[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 155 (Thursday, August 13, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52320-52329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-16534]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2026-2146; FXMB1231099BPP0-267-FF09M21200; OMB 
Control Numbers 1018-0022, 1018-0146, 1018-NEW1, 1018-NEW2]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and 
Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--Migratory Birds

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to revise 
two existing information collections and proposing two new information 
collections.

DATES: Comments will be accepted on or before October 13, 2026. 
Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
(see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on 
the closing date. To ensure your comment is received and considered, 
you must submit it using one of the methods identified in the ADDRESSES 
section of this document. Comments submitted through any method not 
authorized in this document, or sent to an address not listed here, 
will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: 
    Comment submission: All submissions must include the docket number 
[FWS-HQ-MB-2026-2146] for this document. You must submit comments using 
one of the following methods:
     Electronic submission: Federal eRulemaking Portal at: 
https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-HQ-MB-2026-
2146, which is the docket number for this action. Then click the Search 
button. On the resulting page, you may submit a comment by clicking on 
``Comment.'' Please ensure that you have found the correct document 
before submitting your comments.
     U.S. mail: Service Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, Attn: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2026-2146, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803.
    Comments submitted through any method not authorized in this 
document, or sent to an address not listed here, will not be 
considered. We will not accept comments via email, fax, or hand 
delivery. We are not required to consider comments that are submitted 
after the comment period ends or that are submitted via a method 
outside of these instructions. Comments containing profanity, 
vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate content will not be 
considered. We will post all comments at https://www.regulations.gov.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide 
the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to 
comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of 
information. This helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection (IC) requirements and minimize the public's reporting 
burden. It also helps the public understand our IC requirements and 
provide the requested data in the desired format.
    As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent 
burdens, we are soliciting comments from the public and other Federal 
agencies on the proposed ICR described below. We are especially 
interested in public comments addressing the following:
    (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
    (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection 
of information, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used;
    (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of response.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment, 
you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personally 
identifiable information--may be publicly available at any time. While 
you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personally identifiable 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

[[Page 52321]]

    Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the 
Federal agency primarily responsible for managing migratory birds, 
including bald eagles and golden eagles. Our authority derives 
primarily from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (MBTA; 
16 U.S.C. 703-712), which implements migratory bird conventions with 
Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the Russian Federation. As part of this 
effort, we collect information to determine the eligibility of 
applicants in certain activities in accordance with the criteria in 
various Federal wildlife conservation laws and international treaties, 
including the MBTA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle 
Act; 16 U.S.C. 668-668d).
    Regulations implementing these statutes are in Chapter I, 
Subchapter B of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which 
stipulate general and specific requirements that, when met, allow us to 
issue permits to authorize activities that are otherwise prohibited:

 50 CFR part 10--General Provisions
 50 CFR part 13--General Permit Procedures
 50 CFR part 20--Migratory Bird Hunting
 50 CFR part 21--Migratory Bird Permits

    With this notice, we are submitting four simultaneous ICRs to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requesting approval of existing, 
revised, new, and discontinued ICs associated with the following OMB 
Control Numbers:
     1018-0022, Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, 21, expires 12/31/
2026;
     1018-0146, Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR 21, 
Subpart D, expires 08/31/2026;
     1018-NEW1, Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21; 
and
     1018-NEW2, Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.
    We will request OMB approval of the existing, revised, new, and 
discontinued ICs as described below:
    1. OMB Cont. No. 1018-0022, Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit 
Applications and Reports--Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 
10, 13, 21--
    A. Revised Title--We propose to change the title of this collection 
from ``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--
Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, 21'' to 
``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--Possession 
of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR parts 10, 13, 21''.
    B. Monitoring and Reporting--Most permit types require the 
permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. 
The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in 
compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds 
reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the permit and the 
permitting program on populations of migratory birds to ensure the 
program is not causing a population decline that could be avoided.
    Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although 
some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death 
of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or 
endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such 
events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use 
these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize 
additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events 
in the future.
    We continually review the application and report forms in this 
collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested 
and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on 
questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to 
ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will 
accommodate future electronic permitting.
    C. Applications--All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 
series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the 
regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A 
through D on the applications are the same for all permit types. These 
sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and 
address, telephone numbers, tax identification number, and email 
address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, ``General 
information requirements on applications for permits'', require 
submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend 
the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing 
general information common to the application forms makes filing 
applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of 
applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that 
is unique to the applicant.
    Section E of each application collects information specific to the 
activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information 
concerning:
     The purpose of the activity;
     The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the 
activity;
     The applicant's education and experience conducting the 
activity; and
     The methods used.
    For captive-held bird(s), we ask for information about the holding 
facility, including the size of the enclosures and the material used in 
construction of the facility. As part of our efforts to reduce the 
number of questions on application forms, we propose to standardize 
much of the information contained in Section E of each application form 
and minimize information collected specific to the activity, as 
specified above. Section E will continue to include questions to 
determine:
     The location of records required by statute;
     Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the 
authorized activity; and,
     Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to 
receive a permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.
    The information that we collect on applications and reports is the 
minimum necessary for us to determine if the applicant meets/continues 
to meet issuance requirements for the particular activity and that any 
birds held in captivity are done so in a healthful and humane manner. 
Application forms within this collection include:

1. Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit (Form 3-200-9) (Revised)
2. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit (Form 3-200-10b) (Revised)
3. Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Possession of Live and/or Dead and 
Salvage for Educational Purposes (Form 3-200-10c) (Revised)
4. Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation Permit (Form 3-200-12) (Revised)
5. Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Abatement Activities Using Raptors 
Permit (Form 3-200-79) (Revised)

    This collection also includes the following permit application 
forms, which the Service proposes to revise and move to other OMB 
Control Numbers (see below):

 Migratory Bird Import/Export Permit (Form 3-200-6)
 Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting Permit (Form 3-
200-7)
 Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit (Form 3-200-8)
 Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Miscellaneous (Form 3-200-10f)
 Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (Form 3-200-13)
 Special Canada Goose Permit (Form 3-200-67)
 Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Utility Permit (Form 3-200-81)

[[Page 52322]]

 Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit (Form 3-200-90)

The Service proposes to discontinue Form 3-200-10e, Migratory Bird 
Special Purpose--Game Bird Propagation (see below).
    D. Annual Reports--All activities conducted under these regulations 
require submission of an annual report to the Service. The Service uses 
these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the 
terms of their authorization or permit. Annual report forms within this 
collection include:

1. Waterfowl Sale and Disposal (Form 3-202-2) (Revised)
2. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation (Form 3-202-4) (Revised)
3. Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Possession of Live and/or Dead and 
Salvage of Migratory Birds for Educational Purposes (Form 3-202-5) 
(Replaced with Form 3-202-2)
4. Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Game Bird Propagation (Form 3-202-6) 
(Replaced with Form 3-202-2)
5. Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation (Form 3-202-8) (Replaced with Form 
3-202-2)

    This collection also includes the following annual report forms, 
which the Service proposes to move to a new OMB control number (see 
below):

 Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting (Form 3-202-1) 
(Revised)
 Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Salvage (Form 3-202-3) 
(Revised)
 Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Miscellaneous (Form 3-202-7) 
(Replaced with Form 3-202-1, 3-202-2, or 3-202-3 depending on activity)
 Migratory Bird Depredation (Form 3-202-9) (Replaced with Form 
3-202-1)
 Special Canada Goose (Form 3-202-10) (Replaced with Form 3-
202-1)
 Avian Injury/Mortality Report (Form 3-202-17)
 Special Double-Crested Cormorant (Form 3-202-56)

    E. As-Needed Reports--We use as-needed reports to collect 
information of individuals that transfer migratory birds between 
permittees.

1. Migratory Bird and Eagle Acquisition and Transfer Request (Form 3-
202-12) (Revised)
2. Notice of Transfer and Sale of Migratory Waterfowl (Form 3-186) 
(Revised)

The Service proposes to revise and move Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird 
Acquisition and Disposition, to OMB Control Number 1018-NEW2.
    F. Miscellaneous Forms--The Federal Raptor Propagation Seamless 
Band Request (Form 3-2435) is also used in conjunction with the raptor 
program to order additional bands.
    G. Amendments--Permittees may request to amend a permit by the 
permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a 
written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit 
authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an 
increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in 
ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the 
permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the 
changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur 
a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a 
change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing 
address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing 
office within 10 calendar days of such change.
    H. Recordkeeping Requirements--In addition to the requirements in 
50 CFR part 13, persons conducting activities under Special Purpose 
Permits (50 CFR 21.95) must maintain adequate records and make them 
available for inspection by Service personnel.
    I. Banding Requirements--
    1. Special Purpose Permits--Possession of Live Migratory Birds for 
Educational Purposes (50 CFR 21.95)--All live, captive-bred, migratory 
game birds must be physically marked.
    2. Raptor Propagation Permits (50 CFR 21.85)--All raptors used for 
propagation must be banded according to the specifications listed in 
this regulation. In addition, every captive-bred raptor must be banded 
within 2 weeks of hatching. Information on the raptor, including band 
number, must be reported to state wildlife officials via paper forms or 
uploading the information to the Federal 3-186a database.
    I. Required Notifications--
    1. Rehabilitation Permits (50 CFR 21.76)--All persons conducting 
activities under this regulation must notify their issuing Migratory 
Bird Permit Office within 24 hours of acquiring a threatened or 
endangered migratory bird species, or bald or golden eagle, whether 
live or dead. Local Service law enforcement office must be notified if 
there is reason to believe a bird has been poisoned, electrocuted, 
shot, or otherwise subjected to criminal activity.
    2. Raptor Propagation Permits (50 CFR 21.85)--If a person 
conducting activities under this regulation moves within the State or 
gets a new mailing address, they must notify us within 30 days. If they 
move to a new State, within 30 days, they must inform both the former 
and new (if applicable) Migratory Bird Permit Offices of the address 
change. If there are new propagation facilities, the permittee must 
provide information, pictures, and diagrams of them, and the facilities 
may be inspected in accordance with Federal or State requirements. 
Thereafter, no mandatory inspections of the facilities will continue.
    K. Falconry Program Requirements--We require falconers to maintain 
basic records on falconry birds in their possession using the Federal 
3-186a database or via paper forms submitted to State wildlife 
officials. Form 3-186a is currently approved under OMB Control Number 
1018-0022; however, we propose to transfer this form to a new OMB 
control number (see below).
    L. Revision/Simplification of Report Forms--With this submission, 
we are proposing to revise/simplify the forms described below (while 
retaining them in 1018-0022) to reduce burden on respondents:
    1. Form 3-202-2, Waterfowl Sale and Disposal. We propose to 
simplify and standardize Form 3-202-2. We propose to retain the form 
number but update title to ``Migratory Bird Live Possession''.
    2. Form 3-202-4, Migratory Bird Rehabilitation. We propose to 
simplify and standardize Form 3-202-4.
    3. Form 3-202-12, Migratory Bird and Eagle Acquisition and Transfer 
Request. We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-202-12.
    4. Form 3-186, Notice of Transfer and Sale of Migratory Waterfowl. 
We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-186. We propose to retain 
the form number but update title to ``Notice of Transfer or Sale of 
Migratory Waterfowl and Game Bird''.
    M. Revisions to Application Forms--With this submission, we propose 
changes to the following application forms:
    1. Form 3-200-9, Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit. (New title 
``Waterfowl Sale and Disposal and Game Bird Propagation Permit''). We 
are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize 
application requirements. With these changes, we propose to discontinue 
Form 3-200-10e, as the ICs associated with this form will be combined 
with Form 3-200-9.
    2. Form 3-200-10b, Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit. We are 
proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application 
requirements.
    3. Form 3-200-10c, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Possession of 
Live and/or Dead and Salvage for Educational Purposes (New title 
``Migratory Bird and Eagle Exhibition Permit''). We are proposing 
changes to

