[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 31, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48822-48883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18426]



[[Page 48821]]

Vol. 86

Tuesday,

No. 166

August 31, 2021

Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Parts 32 and 71





2021-2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 166 / Tuesday, August 31, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 48822]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 32 and 71

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-0027; FXRS12610900000-212-FF09R20000]
RIN 1018-BF09


2021-2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open, for 
the first time, seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are 
currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we open or 
expand hunting and sport fishing at 81 other NWRs, and add pertinent 
station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory 
game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport 
fishing for the 2021-2022 season. We also open hunting or sport fishing 
on one unit of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFH). We add 
pertinent station-specific regulations that pertain to migratory game 
bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing 
at this NFH for the 2021-2022 season. Finally, we make regulatory 
changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to reduce the 
regulatory burden on the public, increase access for hunters and 
anglers on Service lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential 
mandate for plain language standards.

DATES: This rule is effective August 31, 2021.

ADDRESSES: This final rule, its supporting documents, and the comments 
we received on the May 4, 2021, proposed rule (86 FR 23794) are 
available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-
0027.
    Information collection requirements: Written comments and 
suggestions on the information collection requirements may be submitted 
at any time to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 
Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or [email protected] (email). 
Please reference ``OMB Control Number 1018-0140'' in the subject line 
of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christian Myers, (571) 422-3595.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended (Administration Act), closes NWRs in 
all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the 
Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including 
hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the use is 
compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge 
System mission. The action also must be in accordance with provisions 
of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the 
appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the 
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, 
and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we 
maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health 
of the Refuge System for the benefit of present and future generations 
of Americans.
    We annually review hunting and sport fishing programs to determine 
whether to include additional stations or whether individual station 
regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing 
environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other 
factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant 
modifications to station-specific regulations to ensure the continued 
compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that 
these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the 
fulfillment of station purposes or the Service's mission.
    Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in 
title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations at part 32 (50 CFR part 
32), and on hatcheries at part 71 (50 CFR part 71). We regulate hunting 
and sport fishing to:
     Ensure compatibility with refuge and hatchery purpose(s);
     Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s);
     Protect other values;
     Ensure visitor safety; and
     Provide opportunities for fish- and wildlife-dependent 
recreation.
    On many stations where we decide to allow hunting and sport 
fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State 
hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these 
objectives. On other stations, we must supplement State regulations 
with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our 
management responsibilities, as outlined under Statutory Authority, 
below. We issue station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations 
when we open wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to migratory game 
bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. 
These regulations may list the wildlife species that you may hunt or 
fish; seasons; bag or creel (container for carrying fish) limits; 
methods of hunting or sport fishing; descriptions of areas open to 
hunting or sport fishing; and other provisions as appropriate.

Statutory Authority

    The Administration Act, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act; Pub. L. 105-57), 
governs the administration and public use of refuges, and the Refuge 
Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) governs 
the administration and public use of refuges and hatcheries.
    Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act were built upon the 
Administration Act in a manner that provides an ``organic act'' for the 
Refuge System, similar to organic acts that exist for other public 
Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively 
manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and 
interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife 
resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost that we 
focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and 
plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the 
Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, 
renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that 
the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was 
established and the mission of the Refuge System. The Improvement Act 
established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent 
recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use 
of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an 
appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six 
wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public 
uses of the Refuge System. These uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation.
    The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas 
within the Refuge System and Hatchery System for public recreation as 
an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that 
doing so is practicable and

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not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which Congress and the 
Service established the areas. The Recreation Act requires that any 
recreational use of refuge or hatchery lands be compatible with the 
primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not 
inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.
    The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the 
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts 
and regulate uses.
    We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to 
opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop 
station-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the 
programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or 
hatchery and the Refuge and Hatchery System mission. We ensure initial 
compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for 
hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land through an interim 
determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. 
These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by 
these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to 
hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71. We ensure 
continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation 
plans (CCPs) and step-down management plans, and by annual review of 
hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.

Summary of Comments and Responses

    On May 4, 2021, we published in the Federal Register (86 FR 23794) 
a proposed rule to open sport fishing at one NFH, open seven NWRs that 
are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing, expand hunting and 
sport fishing at 83 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific 
regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, 
upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2021-
2022 season. We accepted public comments on the proposed rule for 60 
days, ending July 6, 2021. By that date, we received more than 1,200 
comments on the proposed rule. More than two-thirds of these comments 
were form letters or otherwise identical duplicates of other comments 
on the proposed rule, and the vast majority of those were submitted by 
one organization and were supportive of the rule. The majority of the 
substantive comments on the proposed rule stated that the Service 
should prohibit lead ammunition and tackle on some or all stations. The 
Service recognizes that lead is an important issue and will continue to 
appropriately evaluate and regulate lead ammunition and tackle on 
Service lands and waters. We discuss the remaining unique comments we 
received below by topic. Beyond our responses below, additional 
station-specific information on how we responded to comments on 
particular hunting or fishing opportunities at a given refuge or 
hatchery can be found in that station's final hunting and/or fishing 
package, each of which can be located online at: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/rules-regulations-and-improved-access/.
    Comment (1): We received a substantial number of comments 
expressing general support for the proposed changes in the rule. Of the 
unique comments on the rule, more than half were in general support of 
the proposed changes. These comments of general support either 
expressed appreciation for the increased hunting and fishing access in 
the rule overall, expressed appreciation for increased access at 
particular refuges, or both. In addition to this general support, some 
commenters requested additional hunting and fishing opportunities at 
specific stations or generally in several States.
    Our Response: Hunting and fishing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
lands is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. In passing the 
Improvement Act, Congress reaffirmed that the Refuge System was created 
to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, and would 
facilitate opportunities for Americans to participate in compatible 
wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing on Refuge 
System lands. We prioritize wildlife-dependent recreation, including 
hunting and fishing, when doing so is compatible with the purpose of 
the refuge and the mission of the NWRS. Hunting or fishing on 
hatcheries, unlike Refuge System lands, is authorized when such 
activity is not detrimental to the propagation and distribution of fish 
or other aquatic wildlife (see 50 CFR 71.1).
    We will continue to open and expand hunting and sport fishing 
opportunities across refuges and hatcheries; however, as detailed 
further in our response to Comment (2), below, opening or expanding 
hunting or fishing opportunities on Service lands is not a quick or 
simple process. The annual regulatory cycle begins in June or July of 
each year for the following hunting and sport fishing season (the 
planning cycle for this 2021-2022 final rule began in June 2020). This 
annual timeline allows us time to collaborate closely with our State, 
Tribal, and Territorial partners, as well as other partners including 
nongovernmental organizations, on potential opportunities. It also 
provides us with time to complete environmental analyses and other 
requirements for opening or expanding new opportunities. Therefore, it 
would be impracticable for the Service to complete multiple regulatory 
cycles in one calendar year due to the logistics of coordinating with 
various partners. Once we determine that a hunting or sport fishing 
opportunity can be carried out in a manner compatible with individual 
station purposes and objectives, we work expeditiously to open it.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (2): Many commenters expressed general opposition to any 
hunting or fishing in the Refuge System. Of the unique comments on the 
rule, less than one-fourth were in general opposition to the proposed 
changes without raising any substantive issues. In many cases, 
commenters stated that hunting was antithetical to the purposes of a 
``refuge,'' which, in their opinion, should serve as an inviolate 
sanctuary for all wildlife. Some of these commenters generically 
opposed expanded or new hunting or fishing opportunities at specific 
stations.
    Our Response: The Service prioritizes facilitating wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, on 
Service land in compliance with applicable Service law and policy. For 
refuges, the Administration Act, as amended, stipulates that hunting 
(along with fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation), if found to be compatible, 
is a legitimate and priority general public use of a refuge and should 
be facilitated (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(3)(D)). Thus, we only allow hunting 
of resident wildlife on Refuge System lands if such activity has been 
determined compatible with the established purpose(s) of the refuge and 
the mission of the Refuge System as required by the Administration Act. 
For hatcheries, we allow hunting and fishing when such activity is 
determined not to be detrimental to the propagation and distribution of 
fish or other aquatic wildlife (see 50 CFR 71.1). For all 89 stations 
opening and/or expanding hunting and/or fishing in this rule, we 
determined that the proposed actions were compatible or would not have 
detrimental impacts.
    Each station manager makes a decision regarding hunting and fishing

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opportunities only after rigorous examination of the available 
information, consultation and coordination with States and Tribes, and 
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as well as other applicable laws 
and regulations. The many steps taken before a station opens or expands 
a hunting or fishing opportunity on the refuge ensure that the Service 
does not allow any opportunity that would compromise the purpose of the 
station or the mission of the agency.
    Hunting of resident wildlife on Service lands generally occurs 
consistent with State regulations, including seasons and bag limits. 
Station-specific hunting regulations can be more restrictive (but not 
more liberal) than State regulations and often are more restrictive in 
order to help meet specific refuge objectives. These objectives include 
resident wildlife population and habitat objectives, minimizing 
disturbance impacts to wildlife, maintaining high-quality opportunities 
for hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation, eliminating or 
minimizing conflicts with other public uses and/or refuge management 
activities, and protecting public safety.
    The word ``refuge'' includes the idea of providing a haven of 
safety for wildlife, and as such, hunting might seem an inconsistent 
use of the Refuge System. However, again, the Administration Act 
stipulates that hunting, if found compatible, is a legitimate and 
priority general public use of a refuge. Furthermore, we manage refuges 
to support healthy wildlife populations that in many cases produce 
harvestable surpluses that are a renewable resource. As practiced on 
refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife 
populations. It is important to note that taking certain individuals 
through hunting does not necessarily reduce a population overall, as 
hunting can simply replace other types of mortality. In some cases, 
however, we use hunting as a management tool with the explicit goal of 
reducing a population; this is often the case with exotic and/or 
invasive species that threaten ecosystem stability. Therefore, 
facilitating hunting opportunities is an important aspect of the 
Service's roles and responsibilities as outlined in the legislation 
establishing the Refuge System, and the Service will continue to 
facilitate these opportunities where compatible with the purpose of the 
specific refuge and the mission of the Refuge System.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (3): We received comments from 13 individual State agencies 
and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies on the proposed rule. 
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; South Dakota 
Department of Game, Fish, and Parks; Montana Department of Fish, 
Wildlife, and Parks; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Missouri 
Department of Conservation; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; 
and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission all expressed general support for 
the proposed rule without additional comments. The Wisconsin Department 
of Natural Resources expressed general support of the changes in the 
proposed rule, but also requested additional changes at Necedah NWR. 
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife expressed general support 
of the changes in the proposed rule, but also requested additional 
changes at Cape May and Supawna Meadows NWRs. The Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department expressed general support of the changes in the proposed 
rule, but requested minor changes to the hunt units at the National Elk 
Refuge; minor changes to waterfowl hunting at the National Elk Refuge; 
additional hunting opportunities at Bamsforth, Hutton Lake, and 
Mortenson Lake NWRs; and additional opportunities on National Park 
Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Virginia Department of 
Wildlife Resources expressed general support of the changes in the 
proposed rule, but suggested that Eastern Shore of Virginia and 
Fisherman's Island NWRs provide additional analysis and details on 
particular hunting and fishing opportunities there and requested that 
Great Dismal Swamp NWR: (1) Combine a bear hunting permit with a 
general hunting permit, (2) allow spring turkey hunting, (3) expand to 
full week hunting, and (4) provide additional information about parking 
areas. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission expressed 
general support of the changes in the proposed rule, but requested that 
we add regulatory language listing Atlantic brant among the migratory 
bird hunting target species for Mackay Island NWR and stating a 
requirement for hunters to have North Carolina State licenses and 
permits. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife expressed general 
support of the changes in the proposed rule, but requested we edit the 
regulatory language at William L. Finley NWR to align more closely with 
the State regulations by removing ``merganser'' from the species list, 
as it is already considered a duck species. The Arizona Game and Fish 
Department expressed general support of the changes in the proposed 
rule, but requested the Service to consider allowing the use of 
falconry on refuges within the State of Arizona, including Bill 
Williams NWR and Havasu NWR; requested the Service to consider aligning 
to State regulations for the use of dogs while hunting; requested the 
Service consider aligning to State regulations for legal methods of 
take in hunting javelina; and expressed concerns about regulatory 
differences between refuges within the same State. Finally, the 
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies expressed general support of 
the changes in the proposed rule, but requested the Service consider 
additional opportunities on refuges in Alaska.
    Our Response: The Service appreciates the support of, and is 
committed to working with, our State partners to identify additional 
opportunities for expansion of hunting and sport fishing on Service 
lands and waters.
    In response to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, we 
have made no changes to the rule. We will not address their concerns in 
this rule because the proposed expansions at Necedah NWR are no longer 
part of this final rule. We will, however, consider the Department's 
requests in shaping any future proposed openings or expansions at 
Necedah NWR.
    In response to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, the 
Service extends hours for fishing to 1 hour before legal sunrise and 1 
hour after legal sunset at both Cape May and Supawna Meadows NWRs. The 
Service will consider additional vehicle access at Cape May NWR and 
crabbing/shellfishing at Cape May and Supawna Meadows NWRs for future 
rulemakings, but we cannot make those additions at this time.
    As suggested by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, we have 
renamed the hunt units at the National Elk Refuge in order to reduce 
confusion for the public. The Service did not make changes to the 
white-tailed deer hunt season dates to avoid conflict with the refuge's 
elk hunt, and the Service does not plan to consider opening waterfowl 
hunting on the refuge due to the presence of trumpeter swan 
populations, as trumpeter swan is a Priority 1 Species of Special 
Concern for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, and due to the 
potential for conflict with other compatible uses on the refuge at that 
time. The Service

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appreciates the Department's comments regarding Bamsforth, Hutton Lake, 
and Mortenson Lake NWRs, and we will consider opening additional 
opportunities on those refuges in future rulemakings. The Service 
cannot comment on potential opportunities on National Park Service and 
Bureau of Land Management lands, and requests that the State work 
directly with those agencies for additional opportunities.
    In response to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, we 
have made no changes to the rule, but will add much of the requested 
information, where appropriate, to supporting documents. Specific 
information on how we responded to the Virginia Department of Wildlife 
Resources' suggestions for more detail on particular hunting and 
fishing opportunities at Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island 
NWRs can be found in those stations' final hunt plan, compatibility 
determination, and finding of no significant impact documents. With 
respect to Great Dismal Swamp NWR, first, we cannot combine the bear 
hunting permit with the general hunting permit due to the strict 
harvest quota of 20 bears, and the associated need to be able to 
contact bear hunters specifically, and because refuge lands are 
situated in both Virginia and North Carolina, which have differing 
hunting regulations. Second, we are already considering spring turkey 
hunting for a future rulemaking. Third, we have determined that full 
week hunting, regardless of whether or not Sundays are included, is not 
compatible with other uses of the refuge and the refuge's conservation 
purposes and mission. Fourth, we will engage in outreach efforts to 
share the information about parking areas with all refuge visitors, 
including wildlife-dependent recreational users of the refuge.
    In response to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, we 
have made no changes to the rule. Atlantic brant is considered a 
variety of dark goose under our regulations, so it does not need to be 
explicitly listed in station-specific regulations where dark goose 
hunting is authorized. Thus, the proposed authorization of light and 
dark goose hunting at Mackay Island NWR already allows for the hunting 
of Atlantic brant. The suggested language about North Carolina State 
licenses and permits was not adopted because: (1) It would cause 
confusion as the regulatory provisions at 50 CFR 32.52(e) govern refuge 
lands in both North Carolina and Virginia (where North Carolina 
licenses and permits are not necessary); and (2) this requirement is 
already covered by the regulation requiring each person to secure and 
possess the required state license at 50 CFR 32.2 As a general matter, 
our regulations operate against the backdrop of state regulations as a 
default in this way, so if our regulations do not explicitly remove any 
given state requirement for a given hunt then hunters must still abide 
by those requirements in order to hunt on Refuge System lands. 
Nevertheless, the refuge will ensure this requirement is also included 
in the refuge hunt brochure to address the concerns of the Commission.
    In response to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's request 
to remove ``merganser'' from the species list in the regulatory 
language under William L. Finley NWR, we agree that this change will 
allow us to be more aligned with the State's regulations and have made 
that change in this final rule.
    In response to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, we consider 
falconry a ``special hunt'' due to concerns regarding non-target take 
and so have made no changes to the rule concerning falconry. Service 
policy, as outlined in our Service manual at 605 FW 2.7.M. (Special 
Hunts), stipulates, ``We will address special types of hunts, such as 
falconry, in the hunt section of the visitor service plan (VSP).'' In 
other words, each refuge manager, when developing their step-down VSP 
(which would include a hunt plan, if appropriate) from their CCP, must 
first determine if hunting is compatible. Assuming it is found to be 
compatible, the refuge manager would next determine the conduct of the 
hunt, which might include the use of falconry. A refuge manager has 
discretion to restrict hunting and types of hunting, including 
falconry, if, for example, endangered or threatened species are 
present, the cumulative impacts of a type of hunt have not been 
analyzed or are not available, or if a type of special hunt is not 
compatible with the refuge purpose. Thus, this issue is decided 
individually on a refuge-by-refuge basis. The Service remains committed 
to opening hunting methods, including falconry and especially those 
methods allowed by State regulations, whenever it is possible to do so 
at a given refuge in a manner consistent with all purposes and 
objectives of the refuge, in the professional judgment of the refuge 
manager. Falconry has not been found compatible on Bill Williams River 
and Havasu NWRs.
    In response to the comment from the Arizona Game and Fish 
Department regarding aligning dog regulations on refuges to State 
regulations, we have made no changes to the rule. Even though State 
regulations may allow dogs during hunting activities, our general 
refuge regulations prohibit all domesticated animals at 50 CFR 26.21(b) 
unless authorized by refuge-specific regulations. While refuges adopt 
State hunting and fishing regulations to the extent practicable, they 
must also comply with the general refuge regulations. Therefore, in 
order to allow dogs during hunting activities, each refuge must 
authorize the use of dogs during hunting activities in their refuge-
specific entries at 50 CFR part 32. As explained above, all uses on 
refuges must be found compatible and must not conflict with refuge 
objectives. Some refuges have found that the use of dogs during hunting 
activities must be limited or not authorized in order to avoid conflict 
with refuge objectives.
    In response to the comment from the Arizona Game and Fish 
Department regarding methods of take for javelina, we have changed the 
CFR to remove shotgun shooting shot as a legal method of take for 
javelina at Bill Williams River NWR in order to align with state 
regulations.
    In response to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's concern 
regarding inconsistencies between refuges within the State, we have 
made no changes to the rule. Refuges within the same State often have 
different purposes, different endangered or threatened species, or 
different habitats, and therefore all hunting and fishing activities 
and regulations must be considered on a refuge-by-refuge basis as well. 
Where we do not align with State regulations, we make every attempt to 
align refuges within a State or geographic region to each other, but 
this is not always possible to ensure compatibility.
    In response to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, we 
made no changes to the rule. A key difference from other states is that 
refuges in Alaska are open to all hunting and fishing uses until closed 
under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA; 16 
U.S.C. 3111-3126). Where we have closed opportunities or limited the 
use in comparison to State regulations, we promulgate those regulations 
under 50 CFR part 36. We work closely with the Alaska Department of 
Fish and Game when making these determinations and in assessing the 
continued need for regulations.
    Comment (4): We received comments from five Tribal governments on 
the rule. The Shawnee Tribe in Oklahoma and Coushatta Tribe of 
Louisiana both stated they did not have concerns about the proposed 
rule. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska expressed

[[Page 48826]]

concerns about hunting of species with cultural significance at Loess 
Bluffs NWR and hunting of ``nongame'' species, both at Loess Bluffs NWR 
specifically and in the proposed rule generally. The Choctaw Nation of 
Oklahoma Historic Preservation Department requested consultation with 
respect to Choctaw NWR concerning cultural resource records and 
requested that we add an inadvertent discovery clause to our 
environmental assessment (EA) for the openings and expansions at the 
refuge. The Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office commented twice 
in order to: (1) Convey that the Nation had no concerns about the 
proposed activities at Loess Bluffs NWR, which are not included this 
final rule; and (2) request that the Service conduct a cultural 
resources survey at Sequoyah NWR before any construction begins on the 
two proposed new fishing ponds on the refuge.
    Our Response: The Service appreciates the support of our Tribal 
partners and is committed to working with our Tribal partners to 
address their concerns around potential cultural resource, 
socioeconomic, and ecological impacts from hunting and fishing 
activities in the Refuge System.
    In response to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, we do not 
include the proposed openings and expansions at Loess Bluffs NWR in 
this rule. We will continue discussions with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas 
and Nebraska on how these acres and species may be considered for 
hunting openings and expansions in the future. As to the Iowa Tribe's 
general concern about hunting of ``nongame'' species in the rule 
overall, as explained in detail at Comment (8), below, before 
authorizing any given hunting and sport fishing activity on a refuge, 
we ensure the activity is compatible with the biological integrity and 
ecological health of all species on the refuge. Also, as explained at 
Comment (15), below, this applies as much to the hunting of predatory 
and even apex predator species, which some people consider ``nongame'' 
species, as it applies to other species that are more commonly 
considered target species for hunting or ``game'' species.
    In response to the Choctaw Nation, we have provided the requested 
information, including reports, site forms, and Choctaw NWR's 
unanticipated discovery plan. We have also incorporated the suggested 
inadvertent discovery clause into the refuge's EA document, as 
requested.
    In response to the Osage Nation, the Service is conducting a 
cultural resources survey and continuing discussions with the Osage 
Nation. The construction of the ponds and all proposed fishing 
activities dependent on the ponds are contingent on the results of the 
survey and of our discussions with the Osage Nation.
    Comment (5): We received two comments with concerns that the 
Service did not properly engage in government-to-government 
consultations with Tribes in developing the openings, expansions, and 
other changes in the proposed rule.
    Our Response: For all openings and expansions of hunting and sport 
fishing that the Service considers, the Service engages in government-
to-government consultations with any and all potentially affected 
Tribal partners. As described in our response to Comment (1), above, 
the Service engages our Tribal partners early in the planning process 
along with our State and Territorial partners when developing proposed 
changes to hunting and sport fishing on Service lands and waters.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (6): A couple commenters stated that the Service should not 
defer to State fish and wildlife agencies on certain hunting 
regulations and analysis of wildlife populations.
    Our Response: The Service works closely with State agency partners 
on all aspects of fish and wildlife conservation and management. With 
respect to rules and regulations governing hunting and sport fishing, 
the Service makes State regulations the default for any authorized 
hunting and sport fishing to maximize regulatory efficiency and clarity 
for the public, especially hunters and anglers who must abide by the 
rules and regulations. The Service also makes a concerted effort to 
align our rules and regulations with State rules and regulations to 
maximize this efficiency and minimize confusion, but it is not an 
abdication of our responsibility to regulate hunting on the Refuge 
System because we still determine in every case whether or not State 
hunting and fishing regulations are appropriate for the given refuge. 
Whenever necessary for refuge purposes, conservation goals, ecological 
health, or compatibility with other uses, the Service imposes alternate 
and/or additional rules and regulations to those of the relevant State 
agencies. With respect to wildlife monitoring and analysis of wildlife 
populations, the Service does its own monitoring and analyses and looks 
to these first. We do also draw on the work of State partners, both 
because it provides more data to inform our decisions and because it 
ensures we have information about fish and wildlife on a larger 
geographic scale, which is critical for many species with large ranges 
that extend far from Service lands and waters. The ultimate 
determinations governing all hunting and sport fishing activities on 
NWRS lands are made by the Service, and we fulfill our responsibilities 
to administer hunting and sport fishing programs in a manner compatible 
with both ecological health and integrity and other recreational uses 
of refuges.
    Comment (7): We received a number of comments arguing that we 
should have prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) instead of 
station-specific environmental analyses combined with a national 
cumulative impact report. Some of these comments also argued that 
specific stations should have prepared an EIS where we prepared an 
environmental assessment (EA) or an EA where we prepared a categorical 
exclusion. One of these commenters also stated that the use of lead 
ammunition or tackle presents an extraordinary circumstance that does 
not allow for the use of a Categorical Exclusion. Relatedly, a few 
commenters believed it improper for our NEPA documents to be draft 
rather than final documents during our comment period.
    Our Response: The Service disagrees with the comment that we should 
prepare an EIS before proposing expanded hunting and fishing 
opportunities on refuges or hatcheries. We completed individual EAs 
for, or applied categorical exclusions to, 89 refuges and hatcheries, 
in compliance with NEPA, to evaluate the impacts of opening or 
expanding hunting and fishing opportunities on the stations through 
this rulemaking. These EAs and categorical exclusions underwent 
regional and national review to address and consider these actions from 
a local, regional, multi-State, and/or flyway perspective, and to 
consider the cumulative impacts from this larger geographical context. 
The 2021-2022 cumulative impacts report concludes, after analyzing the 
collective impacts of all EAs and categorical exclusions prepared in 
connection with this rule, that the rule will not have significant 
impacts at the local, regional, or national level. The commenters who 
have raised these environmental analysis concerns have provided no 
additional information that would change this analysis or our 
conclusion. As discussed above, we annually conduct management 
activities on refuges and hatcheries that minimize or offset impacts of 
hunting and fishing on physical and cultural resources, including 
establishing designated areas for hunting; restricting levels of use; 
confining access and travel to designated locations; providing

[[Page 48827]]

education programs and materials for hunters, anglers, and other users; 
and conducting law enforcement activities.
    In this rulemaking, the Service is expanding opportunities for 
recreational hunting and fishing. Expanding opportunities does not 
necessarily result in increased impacts to refuge resources. We 
anticipate that for some refuges, these expansions will not result in 
changes in usage of the refuge. In other cases, these expansions may 
lead to some increase in use of refuges, but these changes will likely 
by minor. Opening of new refuges may attract people to the refuge, but 
these hunters and/or anglers were likely already participating 
elsewhere on State or other Federal lands. Overall, considering the 
decreasing trends in hunting and fishing generally, and decreasing 
trends of these activities on refuges specifically, we do not expect 
this final rule to have a significant impact on the environment. As 
noted in our cumulative impacts report, hunter participation trends 
have been generally declining, some refuges attract a very small number 
of participants, and often participation rates decline over the course 
of a season.
    Finally, a Federal court found that this approach, using a bottom-
up analysis to assess the cumulative impact of increased hunting and 
fishing across the entire Refuge System, was an appropriate way for the 
Service to analyze the impacts of the rule in compliance with NEPA (see 
Fund for Animals v. Hall, 777 F. Supp. 2d 92, 105 (D.D.C. 2011)). We 
disagree with the one commenter who sought to distinguish this 
rulemaking from that case on the basis that (1) there were multiple 
rulemakings before the court, and (2) this rule is larger than those 
rules were in terms of the number of openings and expansions. These 
differences do not matter to the court's conclusion that analysis of 
cumulative impacts through a cumulative impacts report is appropriate. 
First, the court reached a conclusion about what needs to be analyzed 
for each individual rulemaking, even though the same challenge was 
brought against multiple rulemakings. Second, the court could have, but 
did not, set any limit on the number of openings and expansions the 
cumulative impacts report could cover. The court likely did not do so 
because a rule with more openings and expansions will simply have more 
EAs and categorical exclusions in order to cover each station, and the 
cumulative impacts report will correspondingly consider a larger number 
of potential cumulative impacts as thoroughly as in any other iteration 
of this annual rule.
    We also disagree with one commenter's contention that the use of 
lead ammunition or tackle presents an extraordinary circumstance that 
will not allow for the use of a categorical exclusion. This question is 
directly addressed by managers when they determine whether a 
categorical exclusion is appropriate for a given expansion to hunting 
and fishing on a refuge. Just as the level of lead introduced from 
hunting and sport fishing has been found unlikely to produce 
significant adverse impacts in all of our environmental assessments, it 
was not considered to have significant adverse impacts for those 
stations where an expansion to the hunting and/or fishing programs met 
the criteria for a categorical exclusion. Finally, as the use of lead 
ammunition and tackle has been allowed on refuges for decades in the 
ordinary course of operations, it cannot reasonably be considered an 
extraordinary circumstance for any station.
    A few commenters raised a separate but related concern that they 
believed it improper for our NEPA documents to be draft rather than 
final documents after the Federal Register published the proposed rule. 
These commenters misunderstand our rulemaking process. Our longstanding 
approach to this annual rulemaking is that we have the required public 
comment period for our NEPA documents and the required public comment 
period for our proposed rule run concurrently and end on the same date. 
The NEPA documents cannot be finalized without public comment, just as 
we cannot issue a Final Rule before the public has commented on our 
proposed rule. Not only is this approach compliant with all applicable 
laws and regulations but it also provides important advantages for 
public input. First, because we do create our draft NEPA documents 
before drafting the proposed rule, so that our environmental impact 
findings can inform the proposed rule, ending both public comment 
periods on the same date results in longer public comment periods for 
our NEPA documents. As an example, in this rulemaking cycle, instead of 
the 30 days we would otherwise typically provide for an EA, for the EA 
of Great Dismal Swamp NWR the public was given 88 days to provide 
comments. Second, with draft NEPA documents we are able to make changes 
to the EA that reflect changes made to the openings and expansions in 
the rule in response to public comment on the rule, and vice versa. It 
would be cumbersome, and potentially cause confusion for the public, to 
go through a process of revising finalized EAs to make these same 
changes. All of our EAs and other underlying planning documents will be 
finalized and made public alongside the Final Rule, the content of 
which they fully informed.
    In response to comments, we reviewed all EAs and categorical 
exclusions. Based on that review, we determined that the categorical 
exclusion for Necedah NWR may require further consideration, and we do 
not include the proposed expansions at Necedah NWR in this final rule. 
The Service disagrees with the assertion that, for any of the stations 
in this rule, we should have prepared an EIS instead of an EA or an EA 
instead of a categorical exclusion. We also disagree with an assertion 
that, for any of the stations in this rule, the analysis in the 
respective EA or categorical exclusion is inadequate under NEPA.
    We removed the proposed expansions at Necedah NWR from the rule, 
but because they would have been administrative expansions, this did 
not require revising any of the proposed regulatory changes for Necedah 
NWR. Thus, we did not make any changes to the regulatory provisions in 
this rule as a result of these comments.
    Comment (8): We received several comments that alleged the proposed 
rule is, or certain parts of the proposed rule are, a violation of the 
Service's mandate to ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, 
and environmental health of the Refuge System are maintained for the 
benefit of present and future generations of Americans (16 U.S.C 
668dd(a)(4)(B)). These commenters also expressed concern about the 
health and genetic diversity of populations of the species being 
hunted.
    Our Response: We do not allow hunting on a refuge if it is found 
incompatible with that individual refuge's purposes or with the mission 
of the Refuge System. Part of the mission of the Refuge System is to 
ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental 
health of the Refuge System are maintained for the benefit of present 
and future generations of Americans (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4)(B)). 
Therefore, each Service station manager uses his or her ``sound 
professional judgment'' (see the definition of this term in the Service 
Manual at 603 FW 2.6.U., available online at https://www.fws.gov/policy/603fw2.html) in making these inherently complex management 
decisions to ensure that each proposed action complies with this 
mandate. Each manager incorporates field experience, knowledge of 
refuge resources, considerations of the refuge's role within an 
ecosystem, applicable

