Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, 4964-4996 [2018-02112]

Download as PDF 4964 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 [Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2017–0028; FF09M21200–178–FXMB1231099BPP0] RIN 1018–BB73 Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental. AGENCY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2018–19 hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number of birds that may be taken and possessed in hunting seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population and habitat conditions. DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting frameworks by March 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments: You may submit comments on the proposals by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2017– 0028. • U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ– MB–2017–0028; Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. We will post all comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations section, below, for more information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–1967. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 SUMMARY: New Process for the Annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations As part of DOI’s retrospective regulatory review, 2 years ago we developed a schedule for migratory VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 game bird hunting regulations that is more efficient and provides hunting season dates much earlier than was possible under the old process. The new process makes planning easier for the States and all parties interested in migratory bird hunting. Beginning in the summer of 2015, with the development of the 2016–17 hunting seasons, we started promulgating our annual migratory game bird hunting regulations using a new schedule that combines the previously used early- and late-season regulatory processes into a single process. We make decisions for harvest management based on predictions derived from long-term biological information and established harvest strategies and, therefore, can establish migratory bird hunting seasons much earlier than the system we used for many years. Under the new process, we develop proposed hunting season frameworks for a given year in the fall of the prior year. We then finalize those frameworks a few months later, thereby enabling the State agencies to select and publish their season dates in early summer. We provided a detailed overview of the new process in the August 3, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR 36308). This proposed rule is the third in a series of proposed and final rules for the establishment of the 2018–19 hunting seasons. Regulations Schedule for 2018 On August 3, 2017, we published a proposal to amend title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at part 20 (82 FR 36308). The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, 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 2018–19 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in a August 3, 2017, proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings. Those headings are: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 vii. Mottled Ducks viii. Wood Ducks ix. Youth Hunt x. Mallard Management Units xi. Other 2. Sea Ducks 3. Mergansers 4. Canada Geese A. Special Early Seasons B. Regular Seasons C. Special Late Seasons 5. White-Fronted Geese 6. Brant 7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese 8. Swans 9. Sandhill Cranes 10. Coots 11. Moorhens and Gallinules 12. Rails 13. Snipe 14. Woodcock 15. Band-Tailed Pigeons 16. Doves 17. Alaska 18. Hawaii 19. Puerto Rico 20. Virgin Islands 21. Falconry 22. 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. The August 3 proposed rule also provided detailed information on the proposed 2018–19 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings. On October 3, 2017, we published in the Federal Register (82 FR 46011) a second document providing supplemental proposals for migratory bird hunting regulations. The October 3 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2018–19 regulatory schedule and re-announced the SRC and Flyway Council meetings. On October 17–18, 2017, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory game birds and developed recommendations for the 2018–19 regulations for these species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting hours, areas, and limits. We have considered all pertinent comments received through November 1, 2017, on the August 3 and October 3, 2017, proposed rulemaking documents in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for certain regulations are provided for public comment. The E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules proposals and modifications to previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items in the August 3, 2017, proposed rule. Population Status and Harvest Each year we publish various species status reports that provide detailed information on the status and harvest of migratory game birds, including information on the methodologies and results. These reports are available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our website at https://www.fws.gov/ birds/surveys-and-data/reports-andpublications/population-status.php. We used the following reports: Adaptive Harvest Management, 2018 Hunting Season (September, 2017); American Woodcock Population Status, 2017 (August, 2017); Band-tailed Pigeon Population Status, 2017 (August, 2017); Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest During the 2015–16 and 2016– 17 Hunting Seasons (August, 2017); Mourning Dove Population Status, 2017 (August, 2017); Status and Harvests of Sandhill Cranes, Mid-continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley and Eastern Populations, 2017 (August, 2017); and Waterfowl Population Status, 2017 (August, 2017). sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 comment period is specified above under DATES. We will publish final regulatory frameworks for migratory game bird hunting in the Federal Register on or around February 28, 2018. General Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the August 3, 2017, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting regulations and discussed the regulatory alternatives for the 2018–19 duck hunting season. Comments and recommendations are summarized below and numbered in the order used in the August 3, 2017, proposed rule. We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year’s frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year’s frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are summarized below. We have included only the numbered items pertaining to issues for which we received recommendations. Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive numerical order. We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations in this supplemental proposed rule. New VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Written Comments: A commenter protested the entire migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and status and habitat data on which the migratory bird hunting regulations are based. 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 for 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 A. General Harvest Strategy Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended the adoption of the ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative. Service Response: We propose to continue using adaptive harvest management (AHM) to help determine appropriate duck-hunting regulations for the 2018–19 season. AHM allows sound resource decisions in the face of uncertain regulatory impacts and provides a mechanism for reducing that uncertainty over time. We use AHM to evaluate four alternative regulatory levels for duck hunting based on the population status of mallards. We enact other hunting regulations for species of special concern, such as canvasbacks, scaup, and pintails. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4965 The prescribed regulatory alternative for the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways is based on the status of mallard populations that contribute primarily to each Flyway. In the Atlantic Flyway, we set hunting regulations based on the population status of mallards breeding in eastern North America (Federal survey strata 51–54 and 56, and State surveys in New England and the mid-Atlantic region). In the Central and Mississippi Flyways, we set hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of mid-continent mallards. Mid-continent mallards are those breeding in central North America (Federal survey strata 13–18, 20–50, and 75–77, and State surveys in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan). In the Pacific Flyway, we set hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of western mallards. Western mallards are those breeding in Alaska and the northern Yukon Territory (as based on Federal surveys in strata 1–12), and in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California (as based on Canadian Wildlife Service and State-conducted surveys). For the 2018–19 season, we recommend continuing to use independent optimization to determine the optimal regulatory choice for each mallard stock. This means that we would develop regulations for eastern mallards, mid-continent mallards, and western mallards independently, based upon the breeding stock that contributes primarily to each Flyway. We detailed implementation of this AHM decision framework for western and midcontinent mallards in the July 24, 2008, Federal Register (73 FR 43290) and for eastern mallards in the July 20, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 42920). Further documentation on how adjustments were made to these decision frameworks can be found at https://www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds/pdf/management/AHM/ SEIS&AHMReportFinal.pdf. As we stated in the October 3, 2017, proposed rule, for the 2018–19 hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the ‘‘restrictive,’’ ‘‘moderate,’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ alternatives has remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended framework dates have been offered in the ‘‘moderate’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternatives since 2002 (67 FR 47224; July 17, 2002). The optimal AHM strategies for midcontinent, eastern, and western mallards for the 2018–19 hunting season were calculated using: (1) Harvestmanagement objectives specific to each mallard stock; (2) the 2018–19 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4966 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules population models and associated weights. Based on ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternatives selected for the 2017–18 hunting season, the 2017 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (WBPHS) results of 10.64 million midcontinent mallards and 4.33 million ponds in Prairie Canada, 0.65 million eastern mallards, and 0.98 million western mallards (0.44 million in California-Oregon and 0.54 million in Alaska), the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the ‘‘liberal’’ alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding selection of the ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative for the 2018–19 season and propose to adopt the ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative, as described in the October 3, 2017, Federal Register. C. Zones and Split Seasons Written Comments: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife requested a minor boundary change between the east and west zones in the Pacific Flyway portion of the State due to unintended law enforcement issues. The existing zones split Elkhead Reservoir. Service Response: We agree. The change is very minor and aids in hunter compliance by placing the entire reservoir into one zone. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 D. Special Seasons/Species Management i. September Teal Seasons Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council requested that Florida be allowed to hold an experimental September teal-only season for an additional year (2018), to allow sufficient time to incorporate the 2017 results into a final report evaluating impacts to non-target species. The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that teal seasons in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky be made operational beginning in 2018–19. They further recommended that Tennessee be granted an additional year of experimental status for their teal season to collect an additional year of data to support evaluations and that Iowa be allowed to retain the option to select a September 5-day duck season or an operational early teal season for the 2018–19 hunting seasons. Iowa’s decision would remain in effect under current duck season frameworks. The Central Flyway Council recommended that Nebraska’s experimental September teal season be made operational for the 2018–19 hunting season. Service Response: For the 2018–19 season, we will utilize the 2017 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 breeding population estimate of 7.9 million blue-winged teal from the traditional survey area and the criteria developed for the teal season harvest strategy. Thus, a 16-day September teal season in the Atlantic, Central, and Mississippi Flyways is appropriate for the 2018–19 season. We agree with the Atlantic Flyway’s request to extend Florida’s experimental teal-only season through 2018, to allow the State sufficient time to prepare a full report on the results of its study on impacts to non-target species. We also agree with the Mississippi Flyway’s request that September teal seasons in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky be made operational beginning in 2018–19. Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin submitted a report that summarized results from their 3-year experimental September teal season conducted during 2014–16. Results from those studies demonstrated that nontarget species attempt rates were below the acceptable rate of 25 percent (range 4.6 to 6.6 percent). Although Michigan and Wisconsin each had one year in which the nontarget harvest rate exceeded the acceptable rate of 10 percent, the harvest rate in the other 2 years of the studies in each State were well below 10 percent (range 4.0 to 6.7 for Michigan and 0.0 for both years in Wisconsin), and thus we believe that production (‘‘northern’’) States in the Mississippi Flyway have satisfied the experimental criteria for nontarget species harvest rates. None of the three States opened an experimental season prior to sunrise; therefore, a comparison of nontarget species attempt and harvest rates during pre- and post-sunrise periods was not made. Furthermore, we concur that Iowa shall be allowed to retain the option to select either a September 5-day duck season or an operational September teal season for the 2018–19 hunting season. The Service previously agreed to allow Iowa to retain these options when the State suspended its special September 5-day duck season in order to conduct a 3-year experimental September teal season along with other production States in the Flyway. When Iowa chooses either of these options for the 2018–19 season, that decision will remain in effect for future years under current duck season frameworks. With regard to the results from the 3-year experimental September teal-only season that follows the operational September teal-wood duck season in Kentucky, the nontarget species attempt rate for both the presunrise (7.7 percent) and post-sunrise (13.4 percent) periods were below the acceptable rate of 25 percent. Similarly, the nontarget species harvest rate for PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 both the pre-sunrise (5.0 percent) and post-sunrise (6.0 percent) periods were below the acceptable rate of 10 percent. Therefore, we agree with the Mississippi Flyway Council’s request to make the September teal-only season in Kentucky operational. Finally, we agree with the Mississippi Flyway’s request to extend Tennessee’s experimental teal-only season through 2018, to allow the Service sufficient time to review a report recently submitted by Tennessee that contains results from a fourth experimental year conducted in September 2017. The Service will examine results from all 4 years of the study to determine whether Tennessee has met experimental criteria with regard to nontarget species attempt and harvest rates. We also agree with the Central Flyway Council’s recommendation regarding Nebraska’s experimental September teal season. In 2014, we allowed States in northern (‘‘production’’) areas of the Central and Mississippi Flyways to open, on an experimental basis, September teal seasons similar to those offered since 1969 to southern (‘‘nonproduction’’) States. For these experimental seasons, each State entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Service that specified sample sizes (i.e., observations of hunter performance) and decision criteria that would need to be met for these experimental seasons to become operational. Hunters’ rates of attempting to shoot nontarget waterfowl species and the harvest rate of nontarget species could not exceed certain levels. Nebraska collected 4 years of information and met the sample-size requirements. The attempt rates at nontarget species (pre-sunrise period: 7.9 percent; post-sunrise period: 13.6 percent; both periods combined: 12.4 percent) were below our acceptable rate of 25 percent. Further, the harvest rate of nontarget species was 3 percent, below the acceptable rate of 10 percent. Therefore, we support granting operational status to September teal seasons in the northern portion of Nebraska. iii. Black Ducks Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils recommended that the Service continue to follow the International Black Duck AHM Strategy for the 2018– 19 season. Service Response: In 2012, we adopted the International Black Duck AHM Strategy (77 FR 49868; August 17, 2012). The formal strategy is the result of 14 years of technical and policy decisions developed and agreed upon E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 by both Canadian and U.S. agencies and waterfowl managers. The strategy clarifies what harvest levels each country will manage for and reduces conflicts over country-specific regulatory policies. Further, the strategy allows for attainment of fundamental objectives of black duck management: Resource conservation; perpetuation of hunting tradition; and equitable access to the black duck resource between Canada and the United States while accommodating the fundamental sources of uncertainty, partial controllability and observability, structural uncertainty, and environmental variation. The underlying model performance is assessed annually, with a comprehensive evaluation of the entire strategy (objectives and model set) planned after 6 years. A copy of the strategy is available at https:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/ management/AHM/BlackDuck InternationalHarvestStrategy.pdf. For the 2018–19 season, the optimal country-specific regulatory strategies were calculated using: (1) The black duck harvest objective (98 percent of long-term cumulative harvest); (2) 2018– 19 country-specific regulatory alternatives; (3) current parameter estimates for mallard competition and additive mortality; and (4) 2017 survey results of 0.54 million breeding black ducks and 0.44 million breeding mallards in the core survey area. The optimal regulatory choices for the 2018– 19 season are the ‘‘liberal’’ package in Canada and the ‘‘moderate’’ package in the United States. iv. Canvasbacks Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for canvasbacks with a 2bird daily bag limit. Season lengths would be 60 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway. Service