[[Page 52323]]

this form to simplify and standardize application requirements. This 
form is intended for use by applicants that wish to exhibit both 
migratory birds and eagles.
    4. Form 3-200-12, Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation Permit. We are 
proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application 
requirements.
    5. Form 3-200-79, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Abatement Permit. 
We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize 
application requirements.
    N. Finally, we propose to renew the remaining currently approved 
ICs in 1018-0022, without change:
    1. Notifications--Permit Exceptions (50 CFR 21.12)--General 
exceptions to permit requirements, imposes recordkeeping requirements 
for institutions authorized to acquire by gift or purchase, possess, 
transport, and by gift or sale dispose of lawfully acquired migratory 
birds or their progeny, parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. We use 
these records to establish a chain of custody of birds acquired and 
disposed of by these exempt institutions.
    2. Form 3-2435, Federal Raptor Propagation Seamless Band Request--
Authorized individuals use Form 3-2435 to conduct raptor propagation, 
and to mark captive-bred raptors with seamless leg bands in accordance 
with the conditions of their Federal Raptor Propagation Permit and 
state wildlife agency regulations. The requestor indicates the required 
band sizes, verifies serial numbers, and acknowledges the proper use 
and accountability of assigned Federal bands.
    Title of Collection (Revised): Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit 
Applications and Reports--Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 
10, 13, 21.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-0022.
    Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-9, 3-200-10b, 3-200-10c, 3-200-12, 3-200-
79, 3-202-2, 3-202-4, 3-202-12, 3-186, and 3-2435.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/
local/Tribal governments.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 10,225.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 22,075.
    Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 5 minutes to 
260 hours, depending on activity.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 216,474.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or 
on occasion for reports.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: $245,865 (primarily 
associated with application processing and administrative fees).
    2. OMB Cont. No. 1018-0146, Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 
CFR 21, Subpart D--
    A. Monitoring and Reporting--Most permit types require the 
permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. 
The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in 
compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds 
reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the specific permit 
and the permitting program on populations of birds to ensure the 
program is not causing a decline that could be avoided.
    Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although 
some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death 
of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or 
endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such 
events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use 
these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize 
additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events 
in the future.
    We continually review the application and report forms in this 
collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested 
and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on 
questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to 
ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will 
accommodate future electronic permitting.
    B. Applications--All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 
series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the 
regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A 
through D on the applications is the same for all permit types. These 
sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and 
address, telephone and fax numbers, tax identification number, and 
email address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, ``General 
information requirements on applications for permits,'' require 
submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend 
the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing 
general information common to the application forms makes filing 
applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of 
applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that 
is unique to the applicant.
    Section E of each application collects information specific to the 
activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information 
concerning:
    1. The purpose of the activity;
    2. The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the 
activity;
    3. The applicant's education and experience conducting the 
activity; and
    4. The methods used.
    As part of our efforts to reduce the number of questions on 
application forms, we propose to standardize much of the information 
contained in Section E of each application form and minimize 
information collected specific to the activity, as specified above. 
Section E will continue to include questions to determine:
    1. The location of records required by statute;
    2. Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the authorized 
activity; and,
    3. Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to receive a 
permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.
    For applications for resolving conflicts with birds using lethal 
measure for things like damage to property, loss of income, or loss of 
resources, we require applicants to provide additional recommendation 
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS), using Permit Review 
Form (WS-37). The applicant needing to kill birds to resolve conflicts 
must provide this recommendation to us as part of the application.
    The information that we collect on applications and reports is the 
minimum necessary for us to determine if the applicant meets/continues 
to meet issuance requirements for the particular activity and that any 
birds held in captivity are done so in a healthful and humane manner. 
In instances where birds will be killed, we use the information 
collected on the application to determine that the birds do not suffer 
needlessly. This information collection does not currently contain any 
application forms.
    C. Reporting Requirements--Activities conducted under these 
regulations may require submission of an annual report to the Service. 
We use these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with 
the terms of their authorization or permit. Regulations at 50 CFR part 
21 establish depredation and control orders and impose reporting 
requirements. All persons or entities acting under these