[[Page 48828]]

laws, and best available science in making these decisions. Service 
biologists and wildlife professionals, in consultation with the State, 
determine the optimal number of each game animal that should reside in 
an ecosystem and then establish hunt parameters (e.g., bag limits, sex 
ratios) based on those analyses. We carefully consider how a proposed 
hunt fits with individual refuge goals, objectives, and strategies 
before allowing the hunt. The new or expanded hunting and/or fishing 
opportunities in this rule are not expected to individually or 
collectively result in significant adverse direct, indirect, or 
cumulative impacts to hunted populations of migratory birds and 
resident wildlife, nonhunted populations of migratory birds and 
resident wildlife, endangered and threatened species, habitat and plant 
resources, or other natural resources. We analyzed these impacts not 
only in each refuge's NEPA document and ESA Section 7 document, but 
also in the 2021-2022 cumulative impacts report.
    The Service does not collect population data at the national level, 
but is able to use State population data when analyzing the impacts at 
individual stations or within a State. When determining the 
compatibility of an activity, Service policy (603 FW 2) directs station 
managers to utilize all available data in exercising their sound 
professional judgement in the decision-making process.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a direct result of these 
comments.
    Comment (9): We received several comments that claimed the actions 
in the proposed rule would imperil threatened and endangered species. 
Some of these comments pointed to concerns regarding the Florida 
Panther NWR in particular.
    Our Response: In compliance with section 7 of the ESA, every 
station determined that their proposed actions either would have ``no 
effect'' or were ``not likely to adversely affect'' endangered and 
threatened species or designated critical habitat present at that 
station. The Service determined that the proposed action was not likely 
to jeopardize any listed species, nor adversely modify its critical 
habitat; and that the proposed action was not likely to jeopardize any 
proposed or candidate species for listing as threatened or endangered. 
Furthermore, as described in our cumulative impacts report, because 
endangered and threatened species are usually highly localized, minor 
or negligible impacts on an endangered or threatened species at a local 
or even regional scale would likely have no cumulative impact on 
national populations of those species. Thus, considering all impacts 
cumulatively for each individual threatened or endangered species, it 
is unlikely there will be any adverse impacts on such species, their 
habitats, or their recovery from these openings and expansions of 
hunting and sport fishing.
    We do not allow hunting on a refuge if it is found incompatible 
with that individual refuge's purposes or with the mission of the NWRS. 
In addition, the Service's biological integrity, diversity, and 
environmental health (BIDEH) policy (601 FW 3) guides decision-making 
with respect to management of activities on refuges, including hunting. 
Service biologists and wildlife professionals, in consultation with the 
State, determine the optimal number of each game animal that should 
reside in an ecosystem and then establish hunt parameters (e.g., bag 
limits, sex ratios) based on those analyses. We carefully consider how 
a proposed hunt fits with individual refuge goals, objectives, and 
strategies before allowing the hunt. None of the known, estimated, or 
projected harvests of migratory game birds, upland game, or big game 
species in this rulemaking is expected to have significant adverse 
direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to hunted populations, non-
hunted wildlife, endangered or threatened species, plant or habitat 
resources, wildlife-dependent recreation, prescribed fire, air, soil, 
water, cultural resources, refuge facilities, solitude, or socio-
economics. We analyze these impacts not only in each refuge's NEPA 
document, but also in the 2021-2022 cumulative impacts report.
    While there may be some minor, localized, and temporary (short-
term) impacts to endangered and threatened species as a result of 
hunting or fishing activities, every station ensured that these impacts 
were minimized and, in many cases, offset them through a variety of 
management activities.
    In response to the comments expressing concern specifically about 
Florida Panther NWR, the Service is opening three limited quota spring 
turkey hunts and fishing on a 19-acre pond on that refuge. Therefore, 
impacts on the endangered Florida panther (Puma (=Felis) concolor 
coryi) are expected to be negligible to minor due to the limited number 
of turkey hunting permits we will issue; the type, amount, and location 
of approved public access; and the general locations of all proposed 
project activities (e.g., highly disturbed areas impacted by human use 
before the refuge was established). As outlined in the environmental 
assessment (section B of the VSP), through the use of quota hunts, a 
sustainable harvest is expected. A limited wild turkey hunt may be held 
during three weekends of the Florida spring turkey season, and only one 
bearded turkey may be harvested seasonally by permitted hunters. The 
refuge hunt will adopt Florida State regulations at nearby State 
wildlife management areas, and also add refuge-specific regulations to 
ensure compatibility. Up to 25 permits on two quota weekend hunts 
(i.e., 50 total permits) and up to 10 family groups (i.e., 20 total 
permits) on the third weekend hunt may be issued annually. However, 
Florida Panther NWR will monitor the turkey population and hunter 
access to allow for adaptive management in the number of permits issued 
annually. Also, no new roads or trails will be needed to accommodate 
hunting on the refuge. The use of existing roads and trails will 
accommodate turkey hunting. It is estimated that fewer than 70 hunters 
will access the refuge, and they will take fewer than 8 turkeys each 
season on the refuge. The local turkey population is expected to 
rebound seasonally, with no significant effects anticipated. Rangewide, 
this slight increase in take is not expected to have a cumulative 
effect on the species.
    In the ESA Section 7 analysis for Florida Panther NWR, we 
concluded, based on the best available science and professional 
judgment of refuge staff, that the hunting and fishing openings are not 
likely to adversely impact the Florida panther. We have described the 
turkey hunting activity above because it is the most likely source of 
any minor disturbances that occur for panthers on the refuge. In 
addition to the limits on turkey hunting detailed above, it is 
important to note that turkey is not a primary prey species for the 
Florida panther, so any temporary, minor change in the refuge's turkey 
population should not affect panthers. Relatedly, even though panthers 
will sometimes prey on turkeys, because lead ammunition is prohibited 
for turkey hunting on the refuge there is no concern about lead 
exposure from panthers scavenging hunted turkeys or turkey gut piles. 
Well-managed hunt programs and other outdoor recreational activities do 
not conflict with the Service's ability to recover the Florida panther 
or other Federal trust species on Florida Panther NWR. An example of 
this lack of conflict is evidenced by the fact that since conservation 
and especially genetic diversification efforts began in the 1990s the 
panther population has continued to increase

[[Page 48829]]

throughout southwest Florida even though hunting and other forms of 
outdoor recreation have continued to occur as traditional uses across 
millions of acres, including on both private and public lands. Panthers 
are one of the most adaptable mammals in the Northern Hemisphere and 
have home ranges in close proximity to human occupied areas in 
southwest Florida (e.g., Golden Gate Estates). The proposed quota 
turkey hunts are anticipated to only have minimal to moderate short-
term effects on the Florida panther and other Federal trust species. 
Panther activity may be temporarily altered as a result of human 
activity. However, any alteration of panther activity is expected to be 
insignificant.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (10): Many commenters expressed concern over the use of 
lead ammunition and/or lead fishing tackle on refuges and hatcheries. 
Some commenters objected to these potential sources of lead at a 
particular refuge or hatchery, and many individual commenters and 
multiple organizations were concerned about lead nationwide and 
referred us to various forms of evidence on the subject of lead impacts 
to human and ecological health. Many of these commenters were 
supportive of the increased access the Service proposed, but requested 
the Service not allow lead ammunition or tackle. Some commenters 
expressed specific concerns about raptor species, including the bald 
eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). One commenter stated that the use of 
lead ammunition would violate the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 
of 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 
U.S.C. 703 et seq.).
    Our Response: The Service acknowledges concerns from commenters 
about the issue of bioavailability of lead in the environment and is 
aware of the potential impacts of lead on fish and wildlife. See, for 
example, Nancy Golden, et al., ``A Review and Assessment of Spent Lead 
Ammunition and Its Exposure and Effects to Scavenging Birds in the 
United States,'' which is available online at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/refuges/Review%20and%20Assessment%20paper.pdf. Accordingly, the 
Service pays special attention to species susceptible to lead uptake 
and to sources of lead that could impact ecological and human health.
    Historically, the principal cause of lead poisoning in waterfowl 
was the high densities of lead shot in wetland sediments associated 
with migratory bird hunting activities (Kendall et al. 1996). In 1991, 
as a result of high bird mortality, the Service instituted a nationwide 
ban on the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl and coots (see 50 CFR 
32.2(k)).
    Yet, there remains some concern about the bioavailability of spent 
lead ammunition (bullets) and fishing tackle on the environment, the 
health of fish and wildlife, and human health. The Service is aware of 
fish and wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species, 
that are susceptible to biomagnification of lead from their food 
sources or the food eaten by their food sources. There is also evidence 
that some species are susceptible to direct ingestion of lead 
ammunition or tackle due to their foraging behaviors. For example, the 
Service recognizes that ingested lead fishing tackle has been found to 
be a leading cause of mortality in adult common loons (Grade, T. et 
al., 2017, in Population-level effects of lead fishing tackle on common 
loons. The Journal of Wildlife Management 82(1): pp. 155-164). The 
impacts of lead on human health and safety have been a focus of several 
scientific studies. We are familiar with studies that have found the 
ingestion of animals harvested via the use of lead ammunition increased 
levels of lead in the human body (e.g., Buenz, E. (2016). Lead exposure 
through eating wild game. American Journal of Medicine, 128: p. 458).
    While there are concerns of lead's general potential for ecological 
health impacts, we disagree with commenters that the use of lead 
ammunition in connection with the particular openings and expansions of 
hunting and fishing on the refuges and hatchery in this rulemaking will 
significantly impact the environment or is likely to harm endangered or 
threatened species. Each refuge and hatchery carefully evaluated 
possible impacts to the environment, including to endangered and 
threatened species, as part of the NEPA process. As discussed above, on 
stations where lead ammunition or tackle is allowed, we found that the 
number of hunters and anglers using lead ammunition or tackle would 
result in no more than a negligible increase of lead in the 
environment. As a result, we found there would be no significant impact 
to the environment from the use of lead ammunition and/or tackle for 
the station In addition, every refuge and hatchery looked at the 
impacts of these new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities, 
including the allowance or prohibition of lead, on endangered and 
threatened species in compliance with requirements under section 7 of 
the ESA. The ESA requires Federal agencies to ensure that the actions 
they carry out, fund, or authorize do not jeopardize the continued 
existence of endangered or threatened species (listed species). For 
each station, the Service determined that the proposed action was not 
likely to adversely affect any listed species, nor jeopardize any 
listed species. We also determined that the proposed action was not 
likely to jeopardize any proposed or candidate species for listing as 
threatened or endangered.
    We also disagree with the commenter who asserted that the use of 
lead ammunition will violate the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 
of 1940 (Eagle Act) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The 
potential for lead to threaten any species, including raptors in 
general and eagles in particular because of their protection under 
these statutes, is a key part of the NEPA and ESA analyses that are 
conducted before the authorization of any hunting or fishing on a 
refuge for which lead ammunition or lead fishing tackle is allowed. 
This ensures hunting and fishing activities are compliant with these 
statutes. In fact, the MBTA explicitly authorizes the Secretary of the 
Interior to create regulations governing take for all of the migratory 
bird species covered by the treaty, including eagles (16 U.S.C. 
704(a)). The promulgation of the hunting regulations in this rule under 
the authority of the Secretary of the Interior means that the Secretary 
has determined these hunting activities are compatible with the terms 
of the MBTA and with the international conventions that are the basis 
for the MBTA. Thus, the hunting regulations in this rule do not violate 
the MBTA or the associated treaties.
    The Service continues to educate hunters and anglers on the impacts 
of lead on the environment, and particularly on human health and safety 
concerns of ingesting animals harvested with lead ammunition. We always 
encourage hunters and anglers to voluntarily use non-lead ammunition 
and tackle for all harvest activities. For both ammunition and tackle, 
alternatives to lead are becoming more widely available and used by 
hunters and anglers; and despite the traditional view that non-lead 
ammunition and tackle is more expensive, the costs have become 
comparable.
    We share a strong partnership with the States in managing wildlife 
and therefore, when determining whether to prohibit the use of lead 
ammunition or tackle, we have traditionally deferred to State 
regulations. For example, in California, the use of lead ammunition

[[Page 48830]]

is prohibited statewide, including on all Service lands, largely in 
response to the adverse impacts of lead on the endangered California 
condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We will continue to research this 
issue and plan to continue engaging with States and other partners to 
promote the use of non-lead ammunition and tackle.
    Although there is not a Service-wide ban on lead ammunition for 
non-migratory bird hunting activities or on lead fishing tackle, the 
Service has taken specific steps to limit the use of lead in hunting 
and fishing activities on refuges and hatcheries. Currently, under 50 
CFR 32.2(k), all refuges and hatcheries may require the use of nontoxic 
ammunition for all hunting other than deer and turkey hunting through 
brochures, signage, and other forms of public notification. For deer 
hunting, turkey hunting, and fishing, refuges and hatcheries must 
promulgate station-specific regulations. Notably, we continue, in these 
annual rulemakings updating the regulations for hunting and fishing on 
NWRs and NFHs, to phase out the use of lead on Service lands and 
waters. Currently, including the regulatory changes in this rule, 82 of 
the 434 stations open to hunting restrict lead ammunition use for deer 
and/or turkey hunting, and 23 of the 378 stations open to fishing 
restrict lead tackle for fishing. In this rule, 17 stations are putting 
forward restrictions on the use of lead ammunition and/or lead fishing 
tackle. However, we acknowledge that with the increased access provided 
to hunters and anglers on Service lands and waters in the past few 
years, despite the Service's efforts to mitigate the impact of lead on 
the environment, the increase in number of hunting and angling 
opportunities has outpaced the increase in number of opportunities 
subject to lead use restrictions.
    Based on the recent historic expansions in our hunting and fishing 
programs, and per our policy, the Service will continue to evaluate 
lead use in hunting and fishing on Service lands and waters.
    Comment (11): A few commenters expressed opposition to a 
prohibition on lead ammunition for hunting. The arguments these 
commenters put forward were that hunters on a given refuge would not 
take enough shots to create dangerous levels of lead and that reducing 
lead is a positive move but regulations prohibiting lead might result 
in anger and backlash.
    Our Response: We recognize that lead in the environment carries 
risks for fish and wildlife, which is why lead ammunition is not 
allowed for waterfowl hunting on any refuge and lead ammunition is 
prohibited on refuges in California in order to protect the California 
condor. However, most hunting and sport fishing activities do not 
introduce enough lead into the environment to pose a significant danger 
to any species or to make it likely listed species will experience 
adverse effects. Accordingly, lead ammunition and tackle are currently 
allowed where our NEPA and ESA analyses determine the activity is not 
likely to result in dangerous levels of lead exposure. Even for the 
hunting and sport fishing opportunities where we have determined lead 
will be allowed, we educate hunters about lead and encourage the use of 
nontoxic alternatives. This education and encouragement, coupled with 
the declining price of nontoxic alternatives and others trends, have 
allowed us to introduce lead prohibitions for all or some hunting and 
sport fishing activities, in addition to waterfowl hunting, on many of 
our refuges without significant opposition from our State partners, 
local hunters and anglers, or other stakeholders. This includes 
provisions prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or lead fishing 
tackle for 17 different stations in this rule.
    Comment (12): We received several comments concerned with impacts 
of this rule on migratory birds. A few of these commenters were 
particularly concerned about those refuges whose purposes include 
``inviolate sanctuaries for migratory birds'' or that have been 
designated as ``important bird areas'' (IBAs) by the Audubon Society.
    Our Response: All of the migratory bird hunting opportunities on 
Service lands are done within the frameworks set by the Service in 
compliance with the MBTA. These frameworks set season lengths, bag 
limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting and ensure that 
hunting will not have adverse impacts on the populations of the various 
species of migratory birds through rigorous biological monitoring, 
information collection, and data review. To determine the appropriate 
frameworks for each species, the Service considers factors such as 
population size and trend, geographical distribution, annual breeding 
effort, the condition of breeding and wintering habitat, the number of 
hunters, and the anticipated harvest. After frameworks are established 
for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird 
hunting, States may select season dates, bag limits, and other 
regulatory options for the hunting seasons. States may always be more 
restrictive in their selections than the Federal frameworks, but never 
more permissive. For more information on this process, see the 2021-
2022 cumulative impacts report at http://www.regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-0027.
    Our analysis in the cumulative impacts report of the expansion of 
hunting of migratory game birds on Service lands through this rule 
indicates that the proposed harvests, or intentional take, of each 
species will constitute a negligible component of both national and 
flyway harvest. Station-specific migratory game bird hunting 
regulations are established within the above discussed frameworks and 
in compliance with NEPA to ensure that adverse impacts will not 
accumulate over time; thus, the harvest is expected to have a 
negligible impact on migratory bird resources within NWRs.
    In addition to all hunting for migratory game birds being set 
within this national framework, and as with all species hunted in the 
Refuge System, each station must also ensure that the hunting or 
fishing opportunity is compatible, or in the case of NFHs not 
detrimental, with the purpose of that station and complies with 
applicable provisions of NEPA, ESA, and other applicable laws and 
policy before opening or expanding migratory bird hunting. This 
thorough process ensures that the Service has analyzed the potential 
impacts of the proposed hunting or fishing opportunity and determined 
that the opportunity would not have a significant impact on any 
migratory bird species, not just the targeted species.
    Where inviolate sanctuaries occur on NWRs, all uses must be 
evaluated for appropriateness and, if necessary, compatibility. The 
language within the Administration Act only applies to those lands with 
the designation of inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. With this 
in mind, other uses (e.g., big game hunting, hiking, auto tours, etc.) 
can be allowed as long as they are compatible. When determining 
compatibility, the Service must consider the high bar that the 
inviolate sanctuary designation established.
    In addition, refuges with this designation will have to evaluate 
the influence of uses occurring or potentially occurring on other 
portions of the refuge and how they may affect the inviolate 
sanctuaries. Although this designation sets a higher level of 
consideration, it is clear that Congress intended for these areas to be 
considered for use when compatible. In the case of IBA designations 
from the Audubon Society, while several refuges

[[Page 48831]]

in the rule do have these IBA designations, these designations do not 
place any additional legal restrictions related to migratory birds on 
management of these refuges. As discussed previously, each station goes 
through several different processes, including compatibility 
determinations, NEPA compliance, and ESA compliance, to ensure that the 
hunting and fishing opportunities proposed would have no significant 
impacts on populations of migratory birds in compliance with the 
Service's mandates under the MBTA, Administration Act, or other 
applicable laws and policies.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (13): A number of commenters mentioned climate change, as a 
general environmental issue, as something we should consider in 
developing this rule. A few of these commenters specifically argued 
that we did not fully consider the impacts this rule could have in 
conjunction with the separate impacts of climate change on fish, 
wildlife, and other refuge resources. One comment invoked Executive 
Order 14008, which calls on government agencies to ``combat the climate 
crisis'' through conservation and other measures.
    Our Response: The Service recognizes climate change as a threat to 
human and ecological health and operates in compliance with Executive 
Order (E.O.) 14008. The conservation goals and operations of the Refuge 
System are well-aligned with E.O. 14008, and this rule in particular is 
consistent with the Executive order.
    We consider climate change factors in this rule, as with all 
actions on Service lands. Where appropriate, the effects of climate 
change on individual species and refuge natural resources are 
considered throughout the individual NEPA documents, individual ESA 
section 7 documents, and cumulative impacts report. If such analysis 
determined that a given hunting or sport fishing activity, in 
conjunction with the effects of climate change, would result in adverse 
impacts to protected species or biological integrity, then the refuge 
manager would not authorize the activity.
    In addition to considering the impacts of climate change on the 
management of wildlife, we respond to a changing climate through the 
annual process of setting hunting and fishing seasons. Hunting seasons 
are based on biological monitoring and coordination with our State 
partners. In some circumstances, seasons may be adjusted based on 
predicted harvest rates, population levels, seasonal factors, and other 
assessments. While this process is not necessarily climate-based, over 
time, as the variables mentioned above change, we respond by altering 
regulations accordingly. These regulatory changes are only incremental 
changes that build on previous changes. Any major changes in station or 
environmental conditions, such as an unsustainable decrease in a 
species' population or sizeable increases in refuge or hatchery acreage 
or public uses, would trigger additional planning, NEPA review, 
compatibility determinations, and ESA section 7 evaluation processes. 
The Service may reevaluate compatibility at any time if conditions 
warrant. These required planning and management processes ensure that 
adverse impacts will not accumulate over time.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (14): We also received various comments expressing the 
sentiment that ``trophy hunting,'' baiting, and hounding of predators 
are ``unsportsmanlike'' activities and inappropriate uses on Service 
lands. Some comments also expressed a desire for the Service to enact a 
ban on ``hunting contests.''
    Our Response: The Service does not attempt to define or authorize 
``trophy hunting'' in any of our laws, regulations, or policies 
concerning hunting. We follow State hunting and fishing regulations 
(except for where we determine it is necessary to be more restrictive 
on individual stations), including State regulations concerning 
responsible hunting, or prohibitions on wanton waste (defined as ``to 
intentionally waste something negligently or inappropriately'').
    We apply this same stance on alleged ``hunting contests.'' The 
Service follows State bag limits for species open to hunting, except 
where we may restrict bag limits in order to meet compatibility 
requirements for the activity. In States where excessive take of 
particular species is encouraged for sport only, the Service would 
restrict bag limits. We only allow hunting on refuges and hatcheries 
when we have determined that the opportunity is sustainable and 
compatible. For example, ``contests'' targeting non-game species where 
there are no bag limits under State regulations, including species 
classified as ``predators'' under State laws, are permitted in Oregon 
and Idaho. However, the Service would not issue permits for coyote 
hunting ``contests'' at refuges in these States for several reasons, 
including unacceptable disturbance impacts to other game and nongame 
species, conflicts with other user groups, and conflicts with the 
Service's BIDEH policy.
    Under 50 CFR 26.21(b), the use of dogs for hounding is prohibited 
on refuges unless authorized by station-specific regulations, and many 
refuges only authorize the use of dogs for retrieval of migratory 
birds, upland game birds, and small game. Most refuges that allow dogs 
require that the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at 
all times or leashed, unless actively retrieving an animal. Most of the 
commenters who expressed opposition to the use of dogs referenced 
Silvio O. Conte NWR specifically. The use of dogs will still be allowed 
at Silvio O. Conte NWR for hunting of waterfowl and game species in 
accordance with state regulations. However, because of the concerns of 
commenters we will require hunters who wish to use more than two dogs 
at a time for hunting of any species anywhere on the refuge to obtain a 
special use permit and on the Putney Mountain Unit specifically we are 
only allowing the use of dogs for migratory bird and grouse hunting.
    In States where baiting is allowed, most refuges have elected to be 
more restrictive and not support this method of hunting. Furthermore, 
most of the commenters who expressed opposition to baiting referenced 
Silvio O. Conte NWR specifically, but that refuge does not allow 
baiting.
    We made changes to the rule for the use of dogs at Silvio O. Conte 
NWR as described above, but made no other changes to the rule as a 
result of these comments.
    Comment (15): We received a few comments expressing concern about 
opening and expanding opportunities for hunting of predator species. 
Some commenters alleged that we did not give enough consideration to 
the impacts of those proposed hunts, and that the hunts conflicted with 
the Service's mandates under the Administration Act to maintain the 
biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the 
refuge. One of these commenters also brought our attention to the 
omission of coyote from species lists for three refuges in our 
cumulative impacts report.
    Our Response: Refuge managers consider predator management 
decisions on a case-by-case basis. As with all species, a refuge 
manager makes a decision about managing predator populations, which are 
included in the category of resident wildlife, including allowing 
predatory species to be hunted, only after careful examination to 
ensure the action would comply with relevant laws, policies, and 
directives. The Administration Act, as amended, directs

[[Page 48832]]

the Service to manage refuges for ``biological integrity, diversity, 
and environmental health.'' Predators play a critical role in the 
integrity, diversity, and overall health of ecosystems, so before 
allowing predators to be hunted, a refuge manager must ensure that 
these actions do not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health of 
the refuge ecosystem. The manager must also determine that the action 
is compatible with refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge 
System, and in keeping with the refuge's CCP and other step-down plans. 
In addition, the refuge manager analyzes the impacts of the actions on 
the environment through the NEPA process and section 7 of the ESA. 
Therefore, a refuge manager must take many steps to ensure that any 
opportunity for hunting predators on a refuge meets the Service's 
applicable laws and policies.
    For example, we received one comment advocating for the hunting of 
predator species during established State seasons at Sherburne NWR in 
Minnesota. The refuge manager at Sherburne NWR had already considered 
adding such hunts, but determined that the seasons and hours of 
predator hunting in Minnesota would conflict with the months of the 
year and hours of the day in which the refuge is open to the public. 
Sherburne NWR observes a sanctuary period from March 1 through August 
31, and is only open during daylight hours. Predator hunting in 
Minnesota is primarily at night and primarily during the summer months. 
We will not be able to grant the request of this commenter because it 
is not compatible with the conservation purposes and practices of 
Sherburne NWR.
    The Administration Act, as amended, also mandates that regulations 
allowing hunting or fishing of fish and resident wildlife within the 
Refuge System shall be, to the extent practicable, consistent with 
State fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans (16 
U.S.C. 668dd(m)). Therefore, all the opportunities for hunting 
predators in this rule that are intended to bring greater consistency 
with State fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans 
are part of realizing the Service's mission. Moreover, these, as with 
all predator hunting determinations and all hunting and fishing 
determinations, were only made after careful consideration by the 
refuge manager to ensure that such actions would not threaten the 
integrity, diversity, and overall health of the ecosystem and were 
compatible with both the purpose of the refuge and the mission of the 
Refuge System. For NFHs, the hatchery manager made the decision that 
such opportunities were not detrimental to the propagation of fish, 
wildlife, or aquatic species (50 CFR 70.1). Finally, both the NEPA 
process and the rulemaking process provide opportunities for the public 
to provide comments and any additional information on impacts of our 
actions. We considered the additional information provided from the 
public on this issue during these public comment periods and determined 
that they did not affect our initial determinations that these small 
and minor opportunities for hunting predators on specific refuges or 
hatcheries will have no more than minor impacts on the population 
health of these species or other wildlife at the local, regional, or 
national level.
    Lastly, one commenter noted that for a particular predator (coyote) 
the cumulative impacts report omitted proposed hunts from the narrative 
descriptions of the openings and expansions for three stations: Bogue 
Chitto NWR, Loess Bluffs NWR, and Malheur NWR. Those typographical 
errors have been corrected for Bogue Chitto NWR and Malheur NWR. In the 
case of Loess Bluffs NWR, all hunting openings and expansions described 
in the May 4, 2021, proposed rule are not included in this final rule, 
in recognition of concerns expressed by the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and 
Nebraska.
    We have changed the cumulative impacts report as described, but did 
not make any changes to the rule as a result of these comments.
    Comment (16): One commenter stated that the Service did not 
properly consider the impacts of allowing beaver hunting because beaver 
dams can alter water flow in ways that provide habitats for other 
species.
    Our Response: This rule includes the opening or expansion of beaver 
hunting on multiple refuges, both as a target species and as incidental 
take during hunts for other species. For each of these refuges 
individually, the NEPA analysis and ESA section 7 analysis consider the 
potential impacts of allowing hunters to take beaver. As with all 
target species, the refuge manager must ensure that authorizing hunting 
does not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health of the refuge 
ecosystem. This includes effects on other species from the loss of 
individuals from the given target species, which encompasses effects 
from the absence of beaver dams that change water flows just as it 
encompasses effects from reduced predation, reduced foraging pressure, 
and other mechanisms that can impact non-target species. The manager 
must also determine that the action is compatible with refuge purposes 
and the mission of the Refuge System, and in keeping with the refuge's 
CCP and other step-down plans. As a result, the beaver hunts in this 
rule do not present a threat to ecosystem health or other species 
either directly from the take of individual beavers or indirectly 
through the effect of beaver hunting on the number and strength of 
beaver dams. In fact, on many refuges beavers are already managed by 
refuge staff to prevent habitat damage caused by beaver dams, which can 
have negative impacts on vegetation, moist soil units, and other refuge 
resources. Finally, the Service does not anticipate substantial take of 
beavers on any particular refuge or cumulatively.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this 
comment.
    Comment (17): We received several comments that expressed concern 
over some aspect of public safety. Commenters raised concerns about 
openings or expansions of hunting at certain stations based on the 
conflicts with other visitors to the refuge or the need for adequate 
funding and/or staffing. In particular, the most common specific 
concern was that the increase in openings and expansions of hunting and 
sport fishing would overwhelm existing law enforcement capacity. These 
concerns were expressed for multiple specific stations and as a 
nationwide issue.
    Our Response: The Service considers public safety to be a top 
priority. In order to open or expand hunting or sport fishing on a 
refuge, we must find the activity compatible. In order to find an 
activity compatible, the activity must not ``materially interfere with 
or detract from'' public safety, wildlife resources, or the purpose of 
the refuge (see the Service Manual at 603 FW 2.6.B., available online 
at https://www.fws.gov/policy/603fw2.html). For this rulemaking, we 
specifically analyzed the possible impacts of the changes to hunting 
programs at each refuge and hatchery on visitor use and experience, 
including public safety concerns and possible conflicts between user 
groups.
    Hunting of resident wildlife on refuges generally occurs consistent 
with State regulations, which are designed to protect public safety. 
Refuges may also develop refuge-specific hunting regulations that are 
more restrictive than State regulations in order to help meet specific 
refuge objectives, including protecting public safety. Refuges use many 
techniques to ensure the safety of hunters and visitors, such as 
requiring hunters to wear blaze orange,

[[Page 48833]]

controlling the density of hunters, limiting where firearms can be 
discharged (e.g., not across roads, away from buildings), and using 
time and space zoning to limit conflicts between hunters and other 
visitors. It is worth noting that injuries and deaths related to 
hunting are extremely rare, both for hunters themselves and for the 
nonhunting public.
    Public comment is important in ensuring we have considered all 
available information and concerns before making a final decision on a 
proposed opening or expansion. For all of the proposed openings or 
expansions of hunting in our May 4, 2021, proposed rule (86 FR 23794), 
we have determined that there are sufficient protections in place as 
part of the hunt program at that station to ensure public safety. For 
more information on the Service's efforts to ensure public safety at a 
particular station, please see that station's hunt plan, compatibility 
determination, and associated NEPA analysis.
    Regarding concerns about lack of funding or staffing, Service 
policy (603 FW 2.12.A.(7)) requires station managers to determine that 
adequate resources (including personnel, which in turn includes law 
enforcement) exist or can be provided by the Service or a partner to 
properly develop, operate, and maintain the use in a way that will not 
materially interfere with or detract from fulfillment of the refuge 
purpose(s) and the Service's mission. If resources are lacking for 
establishment or continuation of wildlife-dependent recreational uses, 
the refuge manager will make reasonable efforts to obtain additional 
resources or outside assistance from States, other public agencies, 
local communities, and/or private and nonprofit groups before 
determining that the use is not compatible. When Service law 
enforcement resources are lacking, we are often able to rely upon State 
fish and game law-enforcement capacity to assist in enforcement of 
hunting and fishing regulations. One commenter noted that our hunt plan 
document for the Potomac River NWR Complex specifically states that 
State law enforcement will take on the role of enforcing hunting and 
fishing regulations and asked that the hunt plan provide further 
detail. Specific information on how we responded to this comment 
letter's request for more detail on particular hunting and fishing 
opportunities at Potomac River NWR Complex can be found in that 
station's final hunt plan, compatibility determination, and finding of 
no significant impact documents.
    For all 89 stations opening or expanding hunting and/or sport 
fishing in this rule, we have determined that we have adequate 
resources, including law enforcement personnel, to develop, operate, 
and maintain the hunt programs.
    We did not make any additional changes to the rule as a result of 
these comments.
    Comment (18): We received additional comments supporting the 
requests made by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to allow falconry 
on refuges within the State and to align dog regulations on refuges to 
State regulations. They also echoed the concern from the State about 
inconsistencies on refuges within the State.
    Our Response: As described in our response to Comment (3), above, 
we determine both whether falconry and the use of dogs for hunting is 
compatible on a refuge-by-refuge basis. We also determine refuge 
regulations on a refuge-by-refuge basis, and while we strive to achieve 
consistency on refuges within a State, different regulations are 
sometimes required. This allows us to ensure that these uses are 
compatible with the purposes of the refuge.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a direct result of these 
comments.
    Comment (19): We received two comments about reduced hunt quality 
from hunter overcrowding at particular refuges. One comment expressed 
concerns that the changes, especially removing the lottery limitation 
on waterfowl hunting, at Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR would lead to 
hunter overcrowding. The other comment expressed concerns that 
additional gun hunting for deer at Sherburne NWR would reduce the 
quality of the current deer bow hunting season on that refuge.
    Our Response: For Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR, the Service does not 
conclude removing the lottery draw will impact the quality of the 
waterfowl hunt or lead to overcrowding, as more areas will be open to 
hunting resulting in reduced overcrowding. As outlined in the NEPA and 
planning documents for the change, the Service will eliminate the 
lottery waterfowl hunting on the refuge to reduce the application 
process for the users and the associated administrative burden for the 
refuge. The hunt program was designed to be supportive of hunters of 
diverse backgrounds. Further, the Service designed the hunt program on 
the refuge to better align, where appropriate and possible, with State 
regulations.
    For Sherburne NWR, the Service recognizes that the new muzzleloader 
deer hunting as proposed may create problems for the existing bow 
hunting season. Accordingly, we are modifying the new muzzleloader 
hunting: instead of opening muzzleloader hunting in Areas A, B, and C 
we will only open it in Area A. The muzzleloader hunting will otherwise 
operate as proposed. This change ensures that Area B will only be open 
to bow hunters after the existing 9-day gun season ends. Area C will 
remain closed to all hunting following the 9-day gun season.
    We changed the hunting at Sherburne NWR from the proposed rule as 
described, but did not make any changes to the regulatory text of the 
rule or any other changes as a direct result of these comments.
    Comment (20): A couple of commenters stated that hunting and sport 
fishing activities could introduce invasive species to refuge lands or 
waters.
    Our Response: We are aware of the ecological threats posed by 
invasive species and make it a part of all Service actions to limit the 
spread of invasive species. Many of the refuges opening or expanding 
hunting and sport fishing under this rule have both mitigation measures 
for invasive species in connection with the hunting and sport fishing 
activities and separate measures taken on refuge lands and waters to 
limit invasive species.
    We also explicitly consider invasive species in our analyses of 
proposed hunting and sport fishing openings and expansions. As one of 
the two commenters noted, the cumulative impacts report directly 
addresses concerns about invasive species. We conclude there that 
invasive species do not present a significant risk, at individual 
refuges or cumulatively, because the participants in activities that 
present the risk of introducing invasive species generally come to the 
refuge from within the local area and are few in number.
    Moreover, in some cases and as seen in this rule, we may use 
hunting as a management tool with the explicit goal of reducing 
populations of invasive species that threaten ecosystem stability. 
Therefore, facilitating hunting opportunities is an important aspect of 
the Service's roles and responsibilities for management of invasive 
species.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.
    Comment (21): One commenter quoted the proposed rule's description 
of the Service's statutory authority to promulgate this rule and 
interpreted the quotation as indicating a ``compatibility assessment'' 
was not prepared for each station in the rule.

