Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, 51406-51420 [06-7211]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 29, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51406-51420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7211]



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Part V





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



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

Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 167 / Tuesday, August 29, 2006 / 
Rules and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AU42


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks from which 
the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season 
dates, limits, and other options for the 2006-07 migratory bird hunting 
seasons. Early seasons are those that generally open prior to October 
1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin 
Islands. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection 
of hunting in seasons by the States and Territories to further the 
annual establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting 
regulations.

DATES: This rule takes effect on August 29, 2006.

ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections 
to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 
C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may inspect comments during 
normal business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. 
Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Millsap, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel, 
Division of Migratory bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
(703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2006

    On April 11, 2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 
18562) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a 
background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations 
process, and dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, proposed 
regulatory alternatives for the 2006-07 duck hunting season, and other 
regulations for hunting migratory game birds under Sec. Sec.  20.101 
through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 
2006-07 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal 
Register notifications were also identified in the April 11 proposed 
rule. On May 30, 2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 
30786) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- 
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations and the regulatory 
alternatives for the 2006-07 duck hunting season. The May 30 supplement 
also provided detailed information on the 2006-07 regulatory schedule 
and announced the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) 
and Flyway Council meetings.
    On June 21 and 22, 2006, we held open meetings with the Flyway 
Council Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on 
the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and 
developed recommendations for the 2006-07 regulations for these species 
plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and 
the Virgin Islands, special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States, special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway, and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2006-07 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On July 28, 2006, we published in the Federal 
Register (71 FR 43008) a third document specifically dealing with the 
proposed frameworks for early-season regulations, and on August 24, 
2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 50224) a fourth 
document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for late-
season regulations.
    This document is the fifth in a series of proposed, supplemental, 
and final rulemaking documents. It establishes final frameworks from 
which States may select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and 
possession limits for the 2006-07 season. These selections will be 
published in the Federal Register as amendments to Sec. Sec.  20.101 
through 20.107, and Sec.  20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20.

Review of Public Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 11 
Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game 
bird hunting regulations. We have considered all pertinent comments 
received. Comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used 
in the April 11 Federal Register. We have included only the numbered 
items pertaining to early-season issues for which we received comments. 
Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive numerical or 
alphabetical order. We received recommendations from all Flyway 
Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's 
frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the Councils' annual 
review of the frameworks, we assume Council support for continuation of 
last year's frameworks for items for which we received no 
recommendation. Council recommendations for changes are summarized 
below.

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Regulatory 
Alternatives, including specification of framework dates, season 
length, and bag limits, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special 
Seasons/Species Management. The categories correspond to previously 
published issues/discussions, and only those containing substantial 
recommendations are discussed below.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
vii. Youth Hunt
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing the take of tundra swans during the special youth waterfowl 
hunt day(s) to those individuals holding a valid permit/tag.
    Service Response: Tundra swans may be taken by individuals holding 
a valid permit/tag at any time during the open season without any 
additional provisions. For youth-hunt days outside the tundra swan 
season, we will defer a decision on the recommendation until the 
management plan for the Eastern Population (EP) of tundra swans has 
been reviewed and input from the other Flyways has been considered. An 
update of the management plan is scheduled to begin this year.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council made several 
recommendations dealing with early Canada goose seasons. First, the 
Council recommended that the Service allow the use of special 
regulations (electronic calls, unplugged guns, extended hunting hours) 
later than September 15 during existing September Canada goose hunting 
seasons in Atlantic Flyway States. Use of these special regulations 
would be limited to the geographic areas of States that were open to 
hunting and under existing September season ending dates as approved by 
the Service for the 2006 regulation cycle. This regulation would take 
effect as soon as the final rule on resident Canada goose management is 
effective. Second, the