[[Page 52324]]

orders must provide an annual report using Form 3-2436, Depredation and 
Control Orders Annual Report, by the date listed in the corresponding 
regulation. The report collects information such as:
    1. Species taken;
    2. Number of birds taken;
    3. Method of take;
    4. Months and years in which the birds were taken;
    5. State(s) and county(ies) in which the birds were taken;
    6. General purpose of take (such as for the protection of 
agriculture, human health and safety, property, or natural resources), 
and
    7. Disposition of nontarget species
    D. Recordkeeping Requirements--Persons and entities operating under 
depredation and control orders must keep accurate records, to include 
those required to complete Forms 3-2436 or other specified annual 
report forms. The records of any taking must be legibly written or 
reproducible in English and maintained for 5 years after they have 
ceased the activity authorized by this order. Persons or entities who 
reside or are located in the United States and persons or entities 
conducting commercial activities in the United States who reside or are 
located outside the United States must maintain records at a location 
in the United States where the records are available for inspection. 
The information must be made available during reasonable times 
(including during actual operations) to any Federal, State, Tribal, or 
territorial wildlife law enforcement officer if they inquire about the 
control operations.
    E. Amendments--A permittee may request to amend a permit by the 
permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a 
written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit 
authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an 
increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in 
ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the 
permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the 
changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur 
a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a 
change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing 
address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing 
office within 10 calendar days of such change.
    F. Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species Take Report--If 
activities conducted under a depredation or control order take a bird 
of a nontarget species that is federally listed as endangered or 
threatened, or that is a candidate for listing, under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the bird must be delivered 
to a rehabilitator and must be reported by phone or email to the 
nearest Service Field Office or Special Agent. Capture and disposition 
of all nontarget migratory birds must also be reported on the annual 
report.
    G. Required Notifications under 50 CFR Part 21--
    1. Sec.  21.150--Report take of nontarget federally protected 
migratory birds to the nearest Service Field Office or Special Agent.
    2. Sec.  21.153--Each season, before lethal control may be 
undertaken, the landowner must attempt to use nonlethal control of 
migratory bird depredation as recommended by the USDA-APHIS-WS. The 
county agriculture commissioner must confirm that nonlethal measures 
have been undertaken to control or eliminate the problem prior to the 
landowner using lethal control.
    3. Sec.  21.159--Airports and military airfields or their agents 
must obtain authorization from landowners for all management activities 
conducted outside the airport or military airfield's boundaries.
    4. Sec.  21.159--Airports and military airfields or their agents 
operating under this order must immediately report the take of any 
species protected under the ESA to the Service.
    5. Sec.  21.159--To protect certain species from being adversely 
affected by management actions, airports and military airfields or 
their agents must contact the Service if control activities are 
proposed in or around occupied habitats to discuss the proposed 
activity and ensure that implementation will not adversely affect 
protected species or their habitat.
    6. Sec.  21.159--Information on birds carrying metal leg bands must 
be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-free 
telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological Survey 
OMB Control Number 1028-0082).
    7. Sec.  21.162--Homeowners' associations and local governments or 
their agents must obtain landowner consent prior to destroying nests 
and eggs on private property within the homeowners' association or 
local government's jurisdiction and comply with all State and local 
laws and regulations.
    8. Sec.  21.162--Registrants operating under this order must 
immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to 
the Service.
    9. Sec.  21.162--To protect certain species from being adversely 
affected by management actions, registrants must contact the Service if 
control activities are proposed in or around occupied habitats to 
discuss the proposed activity and ensure that implementation will not 
adversely affect protected species or their habitat.
    10. Sec.  21.165--Authorized individuals operating under this 
section must immediately report the take of any species protected under 
the ESA to the Service.
    11. Sec.  21.165--Information on birds carrying metal leg bands 
must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-
free telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological 
Survey OMB Control Number 1028-0082).
    12. Sec.  21.168--Information on birds carrying metal leg bands 
must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-
free telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological 
Survey OMB Control Number 1028-0082).
    13. Sec.  21.168--States and Tribes operating under this order must 
immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to 
the Service.
    14. Sec.  21.168--To protect certain species from being adversely 
affected by management actions, States and Tribes must contact the 
Service if control activities are proposed in or around occupied 
habitats to discuss the proposed activity and ensure that 
implementation will not adversely affect protected species or their 
habitat.
    15. Sec.  21.171--Authorized individuals operating under this order 
must immediately report the take of any other species protected under 
the ESA, the MBTA, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act to the 
nearest Ecological Services office.
    16. Sec.  21.174--Authorized individuals operating under this order 
must immediately report the take of any species protected under the 
ESA, or any other bird species protected under the MBTA, to the Service 
Ecological Services office for the State or location in which the take 
occurred.
    17. Sec.  21.177--Authorized personnel must obtain authorization 
from landowners prior to conducting management activities authorized by 
this order.
    18. Sec.  21.177--Authorized individuals operating under this order 
must immediately report the take of any nontarget species protected 
under the ESA or MBTA within 72 hours of take to the Pacific Region 
Migratory Bird Permit office in Portland, Oregon.

