Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, 49622-49637 [E7-17028]

Download as PDF 49622 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 RIN 1018–AV12 Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: 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 2007–08 migratory bird hunting seasons. Early seasons are those that generally open prior to October 1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection of hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations. DATES: This rule takes effect on August 28, 2007. ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ms MBSP–4107–ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may inspect comments during normal business hours at the Service’s office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Blohm, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358–1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Regulations Schedule for 2006 On April 11, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 18328) 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 2007–08 duck hunting season, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2007–08 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the April 11 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings. As an aid to the reader, we reiterate those headings here: 1. Ducks A. General Harvest Strategy B. Regulatory Alternatives C. Zones and Split Seasons D. Special Seasons/Species Management i. September Teal Seasons ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons iii. Black ducks iv. Canvasbacks v. Pintails vi. Scaup vii. Mottled ducks viii. Youth Hunt 2. Sea Ducks 3. Mergansers 4. Canada Geese A. Special Seasons B. Regular Seasons C. Special Late Seasons 5. White-fronted Geese 6. Brant 7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese 8. Swans 9. Cranes 10. Coots 11. Moorhens and Gallinules 12. Rails 13. Snipe 14. Woodcock 15. Band-tailed Pigeons 16. Mourning Doves 17. White-winged and White-tipped Doves 18. Alaska 19. Hawaii 20. Puerto Rico 21. Virgin Islands 22. Falconry 23. Other Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we will omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items will be discontinuous and appear incomplete. On June 8, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 31789) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations and the regulatory alternatives for the 2007– 08 duck hunting season. The June 8 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2007–08 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings. On June 20 and 21, 2007, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on the current PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed recommendations for the 2007–08 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 2007–08 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 23, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 40194) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. We will publish the proposed frameworks for late-season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that start after October 1 and most waterfowl seasons not already established) in a late August Federal Register. This document is the fourth 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 2007–08 season. These selections will be published in the Federal Register as amendments to §§ 20.101 through 20.107, and § 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. General Written Comments: An individual commenter protested the entire E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and the Flyway Council process. Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each population’s ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information received as public comment. While there are problems inherent with any type of representative management of public-trust resources, we believe that the Flyway-Council system of migratory bird management has been a longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative management since its establishment in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to streamline and improve the process. 1. Ducks Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy; (B) Regulatory Alternatives, including specification of framework dates, season lengths, and bag limits; (C) Zones and Split Seasons; and (D) Special Seasons/ Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published issues/discussions, and only those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below. D. Special Seasons/Species Management i. September Teal Seasons Utilizing the criteria developed for the teal season harvest strategy, this year’s estimate of 6.7 million blue-winged teal from the Traditional Survey Area indicates that a 16-day September teal season is appropriate for the Central and Mississippi Flyways and a 9-day September season for the Atlantic Flyway. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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 allowing the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 experimental seasons in portions of Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont to become operational in 2007. Lastly, 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 2007 regulation cycle. The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the closing dates for Canada goose hunting during the September goose season in the Northwest Goose Zone of Minnesota be extended through September 22 to coincide with the remainder of the State with a waiver of the experimental season requirements of collecting Canada goose parts. Written Comments: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota) provided an evaluation plan for the extension of the framework closing date in the Northwest Goose Zone. Service Response: We support the Atlantic Flyway Council’s request to make the experimental seasons in portions of Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont operational in 2007. Data and analysis submitted by the Council shows a minimal impact of these seasons on migrant stocks of Canada geese and demonstrates that they meet the criteria for establishment of special early Canada goose hunting seasons. We also support the Atlantic Flyway Council’s desire to increase opportunities to harvest resident Canada geese during special early Canada goose hunting seasons. In many areas of the Flyway, resident Canada geese remain overabundant. Recent spring population surveys continue to estimate that approximately 1 million geese reside in the States of the Atlantic Flyway—a number far in excess of the Flyway’s established goal of 650,000 resident geese. Allowing the use of these special expanded hunting methods would be consistent with our August 10, 2006, final rule on resident Canada goose management (71 FR 45964) and November 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement on resident Canada goose management, would have a minimal impact on migrant Canada goose populations, would contribute to PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49623 maximizing the harvest of resident Canada geese in the Flyway, would allow greater flexibility to affected States, would be consistent with the Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada Goose Management Plan, and would provide a simplified, consistent set of regulations throughout the September goose seasons. In the July 23 proposed rule, we stated that we did not support the Mississippi Flyway Council’s request to extend the framework closing date for the September goose season in Minnesota’s Northwest Goose Zone to September 22. Our lack of support was based solely on their request to wave the experimental season evaluation requirements (60 FR 45022, August 29, 1995). Special September Canada goose seasons were implemented for the purpose of controlling local breeding populations or nuisance geese that nest primarily in the conterminous United States (60 FR 45021, August 29, 1995). Prior to 1995, in order to implement a special season, each State was required to conduct a 3-year evaluation to determine whether the take of nontarget Canada goose populations (migrants) exceeded 10 percent of the harvest. This evaluation requirement was removed in 1995 for special seasons held September 1–15, but remained in effect for all such seasons, or extensions of seasons, after September 15. In 1999, Minnesota received approval to initiate a 3-year experimental extension of the September goose season from September 15–22. Minnesota’s experiment did not include the Northwest Goose Zone, due to concerns (at that time) about the status and potential impacts to migrant Canada geese. While parts collection, harvest, and banding data obtained in the evaluation of Minnesota’s experiment indicated that migrant geese in areas adjacent to the Northwest Goose Zone comprised less than 5 percent of the harvest, we stated in the July 23 proposed rule that granting an extension of the framework closing date without conducting an experiment would be contrary to established criteria for such seasons and would likely invite requests for similar waivers. While we recognize that collection of sufficient parts and harvest data in the Northwest Zone is problematic, Minnesota has now provided us with an evaluation plan to collect parts during the experimental framework extension. As such, we are satisfied with the general approach of the evaluation plan and we approve the Council’s request. However, further refinements in the plan may be needed E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49624 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations pending first year data collection results. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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 Michigan and Wisconsin be September 16, 2007. Service Response: We concur. As we stated last year (71 FR 51406, August 29, 2006), we agree with the objective to increase harvest pressure on resident Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway and will continue to consider the opening dates in both States as exceptions to the general Flyway opening date, to be reconsidered annually. 