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Council recommended increasing the Atlantic Flyway's September Canada 
goose hunting season daily bag limit to 15 geese, with a possession 
limit of 30 geese, beginning with the 2006-07 hunting season. Lastly, 
the Council recommended allowing Maryland to modify the boundary of 
their Early Resident Canada Goose Western Zone.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that evaluation requirements 
for September Canada goose hunting seasons from September 16 to 
September 30 be waived for all east-tier Central Flyway States south of 
North Dakota. The Council also recommended that the Oklahoma 
experimental September Canada goose season be allowed to continue until 
sufficient goose tail fan samples are obtained for the September 16-30 
time period to meet Service evaluation requirements and that Kansas be 
allowed to implement a 3-year (2006--08) experimental Canada goose 
season during the September 16-30 period.
    Service Response: First, we support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
desire to increase opportunities to harvest resident Canada geese. 
Although there are social considerations for increasing the daily bag 
and possession limits to 15 and 30, respectively, we would like States 
to have as much flexibility as possible to reduce resident goose 
populations where appropriate, and we concur with the recommended 
increased limits. We also concur with the Council's request to modify 
Maryland's boundary of their Early Resident Canada Goose Western Zone, 
although we understand it will not be implemented this year. We do not, 
however, concur with the Council's recommendation for the use of 
special regulations in September to harvest resident Canada geese. 
Pending the completion, publication, and implementation of a final rule 
for resident Canada goose management, we will defer a decision about 
extending the use of these special (liberalized) regulations beyond 
September 15 until after the completion of that rulemaking process.
    Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to waive 
evaluation requirements for east-tier States south of North Dakota, we 
concur, given the preponderance of evidence that there are relatively 
few, if any, migrant Canada geese present in these States at this time 
of the year. Given our approval of the Council's request to waive 
evaluation requirements for the east-tier States south of North Dakota, 
the Council's recommendations regarding Oklahoma and Kansas are no 
longer necessary.
B. Regular Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations 
Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 
framework opening date for all species of geese for the regular goose 
seasons in the Flyway be September 16 in 2006 and future years. If this 
recommendation is not approved, the Committees recommended that the 
framework opening date for all species of geese for the regular goose 
seasons in Michigan and Wisconsin be September 16, 2006.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that Canada goose 
regulations be moved to the early-season regulations schedule in the 
east-tier States of the Central Flyway. Further, the Council 
recommended a season framework of 107 days with a daily bag limit of 3 
Canada geese (or any other goose species except light geese and white-
fronted geese) in all east-tier States, except in the Big Stone Power 
Plant area of South Dakota where the daily bag limit would be 3 until 
November 30 and 2 thereafter. Framework dates would be September 16 to 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 18, 2007). States could split 
the season twice, and the possession limit would be twice the daily bag 
limit.
    Service Response: As we stated last year (Federal Register (70 FR 
51522)), we concur with the objective to increase harvest pressure on 
resident Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway, but do not concur with 
a September 16 framework opening date throughout the Flyway. A 
September 16 opening date Flyway-wide would require that the regular 
season be established during the early-season regulations process, 
which presents a number of administrative problems. Regarding the 
recommendations for a September 16 framework opening date in Wisconsin 
and Michigan, we concur. However, the opening dates in both States will 
continue to be considered exceptions to the general Flyway opening 
date, to be reconsidered annually.
    Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendation that Canada 
goose regulations be moved to the early-season regulations schedule in 
the east-tier States of the Central Flyway, our approval to waive 
evaluation requirements for special Canada goose seasons between 
September 16'30 in east-tier States south of North Dakota (see 4.A. 
Special Seasons) resulted in the Council withdrawing this 
recommendation from the early-season regulatory process.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils 
recommended using the 2006 Rocky Mountain Population sandhill crane 
harvest allocation of 1,321 birds as proposed in the allocation formula 
using the 2003-2005 3-year running average.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended initiating a limited hunt 
for Lower Colorado River sandhill cranes in Arizona, with the goal of 
the hunt being a limited harvest of 10 cranes in January. To limit 
harvest, Arizona would issue permit tags to hunters and require 
mandatory check of all harvested cranes. To limit disturbance of 
wintering cranes, Arizona would restrict the hunt to one 3-day period. 
Arizona would also coordinate with the National Wildlife Refuges where 
cranes occur.
    Service Response: We are in general support of allowing a very 
limited, carefully controlled harvest of sandhill cranes from this 
population, and we note that the management plan allows for such 
harvest. However, we do not believe that this limited harvest is of 
immediate concern, and recommend that prior to instituting such a 
season, which would be the first time harvest has been permitted for 
this population, a more detailed harvest strategy be developed by the 
Flyway Council. The harvest strategy should address: (1) How the number 
of permits will be determined each year to ensure a sustainable 
harvest, (2) the allocation of these permits between the States and 
other political entities that may be interested in sharing this harvest 
(i.e., Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, and the Colorado River 
Indian Tribe), and (3) appropriate population levels for season closure 
and reinstatement. This approach is consistent with harvest strategies 
already in place for other harvested populations of sandhill cranes. We 
believe that this harvest strategy should be developed and included as 
an appendix to the management plan prior to any hunting season being 
instituted.