[[Page 52325]]

    19. Sec.  21.183--Authorized individuals operating under this 
section must immediately report the take of any species protected under 
the ESA to the Service.
    H. Access to Depredation and Control Premises (50 CFR 21.150, 
21.156, 21.168, 21.180, 21.183)--Persons acting under the authority of 
these orders must permit at all reasonable times, including during 
actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, 
warden, protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and 
unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have 
been or are being conducted and must promptly furnish whatever 
information an officer requires concerning the operation.
    I. Canada Geese Nest and Egg Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.162)--In 
addition to the requirements listed above, landowners operating under 
this order must:
    1. Register with the Service using our web-based registration 
system (https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR) (Sec.  21.162(d)(1)). 
Registration includes name of landowner, names of designated agents, 
location of management activities, and contact information. The 
registration is valid for 1 year; the registrant must renew the 
registration each year he or she wishes to take nests and eggs. To 
renew the registration, the registrant must review the information and 
certify that it is correct. If any information entered during initial 
registration has changed, the registrant needs to enter only the 
revised information. We use this information for enforcement purposes 
and to contact registrants when there are questions regarding their 
report information. We uploaded screen shots of the registration 
website and a copy of the user guide as supplementary documents 
available at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
    2. Complete an annual report summarizing the date (month), numbers, 
and locations of nests and eggs taken by October 31 (Sec.  
21.162(d)(6)). We use this information to monitor the effectiveness of 
the program and the cumulative effect of the take of nests and eggs on 
various subpopulations of resident Canada goose populations in 
different areas of the country. We distribute reports of the numbers of 
nests and eggs taken, by State and county, annually to the States, 
Flyway Councils, and Service biologists for their use in determining 
allowable take by other methods, including hunting seasons. We now also 
include this information on the registration website.
    J. Agricultural Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.165)--In addition to 
the requirements listed above:
    1. Recordkeeping Requirement (Private Sector Only)--Authorized 
agricultural producers must:
    a. Keep and maintain a log that indicates the date and number of 
birds killed and the date and number of nests and eggs taken under this 
authorization;
    b. Maintain the log for a period of three years (and records for 
three previous years of takings at all times thereafter); and
    c. Make the log and any related records available to Federal, 
State, or Tribal wildlife enforcement officers (Sec.  21.165(d)(8)).
    2. Reporting Requirement (States and Tribes Only)--States and 
Tribes must submit by December 31 an annual report summarizing 
activities, including the numbers of birds, nests, and eggs taken and 
county where taken (Sec.  21.165(d)(10)). We use this information to 
monitor the resident Canada goose populations in different areas of the 
country.
    K. Conservation Order for Light Geese (50 CFR 21.180)--These 
regulations require States and Tribes to keep annual records of 
activities carried out under the authority of the conservation order 
and submit an annual report summarizing activities conducted under the 
conservation order on or before September 15 of each year. 
Specifically, information must be collected on:
    1. The number of persons participating in the conservation order;
    2. The number of days people participated in the conservation 
order;
    3. The number of light geese shot and retrieved under the 
conservation order; and
    4. The number of light geese shot but not retrieved.
    L. Population Control of Resident Canada Geese (50 CFR 21.183)--In 
addition to the requirements listed above, States and Tribes:
    1. May request approval for the population control program. 
Requests must include a discussion of the State's or Tribe's efforts to 
address its injurious situations or a discussion of the reasons why the 
methods authorized by these regulations are not feasible for dealing 
with, or applicable to, the injurious situations that require further 
action. Requests must provide detailed information of the injuries that 
continue, why the authorized methods have not worked, and why methods 
not utilized could not resolve the injuries (Sec.  21.183(d)). This 
information is necessary for us to assess whether or not the program 
should be authorized.
    2. Must keep annual records of activities carried out under the 
authority of the program. Specifically, information must be collection 
on:
    a. The number of individuals participating in the program;
    b. The number of days each individual participated in the program;
    c. The total number of resident Canada geese shot and retrieved 
during the program; and
    d. The number of resident Canada geese shot but not retrieved 
(Sec.  21.183(d)(7)). We use this information, in conjunction with take 
under other methods and hunting seasons, to determine cumulative 
impacts on the various goose populations.
    3. Must submit by June 1 an annual report summarizing activities 
conducted under the program and an assessment of the continuation of 
injuries (Sec.  21.183(d)(7)(iv)). We use this information to determine 
if we should continue to authorize program activities.
    4. Must provide by August 1 an annual estimate of the breeding 
population and distribution of resident Canada geese in their State 
(Sec.  21.183(g)). We use this information to monitor the impacts of 
this program, as well as other authorized activities, on the population 
and to determine if we should continue to authorize program activities.
    With this submission, we are proposing the following revisions to 
OMB Control Number 1018-0146:
    A. Revised Title--With this submission, we are proposing to update 
the title of the collection as noted from ``Depredation and Control 
Orders Under 50 CFR 21, Subpart D'' to ``Wild Take of Migratory Birds; 
50 CFR 10, 13, 21.''
    B. We propose to transfer the below listed forms and non-form 
requirements from OMB Control Number 1018-0022 into this collection 
(1018-0146):
    1. Form 3-200-7, Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting 
Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing 
changes to this form to simplify and standardize application 
requirements.
    2. Form 3-200-10f, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Miscellaneous 
(including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes 
to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.
    3. Form 3-200-13, Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (including 
automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this 
form to simplify and standardize application requirements.
    4. Form 3-200-67, Special Canada Goose Permit (including automated 
versions and amendments). We are