[[Page 48834]]

    Our Response: This commenter has misinterpreted the quoted language 
from the rule. The proposed rule's preamble states, ``[w]e develop 
specific management plans for each refuge prior to opening it to 
hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop station-specific 
regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the 
purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or hatchery and the 
Refuge and Hatchery System mission'' (86 FR 23794, May 4, 2021, p. 86 
FR 23795). This explains that management plans for many refuges call 
for promulgating station-specific regulations that ensure the 
compatibility of hunting and fishing programs with the purpose of the 
given refuge. As described in response to Comment (6), above, the 
appropriate State regulations set the default rules for hunting and 
sport fishing activities that are authorized on a refuge, but the 
Service often has to supplement these regulations with our own 
regulations to ensure compatibility. These are the regulations 
described as being needed ``in many cases'' and many such regulations 
are contained in this rule. The proposed rule's preamble goes on to 
state, ``[w]e ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and 
the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land 
through an interim determination of compatibility made at or near the 
time of acquisition'' (86 FR 23794, May 4, 2021, p. 86 FR 23795). This 
describes another step, separate from developing regulations, in the 
process of planning hunting and sport fishing activities on a refuge: 
making a compatibility determination based on the nature of the hunting 
or sport fishing activity under consideration and the purposes of the 
particular refuge. These compatibility determinations must be and are 
made for every activity at every station that offers hunting or sport 
fishing activities. The phrase ``in many cases'' as used in the 
proposed rule is not grammatically tied to compatibility determinations 
and would never be used by the Service to describe compatibility 
determinations, as they are a necessary management step for all 
stations that offer wildlife-dependent recreation.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a direct result of this 
comment.
    Comment (22): One commenter argued that the proposed rule violates 
the Recreation Act in not curtailing public recreation, violates the 
Administration Act in not preserving biological integrity, and violates 
the Improvement Act in disrupting ecological processes.
    Our Response: We disagree with the commenter's statement that this 
rule violates the Recreation Act. The Recreation Act provides that the 
Secretary shall curtail public recreation use generally in order to 
ensure accomplishment of the primary purposes for which said 
conservation areas were acquired or established. Thus, Congress 
delegated the responsibility of determining when to curtail all types 
of public recreation in the interest of the conservation purposes of 
each refuge to the Secretary of the Interior, and by extension to the 
Service. We disagree with the commenter's claim that the Recreation Act 
calls on the Secretary to curtail public recreation uses generally, 
especially when the later-enacted Administration Act and Improvement 
Act explicitly allow, and even prioritize, hunting and sport fishing on 
refuges. The commenter's interpretation also goes against the spirit of 
the Recreation Act because this statute was meant to facilitate public 
use and enjoyment of conservation areas, like refuge system lands. 
Moreover, there is nothing in this Act to indicate that, as the 
commenter implied, a recreational use must ``provide income'' to the 
Service or be necessary for wildlife management in order for the 
Secretary to authorize it.
    We disagree with the commenter's statement that this rule violates 
the Administration Act. The commenter is correct that the Secretary, 
and by extension the Service, must create regulations for hunting 
within the Refuge System that ``ensure that the biological integrity, 
diversity, and environmental health of the System are maintained.'' The 
commenter is incorrect in concluding that this rule violates this part 
of the Refuge system mission because the commenter fails to recognize 
that our compatibility determination, NEPA, ESA section 7, and 
cumulative impacts report processes and analyses take into full account 
both lead exposure risks and food chain impacts. From these analyses, 
we determine that our fishing and hunting activities comply with our 
BIDEH policies based upon the best available science and the 
professional judgment of Service employees.
    The commenter first states that allowing lead shot for certain 
turkey hunts does not ensure biological integrity and environmental 
health. Where our analysis and expertise indicate that lead presents a 
significant danger to biological integrity and environmental health, 
the use of lead is not allowed; the primary examples are that lead 
ammunition is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting on all refuges, and 
all lead is prohibited from NWRs in the State of California in order to 
protect the California condor. The potential for lead to threaten 
biological integrity and environmental health is a key part of the NEPA 
and ESA analyses that are conducted before the authorization of any 
hunting or sport fishing activity on a refuge for which lead ammunition 
or tackle is allowed. For more on the topic of the use of lead for 
hunting and fishing in the Refuge System, see our response to Comment 
(10), above.
    The commenter next states that allowing the hunting of species at 
or near the top of the food chain in their given habitat does not 
ensure biological integrity because it would cause overpopulation of 
prey species lower on the food chain. While this rule does open or 
expand hunting of the specific species mentioned by the commenter 
(pronghorn, sandhill crane, and black bear) and other species atop or 
near the top of food chains, these hunts will not cause disruptive 
changes to population sizes of any species. Predators play a critical 
role in the integrity, diversity, and overall health of ecosystems, so 
before allowing predators to be hunted, a refuge manager must ensure 
that these actions do not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health 
of the refuge ecosystem. The manager must also determine that the 
action is compatible with refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge 
System, and in keeping with the refuge's CCP and other step-down plans. 
Hunting that would cause too large a reduction in the population of any 
species or overpopulation of any species would not be authorized, 
including under this rule. For more on the topic of authorized hunting 
of predator species in the Refuge System, see our response to Comment 
(15), above.
    We disagree with the commenter's statement that this rule violates 
the Improvement Act. The commenter claims that the Improvement Act 
``demands the conservation of ecological processes,'' but no such 
language appears in the Improvement Act. The Improvement Act states 
instead that the Secretary shall provide for the conservation of fish, 
wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the Refuge System. Even 
though the notion of ``ecological processes'' is absent from the 
statute, the Service does always consider the health and genetic 
diversity of wildlife populations in administering hunting and sport 
fishing within the Refuge System. As already noted above, for any 
proposed hunting activity the refuge manager must ensure that it does 
not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health of the refuge 
ecosystem. The manager must also determine that the action is 
compatible

[[Page 48835]]

with refuge purposes and the mission of the Refuge System, and in 
keeping with the refuge's CCP and other step-down plans. If hunting 
would not be a viable tool for a given population, because of genetic 
diversity concerns or otherwise, other methods of preventing 
overpopulation are employed. The example of hunting providing a benefit 
for managing deer populations that the Service provided online, and 
which the commenter cited, is only meant to illustrate a potential 
benefit from certain hunts, not that such a benefit is the only 
consideration when authorizing hunting. While hunting may be a part of 
a refuge's population control strategies for certain species, the 
Service considers all effects of hunting (e.g., impacts to genetic 
diversity) and compatibility with conservation purposes before 
authorizing such an activity.
    The commenter concludes that any hunting at all on refuges will 
disrupt ecological processes and should therefore not be allowed. While 
the Improvement Act does not include any discussion of ``ecological 
processes,'' it does, however, direct that the Secretary shall both 
recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the 
priority general public uses of the Refuge System and ensure that 
opportunities are provided within the Refuge System for compatible 
wildlife-dependent recreational uses. The Improvement Act's definition 
of ``wildlife-dependent recreational use'' includes a use of a refuge 
involving hunting (among four other uses). Thus, the Service is 
actually directed by the statute to not only allow but to prioritize 
hunting on refuges whenever compatible with the conservation mission of 
the Refuge System.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a direct result of this 
comment.
    Comment (23): We received two comments that touched on the proposed 
rule's discussion of the economic impacts of the rule. One commenter 
argued that we must use a survey to determine how much non-consumptive, 
wildlife-dependent recreational use days might decrease because of this 
rule and include local economic impacts from a decrease in visitation 
from such users. The second commenter claimed that we must conduct a 
benefit-cost analysis for this rule and that it must include the cost 
to the Service to implement the rule and any loss of revenue from non-
consumptive users.
    Our Response: For the first comment, it is important to note that 
calculations of the local economic impacts are done for purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to support our 
determination that the rule will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. The rule is not promulgated 
solely because of the estimated benefits to local economies; the 
hunting and sport fishing openings and expansions in the rule are 
promulgated because of the public recreational benefits they provide, 
which the Service does not quantify. The commenter is correct that non-
consumptive users are an important user group at our refuges and 
hatcheries, and they do bring benefits to local economies. However, the 
commenter's argument that we need to consider economic impacts of the 
rule on non-consumptive users, and presumably that it would change our 
finding on the significance of the rule's impact if we did, does not 
persuade us for two key reasons. First, if the impacts the commenter 
describes, lost revenue for local economies from fewer non-consumptive 
use days at refuges and hatcheries, were to occur as a result of this 
rule, they would be offset by the increased revenues that we have 
calculated for the added hunting and fishing use days. This means that 
calculating both impacts, again assuming there in fact were lost non-
consumptive use days, could never result in a larger monetary impact 
estimate than could be calculated by only considering one or the other 
alone. Thus, calculating net economic impacts from both user groups 
would not change the significance determination.
    Second, calculating only the economic impact of the rule's effects 
on non-consumptive users of the refuges would not likely result in a 
higher estimate of maximum nationwide economic impact because there are 
no expected significant effects on this user group, which means the 
estimated economic impacts would be virtually zero. As discussed above 
in our response to Comment (17), this rule is not expected to 
significantly impact non-consumptive users. None of the provisions in 
this rule regulate non-consumptive uses of the refuge, and all openings 
and expansions of hunting and fishing are assessed for compatibility 
with non-consumptive uses. The Service has put in place many 
restrictions on hunting and fishing programs, including some added in 
response to comments on this rule, in order to ensure that we balance 
the various priority wildlife-dependent recreation uses on all refuges 
and hatcheries. We do not expect the rule to significantly affect non-
consumptive use of the refuges and hatcheries.
    Regarding the second comment, if a rulemaking is designated as a 
``significant'' regulatory action under E.O. 12866 by the Office of 
Management and Budget's (OMB's) Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (OIRA), then that rulemaking must, to the extent possible, 
include a detailed analysis of the benefits and costs of the action. 
OIRA determined that this rulemaking is ``not significant'' under E.O. 
12866, so a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of this action 
is not required. However, we provide our factual basis for certifying 
that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities below under Regulatory Flexibility 
Act. As earlier in this response, counting the revenue impacts to local 
economies from potential lost non-consumptive use days would not lead 
to finding a significant economic impact resulting from this rule. The 
same holds true for the costs of implementation, although in that case 
the reason it is expected to be a small monetary cost is that refuge 
managers evaluated their proposals prior to the publication of the May 
4, 2021, proposed rule and ensured that the hunting and fishing 
openings and expansions in this rule can be administered with current 
budgets and staff, which are already used to operate various other 
programs on refuges. Estimates of implementation costs can be found in 
stations' EAs for those stations that have prepared an EA, and for 
those that have prepared a Categorical Exclusion document under NEPA 
the hunting and fishing activities covered are necessarily minor 
changes that will result in negligible implementation costs. In 
general, the costs attributable to the hunting and fishing openings and 
expansions specifically, in terms of both wages and infrastructure, 
will be negligible compared to the local economic benefits, as only a 
few staff are needed to administer a program for many hunters.
    Finally, it is worth noting that, taking all of this together, it 
is almost certain that a benefit-cost analysis, pursuant to OMB 
Circular A-4, would find the benefits of this rule exceed the costs. As 
explained, no cost is expected in the form of decreased non-consumptive 
use days and the signage, staffing, and other costs to the Service in 
administering the hunting and fishing opportunities is unlikely to be 
greater than the benefits to local economies adjacent to stations, even 
though those are expected to be no more than $1.4 million. This would 
be enough to expect benefits to exceed costs already, but this would 
not yet account for the recreational benefits of the hunting and sport 
fishing

[[Page 48836]]

opportunities. A full and thorough benefit-cost analysis would quantify 
this benefit using the hunt and fish use day estimates and the best 
available information about the price of similar hunting activity on 
private lands. For example, the company onX estimates the average cost 
to be at least $10 per acre for a hunting lease (see https://
www.onxmaps.com/hunt/blog/how-do-hunting-leases-
work#:~:text=Today's%20hunters%20can%20expect%20to,the%20distance%20from
%20town%20(ie.). This realized economic surplus for hunters and anglers 
would be an important part of any benefit-cost analysis and would 
ensure benefits exceed costs. That is reflected in the Improvement Act, 
where Congress emphasized the importance of providing this public 
benefit, finding that the Refuge System's conservation mission has been 
facilitated by providing Americans opportunities to participate in 
compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing and 
hunting, on Refuge System lands. A thorough benefit-cost analysis would 
also consider the fish and wildlife population management benefits of 
hunting and sport fishing to the extent that they provide population 
controls and target invasive species. That has a direct and 
quantifiable benefit in terms of reduced work hours from eliminating or 
reducing the need for refuge staff themselves to harvest fish and 
wildlife for population control and invasive species. Thus, we have 
determined that this rule is justified in terms of the ratio of 
benefits to costs, even if it will not have a significant impact on the 
economy.
    We did not make any changes to the rule, including to our 
Regulatory Flexibility Act discussion and our certification that this 
rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 
small entities, as a result of these comments.
    Comment (24): One commenter expressed concern that proposed hunting 
activities on refuges within the Potomac River NWR Complex, especially 
hunting of American black duck, would be inconsistent with or 
detrimental to the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture, a regional bird 
conservation effort in which the Service is a partner organization.
    Our Response: We remain committed to and supportive of the Atlantic 
Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) and its habitat and species conservation 
objectives. In permitting hunting within the Potomac River NWR Complex 
and allowing the hunting of American black duck as a target species, we 
are following all restrictions advocated by the ACJV and only providing 
limited hunting. For example, at Featherstone NWR, we will allow black 
duck hunting on 36 acres and the hunting season is November 17-28 and 
December 18-January 30, with a daily bag limit of two black ducks. 
Similarly, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, another 
partner to the ACJV, allows some hunting of American black duck on 
lands under its jurisdiction. Finally, as with any hunting in the 
Refuge System, hunting openings and expansions in the Potomac River NWR 
Complex have been evaluated by refuge managers for limited 
environmental effects, absence of adverse impacts to endangered 
species, compatibility with refuge purposes, and consistency with the 
refuge's CCP. In authorizing these hunts, we have determined that they 
will not impede conservation efforts for the American black duck or 
other species of interest to the ACJV.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this 
comment.
    Comment (25): We received two comments with concerns that the 
information in the proposed rule was not easily understood, 
specifically in Table 1 concerning the meaning of ``O'' and ``E'' in 
the table.
    Our Response: As designated by the table key for the proposed 
rule's Table 1, ``O'' designates that the station is opening a new 
species in the respective category of species to hunting or opening 
fishing on the station, and ``E'' designates that the station is 
expanding hunting for species in the respective category or expanding 
sport fishing on the station.
    We revised Table 1 to account for changes to hunting and fishing 
openings and expansions in response to other public comments, but did 
not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
    Comment (26): Two commenters expressed concern about the use and 
disposal of fishing line on the Potomac River NWR Complex.
    Our Response: The Service recognizes that discarded fishing line 
can present a danger to fish and to wildlife. In general, we educate 
anglers about this problem and the importance of proper disposal of 
fishing line. In this particular case, in addition to enforcing all 
State regulations on sport fishing, the refuges in the Potomac River 
NWR Complex will include information in their brochures and on their 
websites directing anglers to dispose of trash and fishing line, of all 
varieties, properly.
    We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these 
comments.

Changes From the Proposed Rule

    As discussed above, under Summary of Comments and Responses, based 
on comments we received on the proposed rule and NEPA documents for 
individual refuges and hatcheries, we made changes in this final rule 
to Bill Williams River, Bald Knob, Big Lake, Cache River, Holla Bend, 
Wapanocca, Cape May, Supawna Meadows, and William L. Finley NWRs. For 
Bald Knob, Big Lake, Cache River, Holla Bend, and Wapanocca NWRs, we 
removed the proposed language adding armadillo to the list of species 
available to hunt in response to comments and made administrative 
language changes to align the regulatory language across these refuges. 
For William L. Finley NWR, we removed the proposed language adding 
merganser to the list of species available to hunt in response to the 
State of Oregon's request for alignment. For Cape May and Supawna 
Meadows NWRs, we extended the hours we are open to fishing in response 
to the State of New Jersey. Under Bill Williams River NWR, we modified 
the methods of take allowed for javelina hunting in response to the 
State of Arizona. For Missisquoi and Silvio O. Conte NWRs, we revised 
our language authorizing the use of dogs while hunting in response to 
comments.
    We removed all proposed hunting and fishing openings and expansions 
at Necedah NWR and Loess Bluffs NWR. The expansions at Necedah NWR are 
not included in this final rule because the underlying analyses for 
these actions may require further consideration. There are still 
regulatory changes for Necedah NWR in this final rule, but these are 
administrative revisions for consistency and clarity unrelated to the 
proposed expansions. The openings and expansions at Loess Bluffs NWR 
are not included in this final rule because of concerns expressed by 
the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. We will continue discussions 
with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska on how these acres and 
species may be considered for opening to hunting in the future.
    We have removed the language authorizing fishing at the former 
National Bison Range refuge in Montana. This refuge has been 
transferred to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes through the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260), and we no 
longer have jurisdiction over public use on the land.
    We made minor, clarifying edits to the regulatory language for 
other refuges, including Dale Bumpers White River,

[[Page 48837]]

Bayou Sauvage, Bayou Teche, Big Branch Marsh, Bogue Chitto, Cat Island, 
Mandalay, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee, Sequoyah, and Wichita Mountains 
NWRs.

Effective Date

    We are making this rule effective upon publication (see DATES, 
above). We provided a 60-day public comment period for the May 4, 2021, 
proposed rule (86 FR 23794). We have determined that any further delay 
in implementing these station-specific hunting and sport fishing 
regulations would not be in the public interest, in that a delay would 
hinder the effective planning and administration of refuges' and 
hatcheries' hunting and sport fishing programs. This rule does not 
impact the public generally in terms of requiring lead time for 
compliance. Rather, it relieves restrictions in that it allows 
activities on refuges and hatcheries that we would otherwise prohibit. 
Therefore, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this 
rule effective upon publication.

Amendments to Existing Regulations

Updates to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on NWRs and NFHs

    This document codifies in the Code of Federal Regulations all of 
the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that we are 
updating since the last time we published a rule amending these 
regulations (85 FR 54076; August 31, 2020) and that are applicable at 
Refuge System and Hatchery System units previously opened to hunting 
and/or sport fishing. This rule better informs the general public of 
the regulations at each station, to increase understanding and 
compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these 
regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these 
regulations in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, visitors to our refuges and 
hatcheries may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each 
station or posted on signs.

                                               Table 1--Changes for 2021-2022 Hunting/Sport Fishing Season
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Station                     State          Migratory bird hunting    Upland game hunting        Big game hunting          Sport fishing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audubon NWR.....................  North Dakota.......  Closed.................  Already Open...........  E......................  Already Open.
Bald Knob NWR...................  Arkansas...........  O/E....................  O/E....................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Bayou Sauvage NWR...............  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O......................  O......................  E.
Bayou Teche NWR.................  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
Big Branch Marsh NWR............  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O/E....................  O/E....................  E.
Big Lake NWR....................  Arkansas...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Bill Williams River NWR.........  Arizona............  E......................  O/E....................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Bogue Chitto NWR................  Louisiana &          O/E....................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
                                   Mississippi.
Bond Swamp NWR..................  Georgia............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Brazoria NWR....................  Texas..............  O......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  E.
Cache River NWR.................  Arkansas...........  O/E....................  O......................  E......................  Already Open.
Caddo Lake NWR..................  Texas..............  Closed.................  O......................  Already Open...........  Closed.
Camas NWR.......................  Idaho..............  O......................  Already Open...........  O......................  Closed.
Cape May NWR....................  New Jersey.........  O/E....................  O/E....................  E......................  E.
Cat Island NWR..................  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
Charles M. Russell NWR..........  Montana............  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  O......................  Already Open.
Cherry Valley NWR...............  Pennsylvania.......  E......................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
Choctaw NWR.....................  Alabama............  O......................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
Crab Orchard NWR................  Illinois...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E.
Cypress Creek NWR...............  Illinois...........  E......................  E......................  E......................  E.
Dale Bumpers White River NWR....  Arkansas...........  O......................  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Delta NWR.......................  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O/E....................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Desert NWR......................  Nevada.............  O......................  O......................  Already Open...........  Closed.
Don Edwards NWR.................  California.........  E......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  Already Open.
Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR...  Virginia...........  O......................  O......................  O/E....................  O.
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck     Virginia...........  Closed.................  Closed.................  E......................  O.
 NWR.
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR  South Carolina.....  Already Open...........  Closed.................  O......................  Already Open.
Everglades Headwaters NWR.......  Florida............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Featherstone NWR................  Virginia...........  N......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  N.
Felsenthal NWR..................  Arkansas...........  O/E....................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Fisherman Island NWR............  Virginia...........  N......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  Closed.
Florida Panther NWR.............  Florida............  Closed.................  Closed.................  N......................  N.
Franklin Island NWR.............  Maine..............  N......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  Closed.
Grand Bay NWR...................  Alabama &            O......................  O......................  O......................  O.
                                   Mississippi.
Great Dismal Swamp NWR..........  Virginia...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Great River NWR.................  Missouri...........  C......................  C......................  C......................  Already Open.
Great Swamp NWR.................  New Jersey.........  O......................  O......................  O/E....................  Closed.
Green Lake NFH..................  Maine..............  Closed.................  Closed.................  Closed.................  N.
Hackmatack NWR..................  Illinois...........  E......................  E......................  E......................  E.
Harbor Island NWR...............  Michigan...........  O......................  O......................  E......................  O.
Harris Neck NWR.................  Georgia............  Closed.................  Closed.................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Havasu NWR......................  Arizona............  O/E....................  O......................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Holla Bend NWR..................  Arkansas...........  Closed.................  O/E....................  O/E....................  E.
J. Clark Salyer NWR.............  North Dakota.......  Already Open...........  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
James River NWR.................  Virginia...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  O.
Julia Butler Hansen Refuge......  Oregon & Washington  E......................  Closed.................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Kern NWR........................  California.........  O......................  Already Open...........  Closed.................  Closed.
Kootenai NWR....................  Idaho..............  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E.
Lacreek NWR.....................  South Dakota.......  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E.

[[Page 48838]]

 
Lake Alice NWR..................  North Dakota.......  Already Open...........  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Las Vegas NWR...................  New Mexico.........  O......................  O......................  O......................  Closed.
Mackay Island NWR...............  North Carolina &     O......................  Closed.................  O/E....................  Already Open.
                                   Virginia.
Malheur NWR.....................  Oregon.............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Mandalay NWR....................  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O......................  E......................  Already Open.
Middle Mississippi River NWR....  Missouri...........  Already Open...........  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Minnesota Valley NWR............  Minnesota..........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E......................  Already Open.
Missisquoi NWR..................  Vermont............  Already Open...........  O......................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Moosehorn NWR...................  Maine..............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Muleshoe NWR....................  Texas..............  N......................  N......................  N......................  Closed.
National Elk Refuge.............  Wyoming............  Closed.................  Closed.................  O......................  Already Open.
Neal Smith NWR..................  Iowa...............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Closed.
Neches River NWR................  Texas..............  N......................  N......................  N......................  Closed.
Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR..  Minnesota & Iowa...  E......................  E......................  E......................  E.
Occoquan Bay NWR................  Virginia...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  O.
Ohio River Islands NWR..........  Pennsylvania,        O......................  O......................  O......................  Already Open.
                                   Kentucky, & West
                                   Virginia.
Ottawa NWR......................  Ohio...............  E......................  E......................  E......................  E.
Ouray NWR.......................  Utah...............  O......................  Already Open...........  O......................  Already Open.
Patoka River NWR................  Indiana............  E......................  E......................  E......................  E.
Petit Manan NWR.................  Maine..............  E......................  E......................  E......................  Closed.
Plum Tree Island NWR............  Virginia...........  E......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  O.
Pond Island NWR.................  Maine..............  N......................  Closed.................  Closed.................  Closed.
Presquile NWR...................  Virginia...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  O.
Rappahannock River Valley NWR...  Virginia...........  Closed.................  O......................  O/E....................  Already Open.
Red River NWR...................  Louisiana..........  O......................  O......................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Rice Lake NWR...................  Minnesota..........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E......................  Already Open.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR.....  Mississippi........  O/E....................  O/E....................  E......................  Already Open.
Sequoyah NWR....................  Oklahoma...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  E.
Sherburne NWR...................  Minnesota..........  O......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
Silvio O. Conte NWR.............  New Hampshire......  E......................  O/E....................  E......................  E.
Sunkhaze Meadows NWR............  Maine..............  Already Open...........  E......................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Supawna Meadows NWR.............  New Jersey.........  O......................  O......................  O/E....................  E.
Tensas River NWR................  Louisiana..........  O......................  O......................  O......................  Already Open.
UL Bend NWR.....................  Montana............  Already Open...........  Already Open...........  O......................  Already Open.
Upper Ouachita NWR..............  Louisiana..........  O/E....................  O......................  Already Open...........  Already Open.
Wallkill River NWR..............  New York & New       E......................  E......................  E......................  Already Open.
                                   Jersey.
Wapanocca NWR...................  Arkansas...........  C......................  O......................  E......................  Already Open.
Waubay NWR......................  South Dakota.......  Closed.................  Closed.................  Already Open...........  E.
Wichita Mountains NWR...........  Oklahoma...........  Already Open...........  Closed.................  Already Open...........  E.
William L. Finley NWR...........  Oregon.............  O......................  Closed.................  E......................  Already Open.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key:
N = New station opened (New Station).
O = New species and/or new activity on a station previously open to other activities (Opening).
E = Station already open to activity adds new lands/waters, modifies areas open to hunting or fishing, extends season dates, adds a targeted hunt,
  modifies season dates, modifies hunting hours, etc. (Expansion).
C = Station closing the activity on some or all acres (Closing).

    The changes for the 2021-2022 hunting/fishing season noted in the 
table above are each based on a complete administrative record which, 
among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a 
compatibility determination (for refuges), and the appropriate National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) analysis, all 
of which were the subject of a public review and comment process. These 
documents are available upon request.
    Through these openings and expansions, we open or expand hunting or 
sport fishing on 2,066,116 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge 
System and the National Fish Hatchery System.

Fish Advisory

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

Required Determinations

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 
determined that this rulemaking is not significant.
    Executive Order (E.O.) 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

[[Page 48839]]

exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a 
notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare 
and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis 
that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). 
However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of 
an agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a 
regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a 
threshold for ``significant impact'' and a threshold for a 
``substantial number of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA 
amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to 
provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    This rule opens or expands hunting and sport fishing on 88 NWRs and 
1 NFH. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on 
these stations will change. If the stations establishing new programs 
were a pure addition to the current supply of those activities, it 
would mean an estimated maximum increase of 40,839 user days (one 
person per day participating in a recreational opportunity; see Table 
2). Because the participation trend is flat in these activities since 
1991, this increase in supply will most likely be offset by other sites 
losing participants. Therefore, this is likely to be a substitute site 
for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation rates 
for the activity.

                   Table 2--Estimated Maximum Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2021-2022
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Additional      Additional      Additional
                             Station                               hunting days    fishing days    expenditures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audubon NWR.....................................................              10  ..............            $0.3
Bald Knob NWR...................................................              30  ..............             1.0
Bayou Sauvage NWR...............................................             344  ..............            11.6
Bayou Teche NWR.................................................             472  ..............            15.9
Big Branch Marsh NWR............................................             120  ..............             4.0
Big Lake NWR....................................................               2  ..............             0.1
Bill Williams River NWR.........................................              66  ..............             2.2
Bogue Chitto NWR................................................              45  ..............             1.5
Bond Swamp NWR..................................................             220             160            13.0
Brazoria NWR....................................................              86             365            15.7
Cache River NWR.................................................              60  ..............             2.0
Caddo Lake NWR..................................................              87  ..............             2.9
Camas NWR.......................................................             250  ..............             8.4
Cape May NWR....................................................             100  ..............             3.4
Cat Island NWR..................................................              45  ..............             1.5
Charles M. Russell NWR..........................................              10  ..............             0.3
Cherry Valley NWR...............................................
Choctaw NWR.....................................................              82  ..............             2.8
Crab Orchard NWR................................................  ..............           3,000           105.2
Cypress Creek NWR...............................................              15  ..............             0.5
Dale Bumpers White River NWR....................................             132  ..............             4.4
Delta NWR.......................................................              85  ..............             2.9
Desert NWR......................................................             103  ..............             3.5
Don Edwards NWR.................................................             118  ..............             4.0
Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR...................................             414  ..............            13.9
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR...............................  ..............           1,200            42.1
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR................................              14  ..............             0.5
Everglades Headwaters NWR.......................................
Featherstone NWR................................................             670           1,200            64.7
Felsenthal NWR..................................................           1,000  ..............            33.7
Fisherman Island NWR............................................             150  ..............             5.1
Florida Panther NWR.............................................               6             365            13.0
Franklin Island NWR.............................................             137  ..............             4.6
Grand Bay NWR...................................................             920             730            56.6
Great Dismal Swamp NWR..........................................             465  ..............            15.7
Great River NWR.................................................
Great Swamp NWR.................................................             500  ..............            16.8
Green Lake NFH..................................................  ..............             365            12.8
Hackmatack NWR..................................................              40              30             2.4
Harbor Island NWR...............................................              62             100             5.6
Harris Neck NWR.................................................              68  ..............             2.3
Havasu NWR......................................................              89  ..............             3.0
Holla Bend NWR..................................................             100  ..............             3.4
J. Clark Salyer NWR.............................................              10  ..............             0.3
James River NWR.................................................             160           1,200            47.5
Julia Butler Hansen Refuge......................................              50  ..............             1.7
Kern NWR........................................................              30  ..............             1.0
Kootenai NWR....................................................  ..............              50             1.8

[[Page 48840]]

 
Lacreek NWR.....................................................  ..............              15             0.5
Lake Alice NWR..................................................              10  ..............             0.3
Las Vegas NWR...................................................              28  ..............             0.9
Mackay Island NWR...............................................             200  ..............             6.7
Malheur NWR.....................................................             232  ..............             7.8
Mandalay NWR....................................................             519  ..............            17.5
Middle Mississippi River NWR....................................              10  ..............             0.3
Minnesota Valley NWR............................................
Missisquoi NWR..................................................             400  ..............            13.5
Moosehorn NWR...................................................              50  ..............             1.7
Muleshoe NWR....................................................              75              10             2.9
National Elk Refuge.............................................              48  ..............             1.6
Neal Smith NWR..................................................              27  ..............             0.9
Neches River NWR................................................           2,161  ..............            72.8
Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR..................................            69.6            5.48             2.5
Occoquan Bay NWR................................................             280           1,200            51.5
Ohio River Islands NWR..........................................             530  ..............            17.9
Ottawa NWR......................................................              18             160             6.2
Ouray NWR.......................................................              45  ..............             1.5
Patoka River NWR................................................              15               2             0.6
Petit Manan NWR.................................................             700  ..............            23.6
Plum Tree Island NWR............................................  ..............             300            10.5
Pond Island NWR.................................................             138  ..............             4.6
Presquile NWR...................................................              10           1,200            42.4
Rappahannock NWR................................................             497  ..............            16.7
Red River NWR...................................................
Rice Lake NWR...................................................              48  ..............             1.6
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR.....................................               7  ..............             0.2
Sequoyah NWR....................................................  ..............           2,000            70.1
Sherburne NWR...................................................             444  ..............            15.0
Silvio O. Conte NWR.............................................              50               0             1.7
Sunkhaze Meadows NWR............................................              10  ..............             0.3
Supawna Meadows NWR.............................................             500  ..............            16.8
Tensas River NWR................................................              16  ..............             0.5
UL Bend NWR.....................................................              10  ..............             0.3
Upper Ouachita NWR..............................................              45  ..............             1.5
Wallkill River NWR..............................................
Wapanocca NWR...................................................             130              90             7.5
Waubay NWR......................................................  ..............              15             0.5
Wichita Mountains NWR...........................................  ..............          12,123           425.2
William L. Finley NWR...........................................             264  ..............             8.9
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................................          14,954          25,885         1,411.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the 
station that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute 
new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to 
the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the 
national estimates from the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, 
and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food 
and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the 
average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected 
additional participation of the Refuge System and the Hatchery System 
yields approximately $1.4 million in recreation-related expenditures 
(see Table 2, above). By having ripple effects throughout the economy, 
these direct expenditures are only part of the economic impact of these 
recreational activities. Using a national impact multiplier for hunting 
activities (2.51) derived from the report ``Hunting in America: An 
Economic Force for Conservation'' and for fishing activities (2.51) 
derived from the report ``Sportfishing in America'' yields a total 
maximum economic impact of approximately $5.3 million (2020 dollars) 
(Southwick Associates, Inc., 2018). Using a local impact multiplier 
would yield more accurate and smaller results. However, we employed the 
national impact multiplier due to the difficulty in developing local 
multipliers for each specific region.
    Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 
100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most 
of this spending will be ``new'' money coming into a local economy; 
therefore, this spending will be offset with a decrease in some other 
sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies will 
be no more than $5.3 million, and likely less. Since 80 percent of the 
participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and 
fishing activities, their spending patterns will not add new money into 
the local economy and, therefore, the real impact will be on the order 
of about $1.1 million annually.
    Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, 
gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait-and-tackle shops, and similar 
businesses) may be affected by some increased or decreased station 
visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade

[[Page 48841]]

establishments in the local communities around NWRs and NFHs qualify as 
small businesses (see Table 3, below). We expect that the incremental 
recreational changes will be scattered, and so we do not expect that 
the rule will have a significant economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities in any region or nationally. As noted 
previously, we expect at most $1.4 million to be spent in total in the 
refuges' local economies. The maximum increase will be less than three-
hundredths of 1 percent for local retail trade spending (see Table 3, 
below). Table 3 does not include entries for those NWRs and NFHs for 
which we project no changes in recreation opportunities in 2021-2022; 
see Table 2, above.