Response: As we discussed in the March 28, 2016, final rule (81 FR 17302), the canvasback harvest strategy that we had relied on until 2015 was not viable under our new regulatory process because it required biological information that was not yet available at the time a decision on season structure needed to be made. We do not yet have a new harvest strategy to propose for use in guiding canvasback harvest management in the future. However, we have worked with technical staff of the four Flyway Councils to develop a decision framework (hereafter, decision support tool) that relies on the best VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 4967 biological information available to develop recommendations for annual canvasback harvest regulations. The decision support tool uses available information (1994–2014) on canvasback population size, growth rate, survival, and harvest and a discrete logistic growth model to derive an optimal harvest policy with an objective of maximum sustained yield. The decision support tool calls for a closed season when the observed population is below 460,000, a 1-bird daily bag limit when the observed breeding population is between 460,000 and 480,000, and a 2bird daily bag limit when the observed population is greater than 480,000. Given that the 2017 canvasback breeding population estimate was 733,000 birds, we support the Flyways’ recommendations for a 2-canvasback daily bag limit for the 2018–19 season. Service Response: In 2008, we adopted and implemented a new scaup harvest strategy (73 FR 43290 on July 24, 2008, and 73 FR 51124 on August 29, 2008) with initial ‘‘restrictive,’’ ‘‘moderate,’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory packages adopted for each Flyway. For scaup, optimal regulatory strategies for the 2018–19 season were calculated using: (1) An objective to achieve 95 percent of long-term cumulative harvest, (2) current scaup regulatory alternatives, and (3) updated model parameters and weights. Based on a ‘‘moderate’’ regulatory alternative selected in 2017, and the 2017 survey results of 4.37 million scaup, the optimal regulatory choice for the 2018– 19 season for all four Flyways is the ‘‘moderate’’ regulatory alternative. v. Pintails Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for pintails, consisting of a 2-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central Flyway, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway. Service Response: The current derived pintail harvest strategy was adopted by the Service and Flyway Councils in 2010 (75 FR 44856; July 29, 2010). For the 2018–19 season, an optimal regulatory strategy for pintails was calculated with: (1) An objective of maximizing long-term cumulative harvest, including a closed-season constraint of 1.75 million birds; (2) the regulatory alternatives and associated predicted harvest; and (3) current population models and their relative weights. Based on a ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the 2017–18 season, and the 2017 survey results of 2.89 million pintails observed at a mean latitude of 56.7 degrees, the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways for the 2018–19 hunting season is the ‘‘liberal’’ alternative with a 2-bird daily bag limit. A. Special Early Seasons vi. Scaup Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended use of the ‘‘moderate’’ regulation package, consisting of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag in the Atlantic Flyway and a 3-bird daily bag in the Mississippi Flyway, a 74-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Central Flyway, and an 86-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4. Canada Geese Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended changing the zone boundaries in North Dakota, modifying the boundary of the ‘‘Remainder of State’’ zone to form a new zone in the western portion of the State. Service Response: We support the Central Flyway Council’s recommendation. The change in zone boundaries will allow the State to increase harvest of resident Canada geese in eastern portions of the State, where goose/human conflicts need to be alleviated, without negatively impacting hunter opportunities in western portions of the State. B. Regular Seasons Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council revised its North Atlantic Population (NAP) Harvest Strategy by (1) eliminating the ‘‘very restrictive’’ regulatory option, and (2) incorporating uncertainty around breeding population estimates into the annual regulatory option decision. Under the revised strategy, the Council recommended adoption of the moderate season option, which would consist of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit, with a framework of October 1 to January 31 for the high harvest NAP areas; and a 70-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit, with a framework of October 1 to February 15 for the low harvest NAP areas for the 2018–19 season. The Council further recommended discontinuance of North Carolina’s Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) zone. This area would become part of North Carolina’s Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Zone. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 4968 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules The Central Flyway Council recommended the implementation of modified Canada goose hunting zones in North Dakota and Wyoming. Wyoming would conduct an evaluation of the 3way splits in two zones in accordance with established criteria. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the daily bag limit for Canada geese from 4 to 6 in the Northwest Permit Zone of Oregon. They further recommended reducing the size of Oregon’s Tillamook County Management Area (i.e., reducing the size of the goose hunting closure). Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council’s decision to explicitly consider uncertainty around breeding population estimates when developing its annual regulatory recommendation for NAP Canada geese, and we support the Council’s recommendation for a moderate season in 2018–19. We also agree that the SJBP zone designation in North Carolina can be eliminated, and that incorporating that area into the State’s AFRP zone is appropriate. The SJBP is no longer managed as a separate population in the Mississippi Flyway, where most of these birds are harvested; thus, the SJBP zone in North Carolina is not needed for harvest management purposes. We support the Central Flyway Council’s recommendations. The change in North Dakota was previously addressed above in 4.A. Special Early Seasons. The changes will allow the States to better satisfy hunters’ desires to hunt at certain times of the season without negatively impacting Canada goose populations. Wyoming will work together with the Service to conduct an evaluation of their change to conform to Service requirements. We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation to increase the daily bag limit from 4 to 6 Canada geese in Oregon’s Northwest Permit Zone. Seven subspecies of Canada geese occur in this area, but cackling Canada geese are the most abundant. The current 3-year average predicted fall population estimate (2015–17) for cackling geese is 321,475, which is substantially above the Flyway population objective of 250,000. The increase in bag limit is specifically intended to decrease abundance of cackling geese and address associated depredation complaints, and is consistent with the Council’s harvest strategy for these birds. However, the bag limit increase could result in increased harvest of the 6 other subspecies of Canada geese in the area, but is not expected to be significant. Canada goose harvest in the area is expected to increase by less than 10 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 percent with the bag limit change, and State harvest data indicate cackling geese represent about 70 percent of the Canada goose harvest in this area. Other subspecies of Canada geese are over the Council’s population objectives, have no open hunting season, occur mostly outside of the Northwest Zone, or have stable trends in abundance during the last 10 years. More specific to these other Canada goose subspecies, the current 3-year average breeding population estimate (2015–17) for Aleutian Canada geese is 167,451, which is substantially above the Flyway population objective of 60,000 geese. The current 3-year average breeding population estimate (2015–17) for the Pacific Population of western Canada geese is 313,200 and exceeds areaspecific Flyway objectives. The hunting season on dusky Canada geese, a subspecies of management concern, is currently closed in this area. The potential for increased incidental take of dusky geese is expected to be small, and monitoring programs are in place to evaluate population status. Vancouver Canada geese are relatively nonmigratory, occur primarily in remote estuarine areas of southeast Alaska and northern British Columbia (i.e., Northwest Permit Zone is on the periphery of the subspecies’ range), and additional harvest associated with the bag limit increase is expected to be insignificant. For Taverner’s Canada geese and lesser Canada geese, there are no Flyway management plans, population objectives, or populationspecific monitoring programs because these birds cannot be differentiated during surveys and breeding distributions are not disjunct. However, these subspecies are encountered during general waterfowl breeding population and habitat surveys across North America. Indices from these surveys indicate that abundance of Taverner’s and lesser geese have been stable during the last 10 (2008–17) years. We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation to reduce the size of the Tillamook County Management Area (i.e., goose hunting closure). Oregon’s Tillamook County Management Area was established in 1982 to provide protection for Aleutian Canada geese, specifically those that primarily breed on the Semidi Islands, Alaska, and winter near Pacific City, Oregon. Aleutian Canada geese were listed as an endangered population in 1967 (32 FR 4001, March 11, 1967) under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, which was later superseded by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 seq.); downlisted to threatened status in 1990 (55 FR 51106, December 12, 1990); and removed from protection under the Act in 2001 (66 FR 15643, March 20, 2001). The current 3-year average breeding population estimate (2015–17) for Aleutian geese is 167,451, which is substantially above the Flyway population objective of 60,000 geese. The Semidi Islands population segment is currently about 300 birds, and has consisted of about 100–300 birds since the 1990s. Monitoring data indicate that these birds almost exclusively use two pastures/hayfields within the goose hunting closure area. The closure area includes both non-goose habitat and pastures/hayfields the Semidi Islands geese do not use. The closure area has been reduced four times (2002, 2005, 2007, and 2011) since establishment to focus protection on areas Semidi Islands geese use and address depredation complaints resulting from increasing abundance of several populations of Canada and white-fronted geese in the area. This fifth reduction in the goose hunting closure area is expected to maintain the same level of protection for Semidi Islands geese and address the increasing number of goose depredation complaints in the area currently closed to goose hunting. Reduction of the goose hunting closure area could result in increased take of dusky Canada geese, a subspecies of management concern known to winter primarily in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. However, the hunting season for this subspecies is closed in this area, the potential for increased incidental take is expected to be small, and monitoring programs are in place to evaluate population status. 5. White-Fronted Geese Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended removal of the special goose season outside date restriction in Washington’s Area 1. Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation. Removing the restriction would change the hunting season framework dates for whitefronted geese from the Saturday nearest September 24 and the last Sunday in February to the Saturday nearest September 24 and March 10, consistent with the general framework for the Pacific Flyway. The current 3-year average predicted fall population estimate (2015–17) for the Pacific Population of greater white-fronted geese is 633,399, which is substantially above the Flyway population objective of 300,000. The Area 1 framework date restriction was implemented when the E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 local 3-year average snow goose count was below the 70,000 bird objective established in Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management plan for Wrangel Island snow geese. The current 3-year average snow goose count (2015–17) is 83,175, and exceeds the threshold of 70,000 birds. Removing the framework date restriction for whitefronted geese in Washington’s Area 1 will simplify regulations by matching the general framework dates for whitefronted geese in the Pacific Flyway. 6. Brant Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the 2018–19 season for Atlantic brant follow the Atlantic Flyway brant hunt plan pending the results of the 2018 Atlantic Flyway mid-winter waterfowl survey. The Council also recommended that if the results of the 2018 mid-winter survey are not available, then the results of the most recent mid-winter survey should be used. Service Response: As we discussed March 28, 2016, final rule (81 FR 17302), the current harvest strategy used to determine the Atlantic brant season frameworks does not fit well within the new regulatory process, similar to the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) sandhill crane issue discussed below under 9. Sandhill Cranes. In developing the annual proposed frameworks for Atlantic brant in the past, the Atlantic Flyway Council and the Service used the number of brant counted during the Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey (MWS) in the Atlantic Flyway, and took into consideration the brant population’s expected productivity that summer. The MWS is conducted each January, and expected brant productivity is based on early-summer observations of breeding habitat conditions and nesting effort in important brant nesting areas. Thus, the data under consideration were available before the annual Flyway and SRC decision-making meetings took place in late July. Although the former regulatory alternatives for Atlantic brant were developed by factoring together longterm productivity rates (observed during November and December productivity surveys) with estimated observed harvest under different framework regulations, the primary decisionmaking criterion for selecting the annual frameworks was the MWS count. Under the new regulatory schedule, neither the expected 2018 brant production information (available summer 2018) nor the 2018 MWS count (conducted in January 2018) is yet available. However, the 2018 MWS will be completed and winter brant data will VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 be available by the expected publication of the final frameworks (late February 2018). Therefore, in the September 24, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 57664), we adopted the Atlantic Flyway’s changes to the then-current Atlantic brant hunt plan strategies. Current harvest packages (strategies) for Atlantic brant hunting seasons are now as follows: • If the mid-winter waterfowl survey (MWS) count is <100,000 Atlantic brant, the season would be closed. • If the MWS count is between 100,000 and 115,000 brant, States could select a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit. • If the MWS count is between 115,000 and 130,000 brant, States could select a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. • If the MWS count is between 130,000 and 150,000 brant, States could select a 50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. • If the MWS count is between 150,000 and 200,000 brant, States could select a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. • If the MWS count is >200,000 brant, States could select a 60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Under all the above open-season alternatives, seasons would be between the Saturday nearest September 24 and January 31. Further, States could split their seasons into 2 segments. When we acquire the 2018 MWS brant count in January 2018, we will select the appropriate Atlantic brant hunting season for 2018–19 from the above Atlantic brant hunt strategies and publish the result in the final frameworks rule. 7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended, in Washington, removing the special goose season outside date restriction in Area 1. Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation. Removing the restriction would change the hunting season closing framework date for light geese from the last Sunday in February to March 10, consistent with the general framework for the Pacific Flyway. The Area 1 framework date restriction was implemented when the local 3-year average snow goose count was below the 70,000 bird objective established in Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management plan for Wrangel Island snow geese. The current 3-year average snow goose count (2015–17) is 83,175, and exceeds the threshold of 70,000 birds. Three populations of light PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4969 geese occur in the Pacific Flyway, and all are above Flyway objectives based on the most recent breeding population indices. The population estimate for the Western Arctic Population (WAP) of lesser snow geese was 419,800 in 2013 (most recent estimate) on Banks Island, which is above the objective of 200,000 geese. Ross’s geese were estimated at 624,100 in 2016 (most recent estimate) at Karrak Lake and are above the objective of 100,000 geese. The current 3-year average breeding population estimate (2015–17) for Wrangel Island snow geese is 297,333, which is above the objective of 120,000 geese. Current evidence suggests most light geese in Washington during fall and early winter are primarily Wrangel Island snow geese, but an influx of WAP lesser snow and Ross’s geese may occur during late winter as birds begin to move north from California toward breeding areas. Removing the closing framework date restriction for light geese in Washington’s Area 1 will simplify regulations by matching the general framework dates for light geese in the Pacific Flyway. 9. Sandhill Cranes Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended changing the framework season length for Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) cranes from 30 consecutive days to 60 days that may be split into segments. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a maximum of three season segments, whereas the Central Flyway Council recommendation did not specify a maximum number of season segments. The Pacific Flyway Council further recommended establishment of a new hunting unit for RMP cranes in the Malad River area of Oneida County, Idaho, and that allowable harvest of RMP cranes be determined based on the formula described in the Pacific and Central Flyway Management Plan for RMP cranes. Service Response: We agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation to increase the season length for RMP cranes from 30 to 60 days and to allow the season to be split into segments. However, we will restrict the number of season segments to three, consistent with the Pacific Flyway recommendation. The change in season length and splits is intended to provide increased flexibility to States in addressing crop depredation concerns and cranes staging for longer periods. This change is not expected to result in harvest of RMP cranes above allowable levels because States are allocated a maximum allowable harvest annually E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 4970 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules according to the harvest strategy specified in the Pacific and Central Flyway Council’s RMP crane management plan. However, we note that increasing hunting opportunities likely will increase harvest and bring States closer to their harvest allocations. The Service, collaboratively with the States, will continue to monitor take levels to ensure that realized take remains within those allowed in the Flyway Councils’ harvest strategy. We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council’s recommendation to create a new hunting area for RMP cranes in Idaho to include a portion of Oneida County. The new hunting area is consistent with the hunting area requirements in the Pacific and Central Flyway Council’s RMP crane management plan. Because this is a shared population between the Pacific and Central Flyways, the same recommendation should have come from the Central Flyway Council. Although we did not receive a formal recommendation from them, the Central Flyway Council has indicated to the Service that it supports the recommendation. Regarding the RMP crane harvest, as we discussed in the March 28, 2016, final rule (81 FR 17302), the current harvest strategy used to calculate the allowable harvest of RMP cranes does not fit well within the new regulatory process, similar to the Atlantic brant issue discussed above under 6. Brant. Results of the fall abundance and recruitment surveys of RMP cranes, which are used in the calculation of the annual allowable harvest, will continue to be released between December 1 and January 31 each year, which is after the date proposed frameworks will be formulated in the new regulatory process. If we were to propose regulations at this point in time, data 2 to 4 years old would be used to determine the annual allowable harvest and State harvest allocations for RMP cranes. We agree that relying on data that is 2 to 4 years old is not ideal due to the variability in fall abundance and recruitment for this population, and the significance of these data in the annual harvest allocations. Thus, we agree that the formula to determine the annual allowable harvest for RMP cranes published in the March 28, 2016, final rule should be used under the new regulatory schedule. We will produce a final estimate for the allowable harvest of RMP cranes and publish it in the final frameworks rule, allowing us to use data that is 1 to 3 years old, as is currently practiced. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 14. Woodcock In 2011, we implemented a harvest strategy for woodcock (76 FR 19876, April 8, 2011). The harvest strategy provides a transparent framework for making regulatory decisions for woodcock season length and bag limits while we work to improve monitoring and assessment protocols for this species. Utilizing the criteria developed for the strategy, the 3-year average for the Singing Ground Survey indices and associated confidence intervals fall within the ‘‘moderate package’’ for both the Eastern and Central Management Regions. As such, a ‘‘moderate season’’ for both management regions for the 2018–19 season is appropriate. Specifics of the harvest strategy can be found at https://www.fws.gov/birds/ surveys-and-data/webless-migratorygame-birds/american-woodcock.php. 16. Doves Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils recommended use of the ‘‘standard’’ season framework comprising a 90-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit for States within the Eastern Management Unit (EMU). The daily bag limit could be composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in combination. They also recommended that the closing framework date for the EMU be changed from January 15 to January 31. The Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils recommended the use of the ‘‘standard’’ season package of a 15-bird daily bag limit and a 90-day season for the 2018–19 mourning dove season in the States within the Central Management Unit. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended use of the ‘‘standard’’ season framework for States in the Western Management Unit (WMU) population of mourning doves. Service Response: Based on the harvest strategies and current population status, we agree with the recommended selection of the ‘‘standard’’ season frameworks for doves in the Eastern, Central, and Western Management Units for the 2018–19 season. 22. Other Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that Atlantic Flyway States be granted compensatory days for webless migratory game bird hunting beginning with the 2018–19 hunting season in States where Sunday hunting for migratory game birds is prohibited by a State law adopted prior to 1997 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania). Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council’s recommendation to allow compensatory days for all migratory game bird species in States where Sunday hunting is prohibited by State law. Compensatory days will provide additional hunting opportunity for dove, woodcock, rail, snipe, and gallinule hunters in those States, thereby assisting State agency efforts to retain hunters. We expect that the biological impacts of the additional hunting opportunity afforded by compensatory days will be minimal on snipe, rails, and gallinules, which are lightly hunted in the Atlantic Flyway. More than 88 percent of the mourning dove harvest in the Atlantic Flyway occurs during the first month of the season, and only 4 of the affected States have dove seasons; thus, adding compensatory days later in the dove season in those States will not increase the harvest significantly. Based on recent (2012–2016) estimates of woodcock harvested per day, the additional 7 woodcock hunting days (5 in New Jersey) in the affected States is expected to result in approximately 5,500 additional woodcock harvested, about 9 percent of the recent annual woodcock harvest in the Atlantic Flyway. If this additional harvest results in measurable adverse population impacts, the woodcock hunting season and harvest in the Atlantic Flyway will be adjusted in accordance with the woodcock harvest strategy, which is based on the population status of the species. Public Comments The Department of the Interior’s policy is, whenever possible, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed regulations. Before promulgating final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will consider all comments we receive. These comments, and any additional information we receive, may lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals. You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax. We will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in DATES. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules We will post all comments in their entirety—including your personal identifying information—on https:// www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. We will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. As in the past, we will summarize all comments we receive during the comment period and respond to them after the closing date in the preambles of any final rules. Required Determinations sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Based on our most current data, we are affirming our required determinations made in the August 3 and October 3 proposed rules; for descriptions of our actions to ensure compliance with the following statutes and Executive Orders, see our August 3, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 36308): • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration; • Endangered Species Act Consideration; • Regulatory Flexibility Act; • Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act; • Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; • Unfunded Mandates Reform Act; • Executive Orders 12630, 12866, 12988, 13132, 13175, 13211, 13563, and 13771. 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 2018–19 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703–712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Dated: January 16, 2018. Jason Larrabee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Exercising the Authority of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2018–19 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 proposed frameworks for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for hunting migratory game birds between the dates of September 1, 2018, and March 10, 2019. These frameworks are summarized below. 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 three times the daily bag limit. Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take by sport hunters, or both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans, some sandhill crane populations), the Service determines the amount of harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations. These Federally authorized, Stateissued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4971 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. Duck Management Units High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian. See Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions, Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots for specific boundaries in each State. Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: In Washington, all areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County; and in Oregon, the counties of Gilliam, Morrow, and Umatilla. 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. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4972 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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 For the purpose of the hunting regulations listed below, the collective terms ‘‘dark’’ and ‘‘light’’ geese include the following species: 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. Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related to regulations are contained in a later portion of this document. Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are listed below by Flyway. Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, where Sunday hunting is prohibited Statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to the take of all migratory game birds. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Outside Dates: States may select 2 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 weekends, holidays, or other non-school days when youth hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any other open season on migratory birds. Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, tundra swans, 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: States may use their established definition of age VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 for youth hunters. However, youth hunters may not be over the age of 17. 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. Youth hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal Duck Stamp). Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing applicable tundra swan permits. 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, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Central Flyway: Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico (part), Oklahoma, and Texas. Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 16 consecutive hunting days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The daily bag limit is 6 teal. Shooting Hours Atlantic Flyway: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in South Carolina, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset. Mississippi and Central Flyways: Onehalf hour before sunrise to sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, 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 teal/wood duck season may be selected in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 6 teal and wood ducks in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. In addition, a 4-consecutive-day teal-only season may be selected in September either immediately before or immediately after the 5-consecutive-day teal/wood duck season. The daily bag limit is 6 teal. The teal-only seasons in Florida and Tennessee are experimental. Iowa: In lieu of an experimental special September teal season, Iowa may PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 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 during the remainder of the regular duck season. The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before October 10. Waterfowl Atlantic Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27). Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can be females), 2 black ducks, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 4 scoters, 4 eiders, and 4 long-tailed ducks. Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Lake Champlain Zone of Vermont. Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone of New Hampshire. Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone. Scoters, Eiders, and Long-Tailed Ducks Special Sea Duck Seasons Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may select a Special Sea Duck Season in designated Special Sea Duck Areas. If a Special Sea Duck Season is selected, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks may be taken in the designated Special Sea Duck Area(s) only during the Special Sea Duck Season dates; scoters, eiders, and longtailed ducks may be taken outside of Special Sea Duck Area(s) during the regular duck season, in accordance with the frameworks for ducks, mergansers, and coots specified above. Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31. Special Sea Duck Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: 60 consecutive hunting days, or 60 days that are concurrent with the regular duck season, with a daily bag limit of 5, singly or in the aggregate, of the listed sea duck species, including no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders, and 4 long-tailed ducks. 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 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, 4 eiders, and 4 long-tailed ducks) and possession limits. Special Sea Duck 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 New Jersey, all coastal waters seaward from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Demarcation Lines shown on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Nautical Charts and further described in 33 CFR 80.165, 80.501, 80.502, and 80.503; in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay that are separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and emergent vegetation in South Carolina and Georgia; and in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay that 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 Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Canada Geese Special Early Canada Goose Seasons 4973 a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. A Canada goose season of up to 15 days during September 1–15 may be selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland. Seasons not to exceed 30 days during September 1–30 may be selected for Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone only), 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. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that during any special early Canada goose season, shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed in the specific applicable area. Maine Regular Canada Goose Seasons New Hampshire Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons may also include white-fronted geese in an aggregate daily bag limit. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and January 31 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Connecticut North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 50day season may be held between October 10 and February 5, with a 3bird daily bag limit. South Zone: A special season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Resident Population (RP) Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 5bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Delaware A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Florida An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Georgia An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Maryland RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Massachusetts NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. New Jersey AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. New York NAP Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held, with a 2-bird daily bag limit in the High Harvest areas; and between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Low Harvest areas. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the opening date is October 10, through February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Western Long Island RP Zone: A 107day season may be held between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10, with an 8-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4974 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. North Carolina RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Northeast Hunt Unit: A 14-day season may be held between the Saturday prior to December 25 (December 22) and January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Pennsylvania SJBP Zone: A 78-day season may be held between the first Saturday in October (October 6) and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Rhode Island A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. A special late season may be held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. South Carolina In designated areas, an 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Vermont Lake Champlain Zone and Interior Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Connecticut River Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Virginia SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special late season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. West Virginia An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments in each zone. Light Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 25-bird daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into three segments. Brant Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and January 31. States may split their seasons into two segments. The season length and daily bag limit will be based on the upcoming Mid-Winter Survey results and the Atlantic brant hunt plan. Mississippi Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27). Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: The season may not exceed 60 days, with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 2 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Zoning and Split Seasons: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones. In Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in each zone. In Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi, the season may be split into three segments. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Canada Geese: States may select seasons for Canada geese not to exceed 107 days with a 5-bird daily bag limit during September 1–30, and a 3-bird daily bag limit for the remainder of the season. Seasons may be held between September 1 and February 15, and may be split into 4 segments. White-fronted Geese and Brant: Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee may select a season for white-fronted geese not to exceed 74 days with 3 geese daily, or 88 days with 2 geese daily, or 107 days with 1 goose daily between September 1 and February 15; Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin may select a season for white-fronted geese not to exceed 107 days with 5 geese daily, in aggregate with dark geese between September 1 and February 15. States may select a season for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily, or 107 days with 1 brant daily with outside dates the same as for Canada geese; alternately, States may include brant in an aggregate goose bag limit with either Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or dark geese. Light Geese: States may select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily between September 1 and February 15. There is no possession limit for light geese. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that during September 1–15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after sunset for Canada geese if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed in the specific applicable area. Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into four segments unless otherwise indicated. Central Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27). Hunting Seasons High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian): 97 days. The last 23 days must run consecutively and may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 8). Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days. Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 scaup, 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, and 2 canvasbacks. In Texas, the daily bag limit on mottled ducks is 1, except that no mottled ducks may be taken during the first 5 days of the season. In addition to the daily limits listed above, the States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, in lieu of selecting an experimental September teal season, may include an additional daily bag and possession limit of 2 and 6 blue-winged teal, respectively, during the first 16 days of the regular duck season in each respective duck hunting zone. These extra limits are in addition to the regular duck bag and possession limits. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck bag limit, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Zoning and Split Seasons: Colorado, Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. In Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into two segments. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Geese Special Early Canada Goose 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, Montana, and Wyoming, Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1–15 may be selected. In North Dakota, Canada goose seasons of up to 22 days during September 1–22 may be selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 8 Canada geese and in North Dakota and South Dakota, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 15 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State’s hunting regulations. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that during September 1–15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after sunset if all other waterfowl and crane seasons VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 are closed in the specific applicable area. Regular Goose Seasons Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions that are consistent with the late-winter snow goose hunting strategy cooperatively developed by the Central Flyway Council and the Service are required. Season Lengths and Limits Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 50 with no possession limit. Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) not to exceed 107 days with a daily bag limit of 8. For white-fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 74 days with a bag limit of 3, or an 88-day season with a bag limit of 2, or a season of 107 days with a bag limit of 1. In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming, States may select seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate. In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except whitefronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is 2. Pacific Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27). Hunting Seasons and Duck and Merganser Limits: 107 days. The daily bag limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female mallards, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. For scaup, the season length is 86 days, which may be PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4975 split according to applicable zones and split duck hunting configurations approved for each State. Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag limit of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules is 25, singly or in the aggregate. Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments. Montana and New Mexico may split their seasons into three segments. Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits should be the same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone). Geese Special Early Canada Goose Seasons A Canada goose season of up to 15 days during September 1–20 may be selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in Pacific County, Washington, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 15 Canada geese. 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 Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits Canada Geese and Brant: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27). In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese and brant in the aggregate. In California, Oregon, and Washington, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese. For brant, Oregon and Washington may select a 16-day season and California a 37-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and California may select hunting seasons for up to two zones. The daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to other goose limits. In Oregon and California, the brant season must end no later than December 15. White-fronted Geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 10. Light Geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 4976 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 20. Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese and whitefronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. California: The daily bag limit for Canada geese is 10. Balance of State Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, the season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 28, and the daily bag limit is 3 white-fronted geese. In the North Coast Special Management Area, hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January (January 27) should be concurrent with Oregon’s South Coast Zone. Oregon: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6 on or before the last Sunday in January (January 27). Harney and Lake County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily whitefronted goose bag limit is 1. Northwest Permit Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limits of Canada geese and light geese are 6 each. In the Tillamook County Management Area, the hunting season is closed on geese. South Coast Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. The daily bag limit of Canada geese is 6. Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January (January 27) should be concurrent with California’s North Coast Special Management Area. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. Utah: A Canada goose and brant season may be selected in the Wasatch Front Zone with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and the first Sunday in February (February 3). Washington: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6. Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. Area 4: Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Permit Zones In Oregon and Washington permit zones, the hunting season is closed on 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. Hunting of geese will only be by hunters possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. Shooting hours for geese may begin no earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada goose seasons in the permit zones of Oregon and Washington remain subject to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Service regarding monitoring the impacts of take during the regular Canada goose season on the dusky Canada goose population. Swans In portions of the Pacific Flyway (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the State and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season with each permit. Nevada may issue up to 2 permits per hunter. Montana and Utah may issue only 1 permit per hunter. Each State’s season may open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29). These seasons are also subject to the following conditions: Montana: No more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must end no later than December 1. The State must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan harvest and should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in reporting bill measurement and color information. Utah: No more than 2,000 permits may be issued. During the swan season, no more than 10 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 9) or upon attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August 2003, regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan season. Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 6) or upon attainment of 5 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. In addition, the States of Utah and Nevada must implement a harvestmonitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan harvest. The harvest-monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal biologists for the purpose of species classification. The States should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing bagged swans for examination. Further, the States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must achieve at least an 80-percent hunter compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be reduced by 10 percent. All three States must provide to the Service by June 30, 2019, a report detailing harvest, hunter participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt areas. Tundra Swans In portions of the Atlantic Flyway (North Carolina and Virginia) and the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota [east of the Missouri River], and that portion of Montana in the Central Flyway), an open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the States that authorize the take of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second permit may be issued to hunters from unused permits remaining after the first drawing. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons are also subject to the following conditions: In the Atlantic Flyway —The season may be 90 days, between October 1 and January 31. —In North Carolina, no more than 6,250 permits may be issued. —In Virginia, no more than 750 permits may be issued. In the Central Flyway —The season may be 107 days, between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and January 31. —In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 625 permits may be issued. —In North Dakota, no more than 2,500 permits may be issued. —In South Dakota, no more than 1,875 permits may be issued. Sandhill Cranes Regular Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28 in Minnesota, and E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules between September 1 and January 31 in Kentucky and Tennessee. Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be selected in the designated portion of northwestern Minnesota (Northwest Goose Zone), and a season not to exceed 60 consecutive days in Kentucky and Tennessee. Daily Bag Limit: 1 sandhill crane in Minnesota, 2 sandhill cranes in Kentucky, and 3 sandhill cranes in Tennessee. In Kentucky and Tennessee, the seasonal bag limit is 3 sandhill cranes. Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting permit. Other Provisions: The number of permits (where applicable), open areas, season dates, protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons must be consistent with the management plans and approved by the Mississippi Flyway Council. 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 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 season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting permit. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 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 60 days, and may be split into no more than 3 segments. Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 4977 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: A. In Utah, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota; B. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest must be conducted at 3-year intervals; C. In Idaho, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota; and D. 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. Flyways and the Pacific Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 rails, singly or in the aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of the Pacific Flyway. 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, mergansers, and coots; therefore, frameworks for common moorhens and purple gallinules are included with the duck, merganser, and coot frameworks. 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. 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 45 days in the Eastern and Central Regions. 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 36 days. 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: Seasons may not exceed 70 days, and may be split into 2 segments. Daily Bag Limits Clapper and King Rails: In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two species. In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the aggregate of the two species. Sora and Virginia Rails: In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Snipe Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, 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 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. 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 14 consecutive days, with a daily bag limit of 2. Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 14 consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may not open until October 1. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4978 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Doves Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31 in the Eastern Management Unit, and between September 1 and January 15 in the Central and Western Management Units, except as otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag limits as follows: Eastern Management Unit Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a daily 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. Special White-Winged Dove Area in Texas In addition, Texas 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 15 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. Western Management Unit Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a daily 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. Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington: Not more than 60 days, which may be split between two periods. The daily bag limit is 15 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 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 could be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves. In California, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 could be white-winged doves. Texas Alaska Central Management Unit sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 For All States Except Texas Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a daily bag limit of 15 mourning, whitewinged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. Zoning and Split Seasons: 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 take of mourning and white-tipped doves may also occur during that special season (see Special White-winged Dove Area in Texas). 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 14 and January 25. C. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each hunting zone. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 spectacled eiders and Steller’s eiders. Daily Bag and Possession Limits Ducks: Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 ducks. Daily bag limits in the North Zone are 10, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they are 8. The basic limits may include no more than 2 canvasbacks daily and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck limits of 10 daily, 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. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Light Geese: The daily bag limit is 6. Canada Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 with the following exceptions: A. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from September 28 through December 16. B. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada goose season may be offered. 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. C. In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, the daily bag limit is 6 Canada geese. White-fronted Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 with the following exceptions: A. In Units 9, 10, and 17, the daily bag limit is 6 white-fronted geese. B. In Unit 18, the daily bag limit is 10 white-fronted geese. Emperor Geese: Open seasons for emperor geese may be selected subject to the following conditions: A. All seasons are by permit only. B. No more than 1 emperor goose may be authorized per permit. C. Total harvest may not exceed 1,000 emperor geese. D. In State Game Management Unit 18, the Kodiak Island Road Area is closed to hunting. The Kodiak Island Road Area consists of all lands and water (including exposed tidelands) east of a line extending from Crag Point in the north to the west end of Saltery Cove in the south and all lands and water south of a line extending from Termination Point along the north side of Cascade Lake extending to Anton Larsen Bay. Marine waters adjacent to the closed area are closed to harvest within 500 feet from the water’s edge. The offshore islands are open to harvest, for example: Woody, Long, Gull, and Puffin islands. Brant: The daily bag limit is 3. Snipe: The daily bag limit is 8. Sandhill Cranes: The daily bag limit is 2 in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones, and Unit 17 in the North Zone. In the remainder of the North Zone (outside Unit 17), the daily bag limit is 3. Tundra Swans: Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject to the following conditions: A. All seasons are by permit only. B. All season framework dates are September 1–October 31. C. In Unit 17, no more than 200 permits may be issued during this operational season. No more than 3 E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules tundra swans may be authorized per permit, with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season. D. In Unit 18, no more than 500 permits may be issued during the operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season. E. In Unit 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season. F. In Unit 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season. Hawaii Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31. Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) for mourning doves. Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning doves. Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20. Puerto Rico Doves and Pigeons sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15. Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 20 Zenaida, mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which not more than 10 may be Zenaida doves and 3 may be mourning doves. Not to exceed 5 scaly-naped pigeons. Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the white-crowned pigeon and the 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 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. 