[[Page 52326]]

proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application 
requirements.
    5. Form 3-200-81, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Utility Permit 
(including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes 
to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.
    6. Form 3-200-90, Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit 
(including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes 
to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.
    7. Form 3-202-1, Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting 
(including automated versions). Amended from its currently approved 
version. Retain form number but update title to ``Migratory Bird Wild 
Take''.
    8. Form 3-202-7, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Miscellaneous 
(including automated versions). Replace with updated Form 3-202-1, Form 
3-202-2, or Form 3-202-3 depending on activity.
    9. Form 3-202-9, Migratory Bird Depredation (including automated 
versions). Replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, ``Migratory Bird Wild 
Take''.
    10. Form 3-202-10, Special Canada Goose (including automated 
versions). Replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, ``Migratory Bird Wild 
Take''.
    11. Form 3-202-17, Avian Injury/Mortality Report (including 
automated versions). We are not proposing any changes to this form.
    12. Form 3-202-56, Special Double-Crested Cormorant (including 
automated versions). We are not proposing any changes to this form.
    13. Designation of Subpermittees (Special Double-Crested Cormorant 
Permit)--States and Tribes may designate subpermittees who must operate 
under the conditions of the permit. Subpermittees must be at least 18 
years of age and can be employees of State and Tribal fish and wildlife 
agencies, USDA-Wildlife Services employees, and employees of other 
Federal, State, or Tribal agencies or private companies licensed to 
conduct wildlife damage abatement. The permittee must provide the 
Service with the name of any subpermittees who will be conducting 
activities under their permit.
    14. Landowner Notifications--If a State or Tribe must enter private 
property to access State and Tribal lands or waters where take is 
approved in their permit, the State or Tribe must obtain authorization 
from the private property owner.
    Title of Collection (Revised): Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit 
Applications and Reports--Wild Take of Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 
21.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-0146
    Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-7, 3-200-10f, 3-200-13, 3-200-67, 3-200-
81, 3-200-90, 3-202-1, 3-202-17, 3-202-56, and 3-2436.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/
local/Tribal governments.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 37,655.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 41,326.
    Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 
160 hours, depending on activity.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 31,739.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or 
on occasion for reports.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: $260,100 (primarily 
associated with application processing and administrative fees).
    3. OMB Cont. No. 1018-NEW1, Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 
50 CFR 10, 13, 21--With this submission, we will request OMB approval 
of the following ICs in this new collection (identified as 1018-NEW1):
    A. Monitoring and Reporting--Most permit types require the 
permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. 
The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in 
compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds 
reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the specific permit 
and the permitting program on populations of birds to ensure the 
program is not causing a decline that could be avoided.
    Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although 
some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death 
of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or 
endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such 
events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use 
these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize 
additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events 
in the future.
    We continually review the application and report forms in this 
collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested 
and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on 
questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to 
ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will 
accommodate future electronic permitting.
    B. Applications--All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 
series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the 
regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A 
through D on the applications is the same for all permit types. These 
sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and 
address, telephone and fax numbers, tax identification number, and 
email address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, ``General 
information requirements on applications for permits'', require 
submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend 
the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing 
general information common to the application forms makes filing 
applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of 
applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that 
is unique to the applicant.
    Section E of each application collects information specific to the 
activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information 
concerning:
     The purpose of the activity;
     The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the 
activity;
     The applicant's education and experience conducting the 
activity; and,
     The method used.
    As part of our efforts to reduce the number of questions on 
application forms, we propose to standardize much of the information 
contained in Section E of each application form and minimize 
information collected specific to the activity, as specified above. 
Section E will continue to include questions to determine:
     The location of records required by statute;
     Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the 
authorized activity; and,
     Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to 
receive a permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.
    With this submission, we are also proposing to transfer the below 
listed forms and ICs, including required notifications, reporting, and 
recordkeeping, from OMB Control Number 1018-0022 into this collection 
(1018-NEW1):
    C. Transfer of Currently Approved Forms and ICs--
    1. Form 3-200-6, Migratory Bird Import/Export Permit--We are 
proposing changes to this form to

[[Page 52327]]