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 being a limited harvest of 5 cranes in January. To limit harvest, Arizona would issue permits 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: Greater and lesser sandhill cranes are presently hunted in parts of their range and have been divided into management populations based on their geographic distribution during fall and winter. The current Flyway Management Plan for the Lower Colorado River Valley Population (LCRVP) of sandhill cranes allows for hunting of this population when the wintering population exceeds 2,500 cranes, a population level now exceeded. In 2005, the Pacific Flyway Council proposed a limited open season on this population. In response to proposal, we stated in the August 29, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 51406) that while we were in general support of allowing a very limited, carefully controlled harvest of sandhill cranes from this population, we did not believe that this limited harvest was of immediate concern, and recommended that prior to initiating such a season, a VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 more detailed harvest strategy be developed by the Flyway Council. We stated that this harvest strategy should be included as an appendix to the management plan prior to any hunting season being initiated. The Pacific Flyway has modified the management plan as recommended. We prepared a draft environmental assessment (DEA) considering the action to begin a limited harvest of sandhill cranes from the LCRVP by reviewing current management strategies and population objectives, and examining alternatives to current management programs. The preferred alternative in the DEA was to institute the limited season. We made this DEA available for public comment and received only two responses. We have addressed these comments and prepared a final environmental assessment (FEA). Based on our FEA, we will authorize a limited experimental season for this population of sandhill cranes as requested by the Pacific Flyway Council. All of the described requirements in the management plan and the FEA will apply to this 3-year experiment. Further, we will work with the participating Pacific Flyway States to meet the monitoring and assessment requirements described in the management plan for the evaluation of this experimental season. In addition, we encourage the participating States to work with us to improve our understanding and management of this important group of sandhill cranes. The FEA can be obtained by writing Robert Trost, Pacific Flyway Representative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232– 4181, or it may be viewed via the Service’s home page at https://fws.gov/ migratorybirds/reports/reports.html. 14. Woodcock Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended allowing compensatory days for woodcock hunting in States where Sunday hunting is prohibited by State law. Service Response: In 1995, the Atlantic Flyway Council asked us to reconsider our longstanding policy of denying compensatory days to those States that forego hunting opportunity due to State laws that prohibit Sunday hunting. We agreed to work with the Flyway Council to ‘‘frame’’ or better clarify this issue with regard to aspects such as Federal authority, number of States involved, migratory birds affected, harvest impacts, framework adjustments, etc. In 1997, the Council again requested that we grant PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 compensatory days for States in their Flyway that were closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by State law. The Council’s requested compensatory days applied to waterfowl seasons only and not to other migratory game birds (62 FR 44234, August 20, 1997). We granted this request and stipulated that all Sundays would be closed to all take of migratory waterfowl and that other migratory game species were not eligible for compensatory days. Furthermore, only States in the Atlantic Flyway that prohibited Sunday hunting statewide by State law prior to 1997 were eligible for compensatory days for waterfowl. We are sensitive to the Atlantic Flyway’s desire to provide additional woodcock hunting opportunity, and acknowledge the longstanding difficulties some States have in reversing statutes that prevent hunting on Sundays. However, granting a request for compensatory days for hunting American woodcock would be contrary to the agreement reached between the Service and the Flyway Council that limited granting of compensatory days to waterfowl hunting. We also note that the ability to hunt on Sundays may provide more opportunities for hunter recruitment than the allowance of compensatory days. Further, we do not view this as a good time to liberalize woodcock regulations. Although we cannot attribute a cause-and-effect relationship between 1997 woodcock harvest restrictions and improved woodcock population status, the stabilization of woodcock trends in both the Eastern and Central Region is encouraging. 16. Mourning Doves Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council and the Upperand Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that, based on criteria set forth in the current version of the Mourning Dove Harvest Management Strategy for the Eastern Management Unit (EMU), no changes in bag limit and season length components of the mourning dove harvest framework are warranted. They both further recommended that EMU States should be offered the choice of either a 12-bird daily bag limit and 70-day season or a 15-bird daily bag limit and 60-day season for the 2007–08 mourning dove hunting season, with a standardized 15-bird daily bag limit and 70-day season beginning with the 2008– 09 mourning dove hunting season. The standardized bag limit and season length will then be used as the ‘‘moderate’’ harvest option for revising E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations the Initial Mourning Dove Harvest Management Strategy. Service Response: We concur with the recommendation to maintain the current bag limit and season length options of 70 days with a 12-bird daily bag limit or 60 days with a 15-bird daily bag for the 2007–08 season. However, we recommend that the proposal to standardize this framework as a 70-day season length with a 15-bird daily bag limit, beginning with the 2008–09 season, be included in ongoing discussions on the interim harvest strategy for the Eastern Management Unit, rather than considered at this time. While it is our understanding that this framework represents the ‘‘moderate’’ harvest option for the Eastern Unit’s harvest strategy, we anticipate that these interim strategies, representing each of the three management units, will be introduced at the January 2008 SRC meeting, and formally proposed and finalized prior to the early-season SRC meeting next June. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 18. Alaska Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended maintaining status quo in the Alaska early-season framework, except for increasing the dark goose daily bag limit in selected units to provide more harvest opportunity for white-fronted geese. Service Response: We concur. Pacific white-fronted geese are nearly 70 percent above current management objectives at 509,000 birds. The Council’s proposed liberalization of white-fronted geese limits to as many as 6 per day within most of the range is consistent with liberalizations in Pacific Flyway coastal states. Further, the Council’s recommendation is crafted to avoid additional harvest in units where Tule white-fronts occur (Units 1–16), and retains the restrictions on cackling geese on the primary breeding and staging areas (Unit 9E and 18) because the population is below objective. 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). Annual NEPA considerations are covered under a separate Environmental Assessment (EA), ‘‘Duck VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Hunting Regulations for 2007–08,’’ and an August 2007, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Copies of the EA and FONSI are available upon request from the address indicated under 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, as detailed in a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). A scoping report summarizing the scoping comments and scoping meetings is available either at the address indicated under ADDRESSES or on our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds. 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 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 and updated in 1998 and 2004. It is further PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49625 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 midpoint estimate of $899 million. This year, due to limited data availability, we partially updated the 2004 analysis, but restricted our analysis to duck hunting. Results indicate that the total consumer surplus of the annual duck hunting frameworks is on the order of $222 to $360 million, with a mid-point estimate of $291 million. We plan to perform a full update of the analysis in 2008. Copies of the cost/benefit analysis and the updated analysis are available from the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/ SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-Final2004.pdf and https://www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds/reports/SpecialTopics/ EconomicAnalysis-2007Update.pdf. 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. This year, due to limited data availability, we partially updated the 2004 analysis, but restricted our analysis to duck hunting. Results indicate that the duck hunters would spend between $291 million and $473.5 million at small businesses in 2007. We plan to perform a full update of the analysis in 2008 when the full results from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey is available. Copies of the cost/benefit analysis and the updated analysis are available from the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/ E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49626 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-Final2004.pdf and https://www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds/reports/SpecialTopics/ EconomicAnalysis-2007Update.pdf. 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). rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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. 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. 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. 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, offreservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2007–08 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. Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order 12988 In promulgating this rule, we have determined that it will not unduly Federalism Effects Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks. 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 E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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 2007–08 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 2007–08 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703–712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j. Dated: August 13, 2007. Todd Willens, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. Final Regulations Frameworks for 2007–08 Early Hunting Seasons on Certain Migratory Game Birds 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 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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), 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 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, 2007, and March 10, 2008. VerDate Aug<31>2005 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. Eastern Management Region— Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Central Management Region— Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of this document. Definitions Dark geese: Canada geese, whitefronted geese, brant (except in Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese. Light geese: snow (including blue) geese and Ross’s geese. Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots). Special September Teal Season Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season on all species of teal may be selected by the PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49627 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. 