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. 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. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4979 may be divided into a maximum of 3 segments. Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March 10. Daily Bag Limits: Falconry daily bag limits for all permitted migratory game birds must not exceed 3 birds, 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. Regular season bag limits do not apply to falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots Atlantic Flyway Connecticut North Zone: That portion of the State north of I–95. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Maine North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along Maine State Highway 110 from the New HampshireMaine State line to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of I–95 in Augusta; then north and east along I–95 to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the U.S. border. Coastal Zone: That portion south of a line extending east from the Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at the Route 1 Bridge; then south along Route 1 to the Maine-New Hampshire border in Kittery. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Maryland Special Teal Season Area: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; 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. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4980 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Massachusetts Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Vermont State line 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 State line. Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line 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 State line; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards inland from the highwater mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone. Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the Central Zone. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 New Hampshire Northern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of the Inland Zone beginning at the Jct. of Rte. 10 and Rte. 25–A in Orford, east on Rte. 25–A to Rte. 25 in Wentworth, southeast on Rte. 25 to Exit 26 of Rte. I–93 in Plymouth, south on Rte. I–93 to Rte. 3 at Exit 24 of Rte. I–93 in Ashland, northeast on Rte. 3 to Rte. 113 in Holderness, north on Rte. 113 to Rte. 113–A in Sandwich, north on Rte. 113–A to Rte. 113 in Tamworth, east on Rte. 113 to Rte. 16 in Chocorua, north on Rte. 16 to Rte. 302 in Conway, east on Rte. 302 to the Maine-New Hampshire border. Inland Zone: That portion of the State south and west of the Northern Zone, west of the Coastal Zone, and includes the area of Vermont and New Hampshire as described for hunting reciprocity. A person holding a New Hampshire hunting license that allows the taking of migratory waterfowl or a person holding a Vermont resident hunting license that allows the taking of migratory waterfowl may take migratory waterfowl and coots from the following designated area of the Inland Zone: The State of Vermont east of Rte. I–91 at the Massachusetts border, north on Rte. I– 91 to Rte. 2, north on Rte. 2 to Rte. 102, north on Rte. 102 to Rte. 253, and north on Rte. 253 to the border with Canada and the area of New Hampshire west of Rte. 63 at the Massachusetts border, north on Rte. 63 to Rte. 12, north on Rte. 12 to Rte. 12–A, north on Rte. 12–A to Rte 10, north on Rte. 10 to Rte. 135, north on Rte. 135 to Rte. 3, north on Rte. 3 to the intersection with the Connecticut River. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line beginning at the Maine-New Hampshire border in Rollinsford, then extending to Rte. 4 west to the city of Dover, south to the intersection of Rte. 108, south along Rte. 108 through Madbury, Durham, and Newmarket to the junction of Rte. 85 in Newfields, south to Rte. 101 in Exeter, east to Interstate 95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) in Hampton, and south to the Massachusetts border. New Jersey Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to NJ 109; south on NJ 109 to Cape May County Route 633 (Lafayette Street); south on Lafayette Street to Jackson Street; south on Jackson Street to the shoreline at Cape May; west along the shoreline of Cape May beach to COLREGS Demarcation Line 80.503 at Cape May Point; south along COLREGS Demarcation Line 80.503 to the Delaware State line in Delaware Bay. North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State line in the Delaware River. South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or the Coastal Zone. New York Lake Champlain Zone: That area east and north of a continuous line extending along U.S. 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B 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 State line. 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 State line. Northeastern Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending from Lake PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I–81, south along I–81 to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along NY 13 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 NY 22, north along NY 22 to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New YorkVermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York. Pennsylvania Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle Peninsula. Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of Mercer and Venango Counties north of I–80. North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone and north of a line extending east on I–80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I–180, I–180 to I–80, and I–80 to the Delaware River. South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania. 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 VT 78 at Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to Maquam Bay on Lake Champlain; along and around the shoreline of Maquam Bay and Hog Island to VT 78 at the West Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in Alburg; VT 2 to the Richelieu River in Alburg; along the east shore of the Richelieu River to the Canadian border. Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain Zone and west 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 Illinois North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Peotone–Beecher Road to Illinois Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road, west along Wilmington-Peotone E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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 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 south of the North Duck Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I–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 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo’s Road, south along St. Leo’s Road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Central Zone: The remainder of the State between the south border of the Central Zone and the North border of the South Zone. Indiana North Zone: That part of Indiana north of a line extending east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 31; north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east along U.S. 24 to Huntington; southeast along U.S. 224; south along VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 State Road 5; and east along State Road 124 to the Ohio border. Central Zone: That part of Indiana south of the North Zone boundary and north of the South Zone boundary. South Zone: That part of Indiana south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along I–70; east along National Ave.; east along U.S. 150; south along U.S. 41; east along State Road 58; south along State Road 37 to Bedford; and east along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border. Iowa North Zone: That portion of Iowa north of a line beginning on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, east 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, and along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois border. Missouri River Zone: That portion of Iowa west of a line beginning on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, and west along State Highway 175 to the Iowa-Nebraska border. South Zone: The remainder of Iowa. Kentucky West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties. East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky. Louisiana East Zone: That area of the State between the Mississippi State line and a line going south on Hwy 79 from the Arkansas border to Homer, then south on Hwy 9 to Arcadia, then south on Hwy 147 to Hodge, then south on Hwy 167 to Turkey Creek, then south on Hwy 13 to Eunice, then west on Hwy 190 to Kinder, then south on Hwy 165 to Iowa, then west on I–10 to its junction with Hwy 14 at Lake Charles, then south and east on Hwy 14 to its junction with Hwy 90 in New Iberia, then east on Hwy 90 to the Mississippi State line. West Zone: That area between the Texas State line and a line going east on I–10 from the Texas border to Hwy 165 at Iowa, then north on Hwy 165 to Kinder, then east on Hwy 190 to Eunice, then north on Hwy 13 to Turkey Creek, then north on Hwy 167 to Hodge, then north on Hwy 147 to Arcadia, then north on Hwy 9 to Homer, then north on Hwy 79 to the Arkansas border. Coastal Zone: Remainder of the State. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4981 Michigan North Zone: The Upper Peninsula. Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line beginning at the Wisconsin State line in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly and southerly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I–75/U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along 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. South Zone: The remainder of Michigan. Minnesota North Duck Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the North Dakota State line along State Highway 210 to State Highway 23 and east to State Highway 39 and east to the Wisconsin State line at the Oliver Bridge. South Duck Zone: The portion of the State south of a line extending east from the South Dakota State line along U.S. Highway 212 to Interstate 494 and east to Interstate 94 and east to the Wisconsin State line. Central Duck Zone: The remainder of the State. Missouri North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west from the Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; west on Lincoln County Hwy. N to Mo. Hwy. 79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 to Mo. Hwy. 47; west on Mo. Hwy. 47 to I–70; west on I–70 to the Kansas border. Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri not included in other zones. South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west from the Illinois border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo. Hwy. 25; south on Mo. Hwy. 25 to U.S. Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo. Hwy. 53; north on Mo. Hwy. 53 to Mo. Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 to U.S. Hwy. 60; west on U.S. Hwy. 60 to Mo. Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. 21 to Mo. Hwy. 72; west on Mo. Hwy. 72 to Mo. Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. 32 to U.S. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4982 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Hwy. 65; north on U.S. Hwy. 65 to U.S. Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. 54 to U.S. Hwy. 71; south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line Blvd.); west on Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line Blvd.) to CRD 40 (Base Line Blvd.); west on CRD 40 (Base Line Blvd.) to the Kansas border. Ohio Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all land and water within the boundaries of the area bordered by a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 75 at the Ohio-Michigan State line and continuing south to Interstate 280, then south on I–280 to the Ohio Turnpike (I–80/I–90), then east on the Ohio Turnpike to the Erie-Lorain County line, then north to Lake Erie, then following the Lake Erie shoreline at a distance of 200 yards offshore, then following the shoreline west toward and around the northern tip of Cedar Point Amusement Park, then continuing from the westernmost point of Cedar Point toward the southernmost tip of the sand bar at the mouth of Sandusky Bay and out into Lake Erie at a distance of 200 yards offshore continuing parallel to the Lake Erie shoreline north and west toward the northernmost tip of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, then following a direct line toward the southernmost tip of Wood Tick Peninsula in Michigan to a point that intersects the Ohio-Michigan State line, then following the State line back to the point of the beginning. North Zone: That portion of the State, excluding the Lake Erie Marsh Zone, north of a line extending east from the Indiana State line along U.S. Highway (U.S.) 33 to State Route (SR) 127, then south along SR 127 to SR 703, then south along SR 703 and including all lands within the Mercer Wildlife Area to SR 219, then east along SR 219 to SR 364, then north along SR 364 and including all lands within the St. Mary’s Fish Hatchery to SR 703, then east along SR 703 to SR 66, then north along SR 66 to U.S. 33, then east along U.S. 33 to SR 385, then east along SR 385 to SR 117, then south along SR 117 to SR 273, then east along SR 273 to SR 31, then south along SR 31 to SR 739, then east along SR 739 to SR 4, then north along SR 4 to SR 95, then east along SR 95 to SR 13, then southeast along SR 13 to SR 3, then northeast along SR 3 to SR 60, then north along SR 60 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to SR 3, then south along SR 3 to SR 226, then south along SR 226 to SR 514, then southwest along SR 514 to SR 754, then south along SR 754 to SR 39/60, then east along SR 39/ 60 to SR 241, then north along SR 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to SR VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 39, then east along SR 39 to the Pennsylvania State line. South Zone: The remainder of Ohio not included in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone or the North Zone. Tennessee Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties. Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the Reelfoot Zone. Wisconsin North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Minnesota State line along U.S. Highway 10 into Portage County to County Highway HH, east on County Highway HH to State Highway 66 and then east on State Highway 66 to U.S. Highway 10, continuing east on U.S. Highway 10 to U.S. Highway 41, then north on U.S. Highway 41 to the Michigan State line. Mississippi River Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending northerly along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to the Minnesota State line. South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin. Central Flyway Colorado (Central Flyway Portion) Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25. Northeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70. Southeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and south of Interstate 70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas west of Interstate 25 and east of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. Kansas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283. Low Plains Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Federal highway U.S.–283 and State highway U.S.–96 junction, then east on Federal highway U.S.–96 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–183, then north on Federal highway U.S.–183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 24, then east on Federal highway U.S.– 24 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–281, then north on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Federal highway U.S.–36, then east on Federal highway U.S.–36 to its junction with State highway K–199, then south on State highway K–199 to its junction with Republic County 30th Road, then south on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with State highway K–148, then east on State highway K–148 to its junction with Republic County 50th Road, then south on Republic County 50th Road to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then south on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction with State highway K–9, then west on State highway K–9 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–24, then west on Federal highway U.S.–24 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–181, then south on Federal highway U.S.–181 to its junction with State highway K–18, then west on State highway K–18 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 281, then south on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with State highway K–4, then east on State highway K–4 to its junction with interstate highway I–135, then south on interstate highway I–135 to its junction with State highway K–61, then southwest on State highway K–61 to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with McPherson County Arapaho Rd, then west on McPherson County Arapaho Rd to its junction with State highway K–61, then southwest on State highway K–61 to its junction with State highway K–96, then northwest on State highway K–96 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–56, then southwest on Federal highway U.S.–56 to its junction with State highway K–19, then east on State highway K–19 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–281, then south on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–54, then west on Federal highway U.S.–54 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–183, then north on Federal highway U.S.–183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–56, then southwest on Federal highway U.S.–56 to its junction with North Main Street in Spearville, then south on North Main Street to Davis Street, then east on Davis Street to Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street), then south on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then east on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then south on Ford County Road 126 to Ford Spearville Road, then west on Ford Spearville Road to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 400, then northwest on Federal highway U.S.–400 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–283, and then north on E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Federal highway U.S.–283 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–96. Low Plains Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Federal highway U.S.–283 and Federal highway U.S.–96 junction, then north on Federal highway U.S.–283 to the Kansas-Nebraska State line, then east along the Kansas-Nebraska State line to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri State line, then southeast along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction with State highway K–68, then west on State highway K–68 to its junction with interstate highway I–35, then southwest on interstate highway I–35 to its junction with Butler County NE 150th Street, then west on Butler County NE 150th Street to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–77, then south on Federal highway U.S.–77 to its junction with the Kansas-Oklahoma State line, then west along the KansasOklahoma State line to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–283, then north on Federal highway U.S.–283 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 400, then east on Federal highway U.S.– 400 to its junction with Ford Spearville Road, then east on Ford Spearville Road to Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street), then north on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then west on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then north on Ford County Road 126 to Davis Street, then west on Davis Street to North Main Street, then north on North Main Street to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–56, then east on Federal highway U.S.