                     Table 3--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Station Visitation for 2021-2022
                                                                [Thousands, 2020 dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Estimated                                         Establishments
                                                                     Retail trade       maximum      Addition as %  Establishments in   with fewer than
                        Station/county(ies)                            in 2017 1     addition from     of total           2017 1        10 employees in
                                                                                    new activities                                           2017 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audubon
    McLean, ND....................................................         $95,006            $0.3           <0.01                 39                 29
Bald Knob
    White, AR.....................................................       1,110,661             1.0           <0.01                311                234
Bayou Sauvage
    Orleans, LA...................................................       3,694,534            11.6           <0.01              1,343              1,021
Bayou Teche
    St. Mary, LA..................................................         559,081            15.9           <0.01                186                145
Big Branch Marsh
    St. Tammany, LA...............................................       4,242,548             4.0           <0.01                901                596
Big Lake
    Mississippi, AR...............................................         442,920             0.1           <0.01                144                115
Bill Williams River
    La Paz, AZ....................................................         475,421             1.1           <0.01                 82                 59
    Mohave, AZ....................................................       3,234,501             1.1           <0.01                615                397
Bogue Chitto
    Washington, LA................................................         352,900             0.5           <0.01                146                110
    St. Tammany, LA...............................................       4,242,548             0.5           <0.01                901                596
    Pearl River, MS...............................................         693,664             0.5           <0.01                186                132
Bond Swamp
    Bibb, GA......................................................       2,835,352             6.5           <0.01                780                555
    Twiggs, GA....................................................          22,447             6.5            0.03                 13                 11
Brazoria
    Brazoria, TX..................................................       4,992,876            15.7           <0.01                831                546
Cache River
    Woodruff, AR..................................................          47,310             0.5           <0.01                 31                 26
    Monroe, AR....................................................          66,530             0.5           <0.01                 35                 27
    Jackson, AR...................................................         242,527             0.5           <0.01                 68                 48
    Prairie, AR...................................................          54,178             0.5           <0.01                 32                 23
Caddo Lake
    Harrison, TX..................................................         638,384             2.9           <0.01                184                145
Camas
    Jefferson, ID.................................................         221,301             8.4           <0.01                 56                 37
Cape May
    Cape May, NJ..................................................       2,043,622             3.4           <0.01                644                502
Cat Island
    East Feliciana, LA............................................          82,906             1.5           <0.01                 41                 30
Charles M. Russell
    Blaine, MT....................................................          43,638            <0.1           <0.01                 22                 16
    Phillips, MT..................................................          46,381            <0.1           <0.01                 24                 17
    McCone, MT....................................................          17,671            <0.1           <0.01                  9                  6
    Fergus, MT....................................................         166,443            <0.1           <0.01                 62                 51
    Petroleum, MT.................................................               D            <0.1           <0.01                  3                  3
    Garfield, MT..................................................          14,204            <0.1           <0.01                  4                  2
    Valley, MT....................................................         145,264            <0.1           <0.01                 49                 39
Choctaw
    Choctaw, AL...................................................          95,301             2.8           <0.01                 55                 42
Crab Orchard
    Williamson, IL................................................       1,240,677           105.2            0.01                259                168
Cypress Creek
    Alexander, IL.................................................          19,644             0.5           <0.01                 18                 14
Dale Bumpers White River
    Arkansas, AR..................................................         319,247             1.1           <0.01                 94                 64
    Monroe, AR....................................................          66,530             1.1           <0.01                 35                 27
    Phillips, AR..................................................         156,413             1.1           <0.01                 79                 62
    Desha, AR.....................................................         130,625             1.1           <0.01                 64                 49
Delta

[[Page 48842]]

 
    Plaquemines, LA...............................................         119,957             2.9           <0.01                 65                 52
Desert
    Clark, NV.....................................................      33,837,749             3.5           <0.01              6,178              3,828
Don Edwards
    Alameda, CA...................................................      28,390,575             4.0           <0.01              4,347              2,923
Eastern Shore of Virginia
    Northampton, VA...............................................         117,772            13.9            0.01                 59                 45
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck
    Fairfax, VA...................................................       1,818,140            42.1           <0.01                252                136
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin
    Charleston, SC................................................       9,065,573             0.5           <0.01              2,003              1,334
    Hampton, SC...................................................         178,354             0.5           <0.01                 76                 59
    Lancaster, SC.................................................         825,599             0.5           <0.01                237                174
Featherstone, VA
    Prince William, VA............................................       6,705,340            64.7           <0.01              1,164                683
Felsenthal
    Ashley, AR....................................................         193,246            11.2            0.01                 68                 53
    Union, AR.....................................................         591,376            11.2           <0.01                186                131
    Bradley, AR...................................................          75,395            11.2            0.01                 33                 25
Fisherman Island
    Northampton, VA...............................................         117,772             5.1           <0.01                 59                 45
Florida Panther
    Collier, FL...................................................       7,710,838            13.0           <0.01              1,455              1,019
Franklin Island
    Knox, ME......................................................         760,425             4.6           <0.01                256                183
Grand Bay
    Mobile, AL....................................................       5,921,035            28.3           <0.01              1,514              1,040
    Jackson, MS...................................................       1,410,824            28.3           <0.01                407                296
Great Dismal Swamp
    Sufolk City, VA...............................................       1,225,412             7.8           <0.01                229                148
    Chesapeake City, VA...........................................       4,415,609             7.8           <0.01                782                445
Great Swamp
    Morris, NJ....................................................      11,015,983            16.8           <0.01              1,809              1,221
Green Lake
    Hancock, ME...................................................       1,001,578            12.8           <0.01                350                261
Hackamatack
    McHenry, IL...................................................       4,115,924             1.2           <0.01                938                607
    Walworth, WI..................................................       1,596,199             1.2           <0.01                361                258
Harbor Island
    Chippewa, MI..................................................         521,726             5.6           <0.01                148                 98
Harris Neck
    McIntosh, GA..................................................          96,007             2.3           <0.01                 45                 35
Havasu
    Mohave, AZ....................................................       3,234,501             3.0           <0.01                615                397
Holla Bend
    Pope, AR......................................................         945,241             1.7           <0.01                272                185
    Yell, AR......................................................         132,972             1.7           <0.01                 50                 38
J. Clark Salyer
    Bottineau, ND.................................................         109,978             0.2           <0.01                 29                 21
    McHenry, ND...................................................          33,913             0.2           <0.01                 19                 14
James River
    Prince George, VA.............................................         303,359            47.5            0.02                 65                 42
Julia Butler Hansen
    Clatsop, OR...................................................         808,973             0.6           <0.01                269                215
    Columbia, OR..................................................         417,825             0.6           <0.01                119                 77
    Wahkiakum, WA.................................................           8,582             0.6            0.01                  6                  5
Kern
    Kern, CA......................................................       9,906,906             1.0           <0.01              1,966              1,250
Kootenai
    Boundary, ID..................................................         123,467             1.8           <0.01                 47                 37
Lacreek
    Meade, SD.....................................................         325,901             0.5           <0.01                 91                 67
Lake Alice
    Bottineau, ND.................................................         109,978             0.2           <0.01                 29                 21
    McHenry, ND...................................................          33,913             0.2           <0.01                 19                 14
Las Vegas

[[Page 48843]]

 
    San Miguel, NM................................................         231,666             0.9           <0.01                 79                 49
Mackay Island
    Currituck, NC.................................................         327,336             3.4           <0.01                135                109
    Virginia Beach City, VA.......................................       6,499,109             3.4           <0.01              1,468                893
Malheur
    Harney, OR....................................................         169,776             7.8           <0.01                 29                 17
Mandalay
    Terrebonne, LA................................................       1,964,261            17.5           <0.01                475                317
Middle Mississippi River
    Perry, MO.....................................................         294,900             0.3           <0.01                 82                 46
Missisquoi
    Franklin, VT..................................................         876,359            13.5           <0.01                176                112
Moosehorn
    Washington, ME................................................         438,713             1.7           <0.01                141                 88
Muleshoe
    Bailey, TX....................................................          49,284             2.9            0.01                 21                 15
National Elk Refuge
    Teton, WY.....................................................         676,935             1.6           <0.01                255                211
Neal Smith
    Jasper, IA....................................................         408,507             0.9           <0.01                105                 73
Neches River
    Cameron, TX...................................................       4,868,360            36.4           <0.01              1,084                686
    Anderson, TX..................................................         631,510            36.4            0.01                167                124
Northern Tallgrass Prairie
    Murray, MN....................................................          60,148             0.6           <0.01                 44                 33
    Kandiyohi, MN.................................................         914,193             0.6           <0.01                208                145
    Clay, MN......................................................         779,998             0.6           <0.01                161                 95
    Clay, IA......................................................         504,926             0.6           <0.01                102                 70
Occoquan Bay
    Prince William, VA............................................       6,705,340            51.5           <0.01              1,164                683
Ohio River Islands
    Beaver, PA....................................................       1,717,000             4.5           <0.01                495                325
    Boyd, KY......................................................         903,141             4.5           <0.01                236                137
    Wood, OH......................................................       1,976,330             4.5           <0.01                369                218
    Wood, WV......................................................       1,631,635             4.5           <0.01                361                210
Ottawa
    Ottawa, OH....................................................         467,388             6.2           <0.01                133                 99
Ouray
    Uintah, UT....................................................         471,207             1.5           <0.01                134                 88
Patoka River
    Pike, IN......................................................          67,144             0.3           <0.01                 32                 23
    Gibson, IN....................................................         529,720             0.3           <0.01                116                 76
Petit Manan
    Washington, ME................................................         438,713             4.7           <0.01                141                 88
    Hancock, ME...................................................       1,001,578             4.7           <0.01                350                261
    Knox, ME......................................................         760,425             4.7           <0.01                256                183
    Lincoln, ME...................................................         511,948             4.7           <0.01                204                157
    Cumberland, ME................................................       7,424,447             4.7           <0.01              1,454                936
Plum Tree Island
    York, VA......................................................       1,014,306            10.5           <0.01                201                135
Pond Island
    Knox, ME......................................................         760,425             4.6           <0.01                256                183
Presquile
    Chesterfield, VA..............................................       7,122,893            42.4           <0.01                958                589
Rappahannock
    Essex, VA.....................................................         233,522             3.3           <0.01                 65                 48
    King George, VA...............................................         362,404             3.3           <0.01                 64                 42
    Westmoreland, VA..............................................         122,436             3.3           <0.01                 44                 31
    Richmond, VA..................................................       2,386,644             3.3           <0.01                795                578
    Caroline, VA..................................................         324,067             3.3           <0.01                 63                 48
Rice Lake
    Aitkin, MN....................................................         148,260             1.6           <0.01                 69                 48
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee
    Noxubee, MS...................................................          65,033             0.1           <0.01                 40                 35
    Winston, MS...................................................         211,903             0.1           <0.01                 86                 67
    Oktibbeha, MS.................................................         558,982             0.1           <0.01                173                130

[[Page 48844]]

 
Sequoyah
    Sequoyah, OK..................................................         362,456            23.4            0.01                116                 87
    Muskogee, OK..................................................         958,492            23.4           <0.01                263                175
    Haskell, OK...................................................         154,591            23.4            0.02                 37                 23
Sherburne
    Sherburne, MN.................................................         985,715            15.0           <0.01                203                126
Silvio O. Conte
    Coos, NH......................................................         575,506             0.6           <0.01                172                126
    Essex, VT.....................................................          14,718             0.6           <0.01                 18                 15
    Windham, VT...................................................         606,157             0.6           <0.01                236                171
Sunkhaze Meadows
    Waldo, ME.....................................................         417,407             0.1           <0.01                171                131
    Kennebec, ME..................................................       2,624,338             0.1           <0.01                522                320
    Penobscot, ME.................................................       3,443,680             0.1           <0.01                705                445
Supawna Meadows
    Salem County, NJ..............................................         607,072            16.8           <0.01                174                119
Tensas River
    Madison, LA...................................................         115,029             0.3           <0.01                 32                 20
    Tensas, LA....................................................          25,165             0.3           <0.01                 14                 12
UL Bend
    Phillips, MT..................................................          46,381             0.3           <0.01                 24                 17
Upper Ouachita
    Union, LA.....................................................         184,987             0.8           <0.01                 56                 45
    Morehouse, LA.................................................         207,578             0.8           <0.01                 74                 53
Wapanocca
    Crittenden, AR................................................         702,406             7.5           <0.01                149                104
Waubay
    Day, SD.......................................................          86,538             0.5           <0.01                 30                 18
Wichita Mountains
    Comanche, OK..................................................       1,412,420           425.2            0.03                407                274
William L. Finley
    Linn, OR......................................................       1,504,418             8.9           <0.01                357                241
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 U.S. Census Bureau. ``D'' denotes sample size too small to report data.

    With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this 
rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will 
have more than a small impact from the spending change near the 
affected stations. Therefore, we certify that this rule will not have a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities 
as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small 
entity compliance guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no 
significant employment or small business effects. This rule:
    a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more. The minimal impact would be scattered across the country and will 
most likely not be significant in any local area.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government 
agencies; or geographic regions. This rule will have only a slight 
effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If the 
substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, then an 
increase in travel costs will occur. The Service does not have 
information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that, 
since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased 
travel cost will be small. We do not expect this rule to affect the 
supply or demand for hunting opportunities in the United States, and, 
therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting equipment and 
supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.
    c. Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. This 
rule represents only a small proportion of recreational spending at 
NWRs. Therefore, this rule will have no measurable economic effect on 
the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment 
and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Takings (E.O. 12630)

    In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule will not have significant 
takings

[[Page 48845]]

implications. This rule will affect only visitors at NWRs and NFHs, and 
describes what they can do while they are on a Service station.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    As discussed under Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act, above, this rule will not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism 
summary impact statement under E.O. 13132. In preparing this rule, we 
worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior 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 the 
Order.

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

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations 
that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 
13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when 
undertaking certain actions. Because this rule adds 7 NWRs to the list 
of refuges open to hunting and sport fishing, opens or expands hunting 
or sport fishing at 81 other NWRs, and opens 1 NFH to sport fishing, it 
is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and we do not 
expect it to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or 
use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action, and no 
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

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

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

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    This final rule contains existing and new information collections 
that we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). All information collections require approval by 
the OMB under the PRA. 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. The OMB has reviewed and approved 
the information collection requirements associated with hunting and 
sport fishing activities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and 
National Fish Hatchery System and assigned the following OMB control 
numbers:
     1018-0140, ``Hunting and Sport Fishing Application Forms 
and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41, 
25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72'' 
(Expires 12/31/2023),
     1018-0102, ``National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit 
Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36'' 
(Expires 01/31/2024),
     1018-0135, ``Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program'' 
(Expires 01/31/2023),
     1018-0093, ``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Management Authority; 50 CFR 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23'' 
(Expires 08/31/2023), and
     1024-0252, ``The Interagency Access Pass and Senior Pass 
Application Processes'' (Expires 09/30/2023).
    In accordance with the PRA and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the 
general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to 
comment on our request to revise OMB control number 1018-0140. 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.
    The Service's final rule (RIN 1018-BF09) opens, for the first time, 
hunting and sport fishing on seven NWRs, opens or expands hunting and 
sport fishing at 81 other NWRs, and opens hunting or sport fishing on 
one unit of the NFH. The additional burden associated with these new or 
expanded hunting and sport fishing opportunities, as well as the 
revised information collections identified below, require OMB approval.
    Many refuges offer hunting and sport fishing activities without 
collecting any information. Those refuges that do collect hunter and 
angler information do so seasonally, usually once a year at the 
beginning of the hunting or sport fishing season. Some refuges may 
elect to collect the identical information via a non-form format 
(letter, email, or through discussions in person or over the phone). 
Some refuges provide the form electronically over the internet. In some 
cases, because of high demand and limited resources, we often provide 
hunt opportunities by lottery, based on dates, locations, or type of 
hunt.
    The requested changes to the existing information collections 
identified below require OMB approval:
Hunting Applications/Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application--
National Wildlife Refuge System)
    Form 3-2439 collects the following information from individuals 
seeking hunting experiences on the NWRs:
     Lottery Application: Refuges who administer hunting via a 
lottery system will 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 
filling 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.

[[Page 48846]]

     Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and 
parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and 
conditions of the permit.
    Requested revisions to FWS Form 3-2439:
    With this submission, we updated the title of the form to include 
NFHs. We also updated the Privacy Act Statement on the form to include 
applicability to all hunting permits (rather than only migratory bird 
hunting) and to also include references to authorized hunting on NFHs.
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 requested 
to 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).
    We collect the following information on the harvest reports:
     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 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.
    Requested revisions to harvest activity reports:
    With this submission, we requested approval of a new harvest form 
(FWS Form 3-2542, ``Hunter Harvest Report'') to replace FWS Forms 3-
2359, 3-2361, and 3-2362 to simplify reporting requirements and to 
reduce burden on the public. In addition to the fields previously 
approved by OMB on the original three harvest report forms, we added 
the following additional fields to aid the refuge in management of the 
reports:
     State-issued hunter identification (ID)/license number 
(NOTE: Refuges/hatcheries that rely on the State agency to issue 
hunting permits are not required to collect the permittee's personal 
identifying information (PII) on the harvest form. Those refuges/
hatcheries may opt to collect only the State ID number assigned to the 
hunter in order to match harvest data with their issued permit. 
Refuges/hatcheries will collect either hunter PII or State-issued ID 
number, but not both.)
     Species observed--Data will be used by refuge/hatchery 
staff to document the presence of rare or unusual species.
     Permit number/type--Data will be used to link the harvest 
report to the issued permit.
     Hunt Tag Number--Data will be used to link the harvest 
report to the species-specific hunt tag.
     Number of youth (younger than age 18) in party--Data will 
be used to better understand volume of youth hunting on a refuge/
hatchery. Specific hunter names are not collected, just total number of 
youths in hunting party.
     Harvested by--Data will be used to determine ratio of 
adults to youth hunters. Specific hunter names are not collected.
     Species observed--Data will be used by a refuge/hatchery 
to determine the presence of any unusual species (e.g., threatened or 
endangered species, or invasive species).
Self-Clearing Check-In Permit (FWS Form 3-2405)
    FWS Form 3-2405 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 itis a buck or doe and the number of points; or for turkeys, 
the weight and beard and spur lengths).
     Visitor observations of incidental species. This 
information will help managers develop annual performance measures 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.
    Requested revisions to FWS Form 3-2405:

[[Page 48847]]

    With this submission, we added vehicle license plate number, State 
issued, and make/model of vehicle fields as optional fields for 
refuges/hatcheries. This information is required by law enforcement 
purposes for search and rescue/emergency response activities, as well 
as to verify ownership of vehicles in the event of damage on the 
refuge/hatchery, accidents, or other related law enforcement purposes.
    We have not requested any changes to the remaining information 
collections identified below, which are currently approved by OMB:
Sport Fishing Application/Permit (FWS Form 3-2358, ``Sport Fishing-
Shrimping-Crabbing-Frogging Permit Application'')
    Form 3-2358 allows the applicant to choose multiple permit 
activities, and requests the applicant provide the state fishing 
license number. The form provides the refuge with more flexibility to 
insert refuge-specific requirements/instructions, along with a permit 
number and validity dates for season issued.
    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, 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.
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 lands, 
referred to as ``easement overlay refuges'' or ``limited-interest 
easement refuges,'' may also require the hunter obtain written or oral 
permission from the landowner prior to accessing the land.
    Due to the wide range of hunting and sport fishing opportunities 
offered on the NWRs and NFHs, the refuges and fish hatcheries may 
customize the forms to remove any fields that are not pertinent to the 
recreational opportunities they offer. Refuges will not add any new 
fields to the forms, but the order of the fields may be reorganized. 
Refuges may also customize the forms with instructions and permit 
conditions specific to a particular unit for the hunting/sport fishing 
activity.
    Title of Collection: Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and 
Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish 
Hatcheries, 50 CFR 32 and 71.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-0140.
    Form Number: FWS Forms 3-2358, 3-2360, 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2542.
    Type of Review: Revision 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.
    Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost: None.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Annual number of   Completion time      Total annual
                        Activity                             responses         per response       burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish/Crab/Shrimp Application/Permit (Form 3-2358)......              2,659          5 minutes                222
Harvest Reports (Forms 3-2360 and 3-2542 NEW)..........            590,986         15 minutes            147,747
Hunt Application/Permit (Form 3-2439)..................            360,998         10 minutes             60,166
Labeling/Marking Requirements..........................              2,326         10 minutes                388
Required Notifications.................................                489         30 minutes                245
Self-Clearing Check-In Permit (Form 3-2405)............            672,945          5 minutes             56,079
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
    Totals.............................................          1,630,403  .................            264,847
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The above burden estimates indicate an expected total of 1,630,403 
responses and 264,847 burden hours across all of our forms. These 
totals reflect expected increases of 24,331 responses and 3,963 burden 
hours relative to our previous information collection request. We 
expect such burden increases as a direct result of the increased number 
of hunting and fishing opportunities on Service stations under the 
rule.
    As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent 
burdens, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we invite the 
public and other Federal agencies to comment on any aspect of this 
revision to an existing information collection, including:
    (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) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those

[[Page 48848]]

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.
    On May 4, 2021, we published a proposed rule (86 FR 23794) which 
solicited comments on the information collection requirements described 
in this supporting statement for a period of 60 days, ending July 6, 
2021. We received no comments regarding the information collection 
requirements in response to the proposed rule.
    This final rule is effective immediately upon publication, for the 
reasons set forth above under Effective Date. We will, however, accept 
and consider all public comments concerning the information collection 
requirements received in response to this final rule. Send your written 
comments and suggestions on this information collection to the Service 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803 (mail); or [email protected] (email). Please reference ``OMB 
Control Number 1018-0140'' in the subject line of your comments.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

    We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), when developing comprehensive 
conservation plans and step-down management plans--which would include 
hunting and/or fishing plans--for public use of refuges and hatcheries, 
and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program 
on a station as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have completed section 7 
consultations on each of the affected stations.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), 43 
CFR part 46, and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.
    A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to 
publication of amendments to station-specific hunting and fishing 
regulations because they are technical and procedural in nature, and 
the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to 
lend themselves to meaningful analysis (43 CFR 46.210 and 516 DM 8). 
Concerning the actions that are the subject of this rulemaking, we have 
complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each action. 
This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for 
compliance with NEPA where actions are covered sufficiently by an 
earlier environmental document (43 CFR 46.120).
    Prior to the addition of a refuge or hatchery to the list of areas 
open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, we develop 
hunting and fishing plans for the affected stations. We incorporate 
these station hunting and fishing activities in the station 
comprehensive conservation plan and/or other step-down management 
plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and 
Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these 
comprehensive conservation plans and step-down plans in compliance with 
section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality's 
regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, 
and the Department of Interior's NEPA regulations 43 CFR part 46. We 
invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, 
and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA 
compliance are available from the stations at the addresses provided 
below.

Available Information for Specific Stations

    Individual refuge and hatchery headquarters have information about 
public use programs and conditions that apply to their specific 
programs and maps of their respective areas. To find out how to contact 
a specific refuge or hatchery, contact the appropriate Service office 
for the States listed below:
    Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Regional Chief, National 
Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside 
Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-
4181; Telephone (503) 231-6203.
    Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, National 
Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, 
500 Gold Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87103; Telephone (505) 248-6635.
    Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and 
Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, 
MN 55437-1458; Telephone (612) 713-5476.
    Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, 
and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, 
Atlanta, GA 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7356.
    Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode 
Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National 
Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate 
Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8307.
    Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228; 
Telephone (303) 236-4377.
    Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503; Telephone 
(907) 786-3545.
    California and Nevada. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2606, 
Sacramento, CA 95825; Telephone (916) 767-9241.

Primary Author

    Christian Myers, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation 
Planning, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary author of 
this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 32

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

50 CFR Part 71

    Fish, Fishing, Wildlife.

Signing Authority

    The Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks approved 
this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the 
document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication 
electronically as an official document of the Department of the 
Interior. Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife 
and Parks, approved this document on August 10, 2021, for publication.

Regulation Promulgation

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we amend title 50, 
chapter I, subchapters C and E of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

[[Page 48849]]

SUBCHAPTER C--THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

PART 32--HUNTING AND FISHING

0
1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 
715i; Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.


0
2. Amend Sec.  32.7 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (i)(6) through (15) as paragraphs (i)(7) 
through (16) and adding a new paragraph (i)(6);
0
b. Revising paragraph (s);
0
c. Removing paragraph (z)(17);
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (z)(18) through (25) as paragraphs (z)(17) 
through (24);
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs (qq)(12) through (14) as paragraphs 
(qq)(14) through (16) and adding new paragraphs (qq)(12) and (13); and
0
f. Redesignating paragraphs (tt)(5) through (12) as paragraphs (tt)(7) 
through (14) and adding new paragraphs (tt)(5) and (6).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  32.7  What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing?

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (6) Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
    (s) Maine. (1) Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge.
    (2) Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.
    (3) Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge.
    (4) Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge.
    (5) Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
    (6) Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
    (7) Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
    (qq) * * *
    (12) Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
    (13) Neches River National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
    (tt) * * *
    (5) Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge.
    (6) Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  32.20 by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (c)(1);
0
b. Revising paragraphs (c)(2) and (3);
0
c. Removing paragraph (c)(4)(ii); and
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(4)(iii) through (v) as paragraphs 
(c)(4)(ii) through (iv).
    The addition and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.20  Alabama.

* * * * *
    (c) Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, light and dark geese, coot, and 
merganser on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We only allow migratory game bird hunting during the Special 
Youth, Veteran, and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days 
determined by the State. Regular waterfowl season shooting hours, bag 
limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply to the special days.
    (ii) You must remove all decoys, blind materials, and harvested 
game from the refuge (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter) by 1 p.m. each 
day.
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must stop hunting 
at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
    (iv) We allow the use of dogs for retrieval of migratory birds.
    (v) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, opossum, 
nutria, raccoon, and feral hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons 
legal for that hunt, as governed by the State of Alabama.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit, 
and incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum, and nutria, on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit leaving unattended personal property, including, 
but not limited to, boats or vehicles of any type, geocaches, lumber, 
and cameras, overnight on the refuge (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (ii) All persons age 15 or younger, while hunting on the refuge, 
must be in the presence and under direct supervision of a licensed or 
exempt hunter age 21 or older. A licensed hunter supervising a youth 
must hold a valid State license for the species being hunted. One adult 
may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting squirrel and rabbit.
    (iv) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.
    (v) The condition set forth at paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this section 
applies.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
incidental take of feral hog subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(v), and (c)(2)(i) 
and (ii) of this section apply.
    (ii) Deer hunters may place one portable stand or blind on the 
refuge for use while deer hunting, but only during the open deer 
season. The stand must be clearly labeled with the hunter's State 
hunting license number. You may leave the stand or blind on the refuge 
overnight during the deer season.
    (iii) While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses 
climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, hunters must 
use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to 
the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association's standards.
    (iv) Deer hunts are archery only except during the State Special 
Opportunity Areas (SOA) hunt.
    (v) The State SOA hunt will occur 4 days per year on the refuge as 
specified by State SOA regulations.
    (vi) Hunters must be selected for and possess a State limited quota 
permit in order to participate in the State SOA hunt on the refuge.
    (vii) We allow the use of muzzleloaders only during the State SOA 
hunt.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  32.22 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1) through (3), (b)(1)(iii), (c)(1)(i), 
(c)(2) introductory text, (c)(3)(ii), and (e);
0
b. Adding paragraphs (h)(1)(iv) and (v); and
0
c. Revising paragraphs (h)(2)(ii) and (iii), and (h)(3)(ii).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  32.22  Arizona.

* * * * *
    (a) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
mourning and white-winged dove on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow only shotguns and archery equipment for hunting.
    (ii) We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 meters) of any road or 
trail open to public use and within \1/4\ mile (402 meters) of any 
building.
    (iii) You must remove boats, equipment, temporary blinds, stands, 
etc., at the end of each day's activities (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (iv) Hunters may enter the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise 
and must leave the refuge no later than \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, 
Eurasian collared-dove, cottontail rabbit, coyote, gray fox, and kit 
fox on designated areas

[[Page 48850]]

of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) 
of this section apply, except that we also allow muzzleloading shotguns 
for cottontail rabbit hunting.
    (ii) We allow hunting of Gambel's quail in alignment with the State 
quail season.
    (iii) We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit from September through 
February aligning with the beginning of the State dove season and the 
end of the State quail season.
    (iv) We allow hunting of Eurasian collared-dove during the State 
mourning and white-winged dove season.
    (v) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of desert bighorn sheep and 
javelina on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (iv) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow the use of rifles, muzzleloaders, and archery for 
desert bighorn sheep hunting.
    (iii) We allow shotguns shooting slugs and archery equipment for 
javelina hunting.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) We require hunters to obtain a visitor access permit 
(Department of Defense form/requirement) from the refuge.
* * * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, 
Eurasian collared-dove, desert cottontail rabbit, antelope jackrabbit 
and black-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, bobcat, and kit and gray fox in 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) We require Special Use Permits for all guides (FWS Form 3-
1383-C), stock animals (FWS Form 3-1383-G), and bighorn sheep hunters 
(FWS Form 3-1383-G).
* * * * *
    (e) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove, duck, 
American coot, common gallinule, goose, and snipe on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit falconry.
    (ii) We allow only shotguns, crossbows, and archery equipment for 
hunting.
    (iii) You must remove all decoys, boats, trash items, cameras, 
temporary blinds, stands, and other equipment at the end of each day's 
activities (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (v) The following conditions apply to Pintail Slough (Quota Hunt 
Area):
    (A) We require a fee for Quota waterfowl hunting.
    (B) We limit the number of persons at each waterfowl hunt blind or 
field to four. Observers cannot hold shells or guns for hunting unless 
in possession of a valid State hunting license and stamps.
    (C) Waterfowl hunters must hunt within the designated boundaries of 
their assigned blind or field.
    (D) You may use only native vegetation or materials for making or 
fixing hunt blinds.
    (E) We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and 
Sundays. Waterfowl hunting ends at 2 p.m. MST (Mountain Standard Time). 
Hunters must be out of the Pintail Slough area by 3 p.m. MST.
    (F) We allow dove hunting at the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area 
outside the general State waterfowl season.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, 
cottontail rabbit, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, 
black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (iv) 
of this section apply, except that we also allow pneumatic weapons, 
muzzleloaders, and hand guns for upland game hunting.
    (ii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (iii) We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, cottontail rabbit, 
Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, 
bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox from September 1-March 15.
    (iv) We allow the incidental take of Gambel's quail, cottontail 
rabbit, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed 
jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox in the Pintail Slough 
Quota Hunt Area during the general State waterfowl season by hunters 
possessing a valid permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at their designated 
waterfowl hunt blind or field.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of desert bighorn sheep and 
the incidental take of feral hog on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (iii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow only rifles for desert bighorn sheep hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this 
section applies.
    (ii) We prohibit overnight boat mooring and shore anchoring unless 
actively fishing, as governed by State regulations.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) You must remove all equipment, cameras, temporary blinds, 
stands, etc., at the end of each day's activities (see Sec.  27.93 of 
this chapter).
    (v) We allow Eurasian collared-dove hunting only during mourning 
and white-winged dove seasons.
    (2) * * *
    (ii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (iii) We allow quail hunting during State seasons. For all other 
upland game species, we only allow hunting when a species season dates 
overlap with a general or archery State deer or javelina hunt season, 
except for youth-only seasons.
    (3) * * *
    (ii) We allow hunting of black bear only when the State season 
dates overlap with a general or archery State deer or javelina hunt 
season, except for youth-only seasons.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  32.23 by revising paragraphs (a) through (f), and (i) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  32.23  Arkansas.

* * * * *
    (a) Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, merganser, snipe, 
woodcock, rail, gallinule, crow, and dove on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439). 
Anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and 
possess the permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times.