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 22). 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 nonschool 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- E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49628 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Ducks (Atlantic Flyway) Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31. Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate, of the listed sea-duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits. Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described, delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the hunting regulations adopted by the respective States. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 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. Seasons not to exceed 30 days during September 1–30 may be selected for Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone), North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Seasons may not exceed 25 days during September 1–25 in the remainder of the Flyway. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State’s hunting regulations. Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese. 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. General Seasons Experimental Seasons. Canada goose seasons of up to 7 days during September 16–22 may be selected in the Northwest Goose Zone in Minnesota. 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. Central Flyway General Seasons In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, Canada goose seasons of up to 30 days during PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 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 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 lateseason 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 E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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. Special Seasons in the Pacific Flyway: Arizona may select a season for hunting VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 sandhill cranes within the range of the Lower Colorado River Population (LCR) of sandhill cranes, subject to the following conditions: Outside Dates: Between January 1 and January 31. Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 3 days. Bag Limits: Not to exceed 1 daily and 1 per season. Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the appropriate State, in their possession while hunting. Other provisions: The season is experimental. Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Pacific Flyway Council. Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January (January 27) 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 27) 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 2 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 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49629 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 22) 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 days, with a daily bag limit of 2 bandtailed 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 bandtailed 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 E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49630 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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 whitewinged 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 whitewinged 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. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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 whitewinged doves in the aggregate. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 whitewinged doves in the aggregate. Central Management Unit: In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-winged, and whitetipped 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. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 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 September 28 through December 16. 2. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada goose season may be offered. 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. 3. In Units 9, 10, 17 and 18, dark goose limits are 6 per day, 12 in possession; however, no more than 2 may be Canada geese in Units 9(E) and 18; and no more than 4 may be Canada geese in Units 9(A–C), 10 (Unimak Island portion), and 17. 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 E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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 swans 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 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 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 scalynaped pigeons. Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the white-crowned pigeon and the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 plain pigeon, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island, El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas. Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31. Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into two segments. Daily Bag Limits: Ducks—Not to exceed 6. Common moorhens—Not to exceed 6. Common snipe—Not to exceed 8. Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot, and Caribbean coot. Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island. Virgin Islands Doves and Pigeons Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15. Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves. Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail doves, or pigeons 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; scalynaped 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. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49631 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). Regularseason 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. 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 a line extending east from the Texas border along State Highway 12 to E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49632 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Area with additional restrictions— Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties. Central Zone—That portion of the State lying between the North and South Zones. U.S. Highway 190, east along U.S. 190 to Interstate Highway 12, east along Interstate 12 to Interstate Highway 10, then east along Interstate 10 to the Mississippi border. South Zone—The remainder of the State. Mississippi North Zone—That portion of the State north and west of a line extending west from the Alabama State line along U.S. Highway 84 to its junction with State Highway 35, then south along State Highway 35 to the Louisiana State line. South Zone—The remainder of Mississippi. Nevada White-winged Dove Open Areas— Clark and Nye Counties. Oklahoma North Zone—That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Texas border along U.S. Highway 62 to Interstate 44, east along Oklahoma State Highway 7 to U.S. Highway 81, then south along U.S. Highway 81 to the Texas border at the Red River. Southwest Zone—The remainder of Oklahoma. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Texas North Zone—That portion of the State north of a line beginning at the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I–10 at Fort Hancock; east along I–10 to I–20; northeast along I–20 to I–30 at Fort Worth; northeast along I– 30 to the Texas–Arkansas State line. South Zone—That portion of the State south and west of a line beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to State Loop 1604 west of San Antonio; then south, east, and north along Loop 1604 to Interstate Highway 10 east of San Antonio; then east on I–10 to Orange, Texas. Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone—That portion of the State south and west of a line beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to State Loop 1604 west of San Antonio, southeast on State Loop 1604 to Interstate Highway 35, southwest on Interstate Highway 35 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16 to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf of Mexico. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Band-Tailed Pigeons California North Zone—Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity Counties. South Zone—The remainder of the State. New Mexico North Zone—North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona State line east to I–25 at Socorro and then south along I–25 from Socorro to the Texas State line. South Zone—Remainder of the State. Washington Western Washington—The State of Washington excluding those portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County. Woodcock New Jersey North Zone—That portion of the State north of NJ 70. South Zone—The remainder of the State. Special September Canada Goose Seasons Atlantic Flyway Connecticut North Zone—That portion of the State north of I–95. South Zone—Remainder of the State. Maryland Eastern Unit—Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia State line. Western Unit—Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington Counties and that part of Anne Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George’s County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Massachusetts Western Zone—That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Vermont border on I–91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut border. Central Zone—That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I–95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I–93, south on I– 93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I–195, west to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.–Elm St. bridge will be in the Coastal Zone. Coastal Zone—That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the Central Zone. New York Lake Champlain Zone—The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border. Long Island Zone—That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I–95, and their tidal waters. Western Zone—That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I–81, and south along I–81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone. Montezuma Zone—Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34. Northeastern Zone—That area north of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I–81, south along I–81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I–87, north along I–87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. Southeastern Zone—The remaining portion of New York. E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations North Carolina Northeast Hunt Unit—Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties; that portion of Bertie County north and east of a line formed by NC 45 at the Washington County line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford County line; and that portion of Northampton County that is north of U.S. 158 and east of NC 35. Vermont Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area north and west of the line extending from the New York border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; U.S. 7 to the Canadian border. Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain Zone and eastward of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2; east along U.S. 2 to VT 102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the Canadian border. Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of the Interior Zone. Mississippi Flyway rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Arkansas Early Canada Goose Area: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clark, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Springs, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Little River, Logan, Madison, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Searcy, Sebastian, Sevier, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell Counties. Illinois Northeast Canada Goose Zone—Cook, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada Goose Zone and north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along PeotoneBeecher Road to Illinois Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to WilmingtonPeotone Road, west along WilmingtonPeotone Road to Illinois Route 53, north along Illinois Route 53 to New River Road, northwest along New River Road to Interstate Highway 55, south along I– 55 to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road, west along Pine Bluff—Lorenzo Road to Illinois Route 47, north along Illinois Route 47 to I–80, west along I–80 to I– 39, south along I–39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across the Mississippi River to the Iowa border. Central Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate Highway 70 to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 156, west along Illinois Route 156 to A Road, north and west on A Road to Levee Road, north on Levee Road to the south shore of New Fountain Creek, west along the south shore of New Fountain Creek to the Mississippi River, and due west across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Zone: The remainder of Illinois. Iowa North Zone: That portion of the State north of U.S. Highway 20. South Zone: The remainder of Iowa. Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone. Includes portions of Linn and Johnson Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the west border of Linn County and Linn County Road E2W; thence south and east along County Road E2W to Highway 920; thence north along Highway 920 to County Road E16; thence east along County Road E16 to County Road W58; thence south along County Road W58 to County Road E34; thence east along County Road E34 to Highway 13; thence south along Highway 13 to Highway 30; thence east along Highway 30 to Highway 1; thence south along Highway 1 to Morse Road in Johnson County; thence east along Morse Road to Wapsi Avenue; thence south along Wapsi Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; thence west along Lower West Branch Road to Taft Avenue; thence south along Taft Avenue to County Road F62; thence west along County Road F62 to Kansas Avenue; thence north along Kansas Avenue to Black Diamond Road; thence west on Black Diamond Road to Jasper Avenue; thence north along Jasper Avenue to Rohert Road; thence west along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; thence north along Ivy Avenue to 340th Street; thence west along 340th Street to Half Moon Avenue; thence north along Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; thence west along Highway 6 to Echo Avenue; thence north along Echo Avenue to 250th Street; thence east on 250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; thence north along Green Castle Avenue PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49633 to County Road F12; thence west along County Road F12 to County Road W30; thence north along County Road W30 to Highway 151; thence north along the Linn-Benton County line to the point of beginning. Des Moines Goose Zone. Includes those portions of Polk, Warren, Madison and Dallas Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Northwest 158th Avenue and County Road R38 in Polk County; thence south along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; thence east along Northwest 142nd Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; thence east along Northeast 126th Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; thence south along Northeast 46th Street to Highway 931; thence east along Highway 931 to Northeast 80th Street; thence south along Northeast 80th Street to Southeast 6th Avenue; thence west along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway 65; thence south and west along Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren County; thence south along Highway 69 to County Road G24; thence west along County Road G24 to Highway 28; thence southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd Avenue; thence north along 43rd Avenue to Ford Street; thence west along Ford Street to Filmore Street; thence west along Filmore Street to 10th Avenue; thence south along 10th Avenue to 155th Street in Madison County; thence west along 155th Street to Cumming Road; thence north along Cumming Road to Badger Creek Avenue; thence north along Badger Creek Avenue to County Road F90 in Dallas County; thence east along County Road F90 to County Road R22; thence north along County Road R22 to Highway 44; thence east along Highway 44 to County Road R30; thence north along County Road R30 to County Road F31; thence east along County Road F31 to Highway 17; thence north along Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk County; thence east along Highway 415 to Northwest 158th Avenue; thence east along Northwest 158th Avenue to the point of beginning. Minnesota Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone— A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey, Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop, Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 49634 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations lying north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65. C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; thence north on STH 284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10; thence north and west on CSAH 10 to CSAH 30; thence north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25; thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to the Carver County line. D. In Scott County, all of the cities of Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St. Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River. E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St. Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger. F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61; thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due east to the east boundary of the State. Northwest Goose Zone—That portion of the State encompassed by a line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border. Southeast Goose Zone—That part of the State within the following described boundaries: beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence along the U.S. Highway 52 to State Trunk VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Highway (STH) 57; thence along STH 57 to the municipal boundary of Kasson; thence along the municipal boundary of Kasson County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 to STH 30; thence along STH 30 to U.S. Highway 63; thence along U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary of the State; thence along the south and east boundaries of the State to the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence along said boundary to the point of beginning. Five Goose Zone—That portion of the State not included in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Northwest Goose Zone, or the Southeast Goose Zone. West Zone—That portion of the State encompassed by a line beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I–94 to the North Dakota border. Tennessee Middle Tennessee Zone—Those portions of Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties. East Tennessee Zone—Anderson, Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, and White Counties. Wisconsin Early-Season Subzone A—That portion of the State encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22, west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, south along State 49 to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, south along State 73 to State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, south along State 23 to State 11, east PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to the Illinois border. Early-Season Subzone B—The remainder of the State. Central Flyway Nebraska September Canada Goose Unit—That part of Nebraska bounded by a line from the Nebraska-Iowa State line west on U.S. Highway 30 to U.S. Highway 81, then south on U.S. Highway 81 to NE Highway 64, then east on NE Highway 64 to NE Highway 15, then south on NE Highway 15 to NE Highway 41, then east on NE Highway 41 to NE Highway 50, then north on NE Highway 50 to NE Highway 2, then east on NE Highway 2 to the Nebraska-Iowa State line. South Dakota Special Early Canada Goose Unit: Entire state of South Dakota except the counties of Bennett, Bon Home, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Custer east of SD HW 79 and south of French Creek, Dewey south of 212, Fall River east of SD HW 71 and U.S. HW 385, Gregory, Hughes, Hyde south of U.S. HW 14, Lyman, Potter west of U.S. HW 83, Stanley, and Sully. Pacific Flyway Idaho East Zone—Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont, and Teton Counties. Oregon Northwest Zone—Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. Southwest Zone—Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Counties. East Zone—Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, and Wasco Counties. Washington Area 1—Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties. Area 2A (SW Quota Zone)—Clark County, except portions south of the Washougal River; Cowlitz County; and Wahkiakum County. Area 2B (SW Quota Zone)—Pacific County. Area 3—All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B. Area 4—Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties. Area 5—All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Salmon River that are not included in Area 4. Ducks Atlantic Flyway New York Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border. Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I–95, and their tidal waters. Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I–81, and south along I–81 to the Pennsylvania border. Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I–81, south along I–81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I–87, north along I–87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York. Maryland Special Teal Season Area: Calvert, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties and those parts of Cecil, Harford, and Baltimore Counties east of Interstate 95; that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97, and Route 3; that part of Prince Georges County east of Route 3 and route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia State Line. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Mississippi Flyway Indiana North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31, north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border. Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to New Albany, east along VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56 to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border. South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio River Zone boundaries. Iowa North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State Highway 37, southeast along State Highway 37 to State Highway 183, northeast along State Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east along State Highway 141 to U.S. Highway 30, then east along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois border. South Zone: The remainder of Iowa. Central Flyway Colorado Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25. Kansas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283. Low Plains Early Zone: That area of Kansas east of U.S. 283, and generally west of a line beginning at the Junction of the Nebraska State line and KS 28; south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. 36 to KS 199; south on KS 199 to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co. Road 563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road 765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281; north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I–135; south on I–135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56; west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; west on U.S. 54 to U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; and southwest on U.S. 56 to U.S. 283. Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas. Nebraska Special Teal Season Area: That portion of the State south of a line beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska Highway L62A east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east along NE 92 to NE 61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S. 30 to the Iowa border. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49635 New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) North Zone: That portion of the State north of I–40 and U.S. 54. South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico. Pacific Flyway California Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the junction of the CaliforniaNevada-Oregon State lines west along the California-Oregon State line to the point of origin. Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct Road’’ in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San BernardinoRiverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside County as the ‘‘Desert Center to Rice Road’’ to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on I–10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 49636 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to I–15; east on I–15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada border. Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone. Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone. Canada Geese rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Michigan MVP—Upper Peninsula Zone: The MVP—Upper Peninsula Zone consists of the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan. MVP—Lower Peninsula Zone: The MVP—Lower Peninsula Zone consists of the area within the Lower Peninsula of Michigan that is north and west of the point beginning at the southwest corner of Branch County, north continuing along the western border of Branch and Calhoun Counties to the northwest corner of Calhoun County, then east to the southwest corner of Eaton County, then north to the southern border of Ionia County, then east to the southwest corner of Clinton County, then north along the western border of Clinton County continuing north along the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm Counties to the southern border of Isabella county, then east to the southwest corner of Midland County, then north along the west Midland County border to Highway M–20, then easterly to U.S. Highway 10, then easterly to U.S. Interstate 75/U.S. Highway 23, then northerly along I–75/ U.S. 23 and easterly on U.S. 23 to the centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to the Canadian border. SJBP Zone is the rest of the State, that area south and east of the boundary described above. Sandhill Cranes Central Flyway Colorado—The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park (Jackson County). Kansas—That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I–35 to Wichita, north on I–135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border. Montana—The Central Flyway portion of the State except for that area south and west of Interstate 90, which is closed to sandhill crane hunting. New Mexico— Regular-Season Open Area—Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties. Middle Rio Grande Valley Area—The Central Flyway portion of New Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties. Estancia Valley Area—Those portions of Santa Fe, Torrance and Bernalillo Counties within an area bounded on the west by New Mexico Highway 55 beginning at Mountainair north to NM 337, north to NM 14, north to I–25; on the north by I–25 east to U.S. 285; on the east by U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S. 285 west to NM 55 in Mountainair. Southwest Zone—Sierra, Luna, Dona Ana Counties, and those portions of Grant and Hidalgo Counties south of I–10. North Dakota— Area 1—That portion of the State west of U.S. 281. Area 2—That portion of the State east of U.S. 281. Oklahoma—That portion of the State west of I–35. South Dakota—That portion of the State west of U.S. 281. Texas— Zone A—That portion of Texas lying west of a line beginning at the international toll bridge at Laredo, thence northeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, thence north along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, thence northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 in Junction, thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of Childress, thence east along U.S. Highway 62 to the TexasOklahoma State line. Zone B—That portion of Texas lying within boundaries beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma State line, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Worth, thence southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, thence northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 in Junction, thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of Childress, thence east along U.S. Highway 62 to the TexasOklahoma State line, thence south along the Texas-Oklahoma state line to the south bank of the Red River, thence eastward along the vegetation line on the south bank of the Red River to U.S. Highway 81. Zone C—The remainder of the State, except for the closed areas. Closed areas—(A) That portion of the State lying east and north of a line beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma State line, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, thence southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, thence southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, thence east along U.S. Highway 290 to its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, thence south and east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Highway 45 in Houston, thence south on Interstate Highway 45 to State Highway 342, thence to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and thence north and east along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Texas-Louisiana State line. (B) That portion of the State lying within the boundaries of a line beginning at the Kleberg-Nueces County line and the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, thence west along the County line to Park Road 22 in Nueces County, thence north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, thence west and north along State Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, thence north along State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, thence east along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, thence north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway 77 in Sinton, thence north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction with U.S. Highway 87 in Victoria, thence south and east along U.S. Highway 87 to its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, thence north and east along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca Bay Causeway, thence south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its junction with the Port Lavaca Ship E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Channel, thence south and east along the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and thence south and west along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Kleberg-Nueces County line. Wyoming— Regular-Season Open Area— Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties. Riverton-Boysen Unit—Portions of Fremont County. Park and Big Horn County Unit— Portions of Park and Big Horn Counties. Elder-Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the Utah-Idaho State line. Pacific Flyway All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska North Zone—State Game Management Units 11–13 and 17–26. Gulf Coast Zone—State Game Management Units 5–7, 9, 14–16, and 10 (Unimak Island only). Southeast Zone—State Game Management Units 1–4. Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone— State Game Management Unit 10 (except Unimak Island). Kodiak Zone—State Game Management Unit 8. Arizona Special-Season Area—Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32. Montana Special-Season Area—See State regulations. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES3 Utah Special-Season Area—Rich, Cache, and Unitah Counties and that portion of Box Elder County beginning on the Utah-Idaho State line at the Box ElderCache County line; west on the State line to the Pocatello Valley County Road; south on the Pocatello Valley County Road to I–15; southeast on I–15 to SR–83; south on SR–83 to Lamp Junction; west and south on the Promontory Point County Road to the tip of Promontory Point; south from Promontory Point to the Box ElderWeber County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County line to the Box VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Aug 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Wyoming Bear River Area—That portion of Lincoln County described in State regulations. Salt River Area—That portion of Lincoln County described in State regulations. Farson-Eden Area—Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette Counties described in State regulations. All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin Islands Ruth Cay Closure Area—The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix. All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico Municipality of Culebra Closure Area—All of the municipality of Culebra. Desecheo Island Closure Area—All of Desecheo Island. Mona Island Closure Area—All of Mona Island. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49637 El Verde Closure Area—Those areas of the municipalities of Rio Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest Boundary whether private or public. Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas—All of Cidra Municipality and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: Beginning on Highway 172 as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point of the beginning. [FR Doc. E7–17028 Filed 8–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P E:\FR\FM\28AUR3.SGM 28AUR3