11. Moorhens and Gallinules

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
changing the framework closing date for moorhens and gallinules from 
January 20 to January 31 to help standardize the framework ending dates 
for those webless species that are found in the same areas as 
waterfowl.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendation to align the 
framework closing date with the latest framework

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closing date for duck seasons, which is the last Sunday in January.

12. Rails

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
changing the framework closing date for rails from January 20 to 
January 31 to help standardize the framework ending dates for those 
webless species that are found in the same areas as waterfowl.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendation to align the 
framework closing date with the latest framework closing date for duck 
seasons, which is the last Sunday in January.

16. Mourning Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils supported the Service's recommended guidelines for dove zones 
and split seasons in the Eastern Management Unit. The recommended 
guidelines consisted of the following:
    1. A zone is a geographic area or portion of a State, with a 
contiguous boundary, for which independent dates may be selected for 
the dove season.
    2. States in management units approved for zoning may select a 
zone/split option during an open season. It must remain in place for a 
5-year period.
    3. Zoning periods for dove hunting will conform to those years used 
for ducks, e.g., 2006-2010.
    4. The zone/split configuration consists of two zones with the 
option for 3-way (3-segment) split seasons in one or both zones. As a 
grandfathered arrangement, Texas will have three zones with the option 
for 2-way (2 segments) split seasons in one, two, or all three zones.
    5. States that do not wish to zone for dove hunting may split their 
seasons into no more than three segments.
    The Central Flyway Council endorsed the guidelines with the 
exception that they recommended allowing a State to revert back to the 
2005 zone and split configuration in any year.
    The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils also recommended 
allowing States in the Eastern Management Unit (EMU) to adopt hunting 
seasons and daily bag limits that include an aggregate daily bag limit 
composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in 
combination. The Councils further recommended that States be allowed to 
begin mourning dove seasons as early as September 1, regardless of 
zones.
    Service Response: Regarding the zone/split guidelines for dove 
seasons, we concur with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to 
modify the proposed guidelines by allowing a State to make a one-time 
change and revert back to the previous zone/split configuration.
    Regarding the recommendation for an opening date of September 1 
management-unit-wide, we concur with the recommendation from the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to make September 1 the 
framework opening date for dove hunting in all zones in the Eastern 
Management Unit. While we note that the Eastern Management Unit Dove 
Technical Committee reviewed current information and determined that 
there was no biological basis for the September 20 initiation date 
based on latitudinal lines, our concurrence is provisional with respect 
to Florida. Information from nesting studies in Texas suggest that a 
delayed framework opening date in the southern portion of that State 
may be warranted. Due to its similar latitude, we request that Florida 
provide any information it may have that would help determine an 
appropriate opening date for dove seasons in that State.

17. White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils recommended allowing States in the Eastern Management Unit 
(EMU) to adopt hunting seasons and daily bag limits that include an 
aggregate daily bag limit composed of mourning doves and white-winged 
doves, singly or in combination.
    Service Response: We concur. White-winged doves appear similar to 
mourning doves in the field and may occur in mixed feeding flocks. 
Further, data indicates that whitewing populations are increasing and 
becoming more widespread in some portions of the EMU. The expected 
incidental harvest is not expected to adversely impact these expanding 
whitewing populations.

18. Alaska

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
maintaining status quo in the Alaska early-season frameworks, except 
for the following changes: (1) An increase in the daily bag limit for 
white geese from 3 to 4, consistent with other Pacific Flyway States; 
and (2) that the brant season length be restored to 107 days.
    Service Response: We support the Council's recommendation for 
Alaska's migratory bird seasons. The recommended increase in the daily 
bag limit for white geese is consistent with that for the other Pacific 
Flyway States. While the recommended 107-day brant season is consistent 
with the Pacific brant management plan, we have some concern with 
provisions in the management plan for changes between the harvest 
levels. We request that the Flyway Council review these provisions in 
order to reduce the potential frequency of annual changes.

