual harvest of 
Canada geese in Minnesota has averaged 220,000 since 2001, with harvest 
during the September season averaging 98,000 Canada geese. Further, 
Minnesota has used a variety of methods to increase the harvest of 
resident Canada geese, including an expanded September season (Sept. 1 
through 22) and expanded opportunity during the regular season.
    Bag limits for Canada geese above 5 per day during the September 
season have not yet been used in the Mississippi Flyway during 
September seasons. Based on bag frequency data from Atlantic Flyway 
States that have utilized Canada goose daily bag limits of 15 during 
September seasons, increasing the daily bag limit from 5 to 10 is 
expected to increase Canada goose harvest approximately 16 percent 
during the September season. Thus, a daily bag limit of 10 geese 
implemented Statewide in Minnesota during the September season would be 
expected to increase the annual harvest from 98,000 to 114,000 during 
the September season.

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
that the framework opening date for all species of geese for the 
regular goose seasons in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin 
be September 16, 2013, and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan be 
September 11, 2013. The Council further recommended that there be no 
possession limits for Canada geese throughout the Flyway (see 23. Other 
for further discussion on possession limits).
    Service Response: We concur with recommended framework opening 
dates. Michigan, beginning in 1998, and Wisconsin, beginning in 1989, 
have opened their regular Canada goose seasons prior to the Flyway-wide 
framework opening date to address resident goose management concerns in 
these States. As we have previously stated (73 FR 50678, August 27, 
2008), we agree with the objective to increase harvest pressure on 
resident Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway and will continue to 
consider the opening dates in both States as exceptions to the general 
Flyway opening date, to be reconsidered annually. The framework closing 
date for the early goose season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is 
September 10. By changing the framework opening date for the regular 
season to September 11 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan there will be 
no need to close goose hunting in that area

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for 5 days and thus lose the ability to maintain harvest pressure on 
resident Canada geese. We note that the most recent resident Canada 
goose estimate for the Mississippi Flyway was a record high 1,767,900 
geese during the spring of 2012, 8 percent higher than the 2011 
estimate of 1,629,800 geese, and well above the Flyway's population 
goal of 1.18 to 1.40 million birds.
    See 22. Other for further discussion on possession limits.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
implementation of a 3-year, experimental, 60-day sandhill crane season 
in Tennessee beginning in the 2013-14 season.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended increasing the season length 
in North Dakota's eastern sandhill crane hunting zone (Area 2) from 37 
to 58 days in length.
    The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils recommend using the 2013 
Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) sandhill crane harvest allocation of 
771 birds as proposed in the allocation formula using the 3-year 
running average of fall population estimates for 2010-12.
    Public Comments: Approximately 250 individuals and several groups 
and organizations expressed opposition to the establishment of an 
experimental sandhill crane season in Tennessee, the general hunting of 
sandhill cranes, and potential impacts to whooping cranes (Grus 
americana). Several individuals supported the establishment of an 
experimental sandhill crane season in Tennessee.
    Service Response: We concur with the Mississippi Flyway Council's 
recommendation concerning an experimental season in Tennessee. We note 
that a management plan for the Eastern Population (EP) of sandhill 
cranes was approved by the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils in 
2010. The plan contains provisions and guidelines for establishing 
hunting seasons in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway States if the 
total fall population is above a minimum threshold of 30,000 cranes. We 
note that the 2012 fall population estimate was 87,796 cranes. The 
management plan also sets an overall harvest objective for an 
individual State to be no more than 10 percent of the 5-year average 
peak population estimate in that State. Since Tennessee's 5-year 
average peak population count is 23,334 cranes, the State's maximum 
allowable harvest is 2,333 cranes. Tennessee's proposed experimental 
season will limit the number of crane hunters to 775 with each hunter 
receiving 3 tags for a maximum allowed harvest of 2,325 cranes. Given 
Tennessee's proposed harvest monitoring system, the maximum allowed 
harvest of 2,333 cranes cannot be exceeded.
    Additionally, we prepared an environmental assessment (EA) on the 
hunting of EP sandhill cranes in Tennessee as allowed under the 
management plan. A copy of the EA and specifics of the two alternatives 
we analyzed can be found on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov. Our EA outlines two 
different approaches for assessing the ability of the EP crane 
population to withstand the level of harvest contained in EP management 
plan: (1) The potential biological removal allowance method; and (2) a 
simple population model using fall survey data and annual survival 
rates. The EA concluded that the anticipated combined level of harvest 
and crippling loss in Tennessee could be sustained by the proposed 
hunt. Furthermore, population modeling indicated that any harvest below 
2,000 birds would still result in a growing population of EP cranes. We 
anticipate that allowing a new experimental EP crane hunt in Tennessee, 
combined with the existing experimental EP crane season in Kentucky, 
would result in a potential take of 1,875 cranes, or only 2.7 percent 
of the EP population being harvested, which is lower than the 
percentage currently experienced in either the RMP or Mid-continent 
Population. Thus, we believe the action will still allow positive 
growth of the EP sandhill crane population. We further believe that we 
have fulfilled our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) obligation with the preparation of an EA, and therefore 
an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.
    The approved crane hunt in Tennessee will begin in early December 
and continue until late January. These season dates will begin 
approximately 2 to 3 weeks after whooping cranes have normally 
migrating through Tennessee and will reduce the likelihood that 
sandhill crane hunters will encounter whooping cranes. We further note 
that whooping cranes that migrate through Tennessee are part of the 
experimental nonessential population of whooping cranes. In 2001, the 
Service announced its intent to reintroduce whooping cranes into 
historic habitat in the eastern United States with the intent to 
establish a migratory flock that would summer and breed in Wisconsin, 
and winter in west-central Florida (66 FR 14107, March 9, 2001). We 
designated this reintroduced population as a nonessential experimental 
population (NEP) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 
1973 (Act), as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (see 66 FR 33903, 
June 26, 2001). Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway States within the NEP 
area maintain their management prerogatives regarding the whooping 
crane. They are not directed by the reintroduction program to take any 
specific actions to provide any special protective measures, nor are 
they prevented from imposing restrictions under State law, such as 
protective designations, and area closures.
    Therefore, to address the general public concerns on sandhill crane 
hunting, for the above reasons, season timing to avoid NEP whooping 
cranes, Tennessee's limited proposed harvest and harvest monitoring 
system, and the EP crane population well above minimum thresholds, we 
support the establishment of an experimental hunt season for EP 
sandhill cranes in Tennessee.
    We also support the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to 
increase the season length for midcontinent sandhill cranes in the 
eastern zone of North Dakota (Area 2). However, we believe additional 
information recently published on the demographics of this population 
should be incorporated into a revised management plan, and that the 
revised plan should include more specificity regarding how harvest 
opportunities should be expanded and restricted based on population 
status and harvest. Such a process is essential to successful, 
collaborative management of shared populations by the Service and the 
Flyways. We do not want to address regulatory changes in an incremental 
manner and believe specifying in a management plan how such changes in 
harvest opportunities will occur would achieve that end.
    We also agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils' 
recommendations on the RMP sandhill crane harvest allocation of 771 
birds for the 2013-14 season, as outlined in the RMP sandhill crane 
management plan's harvest allocation formula. The objective for RMP 
sandhill cranes is to manage for a stable population index of 17,000 to 
21,000 cranes determined by an average of the three most recent, 
reliable September (fall pre-migration) surveys. Additionally, the RMP 
management plan allows for the regulated harvest of cranes when the 3-
year average of the population indices exceeds 15,000 cranes. In 2012, 
15,417 cranes were counted in the September