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49622-49637]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17028]



[[Page 49621]]

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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. 72, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 28, 2007 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 49622]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AV12


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 2007-08 migratory bird hunting 
seasons. Early seasons are those that generally open prior to October 
1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin 
Islands. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection 
of hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual 
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations.

DATES: This rule takes effect on August 28, 2007.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Blohm, 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, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 
18328) 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 2007-08 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 
2007-08 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal 
Register notifications were also identified in the April 11 proposed 
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents 
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under 
numbered headings. As an aid to the reader, we reiterate those headings 
here:

1. Ducks
    A. General Harvest Strategy
    B. Regulatory Alternatives
    C. Zones and Split Seasons
    D. Special Seasons/Species Management
    i. September Teal Seasons
    ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
    iii. Black ducks
    iv. Canvasbacks
    v. Pintails
    vi. Scaup
    vii. Mottled ducks
    viii. Youth Hunt
2. Sea Ducks
3. Mergansers
4. Canada Geese
    A. Special Seasons
    B. Regular Seasons
    C. Special Late Seasons
5. White-fronted Geese
6. Brant
7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese
8. Swans
9. Cranes
10. Coots
11. Moorhens and Gallinules
12. Rails
13. Snipe
14. Woodcock
15. Band-tailed Pigeons
16. Mourning Doves
17. White-winged and White-tipped Doves
18. Alaska
19. Hawaii
20. Puerto Rico
21. Virgin Islands
22. Falconry
23. Other

    Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring 
attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we will omit those 
items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items will be 
discontinuous and appear incomplete.
    On June 8, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 31789) 
a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-
season migratory bird hunting regulations and the regulatory 
alternatives for the 2007-08 duck hunting season. The June 8 supplement 
also provided detailed information on the 2007-08 regulatory schedule 
and announced the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) 
and Flyway Council meetings. On June 20 and 21, 2007, 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 2007-08 
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 2007-08 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 
23, 2007, we published in the Federal Register (72 FR 40194) a third 
document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-
season regulations. We will publish the proposed frameworks for late-
season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that start after October 
1 and most waterfowl seasons not already established) in a late August 
Federal Register.
    This document is the fourth 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 2007-08 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.

General

    Written Comments: An individual commenter protested the entire

[[Page 49623]]

migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all 
migratory birds, and the Flyway Council process.
    Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include 
providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game 
bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each 
population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken 
into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, 
economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of 
migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided herein 
are compatible with the current status of migratory bird populations 
and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are obligated to, and 
do, give serious consideration to all information received as public 
comment. While there are problems inherent with any type of 
representative management of public-trust resources, we believe that 
the Flyway-Council system of migratory bird management has been a 
longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative management since its 
establishment in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways 
to streamline and improve the process.

1. Ducks

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

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. September Teal Seasons
    Utilizing the criteria developed for the teal season harvest 
strategy, this year's estimate of 6.7 million blue-winged teal from the 
Traditional Survey Area indicates that a 16-day September teal season 
is appropriate for the Central and Mississippi Flyways and a 9-day 
September season for the Atlantic Flyway.