simplify and standardize application requirements.
    2. Form 3-200-8, Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit--We are proposing 
changes to this form to simplify and standardize application 
requirements.
    3. Form 3-202-3, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Salvage--We 
propose to update the title to ``Migratory Bird Specimen Possession'' 
while simplifying and standardizing application requirements. We will 
retain the form number.
    D. Migratory Bird Permit Program Service Manual Chapters--With this 
submission, we propose to include information collection requirements 
contained in the currently approved ``Migratory Bird Permit Program 
Handbook'' (Handbook) and associated Service Manual chapters at 724 FW 
1 (``Overview of Migratory Bird Permitting'') and 724 FW 2 (``Migratory 
Bird Permits''). The Handbook provides detailed procedures and other 
operational information to implement the Service Manual chapters in 
part 724 (``Migratory Bird Permits'') and more generally in part 720 
(``Migratory Bird Management'').
    Currently approved ICs contained in the Handbook to be transferred 
to this collection include the following:
    1. Renewal procedures associated with the reauthorization of an 
existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);
    2. Reinstatement procedures associated with the reauthorization of 
an existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);
    3. Discontinuance procedures at the permittee's request to 
discontinue a valid permit;
    4. Solicitation of appropriate documentation from entities 
authorized to act on behalf of State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
government agencies to verify their exempt status for fee exemption 
purposes;
    5. Fee waiver request process as outlined in 50 CFR 
13.11(d)(3)(iii);
    6. Requests for reconsideration of a denial, partial denial, 
suspension, or revocation of a permit (requiring submission of a 
written request with the required information in 50 CFR 13.29(b) within 
45 days after the permit decision); and
    7. Appeals of reconsideration request decisions (requiring the 
permittee submit a written request to the Regional Director (see 50 CFR 
13.29(e)) within 45 days of the reconsideration decision).
    E. Recordkeeping Requirements--Permittees must keep accurate 
records of the activities conducted under their permit, including 
information regarding the migratory bird specimens in their possession. 
Specific recordkeeping requirements include:
    1. Sec.  21.63--Names and addresses of persons from and to whom 
migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs were received or 
delivered, the number and species of such, and the dates of receipt and 
delivery.
    2. Sec.  21.67--Evidence the bird or birds were lawfully taken and 
exported from the country of origin. This evidence must include a 
hunting license and any export documentation required by the country of 
origin and must be kept with the imported bird or birds permanently. 
All migratory birds imported into, or exported from, the U.S. and any 
associated documentation may be inspected by the Service.
    F. Required Notifications--
    1. Sec.  21.67--If the raptor dies or is lost, the permittee is not 
required to bring it back, but they must report the loss immediately 
upon their return to the United States in the manner required by the 
falconry regulations of the State or Tribe, and according to any 
conditions on their Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES) certificate.
    G. Banding Requirements--
    1. Sec.  21.63--Taxidermists are not authorized to possess any 
migratory game birds taken by another by hunting unless they are tagged 
as required by 50 CFR 20.36. The required tags may be removed during 
the taxidermy operations but must be retained by the taxidermist with 
the other records required to be kept and must be reattached to the 
mounted specimen after mounting. The tag must then remain attached 
until the mounted specimen is delivered to the owner.
    2. Sec.  21.67--Raptors covered under a CITES certificate of 
ownership issued under 50 CFR part 23 must be identifiable with a 
seamless band or a permanent, nonreusable, numbered leg band issued by 
the Service. We may exempt a raptor from banding because of health 
concerns, but the permittees must provide proof of the exemption from 
their falconry permitting authority.
    H. Amendments--A permittee may request to amend a permit by the 
permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a 
written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit 
authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an 
increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in 
ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the 
permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the 
changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur 
a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a 
change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing 
address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing 
office within 10 calendar days of such change. This provision does not 
authorize any change in location of the conduct of the permitted 
activity when approval of the location is a qualifying condition of the 
permit.
    Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 50 CFR parts 10, 
13, 21.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-NEW1.
    Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-6, 3-200-8, and 3-202-3.
    Type of Review: New.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/
local/Tribal governments.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 4,428.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 4,428.
    Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 
5.3 hours, depending on activity.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 12,427.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or 
on occasion for reports.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: $330,265 (primarily 
associated with application processing and administrative fees).
    4. OMB Cont. No. 1018-NEW2, Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 
CFR 10, 13, 21--With this submission, we will request OMB approval of 
the following ICs in this new collection (identified as 1018-NEW2):
    A. Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition Report--
Activities conducted under these regulations require submission of 
forms to the Service. The Service uses Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird 
Acquisition and Disposition, to ensure the applicant remains in 
compliance with the terms of their authorization or permit. We require 
States to maintain databases of falconers authorized to conduct 
falconry in their States and require falconers to report transfers of 
falconry birds using Form 3-186a. We require each State that maintains 
its own database to ensure that it is compatible with the Service's 
database. The Service's database continues to track take of birds from 
the wild by falconers and to maintain records of persons permitted by 
the States to practice falconry.

[[Page 52328]]