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 
18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental 
assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations 
on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the 
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. In a notice published in 
the September 8, 2005, Federal Register (70 FR 53376), we announced our 
intent to develop a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for 
the migratory bird hunting program. Public scoping meetings were held 
in the spring of 2006, and we announced in a March 9, 2006, Federal 
Register notice (71 FR 12216).

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review 
other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in 
furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any 
action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of [critical] habitat. * * *'' Consequently, we conducted formal 
consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations 
would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are 
included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations 
are not likely to adversely affect any endangered or threatened 
species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification

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of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final 
frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions 
resulting from this Section 7 consultation are public documents 
available for public inspection at the address indicated under 
ADDRESSES.

Executive Order 12866

    The migratory bird hunting regulations are economically significant 
and were reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
Executive Order 12866. As such, a cost/benefit analysis was initially 
prepared in 1981. This analysis was subsequently revised annually from 
1990-96, updated in 1998, and updated again in 2004. It is further 
discussed under the heading Regulatory Flexibility Act. Results from 
the 2004 analysis indicate that the expected welfare benefit of the 
annual migratory bird hunting frameworks is on the order of $734 to 
$1,064 million, with a mid-point estimate of $899 million. Copies of 
the cost/benefit analysis are available upon request from the address 
indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at 
www.migratorybirds.gov.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial 
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual 
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 
1981 cost-benefit analysis discussed under Executive Order 12866. This 
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued 
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently 
updated in 1996, 1998, and 2004. The primary source of information 
about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the 
National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year 
intervals. The 2004 Analysis was based on the 2001 National Hunting and 
Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business 
Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would 
spend between $481 million and $1.2 billion at small businesses in 
2004. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the 
address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at https://
www.migratorybirds.gov.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, 
this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. 
However, because it establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan to 
defer the effective date required by 5 U.S.C. 801 under the exemption 
contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed 
under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are 
utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the surveys associated with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information 
Program and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 2/29/2008). 
This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary 
national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory 
game birds in order to better manage these populations. OMB has also 
approved the information collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane 
Harvest Survey and assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 11/30/
2007). The information from this survey is used to estimate the 
magnitude and the geographical and temporal distribution of the 
harvest, and the portion it constitutes of the total population.
    A Federal 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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

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

Takings Implication Assessment

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

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on 
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and 
use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not 
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. 
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no 
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribes

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the 
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Thus, in accordance with the President's 
memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with 
Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 
13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally 
recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects 
on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 11 proposed rule we 
solicited proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for 
certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust 
lands, and ceded lands for the 2006-07 migratory bird hunting season. 
The resulting proposals will be contained in a separate proposed rule. 
By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with all the Tribes 
affected by this rule.

Federalism Effects

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the 
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from 
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory 
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on 
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the 
ability of the States and tribes to determine which

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seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or tribe may be more 
restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are 
developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway 
Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development 
of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an 
influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a 
substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or 
responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State 
policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and 
do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that 
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, 
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established 
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. 
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time 
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the 
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States 
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to 
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the 
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We 
therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these frameworks 
will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication. Therefore, 
under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final frameworks setting 
forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and possession limits, 
the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest opening and latest 
closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which State conservation 
agency officials will select hunting season dates and other options. 
Upon receipt of season selections from these officials, we will publish 
a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect seasons, limits, 
and shooting hours for the conterminous United States for the 2006-07 
season.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2006-07 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 11, 2006.
David M. Verhey,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 2006-07 Early Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following 
frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours, 
and outside dates within which States may select hunting seasons for 
certain migratory game birds between September 1, 2006, and March 10, 
2007.

General

    Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
    Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise 
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
    Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits 
are twice the daily bag limit.

