[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 190 (Wednesday, September 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61764-61767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21626]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-N113; FXRS12610900000-201-FF09R20000; OMB Control 
Number 1018-0140]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Hunting and 
Sport Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National 
Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an 
existing information collection.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
October 30, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Please 
provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 
5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by email to 
[email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the 
subject line of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at [email protected], or by 
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals who are hearing or speech 
impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY 
assistance. You may also view the information collection request (ICR) 
at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we 
provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an 
opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing 
collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our 
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting 
burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection 
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
    On April 9, 2020, we published in the Federal Register (85 FR 
20030) a proposed rule informing the public of our intent to request 
that OMB approve this information collection. We received one comment 
in response to the proposed rule but it did not address the information 
collection requirements. Therefore, no response was required.
    As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent 
burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other 
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are 
especially interested in public comment addressing the following:
    (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
    (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection 
of information, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used;
    (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of response.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personal identifying

[[Page 61765]]

information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire 
comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made 
publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to 
withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we 
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    Abstract: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 
1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended (Administration Act), and the 
Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) 
govern the administration and public uses of national wildlife refuges, 
wetland management districts, and national fish hatcheries. The 
Administration Act closes National Wildlife Refuges in all States 
except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior 
(Secretary) may open refuge and fish hatchery areas to any use, 
including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the 
use is compatible with the purposes of the refuge, fisher hatchery, 
National Wildlife Refuge System, and National Fish Hatchery (NFH) 
missions. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all 
laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the 
appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the 
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, 
and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we 
maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health 
of the managed areas for the benefit of present and future generations 
of Americans.
    The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the 
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts 
and regulate uses. The Recreation Act ensures the same for regulating 
uses of NFHs. We make provisions in our general refuge regulations (50 
CFR 50 CFR parts 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, and 32) and our general hatchery 
regulations at (50 CFR 70, 71) for public entry for specialized 
purposes, including hunting and sport fishing. These regulations 
provide the authorities and procedures for allowing hunting and sport 
fishing on national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts 
outside the State of Alaska. We collect the information to assist us in 
administering these programs in accordance with statutory authorities 
that require that recreational uses be compatible with the primary 
purposes for which the areas were established.

Hunting Application/Permit

    We currently use Form 3-2439, ``Hunt Application/Permit'' which 
collects the following information from individuals seeking hunting 
experiences on the National Wildlife Refuge System:
     Lottery Application: Refuges who administer hunting via a 
lottery system use Form 3-2439 as the lottery application. If the 
applicant is successful, the completed Form 3-2439 also serves as their 
permit application, avoiding a duplication of burden on the public by 
eliminating the need to fill out two separate forms.
     Date of application: We often have application deadlines 
and this information helps staff determine the order in which we 
received the applications. It also ensures that the information is 
current.
     Methods: Some refuges hold multiple types of hunts, i.e., 
archery, shotgun, primitive weapons, etc. We ask for this information 
to identify which opportunity(ies) a hunter is applying for.
     Species Permit Type: Some refuges allow only certain 
species, such as moose, elk, or bighorn sheep to be hunted. We ask 
hunters to identify which species hunt they are applying for.
     Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone 
number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either 
during the application process, when the applicant is successful in a 
lottery drawing, or after receiving a permit.
     Party Members: Some refuges allow the permit applicant to 
include additional hunters in their group. We collect the names of all 
additional hunters, when allowed by the refuge.
     Parent/Guardian Contact Information: We collect name, 
relationship, address, phone number(s), and email for a parent/guardian 
of youth hunters. We ask for this information in the event of an 
emergency.
     Date: We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt dates.
     Hunt/Blind Location: We ask hunters for their preferences 
for hunt units, areas, or blinds.
     Special hunts: Some refuges hold special hunts for youth, 
hunters who are disabled, or other underserved populations. We ask 
hunters to identify if they are applying for these special hunts. For 
youth hunts, we ask for the age of the hunter at the time of the hunt.
     Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and 
parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and 
conditions of the permit.