    We continually review the application and report forms in this 
collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested 
and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on 
questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to 
ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will 
accommodate future electronic permitting.
    B. Reporting Requirements--State agencies must require falconers to 
submit any required Form 3-186a within 10 days to the agency and the 
Service using the Service's electronic database, unless the agency 
requested and received from the Service an exception to this 
requirement. Agencies are responsible for assisting falconers in 
obtaining and maintaining access to the reporting system. The following 
actions must be reported:
    1. All acquisitions, including but not limited to transfer from 
another falconer, transfer from a federal permit held by the falconer 
or someone else, purchase of a captive-bred bird, capture of a wild 
bird, recapture of an escaped bird, or any other means in which a bird 
obtained for falconry purposes.
    2. All disposals, including but not limited to transfer to another 
falconer, transfer to a federal permit held by the falconer or someone 
else, sale of a captive-bred bird, release of a bird to the wild, birds 
that are lost, stolen, or die, or any other means in which a bird is no 
longer held under the falconry license.
    3. Changes in marking of a bird, including removal of a band, 
rebanding, microchipping, or other banding or marking activities.
    4. Birds injured or killed during capture.
    If a raptor is captured that has any other band, research marker, 
or transmitter attached to it, the band number and all other relevant 
information must be reported to the Federal Bird Banding Laboratory.
    Falconers must report non-target take to the appropriate Service 
office. Species on the List of Endangered and Threatened Species (50 
CFR 17.11) must be reported to the appropriate Ecological Services 
Field Office. Species on the List of Migratory Birds (50 CFR 10.13) 
must be reported to the appropriate Migratory Bird Permit Office.
    C. Recordkeeping Requirements--We require falconers to maintain 
basic records on falconry birds in their possession using the Federal 
3-186a database or via paper forms submitted to State wildlife 
officials. Falconers must maintain adequate records documenting the 
take, transfer, loss, re-banding, or microchipping of each falconry 
raptor until 5 years after they have transferred the lost bird or it 
has died. Data from newly acquired falconry birds should be provided 
within 10 days from the day on which the raptor was taken from the 
wild. This time requirement may vary per state requirements. Each State 
may do what they deem appropriate for recordkeeping, as long as those 
standards are within the sideboards established for Federal falconry 
regulations.
    D. Required Notifications--We require falconers to notify States 
within 30 days of any change in address or the location of the 
facilities where birds are held. If a falconer changes residence to a 
new State, Tribal area, or Federal Territory and take falconry birds 
with them, they must inform both the former State and the permitting 
authority of their address change within 30 days of the move (meaning 
post-move). These records assist State/Federal wildlife agencies in 
maintaining current information to contact the falconer in a timely 
manner and to evaluate compliance with State/Federal falconry rules and 
regulations. In addition, they serve to document a falconer's 
experience, which determines the falconer's eligibility for advancement 
though the different falconry permit classes (i.e., Apprentice, 
General, and/or Master).
    Falconers must also notify Service Law Enforcement at least 3 
business days prior to trapping golden eagles in a livestock or 
wildlife depredation area.
    E. Agency Program Review and Approval--To receive Federal approval 
for a falconry program, a State, Tribe, or Territory agency must apply 
to the Service and submit relevant documents, including proposed agency 
falconry regulations or laws, related falconry policy and forms, and a 
copy of the falconry test administered. The Service will review the 
materials provided to determine if they meet the standards established 
in the regulation. If so, the Service will notify the agency and 
publish a notice in the Federal Register to approve the falconry 
license. In accordance with 50 CFR 21.82(b)(5), the Service may suspend 
an approved falconry program at any time if we determine the program 
has deficiencies. An agency may request recertification by submitting a 
new certification request and including a description of how the 
deficiency has been corrected. At this time, 49 States have approved 
falconry programs.
    F. Banding Requirements--Wild birds of the following species must 
be banded with a Service-approved permanent, nonreusable, numbered 
band. The band number must be included on any Form 3-186a reports the 
falconer is required to submit. It is the falconer's responsibility to 
obtain the band(s) from their agency prior to capturing raptor(s). Some 
agencies may require other species of wild-caught birds to be banded. 
Band numbers must be reported along with the acquisition of the bird.
    1. American goshawk,
    2. Gyrfalcon,
    3. Peregrine falcon, and
    4. Harris's hawk.
    Captive-bred birds of any species must be banded with a Service-
approved seamless metal band. If a seamless band must be removed or it 
is lost, the falconer must within 10 days report it to the Service and 
request a replacement.
    Hybrid raptors of any species, when flown free, must have attached 
at least two functioning transmitters. If a hybrid raptor escapes, all 
reasonable efforts must be made to recapture the bird. The Service or 
agency reserves the right to lethally remove escaped hybrid raptors 
that cannot be recaptured.
    Raptors may be implanted with ISO-compliant microchips. Microchips 
are in addition to, not in lieu of, other banding and marking 
requirements.
    With this submission, we propose to transfer Form 3-186a, Quarterly 
Report--Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition currently approved 
in OMB Control Number 1018-0022, to this new collection (1018-NEW2). In 
addition, we propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-186a.
    Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-NEW2.
    Form Numbers: 3-186a.
    Type of Review: New.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/
local/Tribal governments.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 9,443.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 23,123.
    Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 
240 hours, depending on activity.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 167,665.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or 
on occasion for reports.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: None.
    5. Additional Revisions Proposed with This Submission:

[[Page 52329]]

    A. Discontinuation of Reporting Forms to Reduce Burden--
    1. Upon OMB approval of the revised forms above, we propose to 
discontinue the below listed forms. The purposes of the discontinued 
forms will be covered by the newly simplified form number identified on 
each line.

a. Form 3-202-5, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Possession of Live 
and/or Dead and Salvage of Migratory Birds for Educational Purposes 
(replaced with updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)
b. Form 3-202-6, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Game Bird Propagation 
(replaced with updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)
c. Form 3-202-7, Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Miscellaneous 
(replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, Form 3-202-2, or Form 3-202-3 
depending on activity)
d. Form 3-202-8, Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation (replaced with 
updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)
e. Form 3-202-9, Migratory Bird Depredation (replaced with updated Form 
3-202-1, Migratory Bird Wild Take)
f. Form 3-202-10, Special Canada Goose (replaced with updated Form 3-
202-1, Migratory Bird Wild Take)

    B. (NEW) Online Reporting System--We propose to automate all annual 
reports included in this collection to simplify reporting and to reduce 
burden.
    C. (DISCONTINUE) Migratory Bird Special Purpose--Salvage Permit 
Form 3-200-10A--We propose to discontinue this form as it is no longer 
needed. These permits have been converted to regulatory authorizations 
under 50 CFR 21.16 and no longer require a permit.
    Copies of currently approved versions of forms can be located at 
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. The public may request copies 
of the draft forms with proposed changes by submitting a request 
identifying the specific form(s) requested to the Service Information 
Collection Clearance Officer using one of the methods identified in 
ADDRESSES.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-16534 Filed 8-12-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P