[[Page 52662]]

survey, a decrease from the previous year's count of 17,494 birds. The 
most recent 3-year average for the RMP sandhill crane fall index is 
17,992, a decrease from the previous 3-year average of 19,626.

14. Woodcock

    In 2011, we implemented an interim harvest strategy for woodcock 
for a period of 5 years (2011-15) (76 FR 19876, April 8, 2011). The 
interim harvest strategy provides a transparent framework for making 
regulatory decisions for woodcock season length and bag limit while we 
work to improve monitoring and assessment protocols for this species. 
Utilizing the criteria developed for the interim strategy, the 3-year 
average for the Singing Ground Survey indices and associated confidence 
intervals fall within the ``moderate package'' for both the Eastern and 
Central Management Regions. As such, a ``moderate season'' for both 
management regions for the 2013-14 woodcock hunting season is 
appropriate. Specifics of the interim harvest strategy can be found at 
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.

15. Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
reducing the daily bag limit from 5 to 2 pigeons for the Interior 
Population.
    Service Response: We have a long-standing practice of giving 
considerable deference to harvest strategies developed in cooperative 
Flyway management plans. However, a harvest strategy does not exist for 
the Interior Population of band-tailed pigeons even though the 
development of one was identified as a high priority when the 
management plan was adopted in 2001. Because the Pacific Flyway 
Council's recommendation is not supported by the Central Flyway at this 
time, we recommend that the two Flyway Councils discuss this issue and 
advise us of the results of these deliberations in their respective 
recommendation packages from their meetings next March. It is our 
desire to see adoption of a mutually acceptable harvest strategy for 
this population as soon as possible.

16. Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils recommended use of the ``moderate'' season framework for 
States within the Eastern Management Unit population of mourning doves 
resulting in a 70-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit. The daily bag 
limit could be composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, 
singly or in combination.
    The Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils recommend the use of 
the standard (or ``moderate'') season package of a 15-bird daily bag 
limit and a 70-day season for the 2013-14 mourning dove season in the 
States within the Central Management Unit. The Central Flyway Council 
previously recommended that the Special White-winged Dove Area be 
expanded to Interstate Highway 37 in the 2013-14 season.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended use of the ``moderate'' 
season framework for States in the Western Management Unit (WMU) 
population of doves, which represents no change from last year's 
frameworks.
    The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils 
also recommended that the present interim mourning dove harvest 
strategy be replaced by a new national mourning dove harvest strategy 
for implementation beginning with the 2014-15 season. The new strategy 
uses a discrete logistic growth model based on information derived from 
the banding program, the Harvest Information Program, and the mourning 
dove parts collection survey to predict mourning dove population size 
in a Bayesian statistical framework. The method is similar to other 
migratory bird strategies already in place and performs better than 
several other modeling strategies that were evaluated by the National 
Mourning Dove Task Force. The strategy uses mourning dove population 
thresholds to determine a regulation package for mourning doves for 
each year. The Central and Mississippi Flyway Councils did, however, 
recommend several changes to the strategy, including a reduced closure 
threshold, using a running 3-year average of abundance in assessing 
regulatory change, and holding regulations constant for 3 years.
    Service Response: In 2008, we accepted and endorsed the interim 
harvest strategies for the Central, Eastern, and Western Management 
Units (73 FR 50678, August 27, 2008). As we stated then, the interim 
mourning dove harvest strategies are a step towards implementing the 
Mourning Dove National Strategic Harvest Plan (Plan) that was approved 
by all four Flyway Councils in 2003. The Plan represents a new, more 
informed means of decision-making for dove harvest management besides 
relying solely on traditional roadside counts of mourning doves as 
indicators of population trend. However, recognizing that a more 
comprehensive, national approach would take time to develop, we 
requested the development of interim harvest strategies, by management 
unit, until the elements of the Plan can be fully implemented. In 2009, 
the interim harvest strategies were successfully employed and 
implemented in all three Management Units (74 FR 36870, July 24, 2009).
    We concur with the Atlantic and Pacific Flyway Councils' 
recommendations that the National mourning dove harvest strategy, as 
developed by the Mourning Dove Task Force, be adopted this year for 
implementation in 2014-15 hunting season. This strategy will replace 
the interim harvest strategies that have been in place since 2009. 
While we appreciate the Central and Mississippi Flyway Councils' 
recommendations supporting implementation of the national mourning dove 
harvest, we do not support the changes proposed by the Central and 
Mississippi Flyway Councils specific to the Central Management Unit. 
More specifically, we do not support the reduced closure threshold, 
using a running 3-year average of abundance in assessing regulatory 
change, and holding regulations constant for at least 3 years. We 
support continued development and further evaluation of the 
modifications proposed by the Mississippi and Central Flyways, 
including appropriate closure levels for each management unit based on 
objective biological criteria. The Mourning Dove Task Force is a useful 
venue for developing these issues for future consideration and 
potential modification to the national strategy.
    This year, based on the interim harvest strategies and current 
population status, we agree with the recommended selection of the 
``moderate'' season frameworks for doves in the Eastern, Central, and 
Western Management Units.
    Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to expand the 
Special White-winged Dove Area in Texas, we expressed our support for 
this recommendation last year and addressed it in the August 30, 2012, 
Federal Register (77 FR 53118). The then-approved changes take effect 
this season.