Sport Fishing Application/Permit

    We use Form 3-2358, ``Sport Fishing-Shrimping-Crabbing Permit 
Application'' for sport fishing, shrimping, and crabbing activities 
approved for use by refuges. We collect the following information from 
individuals seeking sport fishing experiences:
     Date of application: We often have application deadlines 
and this information helps staff determine the order in which we 
received the applications. It also ensures that the information is 
current.
     State fishing license number: We ask for this information 
to verify the applicant is legally licensed by the State (where 
required).
     Permit Type: On sport fishing permits, we ask what type of 
activity (crabbing, shrimping, crabbing, frogging, etc.) is being 
applied for.
     Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone 
number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either 
during the application process or after receiving a permit.
     Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and 
parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and 
conditions of the permit.

Harvest/Fishing Activity Reports

    We have four harvest/fishing activity reports, depending on the 
species. We ask users to report on their success after their experience 
so that we can evaluate hunt quality and resource impacts. We use the 
following activity reports, which we distribute during appropriate 
seasons, as determined by State or Federal regulations:
     FWS Form 3-2359 (Big Game Harvest Report).
     FWS Form 3-2360 (Sport Fishing Report).
     FWS Form 3-2361 (Migratory Bird Hunt Report).
     FWS Form 3-2362 (Upland/Small Game/Furbearer Report).
    The harvest/fishing activity reports collect the following 
information:
     Name of refuge and location: We ask this to track 
responses by location, which is important when we manage more than one 
refuge or activity area from one office.
     Date: We ask when the hunter/angler participated in the 
activity. This helps us identify use trends so we have resources 
available.
     Hours/Time in/out: We ask this to determine how long the 
hunter/angler participated in the activity. We also use this to track 
use so we can allocate resources appropriately.
     Name, City, State: We ask for a name so we can identify 
the user. We

[[Page 61766]]

ask for residence information to help establish use patterns (if users 
are local or traveling).
     Number harvested/caught based on species: We ask this to 
determine the impacts on wildlife/fish populations, relative success, 
and quality of experience.
     Species harvested/caught: We ask this to determine the 
impacts on wildlife/fish populations, relative success, and quality of 
experience.

Labeling/Marking Requirements

    As a condition of the permit, some refuges require permittees to 
label hunting and/or sport fishing gear used on the refuge. This 
equipment may include items such as the following: Tree stands, blinds, 
or game cameras; hunting dogs (collars); flagging/trail markers; boats; 
and/or sport fishing equipment such as jugs, trotlines, and crawfish or 
crab traps. Refuges require the owner label their equipment with their 
last name, the State-issued hunting/fishing license number, and/or 
hunting/fishing permit number. Refuges may also require equipment for 
youth hunters include ``YOUTH'' on the label. This minimal information 
is necessary in the event the refuge needs to contact the owner.

Required Notifications

    On occasion, hunters may find their game has landed outside of 
established hunting boundaries. In this situation, hunters must notify 
an authorized refuge employee to obtain consent to retrieve the game 
from an area closed to hunting or entry only upon specific consent. 
Certain refuges also require hunters to notify the refuge manager when 
hunting specific species (e.g., black bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote) 
with trailing dogs. Refuges encompassing privately owned refuges, 
referred to as ``easement overlay refuges,'' may also require the 
hunter obtain written or oral permission from the landowner prior to 
accessing the land.