Flyways and Management Units

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

Management Units

Mourning Dove Management Units
    Eastern Management Unit--All States east of the Mississippi River, 
and Louisiana.
    Central Management Unit--Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
    Western Management Unit--Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Woodcock Management Regions
    Eastern Management Region--Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, 
Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
    Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of 
this document.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday 
hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to 
all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots).

Special September Teal Season

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season 
on all species of teal may be selected by the following States in areas 
delineated by State regulations:
    Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
    Mississippi Flyway--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
    Central Flyway--Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska (part), New 
Mexico (part), Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive 
days in the Atlantic Flyway and 16 consecutive days in the Mississippi 
and Central Flyways. The daily bag limit is 4 teal.

[[Page 51411]]

Shooting Hours
    Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset except in 
Maryland, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.
    Mississippi and Central Flyways--One-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, 
and Ohio, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September 
teal season, a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks that are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 23). The daily bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the 
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

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

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

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

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland and Delaware. Seasons not to 
exceed 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected for Connecticut, 
the Northeast Hunt Unit of North Carolina, New Jersey, and Rhode 
Island. Except for experimental seasons described below, seasons may 
not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder of the 
Flyway. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
    Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 25 days during September 
1-25 may be selected for the Montezuma Region of New York and the Lake 
Champlain Region of New York and Vermont. Experimental seasons of up to 
30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by Florida, Georgia, New 
York (Long Island Zone), North Carolina (except in the Northeast Hunt 
Unit), and South Carolina. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese 
must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's 
hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season 
may not extend beyond September 10, and in Minnesota (except in the 
Northwest Goose Zone), where a season of up to 22 days during September 
1-22 may be selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada 
geese. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    A Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days during September 
1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola 
Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 
Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point Wildlife 
Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 
Canada geese.

Central Flyway

General Seasons
    In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, Canada 
goose seasons of up to 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected. 
In Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, Canada 
goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be selected. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the 
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated 
as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons
    California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the 
period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.
    Colorado may select a 9-day season during the period of September 
1-15. The daily bag limit is 3.
    Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days 
during the

[[Page 51412]]

period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW goose management zone in 
Oregon, a 15-day season may be selected during the period September 1-
20. Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    Idaho may select a 7-day season during the period September 1-15. 
The daily bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 4.
    Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
5 Canada geese.
    Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between 
September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:
    1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the 
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
    2. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of 4, 
will apply to the special season.
    Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be 
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting 
regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

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

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas 
(Area 2). Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in 
designated portions of the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, 
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93 
consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of the 
following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, except 2 sandhill cranes in 
designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2).
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit and/or, 
in those States where a Federal sandhill crane permit is not issued, a 
State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for 
game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.
Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways
    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the 
Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:
    1. In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition 
of the harvest in the experimental season is waived, and 100 percent of 
the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;
    2. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest 
must be conducted at 3 year intervals;
    3. In Idaho, seasons are experimental, and the requirement for 
monitoring the racial composition of the harvest is waived; 100 percent 
of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota; and
    4. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is 
experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial 
composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will 
be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January 
(January 28) in the Atlantic, Mississippi and Central Flyways. States 
in the Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons 
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are 
late-season frameworks, and no frameworks are provided in this 
document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
    Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck 
hunting.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and the last Sunday in January (January 28) on clapper, 
king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be 
split into 2 segments.
    Daily Bag Limits: Clapper and King Rails--In Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and 
Virginia, 15, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
    Sora and Virginia Rails--In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New 
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of 
the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

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

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select 
hunting seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central 
Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday 
nearest September 22 (September 23) and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30 
days in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the Central Region. The daily 
bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 24 days.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)
    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive

[[Page 51413]]

days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 3.
Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as 
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag 
limits as follows:
Eastern Management Unit
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, 
or not more than 60 days with a bag limit of 15 mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season 
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting 
zones.
Central Management Unit
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, 
or not more than 60 days with a bag limit of 15 mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.
Zoning and Split Seasons
    States may select hunting seasons in each of two zones. The season 
within each zone may be split into not more than three periods.
    Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three zones subject to 
the following conditions:
    A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods, 
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove 
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held 
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove 
frameworks).
    B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between 
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20 
and January 25.
    C. Daily bag limits are aggregate bag limits with mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (see white-winged dove frameworks for 
specific daily bag limit restrictions).
    D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.
Western Management Unit
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
    Idaho, Oregon, and Washington--Not more than 30 consecutive days 
with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning doves.
    Utah--Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag limit that 
may not exceed 10 mourning doves and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    Nevada--Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag limit of 
10 mourning doves, except in Clark and Nye Counties, where the daily 
bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    Arizona and California--Not more than 60 days, which may be split 
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In 
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is 
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more 
than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season, 
the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. In California, the daily bag 
limit is 10 mourning doves, except in Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 
mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.