[[Page 48851]]

    (ii) During the quota gun deer hunt, we close the refuge to all 
other hunts and public entry, unless the refuge is closed to deer 
hunting at that time due to implementation of State flood closure zone 
regulations.
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. Except when 
hunting applicable goose species during the State Conservation Order, 
waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge by 1 p.m. All other hunters, 
including those hunting applicable goose species during the State 
Conservation Order, must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after 
legal sunset.
    (iv) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon), except that 
during the State Conservation Order, you may hunt for applicable goose 
species until legal sunset. Snipe, woodcock, rail, gallinule, crow, and 
dove hunters may hunt until legal sunset.
    (v) When waterfowl hunting, you may not possess more than 25 
shotgun shells while in the field, except that during the State 
Conservation Order, there is no limit on the number of shells you may 
possess while hunting applicable goose species.
    (vi) We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (91 meters) to 
another hunter or hunting party.
    (vii) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other 
equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (viii) All hunters age 11 and younger who possess valid hunter 
education certification must remain within normal sight and voice 
contact with an adult age 18 or older who possesses a valid State 
hunting license. Hunters age 15 and younger who have not completed 
hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm's 
reach) of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a valid State hunting 
license. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters for migratory 
bird and upland game hunting, but may supervise only one youth during 
big game hunting.
    (ix) We allow incidental take of beaver, muskrat, nutria, river 
otter, mink, bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
seasons and regulations.
    (x) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.
    (xi) We close the Waterfowl Sanctuary Hunt Unit to all entry and 
hunting from November 15 to February 28, except that quota gun deer 
hunters may hunt in that Unit when the season overlaps with these 
dates.
    (xii) We allow waterfowl hunting from mowed and/or graveled road 
rights-of-way, but we prohibit all other hunting from these rights-of-
way.
    (xiii) We allow only hunters to use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and 
only from September 1 through March 31, except that during the State 
Conservation Order, hunters may use ATVs for hunting applicable goose 
species.
    (xiv) Hunters may use conventional motor vehicles, ATVs, bicycles, 
and e-bikes only on public use roads, levee tops, designated ATV trails 
(open to ATVs only), and established parking lots not closed by a 
locked gate, other barrier, or signage.
    (xv) Hunters and anglers may use conventional motor vehicles only 
in the Bison, Waterfowl Sanctuary, and Core Waterfowl Area Hunt Units 
and only from March 1 through November 14.
    (xvi) From November 15 through February 28, we close the Core 
Waterfowl Area Hunt Unit to all hunting, fishing, and public entry at 1 
p.m. daily, except that during the State Conservation Order, you may 
hunt applicable goose species in this Unit until legal sunset.
    (xvii) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
airboats, and hovercraft for hunting and fishing on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, river otter, mink, 
bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), (viii), 
(ix), and (xi) through (xvii) of this section apply.
    (ii) Hunters may use shotguns, rifles and handguns chambered for 
rimfire cartridges, air rifles, and archery tackle.
    (iii) We allow squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, and quail 
hunting according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.
    (v) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must exit 
the refuge by 1 hour after legal sunset, except that we allow hunting 
of raccoon and opossum at night (from 30 minutes after legal sunset to 
30 minutes before legal sunrise) on the refuge.
    (vi) We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey, and the 
incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), (viii), 
(ix), and (xi) through (xvii), (2)(v), and (2)(vi) of this section 
apply.
    (ii) We allow archery/crossbow, modern gun, and muzzleloader deer 
hunting according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (iii) Turkey hunting will be conducted in the Bison, Waterfowl 
Sanctuary, and Mingo Creek Hunt Units according to season dates and bag 
limits provided in the annual refuge public use brochure.
    (iv) Hunters may use only shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, 
handguns with barrel lengths greater than 4 inches, large-bore air 
rifles, and archery/crossbow tackle for modern gun deer hunting on the 
Bison, Core Waterfowl Area, and Waterfowl Sanctuary Hunt Units.
    (v) You may erect portable stands and blinds 7 days prior to the 
refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuary 
prior to November 15, except for stands used by quota gun deer hunters, 
which you must remove by the last day of the quota gun deer hunt (see 
Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). You must remove all stands on the 
remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season 
(see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (vi) We prohibit leaving any tree stand, blind, or game camera on 
the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous 
location.
    (vii) We prohibit the possession or use of lead shot and buckshot 
for deer hunting. We allow lead shot for turkey hunting.
    (viii) During the quota gun deer hunt, we allow only hunters 
possessing a valid quota gun deer hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) on 
the refuge and only for the purposes of deer hunting and the incidental 
take of allowable species.
    (ix) Hunters may only take feral hog incidental to modern gun and 
muzzleloader deer hunts and during specified periods for archery deer 
hunting according to season dates provided in the annual refuge public 
use brochure.
    (x) We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
    (xi) During the quota turkey hunts, only hunters possessing a valid 
quota turkey hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) will be allowed to enter 
the open hunt units and only for the purposes of turkey hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on

[[Page 48852]]

designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(ii), (xi), (xv) 
through (xvii), and (a)(3)(viii) and (xi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (iii) We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing for personal use 
only. All crawfish traps must have the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish 
Commission license customer identification number permanently affixed.
    (iv) You may enter the refuge to fish, frog, or crawfish beginning 
at 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal sunset.
    (v) We prohibit tournament fishing on the refuge.
    (b) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, raccoon, nutria, coyote, beaver, muskrat, river otter, mink, 
bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and opossum on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439). 
Anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and 
possess the permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times.
    (ii) During the quota gun deer hunt, we close the refuge to all 
other hunts and public entry.
    (iii) We allow incidental take of nutria, beaver, muskrat, river 
otter, mink, bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
seasons and regulations.
    (iv) We allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and quail hunting 
according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (v) We allow the use of dogs only for squirrel, rabbit, and quail 
hunting in the refuge area north of Timm's Point.
    (vi) Hunters may only use shotguns, rifles and handguns chambered 
for rimfire cartridges, air rifles, and archery tackle.
    (vii) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or gravel road rights-of-
way.
    (viii) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must 
exit the refuge by 1 hour after legal sunset, except that we allow 
hunting of raccoon and opossum at night (from 30 minutes after legal 
sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise) on the refuge.
    (ix) All hunters age 11 and younger who possess valid hunter 
education certification must remain within normal sight and voice 
contact with an adult age 18 or older who possesses a valid State 
hunting license. Hunters age 15 and younger who have not completed 
hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm's 
reach) of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a valid State hunting 
license. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters for upland 
game hunting, but may supervise only one youth during big game hunting.
    (x) From November 1 to February 28, we close all waterfowl 
sanctuaries to all hunting and public entry.
    (xi) Hunters and anglers may not leave motor vehicles, bicycles, e-
bikes, or boats overnight on the refuge.
    (xii) We only allow use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by hunters 
with mobility-impairments, and the refuge manager must authorize this 
use in writing.
    (xiii) Hunters and anglers may use motor vehicles, bicycles, and e-
bikes only on public use roads not closed by a locked gate, other 
barrier, or signage.
    (xiv) From November 1 through February 28, boat access is 
restricted to launching at Seven Mile boat ramp and using Ditch 28 
only.
    (xv) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
airboats, and hovercraft for hunting and fishing on the refuge.
    (xvi) We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, 
turkey, and incidental take of feral hog on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iii), 
and (vii) through (xvi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow archery/crossbow, modern gun, and muzzleloader deer 
hunting according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (iii) Modern gun deer hunters may only use shotguns with slugs, 
muzzleloaders, handguns with barrel lengths greater than 4 inches, 
large-bore air rifles, and archery/crossbow tackle.
    (iv) You may erect portable stands or blinds 7 days prior to the 
refuge deer season and must remove them 7 days after the closure of 
archery season (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (v) We prohibit leaving any tree stand, blind, or game camera on 
the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous 
location.
    (vi) Hunters may only take feral hog incidental to modern gun and 
muzzleloader deer hunts and during a specified period during archery 
deer hunting according to season dates provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (vii) We prohibit the possession or use of lead shot or buckshot 
for deer hunting. We allow lead shot for turkey hunting.
    (viii) Turkey hunting is conducted according to season dates and 
bag limits provided in the annual refuge public use brochure.
    (ix) During the quota gun deer hunts, only hunters possessing a 
valid quota gun deer permit (FWS Form 3-2439) may use the refuge and 
only for the purposes of deer hunting and the incidental take of 
allowable species.
    (x) During the quota gun turkey hunts, we close the refuge Wildlife 
Auto Drive Road to other hunting and public entry, and only hunters 
possessing a valid quota gun turkey permit (FWS Form 3-2439) may use 
that area of the refuge and only for the purposes of turkey hunting.
    (xi) We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(ii), (x), (xi), 
(xii) through (xv), and (b)(3)(ix) and (x) of this section apply.
    (ii) Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.
    (iii) We allow frogging and crawfishing for personal use only. All 
crawfish traps must have the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
license customer identification number permanently affixed.
    (iv) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (v) We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing on all refuge 
waters from March 1 through October 31.
    (vi) We allow fishing in the Sand Slough-Mud Slough area from 
November 1 through February 28 only with the use of nonmotorized boats 
and electric trolling motors; anglers may enter this area at 4 a.m. and 
must depart by 1 hour after legal sunset.
    (vii) We prohibit climbing onto or fishing from any water control 
structure and associated wingwalls and fences, or the top of the 
Floodway Dam south of Highway 18.
    (viii) We prohibit tournament fishing on the refuge.
    (c) Cache River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, merganser, snipe, 
woodcock, rail, gallinule, crow, and

[[Page 48853]]

dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439). 
Anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and 
possess the permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times.
    (ii) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. Except when 
hunting applicable goose species during the State Conservation Order, 
waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge by 1 p.m. All other hunters, 
including those hunting applicable goose species during the State 
Conservation Order, must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after 
legal sunset.
    (iii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon), except that 
during the State Conservation Order, you may hunt for applicable goose 
species until legal sunset.
    (iv) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment 
at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (v) From March 1 through October 31, hunters and anglers may leave 
boats displaying valid registration on the refuge.
    (vi) During the regular State waterfowl hunting season, we prohibit 
the use of boats on the refuge from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.
    (vii) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.
    (viii) We allow waterfowl hunting on flooded refuge roads.
    (ix) During the quota gun deer hunt, we close the refuge to all 
other hunts and public entry, unless the refuge is closed to deer 
hunting at that time due to implementation of State flood closure zone 
regulations.
    (x) All hunters age 11 and younger who possess valid hunter 
education certification must remain within normal sight and voice 
contact with an adult age 18 or older who possesses a valid State 
hunting license. Hunters age 15 and younger who have not completed 
hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm's 
reach) of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a valid State hunting 
license. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters for migratory 
bird and upland game hunting, but may supervise only one youth during 
big game hunting.
    (xi) We allow incidental take of beaver, muskrat, nutria, river 
otter, mink, bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
season and regulations.
    (xii) From November 15 to February 28, we close all waterfowl 
sanctuaries to all hunting and public entry.
    (xiii) We allow only hunters to use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and 
only from September 1 through March 31, except that during the State 
Conservation Order, hunters may use ATVs for hunting applicable goose 
species.
    (xiv) Hunters and anglers may not operate conventional motor 
vehicles, ATVs, bicycles, or e-bikes on any road or trail closed by a 
locked gate, other barrier, or signage.
    (xv) Hunter and anglers may not leave motor vehicles, ATVs, 
bicycles, or e-bikes unattended overnight on the refuge.
    (xvi) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
airboats, and hovercraft for hunting and fishing on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, river otter, mink, 
bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (v), (vi), 
and (ix) through (xvi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and quail hunting 
according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.
    (iv) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-
way.
    (v) Hunters may use only shotguns, rifles and handguns chambered 
for rimfire cartridges, air rifles, and archery tackle.
    (vi) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must exit 
the refuge by 1 hour after legal sunset, except that we allow hunting 
of raccoon and opossum at night (from 30 minutes after legal sunset to 
30 minutes before legal sunrise) on the refuge.
    (vii) We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey, and 
incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (v), (vi), 
and (ix) through (xvi), and (c)(2)(iv), (vi) and (vii) of this section 
apply.
    (ii) We allow archery/crossbow, modern gun, and muzzleloader deer 
hunting according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (iii) Hunters may take only feral hog incidental to modern gun and 
muzzleloader deer hunts and during a specified period during archery 
deer hunting according to season dates provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (iv) Hunters may only use shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, 
handguns with barrel lengths greater than 4 inches, large-bore air 
rifles, and archery/crossbow tackle for modern gun deer hunting on the 
Dixie, Dixie Waterfowl Sanctuary, and Plunkett Farm Waterfowl Sanctuary 
Hunt Units.
    (v) You may erect portable stands or blinds 7 days prior to the 
refuge deer season, and you must remove them from the waterfowl 
sanctuaries prior to November 15, and from the rest of the refuge 
within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (vi) We prohibit leaving any tree stand, blind, or game camera on 
the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous 
location.
    (vii) We prohibit the possession or use of lead shot and buckshot 
for deer hunting. We allow lead shot for turkey hunting.
    (viii) During the quota gun deer hunt, we allow only hunters 
possessing a valid quota gun deer hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) on 
the refuge and only for the purposes of deer hunting and the incidental 
take of allowable species.
    (ix) Turkey hunting will be conducted in designated areas according 
to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual refuge public use 
brochure.
    (x) We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(v), (vi), (ix), 
(xii), (xiv) through (xvi), and (c)(3)(viii) of this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (iii) We allow frogging and crawfishing for personal use only. All 
crawfish traps must have the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
license customer identification number permanently affixed.
    (iv) We prohibit tournament fishing on the refuge.
    (d) Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) 
Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck, 
goose, merganser, and coot), dove, and woodcock on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 48854]]

    (i) We require an annual public use permit (FWS Form 3-2439) to 
hunt, fish, launch boats, and utilize campgrounds.
    (ii) We allow waterfowl hunting from legal shooting hours until 12 
p.m. (noon).
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.
    (iv) We allow woodcock hunting beginning December 1 until the end 
of the State woodcock season on the North Unit following State legal 
shooting hours and bag limit.
    (v) We prohibit goose hunting outside the State duck season.
    (vi) We allow dove hunting only during the Statewide season in 
September and October, as specified in the refuge public use brochure.
    (vii) You must remove blinds, blind material, and decoys from the 
refuge by 1 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (viii) Waterfowl hunters may enter the North Unit, Jack's Bay Hunt 
Area, and Levee Hunt Area no earlier than 4 a.m. on days hunting is 
allowed, as identified in the refuge public use brochure.
    (ix) We prohibit boating from November 1 to March 1 in the South 
Unit Waterfowl Hunt Areas, except from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on designated 
waterfowl hunt days.
    (x) We allow waterfowl hunting on outlying tracts; the conditions 
set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(ii), (vii), and (viii) of this section 
apply.
    (xi) We only allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for wildlife-
dependent hunting and fishing activities. We prohibit the use of ATVs 
after December 15 each year in designated South Unit areas as shown in 
the refuge public use brochure.
    (xii) We allow incidental take of beaver, coyote, and nutria during 
any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to 
applicable State seasons and regulations.
    (xiii) During refuge-wide quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer 
hunts, we close the refuge to all non-quota hunting.
    (xiv) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight 
and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a 
valid State hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than two 
youth hunters.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and 
all furbearers (as governed by State law), and the incidental take of 
beaver, coyote, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i), and (xi) 
through (xiv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on the North Unit from 
September 1 through January 31.
    (iii) On the North Unit only, we allow the use of dogs when hunting 
rabbit and squirrel from December 1 through January 31.
    (iv) We allow rabbit and squirrel hunting on the South Unit from 
September 1 through November 30.
    (v) We allow furbearer hunting. The annual public use brochure 
provides season dates and methods.
    (vi) We allow the use of dogs for hunting furbearers from legal 
sunset to legal sunrise. Hunters must tether or pen all dogs used for 
furbearer hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset and at any time 
they are not involved in actual hunting.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i), (ix), and 
(xi) through (xiii) of this section apply.
    (ii) Archery deer seasons on the North Unit are from October 1 
through January 31, except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer 
hunts, when the archery season is closed.
    (iii) Archery deer seasons on the South Unit are from October 1 
through December 31, except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun 
deer hunts, when the archery season is closed.
    (iv) Muzzleloader season for deer will begin in October and will 
continue for a period of up to 3 days of quota hunting in the North and 
South Units, and no more than 4 days of non-quota hunting in the North 
Unit.
    (v) The gun deer hunt will begin in November and will continue for 
a period of no more than 3 days of quota hunting in the North and South 
Units, and no more than 2 days of non-quota hunting in the North Unit.
    (vi) We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn 
for a quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439). The permits are nontransferable 
and nonrefundable.
    (vii) Hunters may only take feral hog incidental to deer season 
dates identified in the refuge public use brochure.
    (viii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer 
drive'' as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or 
otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any 
person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be 
waiting for the deer.
    (ix) We prohibit firearm deer hunting from or across roads, ATV 
trails, levees, and maintained utility rights-of-way.
    (x) You may only use portable deer stands and ground blinds. You 
may erect stands or blinds up to 7 days before each hunt, but you must 
remove them within 7 days after each hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter). All unattended deer stands and blinds on the refuge must have 
the owner's State hunting license number clearly displayed.
    (xi) We close the Kansas Lake Area to all entry on December 1 and 
reopen it on March 1.
    (xii) We prohibit the possession of buckshot on the refuge.
    (xiii) An adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license 
must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters 
age 15 and younger. One adult may supervise no more than one youth 
hunter.
    (xiv) The annual refuge public use brochure provides season dates 
and methods for turkey hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ix) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow sport fishing in refuge-owned waters as follows:
    (A) We allow fishing year-round in:
    (1) Big Island Chute, LaGrue, Essex, Prairie, Scrubgrass, and 
Brooks Bayous;
    (2) Moon and Belknap Lakes next to Arkansas Highway 1;
    (3) Indian Bay;
    (4) Arkansas Post Canal and adjacent drainage ditches;
    (5) Borrow ditches located adjacent to the west bank of that 
portion of the White River Levee north of the Graham Burke pumping 
station; and
    (6) All waters in the refuge-owned North Unit and scattered tracts.
    (B) We open all other South Unit refuge waters to sport fishing 
from March 1 through November 30, unless posted otherwise.
    (iii) We allow frogging on all refuge-owned waters open for sport 
fishing as follows:
    (A) We allow frogging on the South Unit from the beginning of the 
State season through November 30.
    (B) We allow frogging on the North Unit for the entire State 
season.
    (iv) We prohibit all commercial and recreational harvest of turtle 
on all property administered by Dale Bumpers White River National 
Wildlife Refuge (see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (v) We prohibit take or possession of any freshwater mussel (see 
Sec.  27.21 of this chapter), and we prohibit the shelling of mussels 
on the refuge.

[[Page 48855]]

    (vi) Boats (16 feet or less) displaying valid registration or 
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's license customer identification 
number may be left on the refuge from March 1 through October 31.
    (e) Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of American woodcock, duck, light and dark 
goose, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters and anglers must possess and carry a signed refuge 
public use brochure while hunting or fishing.
    (ii) Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. We 
allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon).
    (iii) Hunters must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other 
equipment by 1 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) We close areas of the refuge posted with ``Area Closed'' signs 
and identify them on the refuge public use brochure map as a waterfowl 
sanctuary. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all public entry and 
public use from November 15 to February 15.
    (v) We allow hunting of duck, light and dark goose, merganser, and 
coot during the State waterfowl season except during scheduled refuge 
quota gun deer hunts.
    (vi) We allow American woodcock hunting during the State season 
except during scheduled refuge quota hunts. Woodcock hunters may enter 
the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal 
sunset.
    (vii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight 
and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a 
valid State hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than two 
youth hunters.
    (viii) We allow only all-terrain vehicles/utility-type vehicles 
(ATVs/UTVs) for hunting and fishing activities according to regulations 
provided in the refuge public use brochure.
    (ix) You may use bikes, horses, and mules on roads and ATV/UTV 
trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic, respectively) 
as a mode of transportation for hunting and fishing activities on the 
refuge except during the quota deer hunts.
    (x) We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of roads, 
pipelines, and trails open to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV 
trails).
    (xi) We allow the incidental take of beaver, nutria, and coyote 
during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for 
that hunt. There is no bag limit.
    (xii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, raccoon, and opossum (as governed by State law), and incidental 
take of beaver, nutria, and coyote, on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (iv), and 
(vii) through (xi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow hunting for quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and 
opossum on the refuge during State seasons through January 31. We close 
upland game hunting during refuge quota gun deer hunts.
    (iii) We do not open for the spring squirrel hunting season, or for 
the summer/early fall raccoon hunting season.
    (iv) We allow the use of dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from 
December 1 through January 31, and for quail and raccoon/opossum 
hunting during the open season on the refuge for these species.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (iv), and 
(viii) through (xi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening 
of the State season through January 31, except during refuge deer quota 
hunts.
    (iii) We allow muzzleloader and modern gun deer hunting during 
designated times and seasons, within specified State seasons as listed 
in the refuge public use brochure.
    (iv) Total deer harvested refuge-wide is two deer (two does, or one 
buck and one doe, as governed by State law) regardless of method. A doe 
must be harvested before a buck.
    (v) We prohibit buckshot for modern gun deer hunting.
    (vi) You may only use portable deer stands erected no earlier than 
the opening day of archery season, and you must remove them no later 
than January 31 each year (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (vii) We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).
    (viii) Turkey hunting (Archery, Youth, and Quota) will be conducted 
during designated times and seasons, within specified State seasons as 
listed in the refuge public use brochure.
    (ix) We restrict quota hunt participants to those selected for a 
quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439), except that one nonhunting adult age 21 
or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany the youth 
hunter age 15 and younger.
    (x) An adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license 
must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters 
age 15 and younger. One adult may supervise no more than one youth 
hunter.
    (xi) We allow the use of one tree stand or ground blind, and one 
game camera, on the refuge if the owner's State hunting license number 
is clearly written on them in a conspicuous location.
    (xii) We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn 
for a quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439). These permits are 
nontransferable, and the permit fees are nonrefundable.
    (xiii) The incidental taking of feral hogs will be governed by 
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations concerning the taking of 
feral hogs on State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Subject to State 
regulations, we allow incidental take of feral hogs during daytime 
refuge deer quota hunts (without the use of dogs) and during a 
specified period during archery deer hunting with legal hunting 
equipment and ammunition allowed for those hunts according to the 
season dates provided in the refuge public use brochure. There is no 
bag limit.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (iii), (iv), 
(viii), and (ix) of this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl sanctuary area when the 
sanctuary is closed, with the exception of the main channel of the 
Ouachita and Saline Rivers and the borrow pits along Highway 82. We 
post the waterfowl sanctuary area with ``Area Closed'' signs and 
identify those areas in refuge hunt brochures.
    (iii) During the refuge quota gun deer hunts, we allow fishing only 
in areas accessible from the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and from Eagle, 
Jones, and Pereogeethe Lakes.
    (iv) You must move or remove trotlines when receding water levels 
expose them.
    (v) We allow frogging and crawfishing for personal use only during 
designated times and seasons, within specified State seasons as listed 
in the refuge public use brochure.
    (vi) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (f) Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]

[[Page 48856]]

    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, river otter, mink, 
fox, striped skunk, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439). 
Anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and 
possess the permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times.
    (ii) We allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and quail hunting 
according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (iii) We only allow use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by hunters 
and anglers with mobility impairments, and the refuge manager must 
authorize this use in writing.
    (iv) Hunters and anglers may use boats in designated areas and at 
times provided in the annual refuge public use brochure.
    (v) All hunters age 11 and younger who possess valid hunter 
education certification must remain within normal sight and voice 
contact with an adult age 18 or older who possesses a valid State 
hunting license. Hunters age 15 and younger who have not completed 
hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm's 
reach) of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a valid State hunting 
license. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters for upland 
game hunting, but may supervise only one youth during big game hunting.
    (vi) During the quota youth gun deer and turkey hunts, we close the 
refuge to all other hunting and public entry.
    (vii) We allow incidental take of beaver, muskrat, nutria, river 
otter, mink, bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
seasons and regulations.
    (viii) Hunters and anglers may use bicycles and e-bikes only on 
public use roads and designated trails not closed by a locked gate, 
other barrier, or signage.
    (ix) During the mentored youth squirrel and rabbit hunts, the 
mentoring adult may supervise up to two hunting youths. Youth hunters 
may only use shotguns, rifles and handguns chambered for rimfire 
cartridges, air rifles, and archery tackle. We prohibit adults from 
hunting during mentored hunts.
    (x) Hunters must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads 
and parking lots only.
    (xi) We limit raccoon and opossum hunting to nighttime hunting 
only.
    (xii) Hunter and anglers may not leave motor vehicles, bicycles, e-
bikes, or boats unattended overnight on the refuge.
    (xiii) We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
    (xiv) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
airboats, and hovercraft for hunting and fishing on the refuge.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, black bear, and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (iii) through 
(viii), (x), and (xii) through (xiv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow archery/crossbow hunting for white-tailed deer and 
turkey according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (iii) Youth modern gun deer hunts will be conducted according to 
season dates and bag limits provided in the refuge public use brochure.
    (iv) We allow the take of black bear incidental to refuge archery 
and modern gun deer hunts subject to applicable State seasons and 
regulations.
    (v) The refuge will conduct youth-only quota spring gun turkey 
hunts according to season dates and bag limits provided in the refuge 
public use brochure.
    (vi) You may erect portable stands or blinds 7 days before the 
start of the season, and you must remove them from the refuge within 7 
days after the season ends (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (vii) We prohibit leaving any tree stand, blind, or game camera on 
the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous 
location.
    (viii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a ``drive'' as an 
organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
game.
    (ix) You must check all harvested turkey, bear, and deer at the 
refuge check station.
    (x) We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
    (xi) Big game hunters may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal 
sunrise and must exit by 1 hour after legal sunset.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(iii), (iv), (vi), 
(viii), (xii), and (xiv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing on all waters only 
from March 1 through October 31 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
    (iii) Anglers must remove boats from the refuge at the end of each 
day's fishing activity (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (v) We allow frogging and crawfishing for personal use only. All 
crawfish traps must have the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 
license customer identification number permanently affixed.
    (vi) We prohibit access to refuge waters and land from the Arkansas 
River.
    (vii) We limit trotlines, setline, limblines, yo-yo and free-
floating fishing devices to 20 per person; any line that extends into 
the water must be cotton.
    (viii) Trotlines, setlines, limblines, yo-yos, and free-floating 
fishing devices must be clearly labelled with the angler's Arkansas 
Game and Fish Commission license customer identification number, and 
cannot be left overnight or unattended.
* * * * *
    (i) Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon, nutria, beaver, coyote, quail, muskrat, river otter, mink, 
bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and opossum on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439). 
Anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and 
possess the permit (FWS Form 3-2439) at all times.
    (ii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must leave the 
refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset, except that we allow 
hunting of raccoon and opossum at night on the refuge.
    (iii) During the quota gun hunts, we close the refuge to all other 
hunts and public entry.
    (iv) We allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and quail hunting 
according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (v) We allow the incidental take of nutria, beaver, muskrat, river 
otter, mink, bobcat, fox, striped skunk, and coyote during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons allowed for that hunt, subject

[[Page 48857]]

to applicable State seasons and regulations.
    (vi) Hunters may use only shotguns, rifles and handguns chambered 
for rimfire cartridges, air rifles, and archery tackle.
    (vii) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or gravel road rights-of-
way.
    (viii) All hunters age 11 and younger who possess valid hunter 
education certification must remain within normal sight and voice 
contact with an adult age 18 or older who possesses a valid State 
hunting license. Hunters age 15 and younger who have not completed 
hunter education must be under the direct supervision (within arm's 
reach) of an adult age 21 or older who possesses a valid State hunting 
license. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters for upland 
game hunting, but may supervise only one youth during big game hunting.
    (ix) From December 1 to February 28, we close all waterfowl 
sanctuaries (including Wapanocca Lake) to all hunting and public entry.
    (x) We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), except that 
ATVs may be used by mobility-impaired hunters possessing written 
authorization issued by the refuge manager.
    (xi) Hunters and anglers may use motor vehicles, bicycles, and e-
bikes only on public use roads not closed by a locked gate, other 
barrier, or signage.
    (xii) Hunters and anglers must use the public boat ramp on Highway 
77 to launch motorized boats into Wapanocca Lake.
    (xiii) Hunters and anglers must operate boats at speeds of less 
than 5 miles per hour between the Highway 77 boat launch and the open 
lake.
    (xiv) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
airboats, and hovercraft for hunting and fishing on the refuge.
    (xv) Hunter and anglers may not leave motor vehicles, bicycles, e-
bikes, or boats unattended overnight on the refuge.
    (xvi) We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
    (xvii) The Round Pond and Pygmon Units in St. Francis County are 
subject to all regulations for hunting and fishing for Wapanocca NWR.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(2)(i) through (iii), 
(v), and (vii) through (xvii) of this section apply.
    (ii) During the quota gun deer hunts, we allow only hunters 
possessing a valid quota gun deer hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) on 
the refuge and only for the purposes of deer hunting and the incidental 
take of allowable species.
    (iii) You may erect portable stands or blinds 7 days prior to the 
refuge deer season, and you must remove them from the waterfowl 
sanctuaries by December 1 (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). You must 
remove all stands and blinds on the remainder of the refuge within 7 
days of the closure of archery season (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (iv) We allow portable tree stands, blinds, and game cameras on the 
refuge only if the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish Commission customer 
identification number is clearly written on them in a conspicuous 
location.
    (v) We allow archery/crossbow, muzzleloader, and modern gun deer 
hunting according to season dates and bag limits provided in the annual 
refuge public use brochure.
    (vi) Hunters may only use shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, 
handguns with barrel lengths longer than 4 inches, large-bore air 
rifles, and archery/crossbow tackle for modern gun deer hunting.
    (vii) Hunters may only take feral hog incidental to modern gun and 
muzzleloader deer hunts and during a specified period during archery 
deer hunting according to season dates provided in the annual refuge 
public use brochure.
    (viii) The annual refuge public use brochure provides season dates 
and bag limits for turkey hunting.
    (ix) We prohibit the possession or use of lead shot or buckshot for 
deer hunting. We allow lead shot for turkey hunting.
    (x) We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and 
crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(2)(iii), (ix), (x) 
through (xv), and (xvii), and (i)(3)(ii) of this section apply.
    (ii) From March 1 through November 30, we allow fishing, frogging, 
and crawfishing on all refuge waters. From December 1 through February 
28, we allow bank fishing only on Woody Pond and other non-waterfowl 
sanctuary areas.
    (iii) Anglers, including those frogging and crawfishing, may enter 
the refuge at 4 a.m. and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour 
after legal sunset.
    (iv) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (v) Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.
    (vi) We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing for personal use 
only. All crawfish traps must have the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish 
Commission license customer identification number permanently affixed.
    (vii) We prohibit tournament fishing.
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  32.24 by:
0
a. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), in the first sentence, removing the word 
``A8N'' and adding in its place the word ``A8''; and
0
b. Revising paragraphs (e)(1)(vii) and (i)(1) introductory text to read 
as follows:


Sec.  32.24  California.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the 
field once you have left your assigned parking lot for Ponds AB1, A2E, 
AB2, A3N, A3W, A5, A7, and A8, and the Ravenswood Unit.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
coot, snipe, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
* * * * *

0
7. Amend Sec.  32.27 by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (b)(1)(ii) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  32.27  Delaware.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) You must complete and return a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542), available at the refuge administration office or on the refuge's 
website, within 15 days of the close of the season.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) You must complete and return a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542), available at the refuge administration office or on the refuge's 
website, within 15 days of the close of the season.
* * * * *

0
8. Amend Sec.  32.28 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (e)(1) through (3);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (f) through (o) as paragraphs (g) through 
(p);
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (f); and
0
d. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (j)(2)(i), (j)(3)(i), 
(j)(3)(vii), (k)(1)(x), (n)(3)(ii), (iv), and (viii).

[[Page 48858]]

    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.28  Florida.

* * * * *
    (e) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds and the incidental take of nonnative wildlife as 
defined by the State on designated areas of the refuge in accordance 
with State regulations and applicable State Wildlife Management Area 
regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow upland game hunting and the 
incidental take of nonnative wildlife as defined by the State on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and 
applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting and the incidental 
take of nonnative wildlife as defined by the State on designated areas 
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and applicable State 
Wildlife Management Area regulations.
* * * * *
    (f) Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. (1)-(2) [Reserved]
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of turkey on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a valid Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Big 
Game Quota Hunt Permit purchased through the Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission. The quota hunt permit is a limited entry quota 
permit, and is nontransferable.
    (ii) You must have a valid signed Florida Panther NWR turkey hunt 
brochure, which is free and non-transferrable.
    (iii) Each Big Game Quota Hunt Permit is issued for the take of 1 
bearded turkey. A family hunt/camp experience permit is issued for take 
of 2 bearded turkeys.
    (iv) We allow bows, crossbows, PCP air guns propelling a bolt or 
arrow, and shotguns using #2 or smaller shot size.
    (v) We require an adult, age 18 or older, to supervise hunters age 
15 and younger. The adult must remain within sight and normal voice 
contact of the youth hunter.
    (vi) Hunters possessing a valid Big Game Quota Hunt Permit 
purchased through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 
may access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise and 
must leave the refuge no later than legal sunset. Hunters possessing a 
valid family hunt/camp experience permit may remain on the refuge 
overnight.
    (vii) We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 1 
p.m.
    (viii) We allow only federally approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.  
32.2(k)).
    (ix) We only allow permitted hunters participating in the limited 
entry quota hunt to operate off-road vehicles (swamp buggies, all-
terrain/utility-type vehicles) on designated roads, trails, and 
firebreaks.
    (x) We allow hunters with permits to scout 7 days prior to the 
individual's permitted hunt.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
    (ii) We only allow hook and line. We prohibit snatch hooks, cast 
nets, seines, trotlines, jugs, and yo-yos.
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (viii) 
of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (viii) 
of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (vii) Hunters must fill out a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) and 
check all game harvested during all deer and hog hunts.
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (x) You must stop at a posted refuge waterfowl check station and 
report statistical hunt information on the Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542) to refuge personnel.
* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (n)(2)(ii) and (iv) 
through (vii) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (iv) There is a two deer limit per hunt, as specified at paragraph 
(n)(3)(vi) of this section, except during the youth hunt, when the 
limit is as specified at paragraph (n)(3)(vii) of this section. The 
limit for turkey is one per hunt.
* * * * *
    (viii) Mobility-impaired hunters may have an assistant accompany 
them. You may transfer permits (State-issued permit) issued to the 
hunter to assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-
tailed deer and feral hog within the limits provided at paragraph 
(n)(3)(vi) of this section.
* * * * *

0
9. Amend Sec.  32.29 by revising paragraph (e)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.29  Georgia.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and the incidental take of coyote, armadillo, and feral hog, on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439) for 
all hunters age 16 and older. Hunters must sign the permit and carry it 
with them at all times when hunting.
    (ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week 
preceding each hunt, but must remove the stand by the end of each hunt 
(see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91 meters) of Harris 
Neck Road, the refuge entrance drive, Visitor Contact Station/Office, 
Barbour River Landing, Barbour River Road, or Gould's Cemetery.
    (iv) We require hunters to check-in and check-out each hunt day. We 
require personal identification to check-in and check-out.
    (v) We require hunters to check all harvested game at the check 
station before leaving the refuge each day.
    (vi) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered), and we 
will issue State bonus tags for two of these.
    (vii) During the gun hunt, we allow only shotguns (20 gauge or 
larger), muzzleloaders, bows, air rifles (.30 caliber or larger), and 
air bows, as governed by State regulations. We prohibit the use of 
centerfire rifles.
    (viii) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, feral hog, and 
coyote during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, 
subject to applicable State seasons and regulations. There is no bag 
limit for these species.
    (ix) The turkey hunt is a youth-only, archery hunt limited to 2 
days per year. To participate in the turkey hunt, youth must complete 
an application (FWS Form 3-2439), submit the completed application to 
the refuge, and be selected by lottery. Each youth hunter selected by 
lottery to participate in the turkey hunt must possess a free signed 
refuge hunt brochure while hunting.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  32.31 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (2);
0
b. Adding paragraph (b)(3); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (e)(4).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.31  Idaho.