21. Falconry

    Written Comments: Several individuals expressed support for 
liberalizing falconry seasons based on the small amount of harvest by 
falconers. Other individuals proposed allowing the year-round take of 1 
migratory game bird daily with the same possession limits afforded to 
other migratory game bird hunters (e.g., gun

[[Page 52663]]

hunters), while another expressed support for no bag limits for 
falconry. An individual expressed support for giving States additional 
flexibility when selecting falconry hunting days. Lastly, an individual 
requested that falconers be allowed the same possession limits as gun 
hunters.
    Service Response: Currently, we allow falconry as a permitted means 
of taking migratory game birds in any State meeting Federal falconry 
standards in 50 CFR 21.29. Such States may select an extended season 
for taking migratory game birds as long as the combined length of the 
extended season, regular season, and any special or experimental 
seasons does not exceed 107 days for any species or group of species in 
a geographical area. In addition, all such seasons must fall between 
September 1 and March 10. We note that both of these restrictions are 
stipulated in the Migratory Bird Treaty (Treaty). We further note that 
in those States that already experience 107-day seasons (i.e., ducks in 
the Pacific Flyway), there is no opportunity for extended falconry 
seasons. Given the Treaty limitations, no hunting seasons (including 
falconry) may extend past March 10. Thus, there is no current provision 
for allowing the take of migratory game birds by falconers outside of 
the September 1 to March 10 Treaty dates.
    Regarding the daily bag limit for falconers, while we understand 
the concerns expressed, at this time we are not supporting any changes 
to the daily bag limit. We note that falconers are generally afforded 
much longer seasons than gun hunters for most species in most Flyways. 
Further, to our knowledge, we have not received any requests from 
either the Flyway Councils or States requesting such a change. However, 
we have increased possession limits for falconers to three times the 
daily bag limit, consistent with other migratory bird hunters (see 23. 
Other for further discussion on possession limits).

22. Other

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the possession limits for sora and Virginia rails from 1 to 
3 times the aggregate daily bag limit, consistent with the Council's 
proposed bag limits for all other migratory game birds during normal 
established hunting seasons.
    The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils 
recommended increasing the possession limit from 2 to 3 times the daily 
bag limit for doves.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the possession 
limit from 2 to 3 times the daily bag limit for band-tailed pigeons; 
special September Canada goose seasons; snipe; falconry; and Alaska 
seasons for brant, sandhill cranes, and geese (except dusky Canada 
geese).
    The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service 
increase the possession limit from 2 times to 3 times the daily bag 
limit for all migratory game bird species and seasons except for Canada 
geese, where they recommended that there be no possession limit, or 
other overabundant species for which no current possession limits are 
currently assigned (e.g., light geese), where there would continue to 
be no possession limits. The Council also recommended increasing the 
possession limits for sora and Virginia rails from 1 to 3 times the 
aggregate daily bag limit, consistent with other possession limit 
recommendations, and no change for those species that currently have 
permit hunts (e.g., cranes and swans). The Council recommends these 
changes be implemented beginning in the 2013-14 season. New and/or 
experimental seasons could have different possession limits if 
justified. The Council further recommended that possession limits not 
apply at one's personal permanent residence and specifically 
recommended language to modify 50 CFR 20.39 to do so.
    Lastly, the Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service 
develop a mechanism that allows not for profit community food 
distribution centers to exceed possession limits for Canada geese 
during the regular hunting season.
    Public Comments: Several commenters expressed support for 
increasing the possession limit from 2 to 3 times the daily bag limit.
    Service Response: The issue of possession limits was first raised 
by the Flyway Councils in the summer of 2010. At that time, we stated 
that we were generally supportive of the Flyways' interest in 
increasing the possession limits for migratory game birds and 
appreciated the discussions to frame this important issue (75 FR 58250, 
September 23, 2010). We also stated that we believed there were many 
unanswered questions regarding how this interest could be fully 
articulated in a proposal that satisfies the harvest management 
community, while fostering the support of the law enforcement community 
and informing the general hunting public. Thus, we proposed the 
creation of a cross-agency Working Group, chaired by the Service, and 
comprised of staff from the Service's Migratory Bird Program, State 
wildlife agency representatives, and Federal and State law enforcement 
staff, to develop a recommendation that fully articulates a potential 
change in possession limits. This effort would include a discussion of 
the current status and use of possession limits, which populations and/
or species/species groups should not be included in any proposed 
modification of possession limits, potential law enforcement issues, 
and a reasonable timeline for the implementation of any such proposed 
changes.
    After discussions last year at the January SRC meeting, and March 
and July Flyway Council meetings, the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific 
Flyway Councils recommended that the Service increase the possession 
limit from 2 times to 3 times the daily bag limit for all migratory 
game bird species and seasons except for those species that currently 
have possession limits of less than 2 times the daily bag limit (e.g., 
some rail species), for permit hunts (e.g., cranes and swans), and for 
overabundant species for which no current possession limits are 
assigned (e.g., light geese), beginning in the 2013-14 season (77 FR 
58444, September 20, 2012). These recommendations from the Councils 
were one such outgrowth of the efforts started in 2010. With the 
Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation and the additional input 
and recommendations from all four Flyway Councils from their March 2013 
Council meetings, we believe the Flyway Councils' consensus approach of 
moving from 2 times to 3 times the daily bag limit is appropriate for 
implementation beginning with the 2013-14 season. Thus, we will 
increase the possession limit for all species for which we currently 
have possession limits of twice the daily bag limit to three times the 
daily bag limit. We will also include sora and Virginia rails in this 
possession limit increase. Possession limits for other species and 
hunts for which the possession limit is equal to the daily bag limit 
remain unchanged, as do permit hunts for species such as swans and some 
crane populations.
    Additionally, as we discussed in the April 9 and June 14 proposed 
rules, when our initial review of possession limits was instituted in 
2010, we also realized that a review of possession limits could not be 
adequately conducted without expanding the initial review to include 
other possession-related regulations. In particular, it was our belief 
that any potential increase in the possession limits should be done in 
concert with a review and update of the