White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Except as shown below, 
seasons must be concurrent with mourning dove seasons.
    Eastern Management Unit: The daily bag limit may not exceed 12 (15 
under the alternative) mourning and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    Central Management Unit: In Texas, the daily bag limit may not 
exceed 12 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the 
alternative) in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-
tipped doves. In addition, Texas also may select a hunting season of 
not more than 4 days for the special white-winged dove area of the 
South Zone between September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit 
may not exceed 12 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 4 may be mourning doves and 2 may be 
white-tipped doves.
    In the remainder of the Central Management Unit, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 12 (15 under the alternative) mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.
    Western Management Unit: Arizona may select a hunting season of not 
more than 30 consecutive days, running concurrently with the first 
segment of the mourning dove season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more 
than 6 may be white-winged doves.
    In Utah, the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the 
California Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the 
daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in 
the aggregate.
    In the remainder of the Western Management Unit, the season is 
closed.

Alaska

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
    Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for 
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of 5 zones. The 
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in 
each zone must be concurrent.
    Closures: The hunting season is closed on emperor geese, spectacled 
eiders, and Steller's eiders.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

    Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a 
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the 
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they are 8 and 
24. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily and 3 
in possession and may not include sea ducks.
    In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck 
limits of 10 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate, 
including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks. 
Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, 
long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers.
    Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 
8.
    Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 
8.
    Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
    1. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from

[[Page 51414]]

September 28 through December 16. A special, permit-only Canada goose 
season may be offered on Middleton Island. No more than 10 permits can 
be issued. A mandatory goose identification class is required. Hunters 
must check in and check out. The bag limit is 1 daily and 1 in 
possession. The season will close if incidental harvest includes 5 
dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada 
goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length 
between 40 and 50 millimeters.
    2. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the 
limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.
    3. In Units 9(E) and 18, the limit for dark geese is 4 daily, 
including no more than 2 Canada geese.
    4. In Unit 9, season length for brant is 107 days.
    Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes--Bag and possession limits of 2 and 4, 
respectively, in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones, 
and Unit 17 in the Northern Zone. In the remainder of the Northern Zone 
(outside Unit 17), bag and possession limits of 3 and 6, respectively.
    Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. All seasons are by registration permit only.
    2. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.
    3. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, no more than 200 permits may 
be issued during this operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans 
may be authorized per permit with no more than 1 permit issued per 
hunter per season.
    4. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 18, no more than 500 permits may 
be issued during the operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be 
authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    5. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3 
tundra swan per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    6. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season.

Hawaii

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.
    Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons

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

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe

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

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons

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

Ducks

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

Special Falconry Regulations

    Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any 
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29(k). These 
States may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in 
accordance with the following:
    Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined 
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or 
experimental seasons must not exceed 107 days for any species or group 
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided 
into a maximum of 3 segments.
    Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March 
10.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession 
limits for all permitted migratory game birds must not exceed 3 and 6 
birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended 
falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular 
hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an 
extended falconry season.
    Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and 
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR 
21.29(k). Regular-season bag and possession limits do not apply to 
falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Mourning and White-winged Doves

Alabama
    South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, 
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.

[[Page 51415]]

    North Zone--Remainder of the State.
California
    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
    Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).
    South Zone--Remainder of State.
Louisiana
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway 
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from 
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the 
Mississippi State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Mississippi
    North Zone--That portion of the State north and west of a line 
extending west from the Alabama State line along U.S. Highway 84 to its 
junction with State Highway 35, then south along State Highway 35 to 
the Louisiana State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of Mississippi.
Nevada
    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Clark and Nye Counties.
Texas
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to State Loop 16