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 allowing the experimental seasons in portions of 
Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont 
to become operational in 2007. Lastly, 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 2007 
regulation cycle.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the closing dates for 
Canada goose hunting during the September goose season in the Northwest 
Goose Zone of Minnesota be extended through September 22 to coincide 
with the remainder of the State with a waiver of the experimental 
season requirements of collecting Canada goose parts.
    Written Comments: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
(Minnesota) provided an evaluation plan for the extension of the 
framework closing date in the Northwest Goose Zone.
    Service Response: We support the Atlantic Flyway Council's request 
to make the experimental seasons in portions of Florida, Georgia, New 
York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont operational in 2007. 
Data and analysis submitted by the Council shows a minimal impact of 
these seasons on migrant stocks of Canada geese and demonstrates that 
they meet the criteria for establishment of special early Canada goose 
hunting seasons.
    We also support the Atlantic Flyway Council's desire to increase 
opportunities to harvest resident Canada geese during special early 
Canada goose hunting seasons. In many areas of the Flyway, resident 
Canada geese remain overabundant. Recent spring population surveys 
continue to estimate that approximately 1 million geese reside in the 
States of the Atlantic Flyway--a number far in excess of the Flyway's 
established goal of 650,000 resident geese. Allowing the use of these 
special expanded hunting methods would be consistent with our August 
10, 2006, final rule on resident Canada goose management (71 FR 45964) 
and November 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement on resident 
Canada goose management, would have a minimal impact on migrant Canada 
goose populations, would contribute to maximizing the harvest of 
resident Canada geese in the Flyway, would allow greater flexibility to 
affected States, would be consistent with the Atlantic Flyway Resident 
Canada Goose Management Plan, and would provide a simplified, 
consistent set of regulations throughout the September goose seasons.
    In the July 23 proposed rule, we stated that we did not support the 
Mississippi Flyway Council's request to extend the framework closing 
date for the September goose season in Minnesota's Northwest Goose Zone 
to September 22. Our lack of support was based solely on their request 
to wave the experimental season evaluation requirements (60 FR 45022, 
August 29, 1995).
    Special September Canada goose seasons were implemented for the 
purpose of controlling local breeding populations or nuisance geese 
that nest primarily in the conterminous United States (60 FR 45021, 
August 29, 1995). Prior to 1995, in order to implement a special 
season, each State was required to conduct a 3-year evaluation to 
determine whether the take of non-target Canada goose populations 
(migrants) exceeded 10 percent of the harvest. This evaluation 
requirement was removed in 1995 for special seasons held September 1-
15, but remained in effect for all such seasons, or extensions of 
seasons, after September 15.
    In 1999, Minnesota received approval to initiate a 3-year 
experimental extension of the September goose season from September 15-
22. Minnesota's experiment did not include the Northwest Goose Zone, 
due to concerns (at that time) about the status and potential impacts 
to migrant Canada geese. While parts collection, harvest, and banding 
data obtained in the evaluation of Minnesota's experiment indicated 
that migrant geese in areas adjacent to the Northwest Goose Zone 
comprised less than 5 percent of the harvest, we stated in the July 23 
proposed rule that granting an extension of the framework closing date 
without conducting an experiment would be contrary to established 
criteria for such seasons and would likely invite requests for similar 
waivers. While we recognize that collection of sufficient parts and 
harvest data in the Northwest Zone is problematic, Minnesota has now 
provided us with an evaluation plan to collect parts during the 
experimental framework extension. As such, we are satisfied with the 
general approach of the evaluation plan and we approve the Council's 
request. However, further refinements in the plan may be needed

[[Page 49624]]

pending first year data collection results.

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 Michigan and Wisconsin be September 16, 2007.
    Service Response: We concur. As we stated last year (71 FR 51406, 
August 29, 2006), we agree with the objective to increase harvest 
pressure on resident Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway and will 
continue to consider the opening dates in both States as exceptions to 
the general Flyway opening date, to be reconsidered annually.

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 
being a limited harvest of 5 cranes in January. To limit harvest, 
Arizona would issue permits 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: Greater and lesser sandhill cranes are presently 
hunted in parts of their range and have been divided into management 
populations based on their geographic distribution during fall and 
winter. The current Flyway Management Plan for the Lower Colorado River 
Valley Population (LCRVP) of sandhill cranes allows for hunting of this 
population when the wintering population exceeds 2,500 cranes, a 
population level now exceeded. In 2005, the Pacific Flyway Council 
proposed a limited open season on this population. In response to 
proposal, we stated in the August 29, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 
51406) that while we were in general support of allowing a very 
limited, carefully controlled harvest of sandhill cranes from this 
population, we did not believe that this limited harvest was of 
immediate concern, and recommended that prior to initiating such a 
season, a more detailed harvest strategy be developed by the Flyway 
Council. We stated that this harvest strategy should be included as an 
appendix to the management plan prior to any hunting season being 
initiated. The Pacific Flyway has modified the management plan as 
recommended.
    We prepared a draft environmental assessment (DEA) considering the 
action to begin a limited harvest of sandhill cranes from the LCRVP by 
reviewing current management strategies and population objectives, and 
examining alternatives to current management programs. The preferred 
alternative in the DEA was to institute the limited season. We made 
this DEA available for public comment and received only two responses. 
We have addressed these comments and prepared a final environmental 
assessment (FEA).
    Based on our FEA, we will authorize a limited experimental season 
for this population of sandhill cranes as requested by the Pacific 
Flyway Council. All of the described requirements in the management 
plan and the FEA will apply to this 3-year experiment. Further, we will 
work with the participating Pacific Flyway States to meet the 
monitoring and assessment requirements described in the management plan 
for the evaluation of this experimental season. In addition, we 
encourage the participating States to work with us to improve our 
understanding and management of this important group of sandhill 
cranes. The FEA can be obtained by writing Robert Trost, Pacific Flyway 
Representative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory 
Bird Management, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181, or 
it may be viewed via the Service's home page at https://fws.gov/
migratorybirds/reports/reports.html.