* * * * *

[[Page 48859]]

    (b) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
duck, goose, coot, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow hunters to access the refuge 1 hour before legal 
shooting time.
    (ii) You may only use portable blinds or construct temporary blinds 
of natural vegetation. Blinds will be available for general use on a 
first-come, first-served basis. You must remove portable blinds, 
decoys, and other personal property at the end of each day's hunt (see 
Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (iv) You may take Eurasian collared-doves only during the State 
seasons for migratory birds and upland game birds.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, grouse, and 
partridge on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this 
section applies.
    (ii) We allow hunters to access the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal 
shooting time.
    (iii) Hunters must wear a minimum of 36 square inches (232.3 square 
centimeters) of blaze orange, and a blaze orange head covering.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) You must carry a signed copy of the refuge hunting regulations 
and hunt map (signed brochure) in the field while hunting.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow bank fishing only.
    (ii) We prohibit launching boats from, and landing boats on, the 
banks of Deep Creek.
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec.  32.32 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (b)(4);
0
b. Removing paragraph (c)(1)(ii);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (c)(1)(iii) as paragraph (c)(1)(ii);
0
d. Revising paragraph (c)(2)(i);
0
e. Removing paragraphs (c)(4)(i), (v), and (vi);
0
f. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(4)(ii) through (iv) as paragraphs 
(c)(4)(i) through (iii); and
0
g. Revising paragraphs (f)(1) through (3), (g)(2)(ii), (g)(3), 
(k)(2)(v), and (k)(3)(i).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.32  Illinois.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) On Crab Orchard Lake west of Wolf Creek Road:
    (A) Anglers may fish from boats all year.
    (B) Anglers must remove all trotlines/jugs from legal sunrise until 
legal sunset from the Friday immediately prior to Memorial Day through 
Labor Day.
    (ii) On Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road:
    (A) Anglers may fish from boats March 1 through October 15.
    (B) Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 
causeways.
    (iii) On A-41 and Bluegill Ponds:
    (A) Anglers may fish only from legal sunrise to legal sunset from 
March 1 through October 15.
    (B) We prohibit anglers from using gas-powered boats.
    (iv) On Managers, Honkers, and Visitors Ponds:
    (A) Anglers may fish all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
    (B) We prohibit anglers from using gas-powered boats.
    (v) Trotlines/jugs:
    (A) We prohibit the use of trotlines/jugs on all refuge waters 
outside of Crab Orchard Lake.
    (B) We prohibit the use of trotlines/jugs with any flotation device 
that has previously contained any petroleum-based material or toxic 
substances.
    (C) Anglers must attach a buoyed device that is visible on the 
water's surface to all trotlines.
    (vi) Anglers may use all legal noncommercial fishing methods, 
except they may not use any underwater breathing apparatus.
    (vii) Anglers may not submerge any poles or similar objects to take 
or locate any fish.
    (viii) Organizers of all fishing events must possess a Special Use 
Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G or FWS Form 3-1383-C).
    (ix) We prohibit anglers from fishing within 250 yards (228 meters) 
of an occupied waterfowl hunting blind.
    (x) Specific creel and size limits apply on various refuge waters 
as listed in the Crab Orchard fishing brochure and the annual Illinois 
fishing digest.
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
* * * * *
    (f) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) You must remove personal belongings, including, but not limited 
to, all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, and platforms 
brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.  
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (ii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than \1/2\ hour before 
legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than \1/2\ hour 
after legal shooting hours.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow upland game and turkey hunting on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) For hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting 
wild turkey (see Sec.  32.2(k)).
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) You must remove personal belongings, including, but not 
limited to, all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, 
platforms, and other hunting equipment brought onto the refuge at the 
end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this 
chapter).
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue,

[[Page 48860]]

drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the 
direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt 
and known to be waiting for the deer.
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (v) Hunters may only hunt from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to 
no later than \1/2\ hour after legal sunset, and they must follow all 
State requirements for legal hunting hours.
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(2)(v) 
of this section apply.
* * * * *

0
12. Amend Sec.  32.37 by revising paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (g), 
(i)(1)(iv), (i)(3)(iii), (j), (m), (o)(1)(iv), (o)(3)(v), (q), (r), 
(s)(1)(iv), (t), and (u) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.37  Louisiana.

* * * * *
    (c) Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, coot, gallinule, rail, snipe, and dove on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters and anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed 
refuge hunting and fishing brochure.
    (ii) We only allow youth to hunt migratory game birds.
    (iii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during hunts. The youth must be capable of and must actively 
participate in the hunt by possessing and/or firing a legal weapon 
during the hunt for the express purpose of harvesting game.
    (iv) One adult may supervise up to two youths during upland game 
hunts and migratory bird hunts, but may supervise only one youth during 
big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain visual and voice 
contact with the youth at all times.
    (v) Adults accompanying youth on any refuge hunts may participate 
by hunting (except during the State youth-only seasons), but are not 
allowed to harvest more than their own daily bag limit (see Sec.  20.24 
of this chapter). Youth must harvest their own bag limits.
    (vi) We allow migratory bird hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, 
Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 2 
p.m.
    (vii) We open the refuge to goose youth hunting during any segment 
of goose season that extends beyond the regular duck season.
    (viii) Migratory bird hunters may not enter the refuge prior to 4 
a.m. on the day of the hunt and must remove all portable blinds and 
decoys (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter) no later than 2 p.m.
    (ix) We prohibit hunting within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any 
residence or structure adjacent to the refuge, and we prohibit hunting 
within 200 feet (61 m) of any road, railroad, levee, water control 
structure, designated public use trail, designated parking area, or 
other designated public use facility.
    (x) We prohibit mud boats or air cooled propulsion vessels, 
including ``surface-drive'' boats, except when traversing through the 
Intracoastal Waterway and the Irish Bayou Straight Canal only.
    (xi) We only allow the incidental take of nutria with approved shot 
and weapons during any open youth waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (xii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, raccoon, feral hog, 
armadillo, and opossum with approved shot and weapons allowed during 
any open season on the refuge.
    (xiii) We allow only the use of reflective tacks as marking 
devices.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, and the 
incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, and opossum, on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We only allow youth hunting of upland game.
    (ii) When hunting, you must possess only shot size 4 or smaller or 
0.22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller. We allow the use of air rifles.
    (iii) When hunting rabbit, we allow the use of dogs only after the 
close of the State archery deer season.
    (iv) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (iii) 
through (v), and (ix) through (xiii) of this section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We only allow youth hunting of white-tailed 
deer, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We are open to youth hunting only during the State deer archery 
season.
    (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (iii) We allow placement of temporary deer stands no earlier than 
48 hours prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove 
all deer stands within 48 hours after the archery deer season closes 
(see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) We allow only one deer stand per hunter on the refuge. Deer 
stands must have the owner's State license/sportsmen's identification 
number clearly printed on the stand.
    (v) We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
    (vi) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (iii) 
through (v), and (ix) through (xiii) of this section apply.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We allow daytime sport finfishing and shellfishing year-round 
on designated areas of the refuge. On portions of the refuge outside of 
the Hurricane Protection Levee, we allow daytime sport finfishing and 
shellfishing from November 1 through January 31 and during the State 
teal season, but only after 2 p.m.
    (ii) We only allow sport finfishing with hand-held rod and reel or 
hand-held rod and line.
    (iii) You may take bait shrimp with cast nets only.
    (iv) You may take crawfish (up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) per 
person, per day) with crawfish or dip nets only.
    (v) We allow only recreational crabbing.
    (vi) You must attend all fishing, crabbing, and crawfishing 
equipment at all times.
    (vii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar 
sets, nets, and alligator lines on the refuge.
    (viii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (x), and 
(xiii) of this section apply.
    (d) Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, coot, gallinule, rail, snipe, dove, and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We prohibit hunting or discharge of firearms (see Sec.  27.42 
of this chapter) within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any residence or 
oil and gas infrastructure, or within 200 feet (61 m) of any road, 
railroad, levee, water control structure, designated public use trail, 
designated parking area, or other designated public use facility.
    (iii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during all hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
small game and migratory game bird hunts, but may supervise only one 
youth during big game hunts. The supervising

[[Page 48861]]

adult must maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all 
times. Adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth hunters 
do not violate refuge rules.
    (iv) We require waterfowl and gallinule hunters to remove all 
portable blinds and decoys from the refuge by 2 p.m. each day (see 
Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (v) Migratory bird hunters are only allowed to enter the refuge 
after 4 a.m.
    (vi) We allow waterfowl hunting daily until 2 p.m. during the State 
regular season, State teal season, and State youth and veteran 
waterfowl seasons. We allow gallinule, snipe, and rail hunting until 2 
p.m.
    (vii) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve game.
    (viii) We allow only the use of reflective tacks as marking 
devices.
    (ix) We only allow the incidental take of nutria with approved shot 
and weapons during any open waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (x) We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, armadillo, 
opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons during any open 
season on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit, 
and the incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, and 
opossum, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We only allow hunting from the start of the State squirrel and 
rabbit seasons until the last day of State waterfowl season for the 
State Waterfowl Zone in which you are hunting.
    (ii) We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with 
refuge deer gun hunts.
    (iii) Hunters must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after 
legal sunset.
    (iv) When hunting, you must possess only shot size 4 or smaller or 
0.22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller. We allow the use of air rifles.
    (v) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii) 
and (viii) through (x) of this section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, 
and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow hunting of deer only with firearms (see Sec.  27.42 of 
this chapter) during 5 specific days during October and November. A 
youth gun hunt will occur during the last weekend of October. The 
general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November. 
The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday. The general gun 
hunt includes the Friday immediately before the weekend.
    (ii) We allow archery deer hunting according to the State of 
Louisiana archery season. We close refuge archery hunting during refuge 
deer gun hunts.
    (iii) We allow each hunter to possess only one deer per day; the 
deer may be a buck or a doe.
    (iv) Hunters may use only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect 
deer stands no earlier than 48 hours before the deer archery season and 
must remove them from the refuge within 48 hours after the season 
closes (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). Hunters may place only one 
deer stand on the refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's State 
hunting license/sportsman's identification number clearly printed on 
the stand.
    (v) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii), 
(viii), and (x), and (d)(2)(iii) of this section apply.
    (vi) We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
    (vii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (viii) Deer hunters must display State Wildlife Management Area 
(WMA) hunter-orange or blaze-pink (as governed by State WMA 
regulations).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing in all refuge waters 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, 
jug, bush, etc.).
    (ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (iii) The refuge is only open to recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
    (e) Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, coot, light 
and dark goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, dove, and woodcock on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We allow waterfowl, snipe, rail, gallinule, dove, and goose 
hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ 
hour before legal sunrise until 2 p.m., including waterfowl hunting 
during the State teal season and State youth and veterans waterfowl 
seasons. We only allow hunting of woodcock until 2 p.m.
    (iii) We allow light goose hunting for that part of the season that 
extends beyond the regular duck season from \1/2\ hour before legal 
sunrise until 2 p.m.
    (iv) We allow only temporary blinds, and hunters must remove blinds 
and decoys by 2 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (v) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during all hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
small game hunts and migratory bird hunts, but may supervise only one 
youth during big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain visual 
and voice contact with the youth at all times. Adult guardians are 
responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not violate refuge 
rules.
    (vi) We prohibit hunting or discharge of firearms (see Sec.  27.42 
of this chapter) within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any residence 
adjacent to the refuge or oil and gas infrastructure on the refuge, or 
within 200 feet (61 m) from the center of any road, railroad, levee, 
water control structure, designated public use maintained trail, 
designated parking area, or other designated public use facility.
    (vii) We allow migratory bird hunters to enter the refuge no 
earlier than 4 a.m., and all hunters must exit the refuge no later than 
2 hours after legal sunset.
    (viii) We allow only reflective tacks as trail markers on the 
refuge.
    (ix) We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, armadillo, 
opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons allowed during any 
open season on the refuge.
    (x) We only allow the incidental take of nutria with approved shot 
and weapons during any open waterfowl (duck, teal, merganser, light and 
dark goose, and coot) season on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and 
quail, and the incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, 
and opossum, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) When hunting, you must possess only shot size 4 or smaller, or 
0.22 caliber rim-fire rifles or smaller. We allow the use of air 
rifles.
    (ii) When hunting squirrel and rabbit, and for the incidental take 
of raccoon, we allow the use of dogs only after the close of the State 
archery deer season. When hunting quail, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve.
    (iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (v), (vi), 
and (viii) through (x) of this section apply.

[[Page 48862]]

    (iv) During the dog season for squirrel and rabbit, all hunters, 
including archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters, must 
wear a minimum of a cap or hat that is hunter orange, blaze pink, or 
other such color as governed by State regulations.
    (v) We only allow hunting of quail until 2 p.m.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, and 
the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We are open only during the State season for archery hunting of 
deer.
    (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (iii) We allow placement of temporary deer stands no earlier than 
48 hours prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove 
all deer stands within 48 hours after the archery deer season closes 
(see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). We allow only one deer stand per 
hunter on the refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's State license/
sportsmen's identification number clearly printed on the stand. We 
prohibit hunting stands on trees painted with white bands.
    (iv) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (v), (vi), 
and (viii) through (x) of this section apply.
    (v) We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) You may only fish from legal sunrise until legal sunset, except 
we allow night fishing from the bank and pier on Lake Road.
    (ii) You must only use rod and reel or pole and line while 
finfishing.
    (iii) You must attend to any fishing, crabbing, and crawfishing 
equipment at all times.
    (iv) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
* * * * *
    (g) Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, coot, gallinule, rail, snipe, dove, and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We only allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, and gallinule from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 2 p.m. 
of the State seasons, including during the State teal season, State 
youth waterfowl season, State veterans season, and special light goose 
conservation season.
    (iii) You must remove blinds and decoys by 2 p.m. each day (see 
Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve game.
    (v) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during all hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
upland game hunts and migratory bird hunts, but may supervise only one 
youth during big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain visual 
and voice contact with the youth at all times. Adult guardians are 
responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not violate refuge 
rules.
    (vi) We prohibit hunting or discharge of firearms (see Sec.  27.42 
of this chapter) within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any residence or 
oil and gas infrastructure, or within 200 feet (61 m) of any road, 
railroad, levee, water control structure, designated public use trail, 
building, designated camping area, designated parking area, or other 
designated public facility.
    (vii) For the purpose of hunting, we prohibit possession of slugs, 
buckshot, and rifle and pistol ammunition, except during the deer gun 
and primitive firearm seasons (see Sec.  32.2(k)).
    (viii) You may use only reflective tacks as trail markers on the 
refuge.
    (ix) We allow the incidental take of feral hog, raccoon, armadillo, 
opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons allowed during any 
open season on the refuge.
    (x) We only allow incidental take of nutria with approved shot and 
weapons during any open waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and 
quail, and the incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, 
and opossum, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs for rabbit and squirrel hunting, and 
the incidental take of raccoon, on specific dates listed in the refuge 
hunt brochure.
    (ii) During any open deer firearm or primitive firearm season on 
the refuge, all hunters, except waterfowl hunters, must wear hunter 
orange, blaze pink, or other such color as governed by State 
regulations.
    (iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (v) 
through (x) of this section apply.
    (iv) You may use .22-caliber rifles or smaller while hunting upland 
game and ammunition must be size 4 or smaller (see Sec.  32.2(k)).
    (v) We will close the refuge to hunting (except waterfowl) and 
camping when the Pearl River reaches 15.5 feet (4.72 meters) on the 
Pearl River Gauge at Pearl River, Louisiana.
    (vi) During the dog season for squirrels, rabbits, and incidental 
take of raccoon, all hunters, including archery hunters (while on the 
ground), except waterfowl hunters, must wear a cap or hat that is 
hunter-orange, blaze pink, or other such color as governed by State 
regulations.
    (vii) We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with 
refuge deer gun and primitive firearm hunts.
    (viii) We only allow quail hunting until 2 p.m.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, 
turkey, and feral hog, and the incidental take of feral hog, on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (v) 
through (x), and (g)(2)(ii), (v), and (vi) of this section apply.
    (ii) Hunters may erect deer stands no earlier than 48 hours before 
the deer archery season opens and must remove them from the refuge 
within 48 hours after this season closes (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter). We allow only one deer stand per hunter on the refuge. Deer 
stands must have the owner's State license/sportsmen's identification 
number clearly printed on the stand.
    (iii) Deer hunters hunting from concealed blinds must display State 
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunter-orange or blaze-pink (as governed 
by State WMA regulations) above or around their blinds that is visible 
from 360 degrees.
    (iv) We hold a special dog hog hunt in February. During this hunt, 
the following conditions apply, in addition to the other conditions set 
forth in this paragraph (g)(3):
    (A) You must use trained hog-hunting dogs to aid in the take of 
hog.
    (B) We allow take of hog from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    (C) You must possess only approved nontoxic shot, or pistol or 
rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber rim-fire, to take the hog 
after it has been caught by dogs.

[[Page 48863]]

    (v) You must kill all hogs prior to removal from the refuge.
    (vi) We prohibit the use of deer and turkey gobbler decoys.
    (vii) We prohibit using shot larger than BB-lead, or T-steel, while 
hunting during turkey season.
    (viii) We describe the dates for turkey hunts and deer general gun 
hunts, youth hunts, and veterans hunts in the refuge user brochure.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow only recreational fishing year-round on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We only allow cotton limb lines.
    (ii) We close the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround to 
fishing from April through the first full week of June and to boating 
during the months of April, May, June, and July.
    (iii) When the Pearl River Turnaround area is open, we allow boats 
that do not have gasoline-powered engines attached in the fishing ponds 
at the Pearl River Turnaround. Anglers must hand-launch these boats 
into the ponds. When the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround 
are open, hook and line is the only legal method of take in those 
ponds.
    (iv) The Pearl River Turnaround area, when open to fishing, is open 
\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    (v) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (viii), 
and (g)(2)(v) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Every hunter must complete and turn in a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) available from a self-clearing check station after each 
hunt.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Each hunter must complete and turn in a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) available from a self-clearing check station after each 
hunt.
* * * * *
    (j) Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, coot, snipe, rail, gallinule, dove, and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We allow migratory bird hunters to enter the refuge no earlier 
than 4 a.m., and all hunters must exit the refuge within 2 hours after 
legal sunset.
    (iii) We allow the incidental take of beaver, feral hog, raccoon, 
armadillo, opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons allowed 
during any open season on the refuge.
    (iv) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicle 
(UTVs) as governed by State Wildlife Management Area regulations and 
size specifications on designated trails (see Sec.  27.31 of this 
chapter) from the third Saturday in September until February 28.
    (v) We prohibit hunting within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any 
residence or oil and gas infrastructure, or within 200 feet (61 m) of 
any road, railroad, levee, water control structure, designated public 
use trail, building, designated parking area, or designated public use 
facility.
    (vi) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
small game hunts and migratory bird hunts, but may supervise only one 
youth during big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain visual 
and voice contact with the youth at all times. Adult guardians are 
responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not violate refuge 
rules.
    (vii) We allow waterfowl (duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, and coot) and gallinule hunting daily during the State regular 
season, including waterfowl hunting during the State teal season and 
State youth and veteran waterfowl seasons, from \1/2\ hour before legal 
sunrise until 2 p.m.
    (viii) You must remove harvested waterfowl, temporary blinds, and 
decoys used for duck hunting by 2 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of 
this chapter).
    (ix) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve.
    (x) We prohibit accessing refuge property by boat from the 
Mississippi River.
    (xi) We allow only the use of reflective tacks as marking devices.
    (xii) We only allow the incidental take of nutria with approved 
shot and weapons during any open waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit, 
and the incidental take of nutria, beaver, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, 
and opossum, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (vi) 
and (x) through (xii) of this section apply.
    (ii) While upland game hunting, we prohibit the possession of 
hunting firearms larger than 0.22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and 
buckshot (see Sec.  27.42 of this chapter).
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs during designated small game with 
dog seasons. We require the owner's contact information on the collars 
of all dogs. We only allow up to two dogs per hunting party for 
squirrel hunting.
    (iv) We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with 
refuge deer gun hunts.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (vi), 
(x), and (xi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow archery deer hunting, youth deer gun hunting during 
the first weekend of the State youth firearm season, and one weekend of 
primitive firearm season on the refuge. We list specific dates of these 
hunts in the refuge annual user brochure.
    (iii) Hunters may erect deer stands no earlier than 48 hours before 
the deer archery season opens and must remove them from the refuge 
within 48 hours after this season closes (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter). We grant extensions to retrieve stands due to high water 
refuge closure. We allow only one deer stand or blind per hunter on the 
refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's State license/sportsmen's 
identification number clearly printed on the stand.
    (iv) You may only take one deer of either sex per day during the 
deer seasons listed. State season limits apply.
    (v) Deer hunters must display State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) 
hunter-orange or blaze-pink (as governed by State WMA regulations).
    (vi) We prohibit organized drives. We define a ``drive'' as an 
organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
game.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (iv) (on the 
open portions of Wood Duck ATV trail for wildlife-dependent activities 
throughout the year), (x), and (xi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit slat traps or hoop nets on the refuge.
    (iii) Anglers may only crawfish during designated days and times. 
The harvest limit is 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms) per person per day.
    (iv) You must attend all crawfish traps and nets at all times. We 
allow up to,

[[Page 48864]]

and no more than, 20 traps per angler on the refuge.
* * * * *
    (m) Delta National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, merganser, teal, light and dark 
goose, dove, snipe, rail, gallinule, and coot on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We allow migratory bird hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, 
Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 2 
p.m. during the State seasons, including the regular waterfowl season, 
the State teal season, State youth waterfowl season, State veterans 
waterfowl season, and State light goose special conservation season.
    (iii) We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove both blinds 
and decoys by 2 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve game.
    (v) We prohibit discharge of firearms (see Sec.  27.42 of this 
chapter) within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any residence or oil and 
gas infrastructure, or within 200 feet (61 m) of any road, railroad, 
levee, water control structure, designated public use trail, designated 
parking area, or other designated public use facilities.
    (vi) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during all hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
upland game and migratory game bird hunts, but may supervise only one 
youth during big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain visual 
and voice contact with the youth at all times.
    (vii) Migratory bird hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 
a.m., and all hunters must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after 
legal sunset.
    (viii) We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, 
armadillo, opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons allowed 
during any open season on the refuge.
    (ix) We only allow the incidental take of nutria with approved shot 
and weapons during any open waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (x) We allow only the use of reflective tacks as marking devices.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, and the 
incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, and opossum on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The refuge rabbit season opens the day after the State duck 
season closes and continues through the remainder of the State rabbit 
season.
    (ii) We restrict hunting to shotgun only.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when rabbit hunting.
    (iv) We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with 
refuge deer gun hunts.
    (v) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(i) and (v) 
through (viii) of this section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(i) and (v) 
through (x) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow archery deer hunting, bucks only, from October 1 
through 15. We allow either-sex archery deer hunting from October 16 
through 31, and from the day after the close of the State duck season 
through the end of the State deer archery season.
    (iii) We allow placement of temporary deer stands up to 48 hours 
prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove all deer 
stands within 48 hours after the archery deer season closes (see Sec.  
27.93 of this chapter). We allow only one deer stand per hunter on the 
refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's State license/sportsmen's 
identification number clearly printed on the stand.
    (iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (v) We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
    (vi) We allow shotgun hunting of deer on the Saturday and Sunday 
during the first split of the regular waterfowl season.
    (vii) Deer hunters must display State Wildlife Management Area 
(WMA) hunter-orange or blaze-pink (as governed by State WMA 
regulations).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We only allow sport finfishing and shellfishing from \1/2\ hour 
before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. During the 
State waterfowl hunting seasons, we only allow sport finfishing and 
shellfishing from 2 p.m. until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. However, 
during the waterfowl season, we prohibit all public entry between Main 
Pass and Raphael Pass.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, jug 
lines, nets, or alligator lines.
    (iii) The condition set forth at paragraph (m)(1)(i) of this 
section applies.
* * * * *
    (o) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Each hunter must complete and turn in a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542), available from a self-clearing check station, after each 
hunt.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (v) Each hunter must complete and turn in a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) available from a self-clearing check station, after each 
hunt.
* * * * *
    (q) Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, teal, merganser, light and dark 
goose, gallinule (including moorhen), coot, rail, snipe, and dove on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Each person age 18 and older must possess and carry a valid, 
signed refuge user brochure while on the refuge.
    (ii) We allow only youth hunting of migratory game birds and only 
in the Hanson Unit on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 
until 2 p.m. of the State teal, youth, and regular waterfowl seasons.
    (iii) We open the Hanson Unit only to youth goose hunting during 
any segment of the goose season that extends beyond the regular duck 
season on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 2 p.m.
    (iv) Migratory bird hunters are only allowed to enter the refuge 
after 4 a.m.
    (v) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by an 
adult during all hunts. One adult may supervise up to two youths during 
small game and migratory game bird hunts. An adult may supervise only 
one youth during big game hunts. The supervising adult must maintain 
visual and voice contact with the youth at all times. The youth must be 
capable of and must actively participate in the hunt by possessing and/
or firing a legal weapon during the hunt for the express purpose of 
harvesting game. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for 
ensuring that hunters age 15 and younger do not violate refuge rules.
    (vi) Adults accompanying youth on refuge hunts may participate by 
hunting, but are not allowed to harvest more than their own daily bag 
limit.

[[Page 48865]]

    (vii) We only allow incidental take of nutria with approved shot 
and weapons during any open waterfowl season on the refuge.
    (viii) We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, armadillo, 
opossum, and coyote with approved shot and weapons allowed during any 
open season on the refuge.
    (ix) We prohibit hunting within 500 feet (152 meters (m)) of any 
residence or oil and gas infrastructure, or within 200 feet (61 m) of 
any road, railroad, levee, water control structure, designated public 
use trail, designated parking area, or other designated public use 
facility.
    (x) We allow only temporary blinds, and hunters must remove blinds 
and decoys by 2 p.m. each day (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (2) Upland Game Hunting. We allow youth hunting of squirrel and 
rabbit, and the incidental take of nutria, coyote, raccoon, armadillo, 
and opossum, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) When hunting, you must possess only shot size 4 or smaller, or 
0.22 caliber rim-fire rifles or smaller. We allow the use of air 
rifles.
    (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (q)(1)(i) and (v) 
through (ix) apply.
    (iii) The Hanson Unit is closed to youth hunting prior to 2 p.m. on 
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during waterfowl hunt 
season.
    (iv) Hunters must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after 
legal sunset.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, 
and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We open the refuge to hunting of white-tailed deer only during 
the State archery season. We close the Hanson Unit to big game hunting 
prior to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during 
State waterfowl seasons.
    (ii) You may take only one deer of either sex per day.
    (iii) We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
    (iv) We only allow portable stands. Hunters may erect temporary 
deer stands no earlier than 48 hours prior to the start of deer archery 
season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 48 hours after the 
archery deer season closes (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). Hunters 
may place only one deer stand on the refuge. Deer stands must have the 
owner's State hunting license/sportsman's identification number clearly 
printed on the stand.
    (v) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (vi) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (q)(1)(i), (v), (vi), 
(viii), and (ix), and (q)(2)(iv) of this section apply.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow recreational finfishing and 
shellfishing in all refuge waters subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, 
jog, bush, etc.).
    (ii) The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset.
    (iii) The condition set forth at paragraph (q)(1)(i) of this 
section applies.
    (r) Red River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, woodcock, snipe, rail, 
gallinule, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge brochure.
    (ii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the 
State season. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1:30 
p.m.
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
    (iv) Hunters may only hunt during designated times and seasons 
within specified State seasons as listed in refuge brochure.
    (v) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters) of any public 
road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, residence, building, aboveground 
oil or gas or electrical transmission facility, or designated public 
facility.
    (vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve.
    (vii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, and feral 
hogs in designated areas during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal 
for that hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, raccoon, and opossum, and incidental take of coyote and beaver, 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (r)(1)(i), (iii) through 
(v), and (vii) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight 
hours of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting during 
December and January, and you may use dogs for night hunting.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after 
December 31.
    (iv) Hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal 
shooting hours, unless participating in authorized hunting after legal 
sunset.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth 
at paragraphs (r)(1)(i), (iii) through (v), and (vii), and (r)(2)(iv) 
of this section apply.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow use of only electric trolling motors on all refuge 
waters while fishing.
    (ii) Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) 
requires a special refuge permit (Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-
G)), which is available at the refuge office. You must possess and 
carry the special refuge permit while fishing using commercial gear.
    (iii) We prohibit the taking of alligator snapping turtle (see 
Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (s) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Each hunter must complete and turn in a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) from a self-clearing check station after each hunt.
* * * * *
    (t) Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot, 
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) All hunters and anglers age 16 and older must purchase an 
Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439). This permit allows 
individuals to participate in open (non-quota) hunting and fishing 
seasons.
    (ii) All hunters and anglers must obtain a Self-Clearing Permit 
(FWS Form 3-2405), available at refuge entry points and at the Visitor 
Center, and complete the self-clearing process when exiting the refuge 
at the end of each day.
    (iii) We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot, and 
snipe on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 2 p.m. 
during the State season. We prohibit migratory bird hunting during 
refuge gun hunts for deer.
    (iv) We allow refuge hunters to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 
a.m., and they must leave no later than 2 hours after legal sunset 
unless they are

[[Page 48866]]

participating in the refuge nighttime raccoon hunt.
    (v) We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails 
for access typically from October 1 to the last day of the refuge 
squirrel season.
    (vi) We prohibit field dressing of game within 150 feet (45 meters) 
of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
    (vii) An adult age 18 or older must supervise youth hunters age 17 
and younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during 
small game and migratory bird hunts, but may supervise only one youth 
during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of 
the adult who is supervising them.
    (viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, 
opossum, feral hog, armadillo, and nutria during authorized hunts with 
firearms and archery equipment legal for use during the hunt.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, squirrel, and 
rabbit, and the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum, 
armadillo, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
    (ii) A nighttime raccoon hunt will be conducted during December, 
January, and/or February, usually in conjunction with the adjacent 
State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) raccoon hunting season.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs when squirrel and rabbit hunting 
subject to the following conditions:
    (A) We allow hunting without dogs from the beginning of the State 
season to December 31.
    (B) From the beginning of the State season to December 31, we do 
not require hunters to wear hunter orange.
    (C) We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with or without dogs from 
January 1 to the last day of February.
    (D) From January 1 to the last day of February, squirrel and rabbit 
hunters are required to wear a minimum solid hunter orange cap.
    (E) We allow no more than three dogs per hunting party.
    (iv) We close squirrel and rabbit hunting during the following gun 
hunts for deer: Refuge-wide youth hunt, primitive firearms hunt, and 
modern firearms hunts.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hogs, on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
    (ii) We require a valid Quota Modern Firearm Permit (FWS Form 3-
2439) to hunt during a Deer Quota Modern Firearm Hunt. You must 
complete and submit an application for all Deer Quota Hunts, and 
hunters will be notified of their drawing status. If selected, hunters 
are required to purchase the Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439) 
to claim their Quota Modern Firearm Permit for the selected hunt. 
Hunters must carry a signed paper copy or electronic version of the 
permit with them on their person while hunting.
    (iii) Deer archery season will begin the first Saturday in November 
and will conclude on January 31, except for during the youth gun hunt 
and modern firearms hunts, when archery is prohibited.
    (iv) The deer primitive firearms season will occur between November 
1 and January 31. We allow all legal primitive firearms as governed by 
State regulations.
    (v) During the deer primitive firearms season, hunters may fit any 
legal primitive firearms with magnified scopes.
    (vi) We allow hunters using primitive weapons to hunt reforested 
areas.
    (vii) We prohibit youth hunters from using modern firearms during 
the primitive weapon hunt.
    (viii) During modern firearm hunts, all firearm hunting, even 
hunting with primitive weapons or muzzleloaders, is governed by 
applicable Federal and State regulations. We require a quota hunt 
permit (FWS Form 3-2439) for these hunts.
    (ix) During modern firearm hunts, we prohibit hunting in reforested 
areas. We prohibit hunting and/or shooting into or across any 
reforested area during the quota hunt for deer.
    (x) For the guided quota youth hunts, we consider youth to be ages 
8 through 15.
    (xi) We will conduct a refuge-wide youth deer hunt that will 
coincide with the State youth hunt weekend.
    (xii) Hunters may take only one deer (one buck or one doe) per day 
during refuge deer hunts, except that during guided youth and 
wheelchair-bound hunts, the limit will be one antlerless and one 
antlered deer per day.
    (xiii) We allow turkey hunting in designated areas during the State 
turkey hunt season not to exceed 16 days.
    (xiv) We allow a youth turkey hunt weekend in conjunction with the 
State youth turkey hunt weekend.
    (xv) We allow muzzleloader hunters to discharge their primitive 
firearms at the end of each hunt safely into the ground at least 150 
feet (45 meters (m)) from any designated public road, maintained road, 
trail, fire break, dwelling, or aboveground oil and gas production 
facility. We define a ``maintained road or trail'' as one that has been 
mowed, disked, or plowed, or one that is free of trees.
    (xvi) We prohibit deer hunters leaving deer stands unattended 
before the opening day of the refuge archery season. Hunters must 
remove stands from the refuge by the end of the last day of the refuge 
archery season (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove 
portable stands from trees at the end of each day's hunt and place 
freestanding stands in a nonhunting position when unattended. Hunters 
must clearly mark stands left unattended on the refuge with the 
hunter's last name, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 
license number, and I-Sportsman Permit Number.
    (xvii) We allow hunting with slugs, rifle, or pistol ammunition 
larger than .22 caliber rimfire only during the quota hunts for deer. 
We prohibit use of buckshot when hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow anglers to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., 
and they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
    (iii) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec.  27.21 of this 
chapter).
    (iv) We prohibit fish cleaning within 150 feet (45 m) of parking 
areas, maintained roads, and trails.
    (u) Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, dove, rail, 
gallinule, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) You must carry a signed refuge public use brochure and must 
carry and fill out daily a Visitor Check-In Permit and Report (FWS Form 
3-2405).
    (ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated refuge seasons as 
listed in the signed refuge public use brochure.
    (iii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the 
State season. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1:30 
p.m.
    (iv) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
    (v) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters (m)) of the 
maintained rights-of-way of roads and from or

[[Page 48867]]

across all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails. We prohibit hunting within 50 
feet (15 meters (m)) of, or trespassing on, aboveground oil, gas, or 
electrical transmission facilities.
    (vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to 
locate, point, and retrieve.
    (vii) We allow ATVs only on trails designated for their use and 
marked by signs (see Sec.  27.31 of this chapter). ATV trails are 
closed March 1 through August 31.
    (viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, and feral 
hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, 
subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, raccoon, and opossum, and the incidental take of coyote and 
beaver, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), (vii), and (viii) of this section apply.
    (ii) You must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting 
hours, unless participating in authorized hunting after legal sunset.
    (iii) We allow the nighttime hunting of raccoon and opossum from 
December 1 to January 31 with the aid of dogs. We allow hunting of 
raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel 
season.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), (vii), and (viii), and (u)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
    (ii) Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as governed by State deer 
hunting regulations in wildlife management areas.
    (iii) We prohibit hunters from placing stands or hunting from 
stands on pine trees with white-painted bands and/or rings.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the 
refuge overnight (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (ii) You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of 
trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
    (iii) Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) 
requires a special refuge permit (Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-
G)), which is available at the refuge office. You must possess and 
carry the special refuge permit while fishing using commercial gear.
    (iv) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec.  27.21 of this 
chapter).
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  32.38 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b);
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (g) and paragraph (c) as 
paragraph (e);
0
c. Adding new paragraph (c);
0
d. Revising paragraph (d) and newly redesignated paragraphs (e)(2)(i) 
and (e)(3)(i);
0
e. Adding paragraph (f).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.38  Maine.