FWS Form 3-2405

    FWS Form 3-2405, ``Self-Clearing Check-In/Out Permit'' has three 
parts:
     Self-Clearing Daily Check-in Permit. Each user completes 
this portion of the form (date of visit, name, and telephone numbers) 
and deposits it in the permit box prior to engaging in any activity on 
the refuge.
     Self-Clearing Daily Visitor Registration Permit. Each user 
must complete the front side of the form (date, name, city, State, zip 
code, and purpose of visit) and carry this portion while on the refuge. 
At the completion of the visit, each user must complete the reverse 
side of the form (number of hours on refuge, harvest information 
(species and number), harvest method, angler information (species and 
number), and wildlife sighted (e.g., black bear and hog) and deposit it 
in the permit box.
     Self-Clearing Daily Vehicle Permit. The driver and each 
user traveling in the vehicle must complete this portion (date) and 
display in clear view in the vehicle while on the refuge.
    We use FWS Form 3-2405 to collect:
     Information on the visitor (name, address, and contact 
information). We use this information to identify the visitor or 
driver/passenger of a vehicle while on the refuge. This is extremely 
valuable information should visitors become lost or injured. Law 
enforcement officers can easily check vehicles for these cards in order 
to determine a starting point for the search or to contact family 
members in the event of an abandoned vehicle. Having this information 
readily available is critical in a search and rescue situation.
     Purpose of visit (hunting, sport fishing, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, auto touring, birding, hiking, 
boating/canoeing, visitor center, special event, environmental 
education class, volunteering, other recreation). This information is 
critical in determining public use participation in wildlife management 
programs. This not only allows the refuge to manage its hunt and other 
visitor use programs, but also to increase and/or improve facilities 
for non-consumptive uses that are becoming more popular on refuges. 
Data collected will also help managers better allocate staff and 
resources to serve the public as well as develop annual performance 
measures.
     Success of harvest by hunters/anglers (number and type of 
harvest/caught). This information is critical to wildlife management 
programs on refuges. Each refuge will customize the form by listing 
game species and incidental species available on the refuge, hunting 
methods allowed, and data needed for certain species (e.g., for deer, 
whether it's a buck or doe and the number of points; or for turkeys, 
the weight and beard and spur lengths).
     Whether or not visitors observed black bear or hogs, for 
example. This information will help managers develop annual performance 
measures for hog removal and it provides information to help develop 
resource management planning.
     Photograph of animal harvested (specific refuges only). 
This requirement documents the sex of animal prior to the hunter being 
eligible to harvest the opposite sex (where allowed).
     Date of visit and/or area visited.
     Comments. We encourage visitors to comment on their 
experience.
    Title of Collection: Hunting and Sport Fishing Application Forms 
and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish 
Hatcheries (50 CFR parts 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, and 71).
    OMB Control Number: 1018-0140.
    Form Number: FWS Forms 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2358 through 3-2362.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and households.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $85,964 associated with 
application fees.

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                                                Annual  number                                     Total annual
                   Activity                      of  responses    Completion time  per response   burden hours *
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                                  Hunting and Sport Fishing Permit Applications
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Form 3-2439 Hunt Application/Permit...........         355,663  10 minutes......................          59,277
Form 3-2358 Fish/Crab/Shrimp Application/                2,521  5 minutes.......................             210
 Permit.
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    Subtotal Applications.....................         358,184  ................................          59,487
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                                            Harvest Activity Reports
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Form 3-2359 Big Game Harvest Report...........          93,717  15 minutes......................          23,429
Form 3-2360 Sport Fishing Harvest Report......         429,534  15 minutes......................         107,384
Form 3-2361 Migratory Bird Harvest Report.....          33,477  15 minutes......................           8,369

[[Page 61767]]

 
Form 3-2362 Upland Game Furbearer Harvest               25,524  15 minutes......................           6,381
 Report.
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    Subtotal Activity Reports.................         582,252  ................................         145,563
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                                 New Information Collections Added to Collection
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Labeling/Marking Requirements.................           2,203  10 minutes......................             367
Required Notifications........................             433  30 minutes......................             217
Form 3-2405 Check-In/Out Permit...............         663,000  5 minutes.......................          55,250
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    Subtotal Other Requirements...............         665,636  ................................          55,834
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        Totals................................       1,606,072  ................................         260,884
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* Rounded.

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

    Dated: September 25, 2020.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21626 Filed 9-29-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-