14. Woodcock

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing compensatory days for woodcock hunting in States where Sunday 
hunting is prohibited by State law.
    Service Response: In 1995, the Atlantic Flyway Council asked us to 
reconsider our longstanding policy of denying compensatory days to 
those States that forego hunting opportunity due to State laws that 
prohibit Sunday hunting. We agreed to work with the Flyway Council to 
``frame'' or better clarify this issue with regard to aspects such as 
Federal authority, number of States involved, migratory birds affected, 
harvest impacts, framework adjustments, etc. In 1997, the Council again 
requested that we grant compensatory days for States in their Flyway 
that were closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by State law. 
The Council's requested compensatory days applied to waterfowl seasons 
only and not to other migratory game birds (62 FR 44234, August 20, 
1997). We granted this request and stipulated that all Sundays would be 
closed to all take of migratory waterfowl and that other migratory game 
species were not eligible for compensatory days. Furthermore, only 
States in the Atlantic Flyway that prohibited Sunday hunting statewide 
by State law prior to 1997 were eligible for compensatory days for 
waterfowl.
    We are sensitive to the Atlantic Flyway's desire to provide 
additional woodcock hunting opportunity, and acknowledge the 
longstanding difficulties some States have in reversing statutes that 
prevent hunting on Sundays. However, granting a request for 
compensatory days for hunting American woodcock would be contrary to 
the agreement reached between the Service and the Flyway Council that 
limited granting of compensatory days to waterfowl hunting. We also 
note that the ability to hunt on Sundays may provide more opportunities 
for hunter recruitment than the allowance of compensatory days. 
Further, we do not view this as a good time to liberalize woodcock 
regulations. Although we cannot attribute a cause-and-effect 
relationship between 1997 woodcock harvest restrictions and improved 
woodcock population status, the stabilization of woodcock trends in 
both the Eastern and Central Region is encouraging.

16. Mourning Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council and the Upper- 
and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that, based on criteria set forth in the current 
version of the Mourning Dove Harvest Management Strategy for the 
Eastern Management Unit (EMU), no changes in bag limit and season 
length components of the mourning dove harvest framework are warranted. 
They both further recommended that EMU States should be offered the 
choice of either a 12-bird daily bag limit and 70-day season or a 15-
bird daily bag limit and 60-day season for the 2007-08 mourning dove 
hunting season, with a standardized 15-bird daily bag limit and 70-day 
season beginning with the 2008-09 mourning dove hunting season. The 
standardized bag limit and season length will then be used as the 
``moderate'' harvest option for revising

[[Page 49625]]

the Initial Mourning Dove Harvest Management Strategy.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendation to maintain the 
current bag limit and season length options of 70 days with a 12-bird 
daily bag limit or 60 days with a 15-bird daily bag for the 2007-08 
season. However, we recommend that the proposal to standardize this 
framework as a 70-day season length with a 15-bird daily bag limit, 
beginning with the 2008-09 season, be included in ongoing discussions 
on the interim harvest strategy for the Eastern Management Unit, rather 
than considered at this time. While it is our understanding that this 
framework represents the ``moderate'' harvest option for the Eastern 
Unit's harvest strategy, we anticipate that these interim strategies, 
representing each of the three management units, will be introduced at 
the January 2008 SRC meeting, and formally proposed and finalized prior 
to the early-season SRC meeting next June.

18. Alaska

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
maintaining status quo in the Alaska early-season framework, except for 
increasing the dark goose daily bag limit in selected units to provide 
more harvest opportunity for white-fronted geese.
    Service Response: We concur. Pacific white-fronted geese are nearly 
70 percent above current management objectives at 509,000 birds. The 
Council's proposed liberalization of white-fronted geese limits to as 
many as 6 per day within most of the range is consistent with 
liberalizations in Pacific Flyway coastal states. Further, the 
Council's recommendation is crafted to avoid additional harvest in 
units where Tule white-fronts occur (Units 1-16), and retains the 
restrictions on cackling geese on the primary breeding and staging 
areas (Unit 9E and 18) because the population is below objective.

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). Annual NEPA considerations are covered under a 
separate Environmental Assessment (EA), ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 
2007-08,'' and an August 2007, Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI). Copies of the EA and FONSI are available upon request from the 
address indicated under 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, as detailed in 
a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). A scoping report 
summarizing the scoping comments and scoping meetings is available 
either at the address indicated under ADDRESSES or on our Web site at 
https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

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 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 and updated in 1998 and 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. This year, due to limited data 
availability, we partially updated the 2004 analysis, but restricted 
our analysis to duck hunting. Results indicate that the total consumer 
surplus of the annual duck hunting frameworks is on the order of $222 
to $360 million, with a mid-point estimate of $291 million. We plan to 
perform a full update of the analysis in 2008. Copies of the cost/
benefit analysis and the updated analysis are available from the 
address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at https://
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-
Final-2004.pdf and https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/
SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-2007Update.pdf.

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. This year, due to limited data availability, we partially updated 
the 2004 analysis, but restricted our analysis to duck hunting. Results 
indicate that the duck hunters would spend between $291 million and 
$473.5 million at small businesses in 2007. We plan to perform a full 
update of the analysis in 2008 when the full results from the 2006 
National Hunting and Fishing Survey is available. Copies of the cost/
benefit analysis and the updated analysis are available from the 
address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at https://
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/

[[Page 49626]]

SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-Final-2004.pdf and https://www.fws.gov/
migratorybirds/reports/SpecialTopics/EconomicAnalysis-2007Update.pdf.

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 2007-08 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 seasons meet their 
individual needs. Any State or tribe may be more restrictive than the 
Federal frameworks. 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

[[Page 49627]]

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 2007-08 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 2007-08 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 13, 2007.
Todd Willens,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 2007-08 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, 2007, and March 10, 
2008.

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.

Definitions

    Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in 
Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and 
all other goose species except light geese.
    Light geese: snow (including blue) geese and Ross's geese.

Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway

    In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and 
Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, 
all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including 
mergansers and coots).

Special September Teal Season

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

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 22). 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-

[[Page 49628]]

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 Long-Tailed Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

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

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons
    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 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. Seasons not to exceed 30 days during September 1-30 may be 
selected for Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long 
Island Zone), North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Seasons 
may not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder of the 
Flyway. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese.

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.
General Seasons
    Experimental Seasons. Canada goose seasons of up to 7 days during 
September 16-22 may be selected in the Northwest Goose Zone in 
Minnesota. 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.

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 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

[[Page 49629]]

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

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January 
(January 27) 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 27) 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 2 
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 22) 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 
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

[[Page 49630]]

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 
September 28 through December 16.
    2. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada 
goose season may be offered. 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.
    3. In Units 9, 10, 17 and 18, dark goose limits are 6 per day, 12 
in possession; however, no more than 2 may be Canada geese in Units 
9(E) and 18; and no more than 4 may be Canada geese in Units 9(A-C), 10 
(Unimak Island portion), and 17.
    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

[[Page 49631]]

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 swans 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 u
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