[[Page 52664]]

wanton waste regulations in 50 CFR 20.25. We believed it prudent to 
review some of the long-standing sources of confusion (for both hunters 
and law enforcement) regarding wanton waste. A review of the current 
Federal wanton waste regulations, along with various State wanton waste 
regulations, has been recently completed, and we anticipate publishing 
a proposed rule this year to revise 50 CFR 20.25.
    Lastly, we recognize that there are other important issues 
surrounding possession that need to be reviewed, such as termination of 
possession (as recommended by the Mississippi Flyway Council). However, 
that issue is a much larger and more complex review than the wanton 
waste regulations and the possession limit regulations. We anticipate 
starting a review of termination of possession regulations upon 
completion of changes to the wanton waste regulations.
    Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to allow food 
banks to exceed possession limits for Canada geese, we note that this 
issue is outside the scope of this rule. Such a proposal would require 
a change to 50 CFR 20.33 and would require a separate rulemaking 
process.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations 
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed 
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, 
addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual 
framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We 
published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31, 
2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 
45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting 
frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental 
assessments, the most recent being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2013-
14,'' with its corresponding August 2013, finding of no significant 
impact. In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled 
``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian 
Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the address indicated 
under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other 
programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance 
of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action 
authorized, funded, or carried out . . . is not likely to jeopardize 
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species 
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] 
habitat. . . .'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to 
ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely 
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species 
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical 
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological 
opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of 
some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks 
reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from 
this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public 
inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has 
reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant 
because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the 
economy.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while 
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.
    An economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This 
analysis was based on data from the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing 
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see 
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis 
estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting 
(estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). 
The alternatives are (1) issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer 
days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate 
regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) 
issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 
season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an 
estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. 
We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2012-13, 
and the 2012-13 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for 
this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. 
FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant 
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the 
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business 
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This 
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued 
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently 
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of 
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting 
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County 
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird 
hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in 
2013. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the 
Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT) or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or 
at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.

[[Page 52665]]

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule does not contain any new information collection 
that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not 
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number. OMB has reviewed and approved the 
information collection requirements associated with migratory bird 
surveys and assigned the following OMB control numbers:
     1018-0010--Mourning Dove Call Count Survey (expires 4/30/
2015).
     1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey 
(expire 4/30/2015).
     1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 4/30/2014). 
Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird 
Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

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

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have 
significant takings implications and does not affect any 
constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result 
in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of 
property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule 
allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, 
therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public 
property.

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not 
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. 
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no 
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we 
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes 
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust 
resources. However, in the April 9 Federal Register, we solicited 
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain 
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and 
ceded lands for the 2013-14 migratory bird hunting season. The 
resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 2, 2013, 
proposed rule (78 FR 47136). By virtue of these actions, we have 
consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.

Federalism Effects

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

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that 
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, 
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established 
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. 
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time 
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the 
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States 
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to 
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the 
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We 
therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these frameworks 
will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication.
    Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 
3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final frameworks 
setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and possession 
limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest opening 
and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which State 
conservation agency officials will select hunting season dates and 
other options. Upon receipt of season selections from these officials, 
we will publish a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect 
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the conterminous United States 
for the 2013-14 season.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2013-14 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.


[[Page 52666]]


    Dated: August 14, 2013.
Michael J. Bean,
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and 
Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 2013-14 Early 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 
frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours, 
and outside dates within which States may select hunting seasons for 
certain migratory game birds between September 1, 2013, and March 10, 
2014.

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 three times 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

Mourning Dove Management Units

    Eastern Management Unit--All States east of the Mississippi River, 
and Louisiana.
    Central Management Unit--Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
    Western Management Unit--Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Woodcock Management Regions

    Eastern Management Region--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.
    Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
    Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of 
this document.

Definitions

    Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in 
Alaska, 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.

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 September Teal Season

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season 
on all species of teal may be selected by the following States in areas 
delineated by State regulations:
    Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
    Mississippi Flyway--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
    Central Flyway--Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska (part), New 
Mexico (part), Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 16 consecutive 
hunting days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The 
daily bag limit is 6 teal.
    Shooting Hours:
    Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in 
South Carolina, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.
    Mississippi and Central Flyways--One-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, 
and Ohio, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September 
teal season, a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks that are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 21). The daily bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the 
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

[[Page 52667]]

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, 
mergansers, coots, and gallinules and will be the same as those allowed 
in the regular season. Flyway species and area restrictions will 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.

Scoters, Eiders, and Long-Tailed Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with 
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate, of the listed sea 
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
    Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: 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.
    Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams 
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters 
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are 
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and 
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in 
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay 
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, 
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, 
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described, 
delineated, and designated as special sea duck hunting areas under the 
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons
    A Canada goose season of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland. Seasons not to exceed 30 
days during September 1-30 may be selected for Connecticut, Florida, 
Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone only), North Carolina, 
Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Seasons may not exceed 25 days during 
September 1-25 in the remainder of the Flyway. Areas open to the 
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated 
as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during any general season, shooting hours may extend to one-half hour 
after sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed in the specific 
applicable area.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons

    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season 
may not extend beyond September 10, and in Minnesota, where a season of 
up to 22 days during September 1-22 may be selected. The daily bag 
limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in designated areas of 
Minnesota where the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 Canada geese. 
Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    A Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days during September 
1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola 
Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 
Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point Wildlife 
Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 
Canada geese.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after 
sunset if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed in the 
specific applicable area.

Central Flyway

General Seasons

    In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, Canada 
goose seasons of up to 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected. 
In Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, Canada 
goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be selected. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in Kansas, 
Nebraska, and Oklahoma, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 8 
Canada geese and in North Dakota and South Dakota, where the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 15 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of 
Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in 
each State's hunting regulations.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after 
sunset if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed in the 
specific applicable area.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons

    California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the 
period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.
    Colorado may select a 9-day season during the period of September 
1-15. The daily bag limit is 4.
    Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days 
during the period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW Goose 
Management Zone in Oregon, a 15-day season may be selected during the 
period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    Idaho may select a 7-day season during the period September 1-15. 
The daily bag limit is 2.
    Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
5 Canada geese.
    Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese during the 
period September 1-15. This season is subject to the following 
conditions:
    A. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the 
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
    B. A daily bag limit of 3, with season and possession limits of 9, 
will apply to the special season.
    Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be 
described,

[[Page 52668]]

delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

    Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 11 in the 
Upper Peninsula of Michigan and September 16 in Wisconsin and the Lower 
Peninsula of Michigan. Season lengths, bag and possession limits, and 
other provisions will be established during the late-season regulations 
process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be 
selected in the designated portion of northwestern Minnesota (Northwest 
Goose Zone).
    Daily Bag Limit: 2 sandhill cranes.
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting 
permit.

Experimental Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 30 consecutive days may be 
selected in Kentucky and a season not to exceed 60 consecutive days may 
be selected in Tennessee.
    Daily Bag Limit: Not to exceed 2 daily and 2 per season in 
Kentucky. Not to exceed 3 daily and 3 per season in Tennessee.
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting 
permit.
    Other Provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the 
Mississippi Flyway Council.