* * * * *
    (a) Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We allow temporary or portable blinds. We require hunters to 
remove all portable or temporary blinds and decoys from the refuge 
following each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (2)-(4) [Reserved]
    (b) Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, American woodcock, and snipe 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal 
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal 
shooting hours.
    (iii) We only allow portable or temporary blinds and decoys that 
must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec.  
27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) Hunters must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of bobcat, eastern 
coyote, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, 
raccoon, skunk, porcupine, and woodchuck on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii) (except 
for hunters pursuing raccoon and coyote at night), (iii), and (iv) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow hunting for eastern coyote, red squirrel, and 
woodchuck only from October 1 to March 31.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, moose, and 
white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow tree stands, blinds, and ladders to be set up on the 
opening day of the archery deer season. Hunters must clearly label tree 
stands, blinds, or ladders left on the refuge overnight with your State 
hunting license number and last name. Hunters must remove tree 
stand(s), blind(s), and/or ladder(s) from the refuge on the last day of 
the muzzleloader deer season (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) You may hunt black bear, eastern coyote, and white-tailed 
deer during the State archery and firearms deer seasons on the Baring 
Division east of State Route 191.
    (iv) We prohibit use of firearms to hunt bear during the archery 
deer season on the Baring Division east of Route 191. We prohibit the 
use of firearms, other than a muzzleloader, to hunt coyote during the 
deer muzzleloader season on the Baring Division east of Route 191.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We only allow fishing from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to 
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    (ii) We prohibit trapping fish for use as bait.
    (c) Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, seaduck, brant, woodcock, 
rail, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We allow temporary or portable blinds. We require hunters to 
remove all portable or temporary blinds and decoys from the refuge 
following each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, gray 
squirrel, red squirrel, skunk, snowshoe hare, fox, coyote, porcupine 
woodchuck, bobcat, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit the use of dogs for pursuing game.
    (ii) We allow hunting for coyotes, red squirrel, porcupine, and 
woodchuck from November 1 to March 31.
    (iii) Hunters must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.

[[Page 48868]]

    (iv) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) Petit Manan Point is open only during the muzzleloader deer 
season.
    (ii) We allow black bear hunting during the firearm season for 
white-tailed deer.
    (iii) We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal 
sunrise, and they must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal 
sunset.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of dogs when hunting black bear.
    (v) We require hunters to remove all tree stands, blinds, and 
ladders from the refuge on the last day of muzzleloader deer season 
(see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (4) [Reserved]
    (d) Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We allow temporary or portable blinds. We require hunters to 
remove all portable or temporary blinds and decoys from the refuge 
following each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (2)-(4) [Reserved]
    (e) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (iii) of 
this section apply.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions as set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (iv) of 
this section apply.
* * * * *
    (f) Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, American woodcock, 
and Wilson's snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) The hunter must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.
    (iii) We only allow portable or temporary blinds and decoys that 
must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec.  
27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal 
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour 
after legal shooting hours.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of bobcat, coyote, ruffed 
grouse, hare, red fox, gray squirrel, red squirrel, raccoon, skunk, and 
woodchuck on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iv) 
(except for hunters pursing raccoon or coyote at night) of this section 
apply.
    (ii) We allow hunting for eastern coyote, red squirrel, and 
woodchuck only from October 1 to March 31.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, moose, wild 
turkey, and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow tree stands, blinds, and ladders to be set up on the 
opening day of the archery deer season. Hunters must clearly label tree 
stands, blinds, or ladders left on the refuge overnight with your State 
hunting license number and last name. Hunters must remove tree 
stand(s), blind(s), and/or ladder(s) from the refuge on the last day of 
the muzzleloader deer season (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit trapping 
fish for use as bait.
* * * * *

0
14. Amend Sec.  32.41 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.41  Michigan.

* * * * *
    (b) Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before 
legal sunrise and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after 
legal sunset.
    (ii) You must remove boats, blinds, blind materials, stands, 
decoys, and other hunting equipment from the refuge at the end of each 
day (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting in accordance with 
Michigan State regulations, provided the dog is under the immediate 
control of the hunter at all times.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) For hunting, you may possess only approved nontoxic shot 
shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild 
turkey (see Sec.  32.2(k)).
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of big game subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) We prohibit dogs for big game hunting.
    (iii) Deer hunters may place one portable stand or blind on the 
refuge for use while deer hunting, but only during the open deer 
season. The stand must be clearly labeled with the hunter's Michigan 
license/sportsmen's identification number. The stand must be removed by 
the end of the season (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the taking 
of any mussel (clam), crayfish, leech, frog, toad, salamander, snake, 
lizard, turtle, and other non-fish species by any method on the refuge 
(see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
* * * * *

0
15. Amend Sec.  32.42 by revising paragraphs (p)(1) introductory text, 
(p)(1)(v), and (p)(2)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.42  Minnesota.

* * * * *
    (p) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
merganser, coot, Sora/Virginia rail, woodcock, snipe, common moorhen/
gallinule, mourning dove, and American crow on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (v) You may only hunt American crow from September 1 through the 
end of February within the migratory bird hunting area. We prohibit 
hunting from March 1 through August 31.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) We allow spring turkey hunting for youth hunters and persons 
with disabilities, and fall turkey hunting for all hunters, on 
designated areas of the refuge.
* * * * *

0
16. Amend Sec.  32.43 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (b)(1)(iv), (b)(3)(i), (c)(1)(iv), and 
(c)(2)(ii);
0
b. Removing paragraph (c)(2)(iii);
0
c. Revising paragraph (c)(3)(i);
0
d. Removing paragraph (c)(3)(ii);
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(3)(iii) through (vii) as paragraphs 
(c)(3)(ii) through (vi); and

[[Page 48869]]

0
f. Revising paragraphs (d), (e)(1)(iii), (e)(3)(iv), (f)(2)(iii), 
(g)(1)(iii), (h)(1)(iii), (h)(3)(iv), (i)(1)(iii), (i)(3)(iv), (j), 
(l)(1)(iv), (l)(2)(i), (l)(3)(i), (m)(1)(iii), and (m)(3)(iv).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.43  Mississippi.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your 
vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to 
leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and 
deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game 
harvested, and if you harvest no game, report ``0.'' We prohibit 
hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a time.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
and (vi) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your 
vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to 
leaving the refuge, you must complete the card and deposit it at one of 
the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you 
harvest no game, report ``0.'' We prohibit hunters possessing more than 
one Harvest Report at a time.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), and (ix) of this section apply.
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), and (ix) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (d) Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and dove (mourning and 
white-winged) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) Each hunter must possess and carry a signed copy of the refuge 
brochure while participating in refuge hunts.
    (ii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested 
waterfowl from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec.  
27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) You must only use portable or temporary blinds.
    (iv) We only allow the use of dogs when waterfowl hunting. We 
require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's contact 
information.
    (v) We allow incidental take of coyote and nutria during any refuge 
hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
seasons and regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel (gray and 
fox) and rabbit (cottontail and swamp), and incidental take of coyote 
and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We only allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, and 
incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We only allow hunting with bow and arrow. We prohibit 
firearms.
    (iii) We allow portable and climbing tree stands. Hunters must 
remove tree stands from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see 
Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Anglers may enter the refuge no earlier than 30 minutes prior 
to sunrise and must leave the refuge no later than 30 minutes after 
legal sunset each day.
    (ii) We prohibit fishing from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the State-
issued license number is readable. You must return all cards upon 
completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and 
requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested 
deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS 
Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required 
information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of 
the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required 
information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of 
the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required 
information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of 
the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and 
requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested 
deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS 
Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required 
information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of 
the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and 
requirements. Prior to leaving the

[[Page 48870]]

refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service 
check station (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) following the posted 
instructions.
* * * * *
    (j) Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory 
game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, light and dark goose, 
merganser, woodcock, crow, gallinule (purple and common), snipe, and 
coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) Hunters and anglers must purchase a North Mississippi Refuge 
Complex Hunting/Fishing Permit (#606), available from the Mississippi 
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
    (ii) Youth hunters age 15 and younger and hunters age 65 and older 
are not required to obtain a North Mississippi Refuge Complex Hunting/
Fishing Permit (#606).
    (iii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested 
game from the refuge by 1 p.m. each day (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 
of this chapter).
    (iv) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must exit the 
refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset, except during raccoon 
hunts. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1 p.m.
    (v) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542). Hunters must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of 
the vehicle. Prior to leaving the refuge, hunters must complete the 
card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Hunters 
must include all game harvested and if you harvest no game, report 
``0''. We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a 
time.
    (vi) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person.
    (vii) Hunters must remove all personal property at the end of each 
day's hunt from the Noxubee Wilderness Area (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 
27.94 of this chapter). Outside the Noxubee Wilderness Area, hunters 
may leave tree stands labeled with the hunter's State hunting license 
number used for deer hunting.
    (viii) We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck, light and dark goose, 
merganser, coot, and gallinule) during State seasons, including the 
State Light Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesday and Saturdays 
ending at 12 p.m.
    (ix) We allow the use of dogs for retrieval of migratory and upland 
game only.
    (x) We allow incidental take of coyote, beaver, nutria, skunk, fox, 
and feral hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that 
hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
quail, opossum, and raccoon, and incidental take of coyote, fox, skunk, 
beaver, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), (vii), (ix), and (x) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow raccoon and opossum hunting between the hours of 
legal sunset and legal sunrise.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer turkey, 
and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), (vii), and (x) of this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of buckshot on the refuge.
    (iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (iv) You may place one portable tree stand or ground blind for deer 
hunting on the refuge only during the open deer season. You must 
clearly label the stand or blind with your State hunting license 
number.
    (v) While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses 
climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, you must use 
a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the 
Treestand Manufacturer's Association standards.
    (vi) Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 7 days prior to 
the hunt, and hunters must remove deer stands no more than 7 days after 
the refuge's deer season closes (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The general sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing season 
extends from March 1 through October 31, except that we open the 
shoreline of Bluff Lake from the Bluff Lake Boardwalk to the visitor 
center, the entire Noxubee River, and all borrow pit areas along 
Highway 25 to fishing year-round.
    (ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (iii) Anglers must keep boat travel at idle speed, and they must 
not create a wake when moving.
    (iv) When left unattended, anglers must tag fishing gear with their 
State fishing license number. Anglers must check all gear within 24 
hours each day or remove these devices (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (v) We allow trotlining on the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (A) Anglers must label each end of the trotline floats with the 
owner's State fishing license number.
    (B) We limit trotlines to one line per person, and we allow no more 
than two trotlines per boat.
    (C) Anglers must tend all trotlines every 24 hours, and must remove 
them when not in use (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (D) Trotlines must possess at least 6-inch (15.2-centimeter) cotton 
string leads.
    (vi) We allow jug fishing on the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (A) Anglers must label each jug with their State fishing license 
number.
    (B) Anglers must check all jugs every 24 hours, and must remove 
them when not in use (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (vii) We prohibit bow fishing after legal sunset.
    (viii) We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.
    (ix) We prohibit the taking of frogs, turtles, and crawfish (see 
Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (x) We prohibit using nets of any type to capture free-roaming fish 
or wildlife. You may use a fishing net to recover fish caught by hook 
and line.
    (xi) Outside the Noxubee Wilderness Area, anglers may leave 
trotlines and jugs used for fishing overnight if they are labeled with 
the angler's State fishing license number.
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your 
vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to 
leaving the refuge, you must complete the card and deposit it at one of 
the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you 
harvest no game, report ``0.'' We prohibit hunters possessing more than 
one Harvest Report at a time.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), 
(v), and (ix) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *

[[Page 48871]]

    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (m) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display 
their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, 
FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required 
information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of 
the activity and before leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and 
requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested 
deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS 
Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
* * * * *

0
17. Amend Sec.  32.44 by revising paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (f)(2)(iii), 
and (f)(3)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.44  Missouri.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) You must register at the hunter sign-in/out station and record 
the sex and age of deer harvested on the Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542).
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) We require that all hunters complete a Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) located at the exit kiosks prior to exiting the refuge.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) We require that all hunters complete the Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) located at the exit kiosks prior to exiting the refuge.
* * * * *

0
18. Amend Sec.  32.45 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (f)(3) introductory text;
0
b. Adding paragraph (f)(3)(iv);
0
c. Removing paragraph (q);
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (r) through (y) as paragraphs (q) through 
(x);
0
e. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (w)(3) introductory text; and
0
f. Adding paragraph (w)(3)(iv).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  32.45  Montana.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk, pronghorn, white-
tailed deer, mule deer, and mountain lion on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (iv) Mountain lion hunting will follow State-established dates for 
the archery-only and fall seasons.
* * * * *
    (w) * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk, pronghorn, white-
tailed deer, mule deer, and mountain lion on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (iv) Mountain lion hunting will follow State-established dates for 
the archery-only and fall seasons.
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec.  32.47 by adding paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  32.47  Nevada.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of dove on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow hunting on designated days.
    (ii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the 
field once you have left your vehicle.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of chukar and quail on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The 
conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section 
apply.
* * * * *

0
20. Amend Sec.  32.48 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.48  New Hampshire.

* * * * *
    (b) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge--(1) 
Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, 
common snipe, and American woodcock on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: We allow the use of dogs consistent 
with State regulations, except hunters using more than two dogs must 
possess a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge 
manager.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, raccoon, 
woodchuck, red squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, porcupine, skunk, crow, 
snowshoe hare, muskrat, opossum, fisher, mink, weasel, ring-necked 
pheasant, and ruffed grouse on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations, 
except hunters using more than two dogs must possess a Special Use 
Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (ii) We allow the training of dogs as governed by State regulations 
during daylight hours beginning August 1, if the trainer possesses a 
Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, 
black bear, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow tree stands and blinds that are clearly marked with 
the owner's State hunting license number.
    (iii) You must remove your tree stand(s) and blind(s) no later than 
72 hours after the close of the season (see Sec.  27.93 of this 
chapter).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge.
* * * * *

0
21. Amend Sec.  32.49 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a), (c), (d), and (e)(2)(ii);
0
b. Adding paragraph (e)(3)(iii); and
0
c. Revising paragraphs (e)(4) introductory text and (e)(4)(i) and (iv).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.49  New Jersey.

* * * * *
    (a) Cape May National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of light goose, dark goose, duck, sea duck, 
gallinule, coot, rail, snipe, crow, and woodcock on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) The snipe and crow season on the refuge begins with the start 
of the State woodcock south zone season and continues through the end 
of the State snipe and crow seasons.
    (iii) We prohibit falconry.
    (iv) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, 
woodchuck, rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 48872]]

    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (iii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow woodchuck hunting from the beginning of the State 
woodcock south zone season until the end of the State rabbit season.
    (iii) Coyote, fox, rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant seasons open at 
the beginning of the State woodcock south zone season and close in 
accordance with the State seasons for each species.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (iii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
    (ii) Tree stands must be marked with the owner's New Jersey 
conservation identification number.
    (iii) We allow turkey hunting during the State fall season.
    (iv) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition for turkey hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow saltwater sport fishing on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour 
after legal sunset.
    (ii) We close the Atlantic Ocean portion of the Two Mile Beach Unit 
annually to all access, including fishing, between April 1 and 
September 30.
    (iii) We prohibit fishing for, or possession of, crab or shellfish 
on refuge lands.
* * * * *
    (c) Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of Canada goose on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) Hunters must obtain a refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439), 
and possess the signed refuge permit at all times while hunting or 
scouting on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote and fox on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We 
only allow the incidental take of coyote and fox during the refuge deer 
and turkey hunts.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We require the use of nontoxic shot while hunting wild turkey.
    (ii) We allow hunters to use sleds to retrieve deer in the 
Wilderness Area east of Long Hill/New Vernon Road. We prohibit wheeled 
game carriers in the Wilderness Area.
    (iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (d) Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of light goose, dark goose, duck, sea 
duck, gallinule, coot, crow, rail, and snipe on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We prohibit falconry.
    (iii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, 
woodchuck, rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow woodchuck hunting only during the State coyote and fox 
seasons.
    (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(ii) and (iii) of 
this section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition for turkey hunting.
    (iii) We allow archery hunting for white-tailed deer during all six 
State Deer Management Zone 63 seasons and on youth hunting days.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit the taking of frogs and turtles from all nontidal 
waters and refuge lands (see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (ii) We allow fishing in designated nontidal waters from 1 hour 
before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
    (iii) We prohibit bow fishing in nontidal waters.
    (iv) We prohibit fishing for, or possession of, crab and shellfish 
on refuge lands.
    (e) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (3) * * *
    (iii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition for turkey hunting.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) At Owens Station Crossing and Hidden Ponds fishing areas, we 
allow catch-and-release fishing only.
* * * * *
    (iv) We prohibit minnow and bait trapping.

0
22. Amend Sec.  32.50 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraph (b)(3)(iii) as paragraph (b)(3)(iv);
0
b. Adding new paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and (v); and
0
c. Revising paragraphs (c) and (f)(1)(iv).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.50  New Mexico.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) We allow hunting of bearded Rio Grande turkey on the Bajada 
Hunt Unit, East Hunt Unit, and West Hunt Unit during the general spring 
turkey season only, as defined by the State. You may take bearded Rio 
Grande turkey only with a method allowed within each refuge hunt unit.
* * * * *
    (v) In the Bajada Hunt Unit, we restrict the methods of take to bow 
and arrow, crossbow, and muzzleloader or muzzleloading shotguns only, 
as defined by the State. In the East Hunt Unit and West Hunt Unit, we 
allow any legal weapon during State big game hunting designated dates.
* * * * *
    (c) Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove and goose 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (ii) Hunters must possess a permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
    (iii) We allow the hunting of dove from September 1 to September 
30.
    (iv) We allow the hunting of goose on dates to be determined by 
refuge staff.
    (v) Shooting hours for geese are from \1/2\ hour before legal 
sunrise until 1 p.m. local time.
    (vi) We assign an aggregate bag limit for geese.
    (vii) We prohibit falconry on the refuge.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Eurasian collared-
dove, desert cottontail, and Eastern cottontail on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(vii) of this section apply.

[[Page 48873]]

    (ii) We allow the hunting of Eurasian collared-dove and cottontail 
rabbits from September 1 to September 30.
    (iii) We allow only shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun firing shot, bow 
and arrow, and crossbow for hunting.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow youth elk hunts on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters must attend a refuge hunter orientation before hunting 
on the refuge.
    (ii) Hunters may be accompanied by a maximum of two non-hunting 
guests.
    (iii) Hunters are assigned a hunt unit.
    (4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) In Units A and B, the Cornerstone Marsh Unit and Pintail 
blind, we require a Mobility-Impaired Certification (per Mobility-
Impaired Certification in the State hunting rules and information 
pamphlet).
* * * * *

0
23. Amend Sec.  32.51 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (c)(1)(ii)(E), (d), (i)(2) introductory text, 
and (i)(2)(ii);
0
b. Adding paragraph (i)(3)(iii); and
0
c. Revising paragraphs (i)(4)(i), (iii), and (iv).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.51  New York.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (E) We allow hunting from legal starting time until 12 p.m. (noon). 
We require hunters to return a completed Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542) no later than 1 p.m. on the day of the hunt.
* * * * *
    (d) Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, Canada goose, snow goose, and 
gallinule on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) For the regular waterfowl season and October through January 
season for Canada goose:
    (A) We require daily refuge permits (FWS Form 3-2542) and 
reservations; we issue permits to hunters with a reservation for that 
hunt day. Permits may become available on a first-come/first-served, 
self-serve basis during New York State's second split, subject to 
hunting conditions and the refuge manager's discretion. We require you 
to complete and return your permit by the end of the hunt day.
    (B) We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 
during the established refuge season set within the State western zone 
season, and during New York State's established special hunts, which 
can occur any day of the week as set by the State.
    (C) All hunters with reservations and their hunting companions must 
check-in at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station area at least 1 hour 
before legal shooting time or forfeit their reservation.
    (D) We allow motorless boats to hunt waterfowl. We limit hunters to 
one boat per reservation and one motor vehicle in the hunt area per 
reservation. Hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter Check Station area no 
earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
    (E) We prohibit shooting from within 500 feet (152 meters) of the 
Tschache Pool observation tower.
    (F) We require proof of successful completion of the New York State 
waterfowl identification course, the Montezuma nonresident waterfowl 
identification course, or a suitable nonresident State waterfowl 
identification course. All hunters must show proof of successful course 
completion each time they hunt.
    (G) You may hunt gallinule and Canada goose on refuge areas 
designated for the regular waterfowl season only during the regular 
waterfowl season.
    (iii) For Canada goose in September and snow goose hunting:
    (A) We allow hunting of Canada goose during the New York State 
September season and hunting of snow goose during portions of the New 
York State snow goose season and portions of the period covered by the 
Light Goose Conservation Order.
    (B) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542). 
We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the 
end of the hunt day.
    (C) For snow goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter 
Check Station area no earlier than 4 hours before legal sunrise. For 
Canada goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter Check Station 
area no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542) 
and are required to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by 
the end of each hunt day.
    (iii) We allow upland game hunters to access the refuge from 2 
hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
    (iv) We require the use of approved nontoxic shot for upland game 
hunting (see Sec.  32.2(k)).
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542). 
We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the 
end of the hunt day.
    (iii) We allow white-tailed deer and turkey hunters to access the 
refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after the end of 
legal shooting time.
    (iv) We allow youth and special big game hunts during New York 
State's established youth and special big game hunts each year.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow access for fishing from designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the 
use of lead fishing tackle.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit/hare, gray/
black/fox squirrel, pheasant, jackrabbit, chukar, woodchuck, bobwhite 
quail, ruffed grouse, crow, red/gray fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, 
skunk, mink, weasel, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (ii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
    (3) * * *
    (iii) We require nontoxic ammunition while hunting turkey.
    (4) * * *
    (i) At Owens Station Crossing and Hidden Ponds fishing areas, we 
allow catch-and-release fishing only.
* * * * *
    (iii) We prohibit the taking of amphibians and reptiles (see Sec.  
27.21 of this chapter).
    (iv) We prohibit minnow and bait trapping.
* * * * *

0
24. Amend Sec.  32.52 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (d);
0
b. Adding paragraph (e)(1); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (e)(3).

[[Page 48874]]

    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.52  North Carolina.

* * * * *
    (d) Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to Sec.  
32.65(g) for regulations.
    (e) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of swan, light 
and dark goose, duck, merganser, coot, moorhen, and gallinule on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We require a North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Permit or a signed 
refuge hunt brochure that must be carried while hunting on the refuge.
    (ii) Hunters must hunt from their assigned blind location.
    (iii) We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to 4:20 
p.m. (as governed by County regulations).
    (iv) We allow hunters to access the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before 
legal shooting time until 5:20 p.m.
    (v) We allow incidental take of coyote and feral hog while hunting.
* * * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, and incidental take 
of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) We require a signed refuge hunt brochure that hunters must sign 
and carry while hunting on the refuge.
    (ii) We allow the use of shotguns, muzzleloading rifles/shotguns, 
pistols, crossbows, and bows. We prohibit the use of all other rifles.
    (iii) We allow access to hunting areas from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.
    (iv) We prohibit carrying a loaded firearm on or within 50 feet (15 
meters) of gravel roads.
    (v) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(v) of this section 
applies.
* * * * *

0
25. Amend Sec.  32.53 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (e)(3)(i);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(3)(ii) and (iii) as paragraphs 
(e)(3)(i) and (ii); and
0
c. Revising the heading of paragraph (k).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  32.53  North Dakota.

* * * * *
    (k) Canfield Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Sec.  32.55 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(3)(i), (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2)(iii), 
(b)(3)(vi), (d)(2)(i), and (f)(1)(i) and (ii);
0
b. Removing paragraph (f)(1)(iv);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(1)(v) through (vii) as paragraphs 
(f)(1)(iv) through (vi); and
0
d. Revising paragraphs (f)(2) introductory text, (f)(2)(i), (f)(3)(i) 
and (ii), (f)(4), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(4)(ii), (i)(1)(i), (j)(1)(i), and 
(j)(4).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  32.55   Oklahoma.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure for 
the archery deer hunt. Hunters must turn in a Harvest Report (FWS Form 
3-2542) by December 31 annually. Failure to submit the report will 
render the hunter ineligible for the next year's limited season archery 
deer hunt.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure 
while hunting.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) You may take beaver, raccoon, and coyote as incidental take 
to any daytime established refuge hunt with legal weapons and a signed 
hunt brochure for the current hunt season.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (vi) You may hunt feral hog during any established refuge hunting 
season. Signed refuge hunt brochure and legal weapons apply for the 
current hunting season.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure.
    (ii) We open the refuge to hunting only on Saturdays, Sundays, 
Mondays, and Tuesdays. We allow hunters to enter the Sandtown Bottom 
Unit or any portion of Sally Jones Lake beginning at 5 a.m., and 
hunters must leave the area by 1 hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Eastern gray and fox 
squirrel and swamp and Eastern cottontail rabbit on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (vi) 
of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iii) 
and (vi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We require a limited hunt permit (State-issued) for controlled 
hunts for muzzleloader and archery deer, and for spring wild turkey 
hunts.
* * * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We prohibit fishing or frogging from September 1 through March 
31 in the waterfowl sanctuary south of refuge headquarters, as 
designated by buoys and signs.
    (ii) You must remove setlines (trotlines, throwlines, juglines, 
limblines, yo-yos) from the waterfowl sanctuary before September 1 (see 
Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(v) and (vii) of 
this section apply.
    (iv) We prohibit the take of reptiles, amphibians (except 
bullfrogs), mollusks, and crayfish (see Sec.  27.21 of this chapter).
    (v) We prohibit the use of setlines in creeks and tributaries 
entering the Arkansas River or Canadian River on the refuge.
    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt brochure.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) Anglers may use boats from March 1 through September 30 in 
designated waters unless otherwise specified on the fishing brochure.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) We require hunters to carry a signed refuge hunt brochure while 
hunting duck, goose, merganser, and sandhill crane.
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Hunters must possess a current signed refuge hunt brochure 
while hunting on the refuge.
* * * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 48875]]

    (i) You may take fish only with pole and line or rod and reel.
    (ii) We prohibit taking of frogs and turtles (see Sec.  27.21 of 
this chapter).
    (iii) Anglers may use motorized boats on Elmer Thomas Lake; 
however, we enforce a no-wake rule on the lake.
    (iv) Anglers may use hand-powered boats or boats 14 feet or less in 
length with an electric trolling motor only on Elmer Thomas, Jed 
Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, and French Lakes.
    (v) We allow fishing after legal sunset on the refuge including by 
boat, but we prohibit all other boating after legal sunset.
    (vi) We prohibit fishing from public roadways and bridges opened to 
motorized vehicles.
    (vii) We allow wading when fishing, provided that wading anglers 
must use tube-type floaters, life jackets, or buoyant vests.
    (viii) We close Kiowa Lake to fishing except for shoreline fishing 
associated with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-sponsored aquatic 
education program.

0
27. Amend Sec.  32.56 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (k)(1) through (3), (q)(1)(xi), (t)(1) 
introductory text, and (t)(1)(viii);
0
b. Adding paragraph (u)(1); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (u)(3).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.56   Oregon.

* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of dove, goose, 
duck, merganser, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow nonmotorized boats or boats equipped with only 
electric motors on the North and South Malheur Lake Hunt Units.
    (ii) We allow only portable and temporary hunting blinds.
    (iii) You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, materials, and all 
personal property at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 
and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (iv) You may take Eurasian collared-dove only during the State 
mourning dove season.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, 
partridge, chukar, rabbit, hare, and coyote on designated areas of the 
refuge.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and pronghorn on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow only short-range weapons (archery, shotgun, and 
muzzleloader) on the Buena Vista Unit.
    (ii) Mule deer hunting in the Buena Vista Unit will close the 
Friday before the opening day of the Oregon Statewide rooster pheasant 
season.
* * * * *
    (q) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (xi) Hunters must check-in and check-out with a refuge 
representative and submit a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) when 
checking out.
* * * * *
    (t) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck 
and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
* * * * *
    (viii) Hunters must submit a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) at 
the end of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
    (u) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, 
and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We allow only portable and temporary hunting blinds.
    (ii) You must remove all blinds, decoys, shotshell hulls, and other 
personal equipment and garbage from the refuge at the end of each day's 
hunt (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before 
legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour 
after legal shooting hours.
    (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
* * * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow deer and elk hunting on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) You may harvest only antlerless elk.
    (ii) We require a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439) for hunting elk.
    (iii) We prohibit hunting from any refuge structure, observation 
blind, or boardwalk.
    (iv) We allow short-range weapons only. We allow archery hunting 
only on the William L. Finley and Snag Boat Bend Zone 2 hunt units.
    (v) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before 
legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour 
after legal shooting hours.
* * * * *

0
28. Amend Sec.  32.57 by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.57  Pennsylvania.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, grouse, 
rabbit, pheasant, quail, woodchuck, crow, fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk, 
weasel, coyote, chukar, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (iii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We prohibit night hunting from \1/2\ hour after legal sunset 
until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise the following day.
* * * * *

0
29. Amend Sec.  32.59 by revising paragraphs (b)(3)(iii), (c)(1)(i), 
(ii) and (v), and (c)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.59  South Carolina.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Harvested deer, feral hog, or turkey must be checked at the 
designated check station prior to removal from the refuge. Hunters must 
complete the Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) We require each hunter to carry at all times while hunting a 
valid signed, current refuge hunting brochure.
    (ii) Each youth hunter (age 15 and younger) must remain within 
sight and normal voice contact of an assistant, parent, or guardian age 
21 or older. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-
approved hunter education course.
* * * * *
    (v) We only allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.
* * * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey, and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) Only youth hunters may hunt turkey on the refuge.
    (iii) Except for the special quota permit hunts, we allow only 
archery or muzzleloader hunting for deer. During special quota permit 
hunts, we allow use of centerfire rifles or shotguns. We only allow 
shotguns for turkey hunts.
    (iv) On hunt days, hunters and assistants, parents, or guardians 
may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. and must leave the refuge 
no later than 1 hour after legal sunset. We allow hunting from \1/2\ 
hour before official sunrise until \1/2\ hour after official sunset.
    (v) We require all deer taken during any hunt to be checked at the

[[Page 48876]]

designated refuge check station before removal from the refuge. In 
addition, all deer and turkey must be tagged (State-issued).
    (vi) The refuge daily bag limit is two antlerless deer and one 
antlered buck that must have at least three antler points on one side. 
We define a ``point'' as an antler projection of at least 1 inch (2.5 
centimeters) or more in length. The youth turkey hunter bag limit is 
one male turkey.
    (vii) We allow incidental take of feral hog during deer hunts only. 
There is no size or bag limit on hogs. We may offer special hog hunts 
during and after deer season to further control this invasive species. 
We prohibit removal of live hogs from the refuge.
    (viii) You must hunt deer from an elevated deer stand. We prohibit 
shooting big game from a boat.
    (ix) All permanently fixed ground blinds are for the mobility-
impaired hunt only.
    (x) We prohibit crossbows on the archery hunts. We only allow 
muzzleloading rifles using a single projectile on the muzzleloader 
hunts. We prohibit buckshot.
    (xi) You may use flagging to mark the site of hunter entry from 
roads or trails and again at the stand site. You may use clothespins 
with reflective tape between these sites to mark the route to the 
stand. Hunters must label all such markers with their last name and 
State hunting license number.
    (xii) We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the 
waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,226 square 
centimeters) of solid, florescent-orange material at all times during 
the muzzleloader and mobility-impaired hunts for deer.
    (xiii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer 
drive'' as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or 
otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any 
person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be 
waiting for the deer.
    (xiv) We prohibit accessing hunt units by watercraft.
* * * * *

0
30. Amend Sec.  32.60 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (b)(4)(i);
0
b. Adding paragraph (b)(4)(iii); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (h)(4).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.60  South Dakota.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) We prohibit the use or possession of live minnows or bait fish.
* * * * *
    (iii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing sinkers on all waters of 
the refuge except the Little River Recreation Area.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Ice fishing anglers must not be on the ice until 1 hour prior 
to legal sunrise and must be off the ice by 1 hour after legal sunset.
    (ii) Ice fishing anglers must remove ice shacks by 1 hour after 
legal sunset (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (iii) We restrict angler foot travel to posted access points, 
public roads, and lake ice.
    (iv) We allow fishing with the use of nonmotorized boats, canoes, 
and kayaks.
* * * * *

0
31. Amend Sec.  32.62 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii), (e)(1) introductory text, 
(e)(1)(i), (iii) and (ix);
0
b. Adding paragraphs (e)(1)(x) through (xii);
0
c. Revising paragraph (e)(4)(iii);
0
d. Redesignating paragraph (e)(4)(iv) as paragraph (e)(4)(v);
0
e. Adding new paragraphs (e)(4)(iv) and (g)(2);
0
f. Revising paragraphs (g)(3), (h)(1)(i), (h)(2), (h)(3)(iv), 
(i)(3)(ii) and (iii);
0
g. Removing paragraph (i)(3)(iv);
0
h. Redesignating paragraphs (i)(3)(v) through (xi) as paragraphs 
(i)(3)(iv) through (x);
0
i. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (i)(3)(iv) and (viii);
0
j. Revising paragraphs (i)(4), (j)(1)(i), (k)(1)(ii), (viii) and (xii);
0
k. Redesignating paragraphs (l) through (n) as paragraphs (n) through 
(p);
0
l. Adding new paragraphs (l) and (m); and
0
m. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (n)(4)(ii), (o)(1)(ii), 
(o)(4)(iii), (p)(2)(i) through (iii), and (p)(3)(i) and (ii).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  32.62  Texas.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) You must carry a current signed refuge hunting permit (signed 
refuge hunt brochure) while waterfowl hunting on all refuge hunt units.
    (ii) Season dates for waterfowl will be concurrent with the State, 
except as specified in the refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, 
coot, merganser, mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared-
dove, and rock pigeon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) Season dates will be concurrent with the State for the 
September teal season; youth-only season; duck, coot, and merganser 
regular season in the Texas South Zone; goose regular season in the 
Texas East Zone; and dove and pigeon season in the Texas South Zone, 
including special white-winged dove days, except that we prohibit duck 
(not including the September teal and youth-only seasons), coot, and 
merganser hunting on the refuge until the last Saturday in October. If 
the State-specified duck, coot, and merganser regular season opens 
later than the last Saturday in October, then hunting on the refuge 
will open consistent with the State-specified season date.
* * * * *
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge waterfowl hunt units no earlier 
than 4 a.m. Hunting starts at the designated legal shooting time and 
ends at 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must leave refuge hunt units by 1 p.m.
* * * * *
    (ix) You may access hunt units from land by foot or nonmotorized 
conveyance from designated parking areas and turn-arounds. You may 
access public waterfowl hunting areas by motorized boat from State 
waters, where applicable.
    (x) Hunters may enter the refuge dove/pigeon hunt units no earlier 
than 30 minutes prior to designated legal shooting time and leave 
refuge hunt units no later than 30 minutes after legal sunset.
    (xi) Hunting dove and pigeon in the Farm Field Unit is only allowed 
after early teal season and will close before the beginning of general 
duck season in October.
    (xii) Hunters must possess a signed brochure on their person while 
hunting on the refuge.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, sail lines, set lines, 
jugs, gigs, spears, bush hooks, snatch hooks, crossbows, noodling, or 
bows and arrows of any type.
    (iv) Anglers age 17 and older fishing in Cannan Bend Recreation 
Area must

[[Page 48877]]

possess a day or annual fishing pass and a signed fishing brochure on 
their person.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow the hunting of Eastern gray and 
fox squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) Squirrel hunting on the refuge will open with the close of the 
white-tailed deer season in January and close February 28. The season 
will reopen from May 1 through May 31.
    (ii) Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure 
while hunting.
    (iii) We allow the use of shotgun only.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The refuge will determine season dates and bag limits.
    (ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this 
section applies.
    (iii) Hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct 
supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
    (iv) You may hunt feral hog during any established white-tailed 
deer refuge hunting season. You must obtain and possess a refuge signed 
hunt brochure and may only use legal weapons for the current hunting 
season.
    (v) We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours 
before legal sunrise and no more than 2 hours after legal sunset.
    (vi) You may participate in the refuge firearms drawn deer hunt 
only with a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-drawn hunt permit.
    (vii) We allow the use of only portable blinds and tree stands on 
the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal 
equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec.  
27.93 of this chapter).
    (viii) We allow all-terrain vehicles for medically documented 
disabled hunters by Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G only).
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of fox squirrel and 
Eastern cottontail rabbit in the months of January, February, and 
September on designated areas of the refuge and subject to the 
following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i) 
through (vii) of this section apply.
    (3) * * *
    (iv) We allow muzzleloaders, bow and arrow, and shotguns only for 
feral hog and spring turkey hunts. You may possess only lead-free, 
approved nontoxic (steel, bismuth, copper, or tungsten; see Sec.  
32.2(k)) bullets, slugs, and shot (00 buck for hogs, no shell larger 
than #4 shot size for turkey).
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) We require hunters to attend refuge hunter orientation before 
hunting on the refuge. We require each hunter to obtain and carry with 
them a signed and dated refuge hunt brochure in addition to the State 
hunt permit.
    (iii) Bag limits for species hunted on the refuge are provided in 
the refuge hunt brochure annually.
    (iv) We allow a scouting period prior to the commencement of each 
refuge hunt period. A permitted hunter and a limit of two non-permitted 
individuals may enter the hunt units during the scouting period, which 
begins after hunter orientation and ends at legal sunset. Each hunter 
must clearly display a Vehicle Validation Tag (FWS Form 3-2405) face up 
on the vehicle dashboard when scouting and hunting.
* * * * *
    (viii) During American alligator hunts, we allow hunters to leave 
hooks set over only one night period at a time; set lines must be 
checked daily.
* * * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow only pole and line, rod and reel, hand line, dip net, 
and cast net for fishing. We prohibit the use of crab traps or pots for 
crabbing.
    (ii) Anglers must attend all fishing lines, crabbing equipment, and 
other fishing devices at all times.
    (iii) Inside the refuge boundary on San Martin Lake, we allow bank 
and wade fishing within a designated area, which may be accessed only 
on foot.
    (j) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) We require hunters to obtain a refuge hunt permit (signed 
refuge hunt brochure) and to possess and carry that signed refuge hunt 
brochure at all times during the designated hunt period. Hunters must 
also display the vehicle placard (part of the refuge hunt permit) while 
participating in the designated hunt period.
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) You must possess and carry a current signed refuge hunting 
permit (signed refuge hunt brochure) while hunting on all units of the 
refuge.
* * * * *
    (viii) We only allow hunting in the Spaced Hunt Units on Saturdays, 
Sundays, and Tuesdays of the regular waterfowl season. We allow a 
maximum of four hunters per area. Hunters must possess and carry 
Special Fee Area Permits (signed refuge hunt brochure) while hunting.
* * * * *
    (xii) We require a minimum distance between hunt parties, and 
between hunters and drivable roads and buildings, of 200 yards (183 
meters).
* * * * *
    (l) Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, and 
Eurasian collared-dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt brochure 
while hunting.
    (ii) During the dove season set by the State of Texas, we limit 
hunting to no more than 6 days with a maximum of 12 hunters per season.
    (iii) We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 
12 p.m. (noon).
    (iv) We require hunters to check in and out at refuge headquarters.
    (v) Hunters must exit the refuge no later than 45 minutes after 
legal sunset, unless they are camping in a designated camping area. 
From 45 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal 
sunrise, we prohibit hunters in all areas of the refuge except 
designated camping areas.
    (vi) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (vii) We only allow shotguns.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow the hunting of Northern bobwhite 
and scaled (blue) quail on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), and (iv) 
through (vii) of this section apply.
    (ii) During the first 2 weeks of the quail season set by the State 
of Texas, we limit hunting to no more than 6 days with a maximum of 12 
hunters per season.
    (iii) We allow hunting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and 
mule deer, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 48878]]

    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (iv), and (v) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) Between October and January, we limit hunting to no more than 
20 days with a maximum of 8 hunters per season.
    (iii) You may use only high-powered rifles of .242/6mm caliber or 
larger and archery equipment to hunt big game on the refuge.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (m) Neches River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of ducks, coot, and merganser on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4:30 a.m. We allow 
hunting from the State-designated legal shooting time until 12 p.m. 
(noon). Hunters must leave refuge hunt units by 1 p.m.
    (ii) In Dead Water unit only, we allow the use of floating craft 
and motor boats, but only if they are propelled by paddling, push pole, 
or electric trolling motor.
    (iii) We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 meters) of any road 
or trail, and within 200 yards (183 meters) of any building.
    (iv) We require each hunter to obtain and carry with them a signed 
refuge hunt brochure in addition to the State hunt permit.
    (v) You must remove all boats, blinds, temporary blinds, stands 
decoys, and other personal equipment following each hunt day (see 
Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
    (vi) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Eastern gray and fox 
squirrel, cottontail and swamp rabbit, raccoon, beaver, and coyote 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(iii), (iv), and 
(vi) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow incidental take of beaver and coyote during any 
refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable 
State seasons and regulations.
    (iii) We allow the hunting of raccoon and coyote from legal sunset 
to legal sunrise. We allow artificial lighting for hunting raccoon and 
coyote.
    (iv) We require that refuge hunters turn in the Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) within 2 weeks of the end of your hunt.
    (v) We allow squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon hunting on the refuge 
from October 1 to 23.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(iii) and (iv) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We allow incidental take of feral hog during any refuge hunt 
with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State 
seasons and regulations.
    (iii) We require a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) within 2 weeks 
of the end of your hunt. Failure to submit the Harvest Report will 
render the hunter ineligible for the next year's hunt.
    (iv) We require a minimum distance between hunt parties of 150 
yards (137 meters).
    (v) We prohibit the use of dogs when feral hog hunting.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (n) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (n)(1)(v) of this section 
applies.
* * * * *
    (o) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) You must possess and carry a current signed refuge hunting 
permit (signed refuge hunt brochure) while hunting on all hunt units of 
the refuge.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (o)(1)(vi) and (vii) 
of this section apply.
* * * * *
    (p) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) We require hunters to possess a refuge permit (signed refuge 
hunt brochure). The hunter must carry the nontransferable permit at all 
times while hunting.
    (ii) We require that refuge hunters turn in the Harvest Report (FWS 
Form 3-2542) by the date specified on the permit. Failure to submit the 
report will render the hunter ineligible for the next year's limited 
upland game hunt.
    (iii) The condition set forth at paragraph (p)(1)(v) of this 
section applies.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) We require a refuge permit (signed refuge hunt brochure) and 
Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). Hunters must turn in both forms by 
the date specified on the permit. Failure to submit the Harvest Report 
will render the hunter ineligible for the next year's limited big game 
hunt. Drawings are by lottery. The hunter must carry the 
nontransferable permit at all times while hunting.
    (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (p)(1)(v) and 
(p)(2)(iv) through (vii) of this section apply.
* * * * *

0
32. Amend Sec.  32.63 by revising paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  32.63  Utah.

* * * * *
    (c) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
duck, coot, sandhill crane, and goose on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: During hunting season, the refuge 
is open from 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise to 1\1/2\ hours after 
legal sunset.
* * * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, pronghorn, and elk 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *

0
33. Revise Sec.  32.64 to read as follows:


Sec.  32.64  Vermont.

    The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as 
governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in 
alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.
    (a) Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, brant, merganser, coot, 
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations, 
except hunters using more than two dogs must possess a Special Use 
Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (ii) We require the use of dogs for hunting waterfowl in the Maquam 
Swamp, Long Marsh Channel/Metcalfe Island, and Saxes Pothole/Creek and 
Shad Island Pothole areas.
    (iii) We prohibit blind staking and unattended decoys.
    (iv) In the controlled waterfowl hunting areas:
    (A) Hunters must possess a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
    (B) Hunters may only hunt within 100 feet (30 meters) of a numbered 
stake placed by the refuge staff.
    (v) In the Delta Lakeshore Area, we prohibit jumpshooting within 
200 yards (183 meters) of a party hunting from a boat or blind.
    (vi) In the Maquam Shore Area:
    (A) We do not require a refuge permit to hunt or scout in this 
area.
    (B) We prohibit jumpshooting within 200 yards (183 meters) of a 
party hunting from a boat or blind.

[[Page 48879]]

    (vii) In the Saxes Pothole/Creek and Shad Island Pothole, each 
hunting party must possess and carry a permit (FWS Form 3-2439) for the 
specific zone on the specific day they are hunting in this area. 
Permits are not transferable.
    (viii) In the Junior Waterfowl Hunting Area:
    (A) Each junior hunter must possess and carry a permit (FWS Form 3-
2439) for the assigned blind site and day. On Mentor Day, mentors must 
also possess and carry this permit for the assigned blind site. Each 
adult hunting party must possess and carry a permit for the blind site 
and day they are hunting. Permits are not transferable.
    (B) Shooting hours end at 11 a.m.
    (ix) In the Long Marsh Channel and Metcalfe Island:
    (A) We limit hunting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 
throughout the waterfowl hunting season for duck.
    (B) Each hunting party must possess and carry a permit for the 
blind on the specific day they are hunting in this area. Permits are 
not transferable.
    (C) Shooting hours end at 11 a.m.
    (D) We close this area to waterfowl hunting during split seasons 
when geese are the only waterfowl that hunters may legally take.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, 
snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, gray squirrel, coyote, red fox, gray fox, 
skunk, raccoon, weasel, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) Prior to hunting, you must obtain from refuge headquarters and 
sign a current refuge hunt brochure (signed brochure). You must possess 
the signed refuge hunt brochure at all times while hunting, and you 
must hold a valid State hunting license.
    (iii) You may use only shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery 
equipment on open areas east and north of Vermont Route 78, east of the 
Missisquoi River, and on Shad Island.
    (iv) We prohibit hunting from the end of the State snowshoe hare 
and rabbit season (early March) until September 1.
    (v) On the Eagle Point Unit, the conditions set forth at paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section do not apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, 
bear, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) Prior to hunting, you must obtain from refuge headquarters and 
sign a current refuge hunt brochure (signed brochure). You must possess 
the signed refuge hunt brochure at all times while hunting, and you 
must hold a valid State hunting license.
    (ii) You may use only shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment 
on open areas east and north of Vermont Route 78, east of the 
Missisquoi River. We prohibit rifles in these areas at any time.
    (iii) You may use portable tree stands as governed by State 
regulations guiding their use on State wildlife management areas with 
the following exception: We allow only one tree stand or ground blind 
for each permit holder.
    (iv) On the Eagle Point Unit, we allow hunting subject to the 
following conditions:
    (A) You may use portable tree stands as governed by State 
regulations guiding their use on State wildlife management areas.
    (B) We allow training of dogs during the regular hunting seasons as 
governed by State regulations. We allow dog training outside the 
regular hunting seasons (i.e., from June 1 through July 31) only with a 
Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow sport fishing (including bow fishing) by boat and ice 
fishing in designated areas with the following exceptions:
    (A) We close the following areas year-round: Goose Bay, Saxes Creek 
and Pothole, Metcalfe Island Pothole, Long Marsh Channel, and Clark 
Marsh.
    (B) We close the following areas from Labor Day to December 31: 
Long Marsh Bay and Long Marsh Channel.
    (ii) We allow bank fishing along designated areas of Charcoal 
Creek.
    (iii) We prohibit taking fish with firearms.
    (iv) We prohibit boat launching on the refuge with the following 
exceptions: We allow launching from Louie's Landing year-round, and 
from Mac's Bend boat launch area from September through December 
(inclusive).
    (b) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge--(1) 
Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, 
crow, snipe, and American woodcock on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow disabled hunters to hunt from a vehicle that is at 
least 10 feet from the traveled portion of the refuge road if the 
hunter possesses a State-issued disabled hunting license and a Special 
Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (ii) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations, 
except hunters using more than two dogs must possess a Special Use 
Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (iii) We prohibit shooting from, over, or within 25 feet of the 
traveled portion of any road that is accessible to motor vehicles.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, raccoon, 
bobcat, woodchuck, red squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, porcupine, 
skunk, snowshoe hare, eastern cottontail, muskrat, opossum, weasel, 
pheasant, and ruffed grouse on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) At the Putney Mountain Unit, we allow the use of dogs only for 
hunting ruffed grouse.
    (iii) We require hunters hunting at night to possess a Special Use 
Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (iv) We allow the training of dogs as governed by State regulations 
from August 1 through the last Saturday in September during daylight 
hours, if the trainer possesses a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-
G) issued by the refuge manager.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, 
black bear, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) You may use portable tree stands and/or blinds. You must 
clearly label your tree stand(s) and/or blind(s) with your hunting 
license number. You must remove your tree stand(s) and/or blind(s) no 
later than 72 hours after the close of the season (see Sec.  27.93 of 
this chapter).
    (iii) You may retrieve moose at the Nulhegan Basin Division with 
the use of a commercial moose hauler, if the hauler possesses a Special 
Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge manager.
    (iv) We allow the training of dogs as governed by State regulations 
from August 1 through September 15 during daylight hours, if the 
trainer possesses a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by 
the refuge manager.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge consistent with State regulations.

0
34. Amend Sec.  32.65 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (c);

[[Page 48880]]

0
b. Adding paragraph (d)(4);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (e) through (k);
0
d. Redesignating paragraph (l) as (n); and
0
e. Adding new paragraphs (l) and (m).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  32.65  Virginia.

* * * * *
    (c) Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge--(1) 
Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, rail, 
snipe, gallinule/moorhen, coot, woodcock, dove, and crow on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow holders of a signed hunt brochure (signed brochure) to 
access areas of the refuge typically closed to the non-hunting public. 
All occupants of a vehicle or hunt party must possess a signed brochure 
and be actively engaged in hunting. We allow an exception for those 
persons aiding a disabled person who possesses a valid State-issued 
Commonwealth of Virginia Disabled Resident Lifetime License or 
Commonwealth of Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran's Lifetime License.
    (ii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours prior to 
legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after 
legal sunset.
    (iii) In the Firearms Units only, we allow the use of dogs 
consistent with State and Northampton County regulations.
    (iv) We allow hunting on the refuge only from September 1 until 
February 28. Hunting will follow State seasons during that period.
    (v) We allow migratory bird hunting with archery and firearms in 
the designated Firearms Units on the refuge in accordance with State 
and County regulations.
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, squirrel, 
quail, raccoon, opossum, fox, coyote, and other nuisance species 
(groundhog, European starling, English sparrow, and pigeon) on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iv) 
of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow the use of archery tackle, as defined by the State, 
in designated Archery and Firearms Units.
    (iii) We allow the use of firearms in accordance with State and 
Northampton County regulations in the designated Firearms Units only.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv), and (c)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section apply.
    (ii) We allow turkey hunting during the spring season only for a 
mentor-led hunt.
    (iii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition when hunting turkey 
in the Firearms Units.
    (iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (v) You may not hunt, discharge a firearm, or nock an arrow or 
crossbow bolt outside of the designated hunting areas.
    (vi) We allow the use of portable tree stands and require removal 
of the stands after each day's hunt (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Anglers may access the refuge to fish from shore on the Bull 
Tract and Skidmore Island from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ 
hour after legal sunset.
    (ii) Anglers may access State waters via the Wise Point Boat Ramp 
on the refuge from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    (d) * * *
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow freshwater fishing in designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing from nonmotorized boats only.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (e) Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird 
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We limit boat access to nonmotorized boats only in Farm Creek 
Unit. We allow motorized boat access in Neabsco Creek Unit.
    (2)-(3) [Reserved]
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (f) Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, rail, snipe, gallinule/
moorhen, coot, woodcock, dove, and crow on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (ii) We require hunters to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt 
brochure when hunting.
    (iii) We allow hunting and hunter access by boat only. We prohibit 
hunting from land. Retrieval dogs may retrieve fallen game on shore.
    (iv) We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 until February 
28. Hunting will follow State seasons during that period.
    (v) Hunters may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and 
must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
    (2)-(4) [Reserved]
    (g) Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel and 
coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We allow hunting on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
    (ii) You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (FWS Form 3-
2439).
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, wild 
turkey, and black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition for hunting wild 
turkey.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing in Lake Drummond from a boat (maximum 25 
horsepower) and from the piers at Washington Ditch Road and Interior 
Ditch Road.
    (ii) We prohibit fishing from the ditch banks on the refuge.
    (iii) We require a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) for 
vehicular access to the boat ramp on Interior Ditch Road on the west 
side of Lake Drummond.
    (h) James River National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, squirrel, and 
coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently 
during the refuge deer hunting season.
    (ii) We allow rabbit and squirrel hunting only during the mentor-
led hunt.
    (iii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs.

[[Page 48881]]

    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this 
section applies.
    (ii) We require spring turkey hunters to possess and carry a refuge 
hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
    (iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour prior to 
the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 
1 hour after the end of legal shooting time.
    (iv) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition when hunting spring 
wild turkey.
    (v) Hunters using a muzzleloader must hunt from a stand elevated 10 
feet (3 meters) or more above the ground.
    (vi) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal 
sunset.
    (ii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles 
with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and 
means.
    (iii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.
    (i) Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to Sec.  32.52(e) 
for regulations.
    (j) Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote and fox on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We 
only allow the incidental take of coyote and fox during the refuge deer 
hunting season.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) With the exception of mentored hunt participants, white-tailed 
deer hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (FWS Form 3-
2439) and be selected in the refuge lottery to hunt.
    (ii) We only allow shotguns with slugs during the firearm season.
    (iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs when hunting deer.
    (v) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition when hunting wild 
turkey.
    (vi) Hunters must certify and qualify weapons and ammunition at a 
refuge-approved range and view the refuge orientation session online 
prior to issuance of a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
    (vii) Wild turkey hunting is a mentor-led hunt only.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow boat access by nonmotorized boats only.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (k) Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game 
bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl and coot on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) You must hunt from a designated refuge blind.
    (ii) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
    (2)-(3) [Reserved]
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing access April 1 through August 31, from legal 
sunrise to legal sunset.
    (ii) We prohibit shoreline fishing. We allow fishing only from 
boats untethered to refuge lands, or from designated blinds.
    (iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles 
with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and 
means.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (l) Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours prior to 
the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 
2 hours after the end of legal shooting time.
    (ii) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently 
during the refuge deer hunting season.
    (iii) We require hunters to dock their boats at designated 
locations on the refuge.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (l)(2)(iii) of this 
section applies.
    (ii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs when hunting white-tailed 
deer.
    (iii) We require big game hunters to obtain a permit through a 
lottery administered by a third-party contractor.
    (iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal 
sunset.
    (ii) We prohibit bank fishing. We allow fishing only from boats 
untethered to refuge lands.
    (iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles 
with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and 
means.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.
    (v) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
    (m) Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. (1) 
[Reserved]
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, rabbit, and 
squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs.
    (ii) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently 
during the refuge deer hunting season.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (m)(2)(i) of this section 
applies.
    (ii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition when hunting spring 
wild turkey.
    (iii) In designated areas and for the spring turkey hunt, we 
require hunters to possess and carry a refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 
3-2439).
    (iv) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour prior to 
the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 
1 hour after the end of legal shooting time.
    (v) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the

[[Page 48882]]

organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal 
sunset.
    (ii) During the period when the refuge is open for hunting, we may 
close hunting areas to all other uses, including sport fishing.
    (iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles 
with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and 
means.
    (iv) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle in freshwater 
ponds, including Wilna Pond and Laurel Grove Pond.
    (v) We require catch-and-release fishing for largemouth bass in 
freshwater ponds, including Wilna Pond and Laurel Grove Pond. Anglers 
may take other finfish species as governed by State regulations.
    (vi) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.
    (vii) We prohibit the use of boats propelled by gasoline motors, 
sail, or mechanically operated paddle wheel while fishing.
* * * * *

0
35. Amend Sec.  32.66 by revising paragraphs (f)(3)(v), (i)(1)(iv), (x) 
and (xi) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.66  Washington.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (v) We require hunters to sign in and out each day at the refuge 
headquarters. When signing out for the day, you must report hunting 
success or failure, and any hit-but-not-retrieved animals on the 
Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542).
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Prior to entering the hunt area, you must check in at the 
refuge check station, and obtain a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). 
You must carry the Harvest Report while hunting as proof of blind 
assignment and user fee payment.
* * * * *
    (x) Prior to switching blinds, you must first report to the refuge 
check station to obtain a new blind assignment. You must submit an 
accurate Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) for the blind being vacated, 
and obtain a new Harvest Report for the new blind.
    (xi) Prior to leaving the hunt area, you must check out at the 
refuge check station, submit an accurate Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2542), and present all harvested birds for inspection by check station 
personnel.
* * * * *

0
36. Amend Sec.  32.67 by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  32.67  West Virginia.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, Eastern 
cottontail rabbit, red and gray fox, coyote, bobcat, opossum, raccoon, 
skunk, woodchuck, weasel, ruffed grouse, quail, pheasant, and crow on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The 
conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this 
section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, wild 
turkey, and black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) We only allow the use of archery equipment.
    (iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive'' 
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise 
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is 
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the 
deer.
    (iv) You must label portable tree stands with your last name and 
State license number. You may erect your stand(s) on the first day of 
the hunting season. You must remove your stand(s) by the last day of 
the hunting season (see Sec.  27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *

0
37. Amend Sec.  32.68 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (c) and (f)(1);
0
b. Adding paragraph (f)(2)(vi); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (f)(3) and (4).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.68  Wisconsin.

* * * * *
    (c) Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to Sec.  32.32(f) 
for regulations.
* * * * *
    (f) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of 
duck, goose, coot, merganser, dove, moorhen/gallinule, rail, snipe, and 
woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    (i) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before 
legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour 
after legal shooting hours.
    (ii) You must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, 
stands, platforms, and other hunting equipment (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 
and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each 
day's hunt.
    (iii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is 
under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
    (iv) We prohibit hunting or shooting within 50 feet (15 meters (m)) 
of the centerline of all public roads, service roads, and trails, and 
around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded 
weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in 
an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within 
these areas.
    (2) * * *
    (vi) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i), (ii), and 
(iv) of this section apply.
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (iv) of 
this section apply.
    (ii) You may use portable elevated devices, but you must lower them 
to ground level at the close of shooting hours each day. You must 
remove all blinds, stands, platforms, and ladders from the refuge at 
the end of the hunting season (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this 
chapter).
    (iii) You must clearly mark all non-natural blinds, stands, 
platforms, and ladders on the exterior with the hunter's Wisconsin 
Department of Natural Resources customer identification number.
    (iv) We open Refuge Area 2 to deer hunting during the State 
archery, gun, and muzzleloader seasons, except that we close Refuge 
Area 2 to deer hunting during any early State antlerless-only hunts.
    (v) We open Refuge Area 3 to deer hunting during the State regular 
gun, muzzleloader, and late archery seasons. Unarmed deer hunters may 
enter Refuge Area 3 to scout beginning the Saturday prior to the gun 
deer season.
    (vi) You must remove flagging used during hunting by the close of 
the archery deer season (see Sec. Sec.  27.93 and 27.94 of this 
chapter).
    (vii) Any ground blind used during any gun deer season must display 
at least 144 square inches (929 square centimeters) of solid-blaze-
orange or fluorescent pink material visible from all directions.

[[Page 48883]]

    (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    (i) Fishing areas are open from 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise 
to 30 minutes after legal sunset during refuge-specific seasons.
    (ii) We allow use of nonmotorized boats in Sprague-Goose pools only 
when we open these pools to fishing.
    (iii) We allow motorized boats in Suk Cerney Pool.
    (iv) We allow fishing by hook and line only.
    (v) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, 
leech, or turtle species by any method on the refuge (see Sec.  27.21 
of this chapter).
* * * * *

0
38. Amend Sec.  32.69 by revising paragraph (d)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  32.69  Wyoming.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk, pronghorn, white-
tailed deer, and bison on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    (i) We require refuge permits (issued by State of Wyoming).
    (ii) We prohibit shooting from or across refuge roads and parking 
areas.
    (iii) We allow hunting of pronghorn with a firearm in Pronghorn 
Hunt Area 1 from September 10 through October 31, and in Pronghorn Hunt 
Area 2 from October 1 through 31.
    (iv) We allow archery hunting of pronghorn in Pronghorn Hunt Area 1 
in accordance with State seasons and regulations.
    (v) We allow hunting of white-tailed deer with a firearm in the 
White-tailed Deer Hunt Area from September 15 through October 30.
    (vi) We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer in the White-
tailed Deer Hunt Area in accordance with State seasons and regulations.
    (vii) The refuge hunt brochure will specify the type of ammunition 
approved for hunting on the refuge.
* * * * *

SUBCHAPTER E--MANAGEMENT OF FISHERIES CONSERVATION AREAS

PART 71--HUNTING AND SPORT FISHING ON NATIONAL FISH HATCHERIES

0
39. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 4, Pub. L. 73-121, 48 Stat. 402, as amended; 
sec. 4, Pub. L. 87-714, 76 Stat. 654; 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 
664, 668dd, 1534.


Sec.  71.11  [Amended]

0
40. Amend Sec.  71.11 by:
0
a. In paragraph (c)(4), removing the words ``Sec.  71.12(k)'' and 
adding in their place the words ``Sec.  71.12(l)'';
0
b. In paragraph (d)(4), removing the words ``Sec.  71.12(l)'' and 
adding in their place the words ``Sec.  71.12(m)'';
0
c. In paragraph (e)(4), removing the words ``Sec.  71.12(m)'' and 
adding in their place the words ``Sec.  71.12(n)''; and
0
d. In paragraph (g)(4), removing the words ``Sec.  71.12(o)'' and 
adding in their place the words ``Sec.  71.12(p)''.

0
41. Amend Sec.  71.12 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (g) through (r) as paragraphs (h) through 
(s); and
0
b. Adding a new paragraph (g).
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  71.12  National fish hatcheries open for sport fishing.

* * * * *
    (g) Green Lake National Fish Hatchery. We allow sport fishing on 
designated areas of the hatchery.
* * * * *

Maureen D. Foster,
Chief of Staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife 
and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2021-18426 Filed 8-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P