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of Texas (Area 2). Seasons not to 
exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of 
the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of the following States: New Mexico, 
Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, except 2 sandhill cranes in 
designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2).
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting 
permit.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways

    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the 
Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
consecutive days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other Provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils, with the following exceptions:
    A. In Utah, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP 
quota;
    B. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest 
must be conducted at 3-year intervals;
    C. In Idaho, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP 
quota; and
    D. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is 
experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial 
composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will 
be assigned to the RMP quota.

Special Seasons in the Pacific Flyway

    Arizona may select a season for hunting sandhill cranes within the 
range of the Lower Colorado River Population (LCR) of sandhill cranes, 
subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between January 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 3 days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 1 daily and 1 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: The season is experimental. Numbers of permits, 
open areas, season dates, protection plans for other species, and other 
provisions of seasons must be consistent with the management plan and 
approved by the Pacific Flyway Council.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January 
(January 26) in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. States 
in the Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons 
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are 
late-season frameworks, and no frameworks are provided in this 
document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
    Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck 
hunting.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and the last Sunday in January (January 26) on clapper, 
king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons may not exceed 70 days, and may be split 
into 2 segments.
    Daily Bag Limits:
    Clapper and King Rails--In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, 
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, 
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species.
    Sora and Virginia Rails--In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyways and the Pacific Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New 
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 rails, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. The season is closed in the remainder of the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in 
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 
where the season must end no later than January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107 
days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8 
snipe.

[[Page 52669]]

    Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck 
hunting.

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select 
hunting seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central 
Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday 
nearest September 22 (September 21) and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 45 
days in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the Central Region. The daily 
bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 36 days.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 3.

Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

Doves

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as 
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag 
limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season 
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting 
zones.

Central Management Unit

For all States Except Texas

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods.
    Texas:
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in 
the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Texas may select hunting seasons for each 
of three zones subject to the following conditions:
    A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods, 
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove 
season is allowed, where a limited take of mourning and white-tipped 
doves may also occur during that special season (see Special White-
winged Dove Area).
    B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between 
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between the Friday 
nearest September 20 (September 20), but not earlier than September 17, 
and January 25.
    C. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.

Special White-Winged Dove Area in Texas

    In addition, Texas may select a hunting season of not more than 4 
days for the Special White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone between 
September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not exceed 15 
white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be 
white-tipped doves.

Western Management Unit

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
    Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington--Not more than 30 
consecutive days, with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.
    Arizona and California--Not more than 60 days, which may be split 
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In 
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is 
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate. During the 
remainder of the season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. In 
California, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning and white-winged doves 
in the aggregate.

Alaska

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
    Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for 
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of 5 zones. The 
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in 
each zone must be concurrent.
    Closures: The hunting season is closed on emperor geese, spectacled 
eiders, and Steller's eiders.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits:
    Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 ducks. Daily 
bag limits in the North Zone are 10, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they 
are 8. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily and 
may not include sea ducks.
    In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck 
limits of 10 daily, singly or in the aggregate, including no more than 
6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks. Sea ducks include 
scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, 
and common and red-breasted mergansers.
    Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4.
    Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4.
    Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
    A. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from 
September 28 through December 16.
    B. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada 
goose season may be offered. A mandatory goose identification class is 
required. Hunters must check in and check out. The bag limit is 1 daily 
and 1 in possession. The season will close if incidental harvest 
includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-
breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a 
bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters.
    C. In Units 6-B, 6-C, and on Hinchinbrook and Hawkins Islands in 
Unit 6-D, a special, permit-only Canada goose season may be offered. 
Hunters must have all harvested geese checked and classified to 
subspecies. The daily bag limit is 4 daily. The Canada goose season 
will close in all of the permit areas if the total dusky goose (as 
defined above) harvest reaches 40.

[[Page 52670]]

    D. In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, dark goose limits are 6 per day.
    Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes--Bag limit of 2 in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, 
Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones, and Unit 17 in the Northern Zone. In the 
remainder of the Northern Zone (outside Unit 17), bag limit of 3.
    Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    A. All seasons are by registration permit only.
    B. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.
    C. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, no more than 200 permits may 
be issued during this operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans 
may be authorized per permit, with no more than 1 permit issued per 
hunter per season.
    D. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 18, no more than 500 permits may 
be issued during the operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be 
authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    E. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3 
tundra swans per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    F. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit, with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season.

Hawaii

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.

    Note:  Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 20 Zenaida, 
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which not more 
than 10 may be Zenaida doves and 3 may be mourning doves. Not to exceed 
5 scaly-naped pigeons.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the white-crowned pigeon 
and the plain pigeon, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the 
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island, 
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting 
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into 
two segments.
    Daily Bag Limits:
    Ducks--Not to exceed 6.
    Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.
    Common snipe--Not to exceed 8.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot, 
and Caribbean coot.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens, 
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
    Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail 
doves or pigeons.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on 
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
    Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain 
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge; 
common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or 
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled 
pigeon.

Ducks

    Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

    Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any 
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29. These States 
may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in 
accordance with the following:
    Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined 
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or 
experimental seasons must not exceed 107 days for any species or group 
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided 
into a maximum of 3 segments.
    Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March 
10.
    Daily Bag Limits: Falconry daily bag limits for all permitted 
migratory game birds must not exceed 3 birds, singly or in the 
aggregate, during extended falconry seasons, any special or 
experimental seasons, and regular hunting seasons in all States, 
including those that do not select an extended falconry season.
    Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and 
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR 21.29. 
Regular season bag limits do not apply to falconry. The falconry bag 
limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Doves

Alabama
    South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, 
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone--Remainder of the State.
California
    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
    Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).

[[Page 52671]]

    South Zone--Remainder of State.
Louisiana
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Texas border along State Highway 12 to U.S. Highway 190, 
east along U.S. 190 to Interstate Highway 12, east along Interstate 12 
to Interstate Highway 10, then east along Interstate Highway 10 to the 
Mississippi border.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Mississippi
    North Zone--That portion of the State north and west of a line 
extending west from the Alabama State line along U.S. Highway 84 to its 
junction with State Highway 35, then south along State Highway 35 to 
the Louisiana State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of Mississippi.
Texas
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to State Loop 1604 west of San Antonio; then south, east, 
and north along Loop 1604 to Interstate Highway 10 east of San Antonio; 
then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone--That portion of 
the state south and west of a line beginning at the International Toll 
Bridge in Del Rio; then northeast along U.S. Highway 277 Spur to 
Highway 90 in Del Rio; thence east along U.S. Highway 90 to State Loop 
1604; thence along Loop 1604 south and east to Interstate Highway 37; 
thence south along Interstate Highway 37 to U.S. Highway 181 in Corpus 
Christi; thence north and east along U.S. 181 to the Corpus Christi 
Ship Channel, thence eastwards along the south shore of the Corpus 
Christi Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico.
    Central Zone--That portion of the State lying between the North and 
South Zones.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

California
    North Zone--Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, 
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity 
Counties.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
New Mexico
    North Zone--North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona 
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from 
Socorro to the Texas State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Washington
    Western Washington--The State of Washington excluding those 
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big 
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

New Jersey
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of NJ 70.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Special September Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Maryland
    Eastern Unit--Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, 
Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester 
Counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, 
Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George's County east of 
Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route 
301 to the Virginia State line.
    Western Unit--Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, 
Howard, Montgomery, and Washington Counties and that part of Anne 
Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that 
part of Prince George's County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and that 
part of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line.
Massachusetts
    Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont border 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 
border.
    Central Zone--That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border 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 border; 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 will be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone--That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
New York
    Lake Champlain Zone--The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    Eastern Long Island Goose Area (North Atlantic Population (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 (Resident Population (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.

[[Page 52672]]

    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 border.
    Northeastern Zone--That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone--The remaining portion of New York.
Pennsylvania
    Southern James Bay Population (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).
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 US 2; east along US 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

Arkansas
    Early Canada Goose Area--Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clark, 
Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Springs, 
Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Little River, Logan, Madison, Marion, 
Miller, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, 
Searcy, Sebastian, Sevier, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell 
Counties.
Illinois
    North September Canada Goose 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 September Canada Goose Zone--That portion of the State 
south of the North September Canada 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 September Canada Goose 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 September Canada Goose Zone--The remainder of the 
State between the south border of the Central Zone and the North border 
of the South Zone.
Iowa
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of U.S. Highway 20.
    South Zone--The remainder of Iowa.
    Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone--Includes portions of Linn and 
Johnson Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of 
the west border of Linn County and Linn County Road E2W; then south and 
east along County Road E2W to Highway 920; then north along Highway 920 
to County Road E16; then east along County Road E16 to County Road W58; 
then south along County Road W58 to County Road E34; then east along 
County Road E34 to Highway 13; then south along Highway 13 to Highway 
30; then east along Highway 30 to Highway 1; then south along Highway 1 
to Morse Road in Johnson County; then east along Morse Road to Wapsi 
Avenue; then south along Wapsi Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; then 
west along Lower West Branch Road to Taft Avenue; then south along Taft 
Avenue to County Road F62; then west along County Road F62 to Kansas 
Avenue; then north along Kansas Avenue to Black Diamond Road; then west 
on Black Diamond Road to Jasper Avenue; then north along Jasper Avenue 
to Rohert Road; then west along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; then north 
along Ivy Avenue to 340th Street; then west along 340th Street to Half 
Moon Avenue; then north along Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; then west 
along Highway 6 to Echo Avenue; then north along Echo Avenue to 250th 
Street; then east on 250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; then north 
along Green Castle Avenue to County Road F12; then west along County 
Road F12 to County Road W30; then north along County Road W30 to 
Highway 151; then north along the Linn-Benton County line to the point 
of beginning.
    Des Moines Goose Zone--Includes those portions of Polk, Warren, 
Madison and Dallas Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the 
intersection of Northwest 158th Avenue and County Road R38 in Polk 
County; then south along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; then east along 
Northwest 142nd Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; then east along 
Northeast 126th Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; then south along 
Northeast 46th Street to Highway 931; then east along Highway 931 to 
Northeast 80th Street; then south along Northeast 80th Street to 
Southeast 6th Avenue; then west along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway 
65; then south and west along Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren 
County; then south along Highway 69 to County Road G24; then west along 
County Road G24 to Highway 28; then southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd 
Avenue; then north along 43rd Avenue to Ford Street; then west along 
Ford Street to Filmore Street; then west along Filmore Street to 10th 
Avenue; then south along 10th Avenue to 155th Street in Madison County; 
then

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west along 155th Street to Cumming Road; then north along Cumming Road 
to Badger Creek Avenue; then north along Badger Creek Avenue to County 
Road F90 in Dallas County; then east along County Road F90 to County 
Road R22; then north along County Road R22 to Highway 44; then east 
along Highway 44 to County Road R30; then north along County Road R30 
to County Road F31; then east along County Road F31 to Highway 17; then 
north along Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk County; then east along 
Highway 415 to Northwest 158th Avenue; then east along Northwest 158th 
Avenue to the point of beginning.
    Cedar Falls/Waterloo Goose Zone--Includes those portions of Black 
Hawk County bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of County 
Roads C66 and V49 in Black Hawk County, then south along County Road 
V49 to County Road D38, then west along County Road D38 to State 
Highway 21, then south along State Highway 21 to County Road D35, then 
west along County Road D35 to Grundy Road, then north along Grundy Road 
to County Road D19, then west along County Road D19 to Butler Road, 
then north along Butler Road to County Road C57, then north and east 
along County Road C57 to U.S. Highway 63, then south along U.S. Highway 
63 to County Road C66, then east along County Road C66 to the point of 
beginning.
Michigan
    North Zone--Same as North duck zone.
    Middle Zone--Same as Middle duck zone.
    South Zone--Same as South duck zone.
Minnesota
    Northwest Goose Zone--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 
to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east 
along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north 
along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to 
STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along 
CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in 
Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 
310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Intensive Harvest Zone--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line extending east from the junction of US 2 and the North Dakota 
border, US 2 east to MN 32 N, MN 32 N to MN 92 S, MN 92 S to MN 200 E, 
MN 200 E to US 71 S, US 71 S to US 10 E, US 10 E to MN 101 S, MN 101 S 
to Interstate 94 E, Interstate 94 E to US 494 S, US 494 S to US 212 W, 
US 212 W to MN 23 S, MN 23 S to US 14 W, US 14 W to the South Dakota 
border, South Dakota Border north to the North Dakota border, North 
Dakota border north to US 2 E.
    Rest of State: Remainder of Minnesota.
Wisconsin
    Early-Season Subzone A--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan 
border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22, 
west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, south along U.S. 45 to 
State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State 
110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, south along State 49 
to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, south along State 73 to 
State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, south along State 23 to 
State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to 
the Illinois border.
    Early-Season Subzone B--The remainder of the State.

Central Flyway

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; then 
north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; then west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; then north 
on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; then north on Mercer County Rd. 21 to the 
section line between sections 8 and 9 (T146N-R87W); then north on that 
section line to the southern shoreline to Lake Sakakawea; then east 
along the southern shoreline (including Mallard Island) of Lake 
Sakakawea to US Hwy 83; then south on US Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; then 
east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; then south on ND Hwy 41 to US Hwy 83; 
then south on US Hwy 83 to I-94; then east on I-94 to US Hwy 83; then 
south on US Hwy 83 to the South Dakota border; then west along the 
South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6.
    Rest of State--Remainder of North Dakota.
South Dakota
    Special Early Canada Goose Unit--The Counties of Campbell, 
Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark, Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel, 
Walworth; that portion of Dewey County north of Bureau of Indian 
Affairs Road 8, Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 9, and the section of 
U.S. Highway 212 east of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8 junction; 
that portion of Potter County east of U.S. Highway 83; that portion of 
Sully County east of U.S. Highway 83; portions of Hyde, Buffalo, Brule, 
and Charles Mix counties north and east of a line beginning at the 
Hughes-Hyde County line on State Highway 34, east to Lees Boulevard, 
southeast to the State Highway 34, east 7 miles to 350th Avenue, south 
to Interstate 90 on 350th Avenue, south and east on State Highway 50 to 
Geddes, east on 285th Street to U.S. Highway 281, and north on U.S. 
Highway 281 to the Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary; that portion of 
Bon Homme County north of State Highway 50; that portion of Fall River 
County west of State Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 385; that portion of 
Custer County west of State Highway 79 and north of French Creek; 
McPherson, Edmunds, Kingsbury, Brookings, Lake, Moody, Miner, Faulk, 
Hand, Jerauld, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Lincoln, Union, Clay, 
Yankton, Aurora, Beadle, Davison, Hanson, Sanborn, Spink, Brown, 
Harding, Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Shannon, Jackson, 
Mellette, Todd, Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach, McCook, and Minnehaha 
Counties.
Texas
    Eastern Goose Zone--East of a line from the International Toll 
Bridge at Laredo, north following IH-35 and 35W to Fort Worth, 
northwest along U.S. Hwy. 81 and 287 to Bowie, north along U.S. Hwy. 81 
to the Texas-Oklahoma State line.

Pacific Flyway

Idaho
    East Zone--Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont, and Teton Counties.
Oregon
    Northwest Zone--Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, 
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and 
Yamhill Counties.
    Southwest Zone--Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and 
Klamath Counties.
    East Zone--Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, 
Union, and Wasco Counties.
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.

[[Page 52674]]

    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.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

New York
    Lake Champlain Zone--The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    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 border.
    Northeastern Zone--That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone--The remaining portion of New York.
Maryland
    Special Teal Season Area-- Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, 
Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, 
and Worcester Counties; that part of Anne Arundel County east of 
Interstate 895, Interstate 97, and Route 3; that part of Prince Georges 
County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County 
east of Route 301 to the Virginia State Line.

Mississippi Flyway

Indiana
    North Zone--That part of Indiana north of a line extending east 
from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 31; north along 
U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east along U.S. 24 to Huntington; southeast along 
U.S. 224; south along State Road 5; and east along State Road 124 to 
the Ohio border.
    Central Zone--That part of Indiana south of the North Zone boundary 
and north of the South Zone boundary.
    South Zone--That part of Indiana south of a line extending east 
from the Illinois border along U.S. 40; south along U.S. 41; east along 
State Road 58; south along State Road 37 to Bedford; and east along 
U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.
Iowa
    North Zone--That portion of Iowa north of a line beginning on the 
South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 
29 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.
    Missouri River Zone--That portion of Iowa west of a line beginning 
on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along 
Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, and west along State Highway 175 to 
the Iowa-Nebraska border.
    South Zone--The remainder of Iowa.
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.
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.
    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
    Special Teal Season Area--Lake and Chaffee Counties and that 
portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.
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 U.S.-36, 
then east on U.S.-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 U.S.-
24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on 
U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its 
junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with 
U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast 
on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-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

[[Page 52675]]

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 U.S.-
56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then east on 
K-19 to its junction with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to its 
junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with U.S.-
183, then north on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then 
southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then 
south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with U.S.-400, then 
northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction with U.S.-283, then north on 
U.S.-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 U.S.-36, then 
east on U.S.-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 U.S.-
24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on 
U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its 
junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with 
U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast 
on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-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 U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then 
east on K-19 to its junction with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to 
its junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with 
U.S.-183, then north on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then 
southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then 
south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with U.S.-400, then 
northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction with U.S.-283, then south on 
U.S.-283 to its junction with the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east 
along the Oklahoma-Kansas State line to its junction with U.S.-77, then 
north on U.S.-77 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, 
then east on Butler County, NE 150th Street to its junction with U.S.-
35, then northeast on U.S.-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 U.S.-35, 
then southwest on U.S.-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, then north along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction 
with K-68.
Nebraska
    Special Teal Season Area--That portion of the State south of a line 
beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska 
Highway L62A east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east 
along NE 92 to NE 61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S. 30 
to the Iowa border.
    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.
    Zone 1--Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways and 
political boundaries beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border west 
of NE Hwy. 26E Spur and north of NE Hwy. 12; those portions of Dixon, 
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.
    Zone 2--The area south of Zone 1 and north of Zone 3.
    Zone 3--Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways, 
County Roads, and political boundaries beginning at the Wyoming-
Nebraska border at the intersection of the Interstate Canal; east along 
northern borders of Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties to Broadwater 
Road; south to Morrill County Rd 94; east to County Rd 135; south to 
County Rd 88; southeast to County Rd 151; south to County Rd 80; east 
to County Rd 161; south to County Rd 76; east to County Rd 165; south 
to Country Rd 167; south to U.S. Hwy. 26; east to County Rd 171; north 
to County Rd 68; east to County Rd 183; south to County Rd 64; east to 
County Rd 189; north to County Rd 70; east to County Rd 201; south to 
County Rd 60A; east to County Rd 203; south to County Rd 52; east to 
Keith County Line; east along the northern boundaries of Keith and 
Lincoln Counties to NE Hwy. 97; south to U.S. Hwy 83; south to E Hall 
School Rd; east to N Airport Road; south to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to 
Merrick 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 River Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth Rd; 
east to Loup County Line; north to Loup-Brown county line; east along 
northern boundaries of Loup and Garfield Counties to Cedar River Rd; 
south to NE Hwy. 70; east to U.S. Hwy. 281; north 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 to 
the Missouri-Nebraska border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west 
along Kansas-Nebraska border to Colorado-Nebraska border; north and 
west to Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to intersection of Interstate 
Canal; and excluding that area in Zone 4.
    Zone 4--Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways 
and County Roads beginning at the intersection of NE Hwy. 8 and U.S. 
Hwy. 75; north 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-

[[Page 52676]]

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 to NE Hwy. 
66; north and west to U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to NE 
Hwy. Spur 12F; south to Butler County Rd 30; east to County Rd X; south 
to County Rd 27; west to County Rd W; south to County Rd 26; east 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. Hwy. 81; south to NE Hwy. 66; west to Polk County Rd 
C; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 30; west to Merrick County Rd 
17; south to Hordlake Road; southeast to Prairie Island Road; southeast 
to Hamilton County Rd T; south to NE Hwy. 66; west to NE Hwy. 14; south 
to County Rd 22; 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 Kearney County Rd R and Phelps County Rd 742; west to 
U.S. Hwy. 283; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east 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 NE Hwy. 8; east to U.S. Hwy. 81; 
north to NE Hwy. 4; east to NE Hwy. 15; south to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to 
NE Hwy. 103; south to NE Hwy. 8; east to U.S. Hwy. 75.
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.

Pacific Flyway

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 border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 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.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone--All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone--The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Canada Geese

Michigan
    North Zone--Same as North duck zone.
    Middle Zone--Same as Middle duck zone.
    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 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.
Wisconsin
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State 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 I-39, southerly 
along I-39 to I-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. 
45, northerly along U.S. 45 to the east shore

[[Page 52677]]

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 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.

Sandhill Cranes

Mississippi Flyway

Minnesota
    Northwest Goose Zone--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 
to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east 
along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north 
along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to 
STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along 
CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in 
Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 
310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
Tennessee
    Hunt Zone--That portion of the State south of Interstate 40 and 
east of State Highway 56.
    Closed Zone--Remainder of the State.

Central Flyway

    Colorado--The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San 
Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, 
and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park 
(Jackson County).
    Kansas--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the 
Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-135 to Salina, 
and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
    Montana--The Central Flyway portion of the State except for that 
area south and west of Interstate 90, which is closed to sandhill crane 
hunting.
New Mexico
    Regular-Season Open Area--Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area--The Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Estancia Valley Area--Those portions of Santa Fe, Torrance and 
Bernallilo Counties within an area bounded on the west by New Mexico 
Highway 55 beginning at Mountainair north to NM 337, north to NM 14, 
north to I-25; on the north by I-25 east to U.S. 285; on the east by 
U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S. 285 
west to NM 55 in Mountainair.
    Southwest Zone-- Area bounded on the south by the New Mexico/Mexico 
border; on the west by the New Mexico/Arizona border north to 
Interstate 10; on the north by Interstate 10 east to U.S. 180, north to 
N.M. 26, east to N.M. 27, north to N.M. 152, and east to Interstate 25; 
on the east by Interstate 25 south to Interstate 10, west to the Luna 
county line, and south to the New Mexico/Mexico border.
North Dakota
    Area 1--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
    Area 2--That portion of the State east of U.S. 281.
    Oklahoma--That portion of the State west of I-35.
    South Dakota--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
Texas
    Zone A--That portion of Texas lying west of a line beginning at the 
international toll bridge at Laredo, then northeast along U.S. Highway 
81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, then north 
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its 
junction with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction, then north along U.S. 
Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of 
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State 
line.
    Zone B--That portion of Texas lying within boundaries beginning at 
the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma State line, then 
southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 
in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its 
junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, then southwest 
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its 
junction with U.S. Highway 83 in the town of Junction, then north along 
U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of 
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State 
line, then south along the Texas-Oklahoma State line to the south bank 
of the Red River, then eastward along the vegetation line on the south 
bank of the Red River to U.S. Highway 81.
    Zone C--The remainder of the State, except for the closed areas.
    Closed areas--(A) That portion of the State lying east and north of 
a line beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-
Oklahoma State line, then southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its 
junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, then southeast along 
U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort 
Worth, then southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with 
U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, then east along U.S. Highway 290 to 
its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, then south and 
east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Highway 
45 in Houston, then south on Interstate Highway 45 to State Highway 
342, then to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and then north and east 
along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Texas-Louisiana State 
line.
    (B) That portion of the State lying within the boundaries of a line 
beginning at the Kleberg-Nueces County line and the shore of the Gulf 
of Mexico, then west along the County line to Park Road 22 in Nueces 
County, then north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with 
State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, then west and north along State 
Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, then north along 
State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, then east 
along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, then 
north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway 
77 in Sinton, then north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction 
with U.S. Highway 87 in Victoria, then south and east along U.S. 
Highway 87 to its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, then 
north and east along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca 
Bay Causeway, then south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its

[[Page 52678]]

junction with the Port Lavaca Ship Channel, then south and east along 
the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and then south and 
west along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Kleberg-Nueces County 
line.
Wyoming
    Regular Season Open Area--Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties, and portions of Johnson 
and Sheridan Counties.
    Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.
    Park and Big Horn County Unit-- All of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park 
and Washakie Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona
    Special Season Area--Game Management Units 28, 30A, 30B, 31, and 
32.
Idaho
    Special Season Area--See State regulations.
Montana
    Special Season Area--See State regulations.
Utah
    Special Season Area--Rich, Cache, and Unitah Counties and that 
portion of Box Elder County beginning on the Utah-Idaho State line at 
the Box Elder-Cache County line; west on the State line to the 
Pocatello Valley County Road; south on the Pocatello Valley County Road 
to I-15; southeast on I-15 to SR-83; south on SR-83 to Lamp Junction; 
west and south on the Promontory Point County Road to the tip of 
Promontory Point; south from Promontory Point to the Box Elder-Weber 
County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County line to the Box Elder-
Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the 
Utah-Idaho State line.
Wyoming
    Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Farson-Eden Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
    Uinta County Area--That portion of Uinta County described in State 
regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

    North Zone--State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
    Gulf Coast Zone--State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10 
(Unimak Island only).
    Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10 
(except Unimak Island).
    Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.

All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin Islands

    Ruth Cay Closure Area--The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. 
Croix.

All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico

    Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the municipality of 
Culebra.
    Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.
    Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.
    El Verde Closure Area--Those areas of the municipalities of Rio 
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the 
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands 
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the 
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all 
lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of 
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on 
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest 
Boundary whether private or public.
    Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality 
and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities 
as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning on Highway 172 
as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, north to 
Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on Highway 1 to 
Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on Highway 763 
to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, southwest on 
Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 729, north on 
Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point of the 
beginning.

[FR Doc. 2013-20607 Filed 8-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P