–56 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 183, then south on Federal highway U.S.–183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–54, then east on Federal highway U.S.–54 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–281, then north on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with State highway K–19, then west on State highway K–19 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–56, then east on Federal highway U.S.–56 to its junction with State highway K–96, then southeast on State highway K–96 to its junction with State highway K–61, then northeast on State highway K–61 to its junction with McPherson County Arapaho Road, then east on McPherson County Arapaho Road to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue, then north on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with State highway K–61, then east on State highway K–61 to its junction with interstate highway I–135, then north on interstate highway I–135 to its junction with State highway K–4, then west on State highway K–4 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–281, then north VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with State highway K–18, then east on State highway K–18 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 181, then north on Federal highway U.S.–181 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–24, then east on Federal highway U.S.–24 to its junction with State highway K–9, then east on State highway K–9 to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then north on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction with Republic County 50th Road, then north on Republic County 50th Road to its junction with State highway K–148, then west on State highway K–148 to its junction with Republic County 30th Road, then north on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with State highway K–199, then north on State highway K–199 to its junction with federal highway U.S.–36, then west on Federal highway U.S.–36 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–281, then south on Federal highway U.S.–281 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 24, then west on Federal highway U.S.– 24 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–183, then south on Federal highway U.S.–183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–96, and then west on Federal highway U.S.–96 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.– 283. Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the MissouriKansas State line west on K–68 to its junction with I–35, then southwest on I–35 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, then west on NE 150th Street to its junction with Federal highway U.S.–77, then south on Federal highway U.S.–77 to the OklahomaKansas State line, then east along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri State line, then north along the KansasMissouri State line to its junction with State highway K–68. Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux. Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, and Yellowstone. Nebraska High Plains: That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy. 183; south on U.S. Hwy. 183 to U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to NE Hwy. 7; south on NE Hwy. 7 to NE PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4983 Hwy. 91; southwest on NE Hwy. 91 to NE Hwy. 2; southeast on NE Hwy. 2 to NE Hwy. 92; west on NE Hwy. 92 to NE Hwy. 40; south on NE Hwy. 40 to NE Hwy. 47; south on NE Hwy. 47 to NE Hwy. 23; east on NE Hwy. 23 to U.S. Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283 to the Kansas-Nebraska border. Zone 1: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways and political boundaries beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border west of NE Hwy. 26E Spur and north of NE Hwy. 12; those portions of Dixon, Cedar, and Knox Counties north of NE Hwy. 12; that portion of Keya Paha County east of U.S. Hwy. 183; and all of Boyd County. Both banks of the Niobrara River in Keya Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. Hwy. 183 shall be included in Zone 1. Zone 2: The area south of Zone 1 and north of Zone 3. Zone 3: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways, County Roads, and political boundaries beginning at the Wyoming-Nebraska border at the intersection of the Interstate Canal; east along northern borders of Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties to Broadwater Road; south to Morrill County Rd 94; east to County Rd 135; south to County Rd 88; southeast to County Rd 151; south to County Rd 80; east to County Rd 161; south to County Rd 76; east to County Rd 165; south to County Rd 167; south to U.S. Hwy 26; east to County Rd 171; north to County Rd 68; east to County Rd 183; south to County Rd 64; east to County Rd 189; north to County Rd 70; east to County Rd 201; south to County Rd 60A; east to County Rd 203; south to County Rd 52; east to Keith County Line; east along the northern boundaries of Keith and Lincoln Counties to NE Hwy 97; south to U.S. Hwy 83; south to E Hall School Rd; east to N Airport Road; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to NE Hwy 47; north to Dawson County Rd 769; east to County Rd 423; south to County Rd 766; east to County Rd 428; south to County Rd 763; east to NE Hwy 21 (Adams Street); south to County Rd 761; east to the Dawson County Canal; south and east along the Dawson County Canal to County Rd 444; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to U.S. Hwy 183; north to Buffalo County Rd 100; east to 46th Avenue; north to NE Hwy 40; south and east to NE Hwy 10; north to Buffalo County Rd 220 and Hall County Husker Hwy; east to Hall County Rd 70; north to NE Hwy 2; east to U.S. Hwy 281; north to Chapman Rd; east to 7th Rd; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to Merrick County Rd 13; north to County Rd O; east to NE Hwy 14; north to NE Hwy 52; west and north to NE Hwy 91; west to E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 4984 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules U.S. Hwy 281; south to NE Hwy 22; west to NE Hwy 11; northwest to NE Hwy 91; west to U.S. Hwy 183; south to Round Valley Rd; west to Sargent River Rd; west to Drive 443; north to Sargent Rd; west to NE Hwy S21A; west to NE Hwy 2; west and north to NE Hwy 91; north and east to North Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup River Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth Rd; east to Loup County Line; north to Loup-Brown County line; east along northern boundaries of Loup and Garfield Counties to Cedar River Rd; south to NE Hwy 70; east to U.S. Hwy 281; north to NE Hwy 70; east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 39; southeast to NE Hwy 22; east to U.S. Hwy 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy 30; east to U.S. Hwy 75; north to the Washington County line; east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south to the Missouri-Nebraska border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west along Kansas-Nebraska border to ColoradoNebraska border; north and west to Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to intersection of Interstate Canal; and excluding that area in Zone 4. Zone 4: Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways and County Roads beginning at the intersection of NE Hwy 8 and U.S. Hwy 75; north to U.S. Hwy 136; east to the intersection of U.S. Hwy 136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to the intersection with Federal Levee R–562; north along Federal Levee R–562 to the intersection with Nemaha County Rd 643A; south to the Trace; north along the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to NE Hwy 2; west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy 2; west to NE Hwy 50; north to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 63; north to NE Hwy 66; north and west to U.S. Hwy 77; north to NE Hwy 92; west to NE Hwy Spur 12F; south to Butler County Rd 30; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 27; west to County Rd W; south to County Rd 26; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 21 (Seward County Line); west to NE Hwy 15; north to County Rd 34; west to County Rd H; south to NE Hwy 92; west to U.S. Hwy 81; south to NE Hwy 66; west to Polk County Rd C; north to NE Hwy 92; west to U.S. Hwy 30; west to Merrick County Rd 17; south to Hordlake Road; southeast to Prairie Island Road; southeast to Hamilton County Rd T; south to NE Hwy 66; west to NE Hwy 14; south to County Rd 22; west to County Rd M; south to County Rd 21; west to County Rd K; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 2; south to U.S. Hwy I–80; west to Gunbarrel Rd (Hall/Hamilton county line); south to Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy 281; south VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 to Lochland Rd; west to Holstein Avenue; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 10; north to Kearney County Rd R and Phelps County Rd 742; west to U.S. Hwy 283; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east to U.S. Hwy 136; east to U.S. Hwy 183; north to NE Hwy 4; east to NE Hwy 10; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 8; east to U.S. Hwy 81; north to NE Hwy 4; east to NE Hwy 15; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east to Jefferson County Rd 578 Avenue; south to PWF Rd; east to NE Hwy 103; south to NE Hwy 8; east to U.S. Hwy 75. 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. North Dakota High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a line beginning at the junction of U.S. Hwy 83 and the South Dakota State line, then north along U.S. Hwy 83 and I–94 to ND Hwy 41, then north on ND Hwy 41 to ND Hwy 53, then west on ND Hwy 53 to U.S. Hwy 83, then north on U.S. Hwy 83 to U.S. Hwy 2, then west on U.S. Hwy 2 to the Williams County line, then north and west along the Williams and Divide County lines to the Canadian border. Low Plains Unit: The remainder of North Dakota. Oklahoma High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas. Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to I–40, east along I–40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north along OK 18 to OK 51, west along OK 51 to I–35, north along I–35 to U.S. 412, west along U.S. 412 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State line. Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma. South Dakota High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east on U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the BluntCanning Rd to SD 34, east and south on SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee’s Corner, south on SD 50 to I–90, east on I–90 to SD 50, south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD 44 across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD 47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18, east on PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the Nebraska State line. North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along U.S. 212 to the Minnesota State line. South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47 and south of SD 44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line; south on SD 50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes Highway to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on SD 50 to the Bon Homme County line; the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50; and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I– 29. Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota. Texas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border. Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San Antonio, then continuing east on I–10 to the Louisiana State line at Orange, Texas. Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas. Wyoming (Central Flyway portion) Zone C1: Big Horn, Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Platte, and Washakie Counties; and Fremont County excluding the portions west or south of the Continental Divide. Zone C2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties. Zone C3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon County east of the Continental Divide. Pacific Flyway Arizona North Zone: Game Management Units 1–5, those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game Management Units 7, 9, and 12A. South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B–45. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules California Northeastern Zone: 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 from the intersection of Highway 95 with the California-Nevada state line; south on Highway 95 through the junction with Highway 40; south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct Road’’ also known as Highway 62 in San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with Wiley Well Road; south on Wiley Well Road to Wiley Well; southeast on Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its intersection with Ogilby Road; south on Ogilby Road to its intersection with Interstate 8; east seven miles on Interstate 8 to its intersection with the AndradeAlgodones Road/Highway 186; south on Highway 186 to its intersection with the U.S. Mexico border at Los Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River zone) south and east of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 a line beginning at the mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101–166 near the City of Santa Maria; north on Highway 101–166; east on Highway 166 to the junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of intersection with the California–Nevada State line. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Colorado River, Southern, and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Zones. Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion) Eastern Zone: Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties, those portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral Counties west of the Continental Divide, that portion of Gunnison County outside the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (Game Management Units 521, 53, and 63), and that portion of Moffat County east of the northern intersection of Moffat County Road 29 with the MoffatRoutt County line south along Moffat County Road 29 to the intersection of Moffat County Road 29 and the MoffatRoutt County line (Elkhead Reservoir State Park). Western Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of Colorado not included in the Eastern Zone. Idaho Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4985 Zone 3: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 4: Valley County. Nevada Northeast Zone: Elko and White Pine Counties. Northwest Zone: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties. South Zone: Clark and Lincoln Counties. Moapa Valley Special Management Area: That portion of Clark County including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin Rivers. Oregon Zone 1: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill, Counties. Zone 2: The remainder of Oregon not included in Zone 1. Utah Zone 1: Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and that part of Toole County north of I–80. Zone 2: The remainder of Utah not included in Zone 1. Washington East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County. West Zone: The remainder of Washington not included in the East Zone. Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion) Snake River Zone: Beginning at the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park and the Continental Divide; south along the Continental Divide to Union Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S. Road 600); west and south along the Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605; south along U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary; along the national forest boundary to the Idaho State line; north along the Idaho State line to the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park; east along E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4986 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Continental Divide. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of Wyoming not included in the Snake River Zone. Geese Atlantic Flyway Connecticut Early Canada Goose Seasons South Zone: Same as for ducks. North Zone: Same as for ducks. Regular Seasons AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection with the HartfordMiddlesex County line. Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Unit: Starting at the intersection of I–95 and the Quinnipiac River, north on the Quinnipiac River to its intersection with I–91, north on I–91 to I–691, west on I–691 to the Hartford County line, and encompassing the rest of New Haven County and Fairfield County in its entirety. NAP H–Unit: All of the rest of the State not included in the AP or AFRP descriptions above. South Zone: Same as for ducks. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Maine Same zones as for ducks. Maryland Early Canada Goose Seasons 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. Regular Seasons Resident Population (RP) Zone: Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, and Washington Counties; that portion of Prince George’s County VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. Massachusetts NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones). AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones). Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal, north to the New Hampshire line. New Hampshire Same zones as for ducks. New Jersey AP Zone: North and South Zones (see duck zones). RP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck zones). Special Late Season Area: In northern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: Then west along Route 94 to the toll bridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning point. In southern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70; then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route 47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548 to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along Route 50 to Route 9; PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point. New York Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York-Vermont boundary. Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New YorkVermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules at Altamont, west along Route 146 to Albany County Route 252, northwest along Route 252 to Schenectady County Route 131, north along Route 131 to Route 7, west along Route 7 to Route 10 at Richmondville, south on Route 10 to Route 23 at Stamford, west along Route 23 to Route 7 in Oneonta, southwest along Route 7 to Route 79 to Interstate Route 88 near Harpursville, west along Route 88 to Interstate Route 81, north along Route 81 to the point of beginning. West Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a continuous line beginning at the point where the northerly extension of Route 269 (County Line Road on the NiagaraOrleans County boundary) meets the International boundary with Canada, south to the shore of Lake Ontario at the eastern boundary of Golden Hill State Park, south along the extension of Route 269 and Route 269 to Route 104 at Jeddo, west along Route 104 to Niagara County Route 271, south along Route 271 to Route 31E at Middleport, south along Route 31E to Route 31, west along Route 31 to Griswold Street, south along Griswold Street to Ditch Road, south along Ditch Road to Foot Road, south along Foot Road to the north bank of Tonawanda Creek, west along the north bank of Tonawanda Creek to Route 93, south along Route 93 to Route 5, east along Route 5 to Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road, south on CrittendenMurrays Corners Road to the NYS Thruway, east along the Thruway 90 to Route 98 (at Thruway Exit 48) in Batavia, south along Route 98 to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 19 in Pavilion Center, south along Route 19 to Route 63, southeast along Route 63 to Route 246, south along Route 246 to Route 39 in Perry, northeast along Route 39 to Route 20A, northeast along Route 20A to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 364 (near Canandaigua), south and east along Route 364 to Yates County Route 18 (Italy Valley Road), southwest along Route 18 to Yates County Route 34, east along Route 34 to Yates County Route 32, south along Route 32 to Steuben County Route 122, south along Route 122 to Route 53, south along Route 53 to Steuben County Route 74, east along Route 74 to Route 54A (near Pulteney), south along Route 54A to Steuben County Route 87, east along Route 87 to Steuben County Route 96, east along Route 96 to Steuben County Route 114, east along Route 114 to Schuyler County Route 23, east and southeast along Route 23 to Schuyler County Route 28, southeast along Route 28 to Route 409 at Watkins Glen, south along Route 409 to Route 14, south VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 along Route 14 to Route 224 at Montour Falls, east along Route 224 to Route 228 in Odessa, north along Route 228 to Route 79 in Mecklenburg, east along Route 79 to Route 366 in Ithaca, northeast along Route 366 to Route 13, northeast along Route 13 to Interstate Route 81 in Cortland, north along Route 81 to the north shore of the Salmon River to shore of Lake Ontario, extending generally northwest in a straight line to the nearest point of the international boundary with Canada, south and west along the international boundary to the point of beginning. Hudson Valley Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a continuous line extending from Route 4 at the New York-Vermont boundary, west and south along Route 4 to Route 149 at Fort Ann, west on Route 149 to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Interstate Route 87 (at Exit 20 in Glens Falls), south along Route 87 to Route 29, west along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 at Altamont, southeast along Route 146 to Main Street in Altamont, west along Main Street to Route 156, southeast along Route 156 to Albany County Route 307, southeast along Route 307 to Route 85A, southwest along Route 85A to Route 85, south along Route 85 to Route 443, southeast along Route 443 to Albany County Route 301 at Clarksville, southeast along Route 301 to Route 32, south along Route 32 to Route 23 at Cairo, west along Route 23 to Joseph Chadderdon Road, southeast along Joseph Chadderdon Road to Hearts Content Road (Greene County Route 31), southeast along Route 31 to Route 32, south along Route 32 to Greene County Route 23A, east along Route 23A to Interstate Route 87 (the NYS Thruway), south along Route 87 to Route 28 (Exit 19) near Kingston, northwest on Route 28 to Route 209, southwest on Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4987 boundary, southeast along the New York-Pennsylvania boundary to the New York-New Jersey boundary, southeast along the New York-New Jersey boundary to Route 210 near Greenwood Lake, northeast along Route 210 to Orange County Route 5, northeast along Orange County Route 5 to Route 105 in the Village of Monroe, east and north along Route 105 to Route 32, northeast along Route 32 to Orange County Route 107 (Quaker Avenue), east along Route 107 to Route 9W, north along Route 9W to the south bank of Moodna Creek, southeast along the south bank of Moodna Creek to the New WindsorCornwall town boundary, northeast along the New Windsor-Cornwall town boundary to the Orange-Dutchess County boundary (middle of the Hudson River), north along the county boundary to Interstate Route 84, east along Route 84 to the Dutchess-Putnam County boundary, east along the county boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary, north along the New YorkConnecticut boundary to the New YorkMassachusetts boundary, north along the New York-Massachusetts boundary to the New York-Vermont boundary, north to the point of beginning. Eastern Long Island Goose Area (NAP High Harvest Area): That area of Suffolk County lying east of a continuous line extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of Roanoke Avenue in the Town of Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue (which becomes County Route 73) to State Route 25; then west on Route 25 to Peconic Avenue; then south on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR) 104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead Road); then south on CR 31 to Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to Potunk Lane; then west on Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in Westhampton Beach) to Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to international waters. Western Long Island Goose Area (RP Area): That area of Westchester County and its tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of Sound Road (just east of Wading River Marsh); then south on Sound Road to North Country Road; then west on North Country Road to Randall Road; then south on Randall Road to Route 25A, then west on Route 25A to the Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then south on the Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then south on the Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4988 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Moses State Parkway; then south on the Robert Moses Parkway to its southernmost end; then due south to international waters. Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area): That area of Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose Areas, as defined above. South Goose Area: The remainder of New York State, excluding New York City. North Carolina Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following counties or portions of counties: Bertie (that portion 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, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington. RP Hunt Zone: Remainder of the State. Pennsylvania Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for SJBP Zone and the area east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I–81, east of I–81 to intersection of I–80, and south of I–80 to the New Jersey State line. SJBP Zone: The area north of I–80 and west of I–79 including in the city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of the Lake Erie Shoreline). AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I–81, east of I–81 to intersection of I–80, south of I–80 to New Jersey State line. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Rhode Island Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions). South Carolina Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for the following area: East of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded to the North by S–14–25, to the East by Hwy 260, and to the South by the markers VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 delineating the channel of the Santee River. West of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded on the North by S–14–26 extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg County bordered by Hwy 6. Vermont Same zones as for ducks. Virginia AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line—the Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the North Carolina line. SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of the following line: The ‘‘Blue Ridge’’ (mountain spine) at the West VirginiaVirginia Border (Loudoun CountyClarke County line) south to Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-RappahannockMadison-Greene-Albemarle and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line. RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone. Mississippi Flyway Arkansas Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell Counties. Illinois Early Canada Goose Seasons North September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I–39, south along I–39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois 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 September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State south of the North September Canada Goose Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I–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 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo’s Road, south along St. Leo’s road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Central September Canada Goose Zone: The remainder of the State between the south border of the Central September Canada Goose Zone and the North border of the South September Canada Goose Zone. Regular Seasons North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I–39, south along I–39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois 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 south of the North Goose Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I–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 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo’s Road, south along St. Leo’s road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Zone: Same zone as for ducks. South Central Zone: Same zone as for ducks. Indiana Same zones as for ducks. Iowa sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Early Canada Goose Seasons 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; then south and east along County Road E2W to Highway 920; then north along Highway 920 to County Road E16; then east along County Road E16 to County Road W58; then south along County Road W58 to County Road E34; then east along County Road E34 to Highway 13; then south along Highway 13 to Highway 30; then east along Highway 30 to Highway 1; then south along Highway 1 to Morse Road in Johnson County; then east along Morse Road to Wapsi Avenue; then south along Wapsi Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; then west along Lower West Branch Road to Taft Avenue; then south along Taft Avenue to County Road F62; then west along County Road F62 to Kansas Avenue; then north along Kansas Avenue to Black Diamond Road; then west on Black Diamond Road to Jasper Avenue; then north along Jasper Avenue to Rohert Road; then west along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; then north along Ivy Avenue to 340th Street; then west along 340th Street to Half Moon Avenue; then north along Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; then west along Highway 6 to Echo Avenue; then north along Echo Avenue to 250th Street; then east on 250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; then north along Green Castle Avenue to County Road F12; then west along County Road F12 to County Road W30; then north along County Road W30 to Highway 151; then 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; then south along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; then east along Northwest 142nd Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; then east along Northeast 126th Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; then south along Northeast 46th Street to Highway 931; then east along Highway 931 to VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 4989 Northeast 80th Street; then south along Northeast 80th Street to Southeast 6th Avenue; then west along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway 65; then south and west along Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren County; then south along Highway 69 to County Road G24; then west along County Road G24 to Highway 28; then southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd Avenue; then north along 43rd Avenue to Ford Street; then west along Ford Street to Filmore Street; then west along Filmore Street to 10th Avenue; then south along 10th Avenue to 155th Street in Madison County; then west along 155th Street to Cumming Road; then north along Cumming Road to Badger Creek Avenue; then north along Badger Creek Avenue to County Road F90 in Dallas County; then east along County Road F90 to County Road R22; then north along County Road R22 to Highway 44; then east along Highway 44 to County Road R30; then north along County Road R30 to County Road F31; then east along County Road F31 to Highway 17; then north along Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk County; then east along Highway 415 to Northwest 158th Avenue; then east along Northwest 158th Avenue to the point of beginning. Cedar Falls/Waterloo Goose Zone: Includes those portions of Black Hawk County bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of County Roads C66 and V49 in Black Hawk County, then south along County Road V49 to County Road D38, then west along County Road D38 to State Highway 21, then south along State Highway 21 to County Road D35, then west along County Road D35 to Grundy Road, then north along Grundy Road to County Road D19, then west along County Road D19 to Butler Road, then north along Butler Road to County Road C57, then north and east along County Road C57 to U.S. Highway 63, then south along U.S. Highway 63 to County Road C66, then east along County Road C66 to the point of beginning. and the portion of Kentucky west of U.S. 60 from the Henderson-Union County line to U.S. 641; U.S. 641 to Interstate 24; Interstate 24 to the Purchase Parkway; and the Purchase Parkway. Remainder of State: The remainder of Kentucky outside the Northeast and Western Goose Zones. Regular Seasons Same zones as for ducks. Missouri Same zones as for ducks. Kentucky Northeast Goose Zone: Bath, Menifee, Morgan (except the portion that lies within the Paintsville Lake Wildlife Management Area) and Rowan Counties except that no goose hunting is permitted on public land (U.S. Forest Service) and water within the block of land lying inside the boundaries of Hwy 801, Hwy 1274, Hwy 36, Hwy 211, Hwy 60, and Hwy 826. Western Goose Zone: The Western Goose Zone includes Henderson County Ohio Same zones as for ducks. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Louisiana North Zone: That portion of the State north of the line from the Texas border at Hwy 190/12 east to Hwy 49, then south on Hwy 49 to I–10, then east on I–10 to I–12, then east on I–12 to I–10, then east on I–10 to the Mississippi State line. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Michigan North Zone: Same as North duck zone. Middle Zone: Same as Middle duck zone. South Zone: Same as South duck zone. Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly along 109th Avenue to I–196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I–196 to the point of beginning. Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 25, T10N R15W, as posted. Minnesota Same zones as for ducks. Tennessee Northwest Goose Zone: Lake, Obion, Weakley, and Dyer Counties, excluding that portion south of State Highway 104; and Gibson County, excluding that portion south of State Highway 104 and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W. Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the Northwest Goose Zone. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4990 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Wisconsin Early Canada Goose Seasons 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 along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to the Illinois border. Early-Season Subzone B: The remainder of the State. Regular Seasons Same zones as for ducks but in addition: Horicon Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a boundary beginning at the intersection of State 23 and State 73 and moves south along State 73 until the intersection of State 73 and State 60, then moves east along State 60 until the intersection of State 60 and State 83, and then moves north along State 83 until the intersection of State 83 and State 33 at which point it moves east until the intersection of State 33 and U.S. 45, then moves north along U.S. 45 until the intersection of U.S. 45 and State 23, at which point it moves west along State 23 until the intersection of State 23 and State 73. Central Flyway sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Colorado (Central Flyway Portion) Northern Front Range Area: All areas in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties from the Continental Divide east along the Wyoming border to U.S. 85, south on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line, and all lands in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson Counties. North Park Area: Jackson County. South Park and San Luis Valley Area: All of Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Rio Grande, and Teller Counties, and those portions of Saguache, Mineral and Hinsdale Counties east of the Continental Divide. Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado. Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Zone 1: Same as Zone 1 for ducks and coots. Zone 2: Same as Zone 2 for ducks and coots. Nebraska Dark Geese Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the intersection of the South Dakota State line and the eastern Cherry County line, south along the Cherry County line to the Niobrara River, east to the Norden Road, south on the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County Line, north along the Knox County Line to the South Dakota State line. Where the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river are included in the Niobrara Unit. East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S. 275, south to U.S. 77, south to NE 91, east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State line. Platte River Unit: That area north and west of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west along NE 91 to NE 11, north to the Holt County line, west along the northern border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, south along the Thomas-Hooker County lines to the McPherson County line, east along the south border of Thomas County to the western line of Custer County, south along the CusterLogan County line to NE 92, west to U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61, south along NE 61 to NE 92, west along NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south along U.S. Hwy 26 to Keith County Line, south along Keith County Line to the Colorado State line. Panhandle Unit: That area north and west of Keith-Deuel County Line at the Nebraska-Colorado State line, north along the Keith County Line to U.S. Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE Hwy 61, north along NE Hwy 61 to NE Hwy 2, west along NE 2 to the corner formed by Garden-Grant-Sheridan Counties, west along the north border of Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the intersection of the Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming State line. North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State. Light Geese Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area: The area bounded by the junction of NE PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Hwy. 92 and NE Hwy. 15, south along NE Hwy. 15 to NE Hwy. 4, west along NE Hwy. 4 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west along U.S. Hwy. 34 to U.S. Hwy. 283, north along U.S. Hwy. 283 to U.S. Hwy. 30, east along U.S. Hwy. 30 to NE Hwy. 92, east along NE Hwy. 92 to the beginning. Remainder of State: The remainder of Nebraska. New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) Dark Geese Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia Counties. Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New Mexico. North Dakota Missouri River Canada Goose Zone: The area within and bounded by a line starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the South Dakota border; then north on ND Hwy 6 to I–94; then west on I–94 to ND Hwy 49; then north on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; then west on ND Hwy 200; then north on ND Hwy 8 to the Mercer/McLean County line; then east following the county line until it turns south toward Garrison Dam; then east along a line (including Mallard Island) of Lake Sakakawea to U.S. Hwy 83; then south on U.S. Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; then east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; then south on ND Hwy 41 to U.S. Hwy 83; then south on U.S. Hwy 83 to I–94; then east on I–94 to U.S. Hwy 83; then south on U.S. Hwy 83 to the South Dakota border; then west along the South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6. Western North Dakota Canada Goose Zone: Same as the High Plains Unit for ducks, mergansers and coots, excluding the Missouri River Canada Goose Zone. Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota. South Dakota Early Canada Goose Seasons Special Early Canada Goose Unit: The Counties of Campbell, Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark, Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel, Walworth; that portion of Perkins County west of State Highway 75 and south of State Highway 20; that portion of Dewey County north of Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8, Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 9, and the section of U.S. Highway 212 east of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8 junction; that portion of Potter County east of U.S. Highway 83; that portion of Sully County east of U.S. Highway 83; portions of Hyde, Buffalo, Brule, and Charles Mix counties north and east of a line beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County line on State Highway 34, east to Lees Boulevard, southeast to State Highway 34, east 7 miles to 350th E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Avenue, south to Interstate 90 on 350th Avenue, south and east on State Highway 50 to Geddes, east on 285th Street to U.S. Highway 281, and north on U.S. Highway 281 to the Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary; that portion of Bon Homme County north of State Highway 50; those portions of Yankton and Clay Counties north of a line beginning at the junction of State Highway 50 and 306th Street/County Highway 585 in Bon Homme County, east to U.S. Highway 81, then north on U.S. Highway 81 to 303rd Street, then east on 303rd Street to 444th Avenue, then south on 444th Avenue to 305th Street, then east on 305th Street/Bluff Road to State Highway 19, then south to State Highway 50 and east to the Clay/ Union County Line; McPherson, Edmunds, Kingsbury, Brookings, Lake, Moody, Miner, Faulk, Hand, Jerauld, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Aurora, Beadle, Davison, Hanson, Sanborn, Spink, Brown, Harding, Butte, Meade, Oglala Lakota (formerly Shannon), Jackson, Mellette, Todd, Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach, and McCook Counties; and those portions of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties outside of an area bounded by a line beginning at the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota State line and Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street) west to its junction with Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue), south on Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue) to Hartford, then south on Minnehaha County Highway 151 (463rd Avenue) to State Highway 42, east on State Highway 42 to State Highway 17, south on State Highway 17 to its junction with Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road), and east on Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road) to the South Dakota-Iowa State line, then north along the South DakotaIowa and South Dakota-Minnesota border to the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota State line and Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street). sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Regular Seasons Unit 1: Same as that for the September Canada goose season. Unit 2: Remainder of South Dakota. Unit 3: Bennett County. Texas Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and north of a line beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border at U.S. 81, then continuing south to Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S. 81 and U.S. 287 to I–35W and I–35 to the juncture with I–10 in San Antonio, then east on I–10 to the TexasLouisiana border. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and south of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, then continuing north following I–35 to the juncture with I–10 in San Antonio, then easterly along I–10 to the Texas-Louisiana border. West Goose Zone: The remainder of the State. Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion) Dark Geese Zone G1: Big Horn, Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, and Washakie Counties. Zone G1A: Goshen and Platte Counties. Zone G2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties. Zone G3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon County east of the Continental Divide. Zone G4: Fremont County excluding those portions south or west of the Continental Divide. Pacific Flyway Arizona Same zones as for ducks. California Northeastern Zone: 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 from the PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4991 intersection of Highway 95 with the California-Nevada State line; south on Highway 95 through the junction with Highway 40; south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct Road’’ also known as Highway 62 in San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with Wiley Well Road; south on Wiley Well Road to Wiley Well; southeast on Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its intersection with Ogilby Road; south on Ogilby Road to its intersection with Interstate 8; east seven miles on Interstate 8 to its intersection with the AndradeAlgodones Road/Highway 186; south on Highway 186 to its intersection with the U.S. Mexico border at Los Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River zone) south and east of a line beginning at the mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101–166 near the City of Santa Maria; north on Highway 101–166; east on Highway 166 to the junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada State line. Imperial County Special Management Area: The area bounded by a line beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to Weist Road; north on Weist Road to Flowing Wells Road; northeast on Flowing Wells Road to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Road; south on Frink Road to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland Marina Road; southwest on E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4992 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Niland Marina Road to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Colorado River, and Southern Zones. North Coast Special Management Area: Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a line beginning at Willows south on I–5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows. Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion) Same zones as for ducks. Idaho sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Canada Geese and Brant Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties. Zone 3: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 4: Bear Lake County; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County, except that portion within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 5: Valley County. White-Fronted Geese Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 3: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez Perce, Oneida, and Shoshone Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 4: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Zone 5: Valley County. Light Geese Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County east of the west bank of the Snake River, west of the McTucker boat ramp access road, and east of the American Falls Reservoir bluff, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County below the American Falls Reservoir bluff, and within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 2: Franklin and Oneida Counties; Bingham County west of the west bank of the Snake River, east of the McTucker boat ramp access road, and west of the American Falls Reservoir bluff; Power County, except below the American Falls Reservoir bluff and those lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Zone 4: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Clearwater, Custer, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties. Zone 5: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 6: Valley County. Nevada Same zones as for ducks. New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion) North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north of I–40. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south of I–40. Oregon Northwest Permit Zone: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley Management Area: Those portions of Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties within the Northwest Special Permit Zone. Tillamook County Management Area: That portion of Tillamook County beginning at the point where Old Woods Road crosses the south shores of Horn Creek, north on Old Woods Road to Sand Lake Road at Woods, north on Sand Lake Road to the intersection with McPhillips Drive, due west (∼200 yards) from the intersection to the Pacific coastline, south along the Pacific coastline to a point due west of the western end of Pacific Avenue in Pacific City, east from this point (∼250 yards) to Pacific Avenue, east on Pacific Avenue to Brooten Road, south and then east on Brooten Road to Highway 101, north on Highway 101 to Resort Drive, north on Resort Drive to a point due west of the south shores of Horn Creek at its confluence with the Nestucca River, due east (∼80 yards) across the Nestucca River to the south shores of Horn Creek, east along the south shores of Horn Creek to the point of beginning. Southwest Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties east of Highway 101, and Josephine and Jackson Counties. South Coast Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties west of Highway 101. Eastern Zone: Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Jefferson, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties. Klamath County Zone: Klamath County. Harney and Lake County Zone: Harney and Lake Counties. Malheur County Zone: Malheur County. Utah East Box Elder County Zone: Boundary begins at the intersection of the eastern boundary of Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area and SR–83 (Promontory Road); east along SR–83 to I–15; south on I–15 to the Perry access road; southwest along this road to the Bear River Bird Refuge boundary; west, north, and then east along the refuge boundary until it E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules intersects the Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area boundary; east and north along the Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area boundary to SR–83. Wasatch Front Zone: Boundary begins at the Weber–Box Elder County line at I–15; east along Weber County line to U.S.–89; south on U.S.–89 to I–84; east and south on I–84 to I–80; south on I–80 to U.S.–189; south and west on U.S.–189 to the Utah County line; southeast and then west along this line to the Tooele County line; north along the Tooele County line to I–80; east on I–80 to Exit 99; north from Exit 99 along a direct line to the southern tip of Promontory Point and Promontory Road; east and north along this road to the causeway separating Bear River Bay from Ogden Bay; east on this causeway to the southwest corner of Great Salt Lake Mineral Corporations (GSLMC) west impoundment; north and east along GSLMC’s west impoundment to the northwest corner of the impoundment; north from this point along a direct line to the southern boundary of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; east along this southern boundary to the Perry access road; northeast along this road to I–15; south along I–15 to the Weber-Box Elder County line. Southern Zone: boundary includes Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne, and Washington Counties, and that part of Tooele County south of I–80. Northern Zone: The remainder of Utah not included in the East Box Elder County, Wasatch Front, and Southern Zones. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Washington Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties. Area 2A (Southwest Permit Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties, and that portion of Grays Harbor County east of Highway 101. Area 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): Pacific County and that portion of Grays Harbor County west of Highway 101. 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 Salmon River that are not included in Area 4. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 4993 Brant Florida Pacific Flyway 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. California Northern Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the State not included in the Northern Zone. Washington Puget Sound Zone: Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. Coastal Zone: Pacific County. Swans Central Flyway South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Day, Deuel, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties. Pacific Flyway Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion) Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287–89. Nevada Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties. Utah Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Toole Counties lying west of I–15, north of I–80, and south of a line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge boundary; then north and west along the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the Refuge; then west along a line to Promontory Road; then north on Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I–84; then north and west on I–84 to State Hwy 30; then west on State Hwy 30 to the Nevada-Utah State line; then south on the Nevada-Utah State line to I–80. 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. 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. Central Zone: That portion of the State lying between the North and South Zones. 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 I–10 east of San Antonio; then east on I–10 to Orange, Texas. Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone: Same as the South Zone. California Alabama South Zone: Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties. North Zone: Remainder of the State. Frm 00031 North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Texas border along State Highway 12 to U.S. Highway 190, east along U.S. 190 to Interstate Highway 12, east along Interstate Highway 12 to Interstate Highway 10, then east along Interstate Highway 10 to the Mississippi border. South Zone: The remainder of the State. Band-Tailed Pigeons Doves PO 00000 Louisiana Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 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 not included in the North Zone. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4994 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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: The remainder of the State not included in the North Zone. Montana 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. New Mexico Woodcock 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 Bernallilo 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: Area bounded on the south by the New Mexico-Mexico border; on the west by the New MexicoArizona border north to Interstate 10; on the north by Interstate 10 east to U.S. 180, north to NM 26, east to NM 27, north to NM 152, and east to Interstate 25; on the east by Interstate 25 south to Interstate 10, west to the Luna County line, and south to the New MexicoMexico border. New Jersey North Zone: That portion of the State north of NJ 70. South Zone: The remainder of the State. Sandhill Cranes Mississippi Flyway Minnesota Northwest 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. Tennessee Southeast Crane Zone: That portion of the State south of Interstate 40 and east of State Highway 56. Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the Southeast Crane Zone. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Colorado Open Area: The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park (Jackson County). Kansas Open Area: 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. 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Regular-Season Open Area: Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties. Special Season Open Areas 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 Open Area: That portion of the State west of I–35. South Dakota Open Area: That portion of the State west of U.S. 281. Central Flyway VerDate Sep<11>2014 Regular Season Open Area: The Central Flyway portion of the State except for that area south and west of Interstate 90, which is closed to sandhill crane hunting. Special Season Open Area: Carbon County. Jkt 244001 Texas Zone A: That portion of Texas lying west of a line beginning at the international toll bridge at Laredo, then northeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, then north along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction, then north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma 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, then southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, then southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its junction with U.S. Highway 83 in the town of Junction, then north along U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State line, then south along the Texas-Oklahoma State line to the south bank of the Red River, then 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, then southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with I–35W in Fort Worth, then southwest along I–35 to its junction with U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, then east along U.S. Highway 290 to its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, then south and east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Highway 45 in Houston, then south on Interstate Highway 45 to State Highway 342, then to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and then 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, then west along the County line to Park Road 22 in Nueces County, then north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, then west and north along State Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, then north along State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, then east along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, then north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway 77 in Sinton, then north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction with U.S. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules Highway 87 in Victoria, then south and east along U.S. Highway 87 to its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, then north and east along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca Bay Causeway, then south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its junction with the Port Lavaca Ship Channel, then south and east along the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and then 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. Special Season Open Areas Riverton-Boysen Unit: Portions of Fremont County. Park and Big Horn County Unit: All of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties. Johnson, Natrona, and Sheridan County Unit: All of Johnson, Natrona, and Sheridan Counties. Pacific Flyway sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Arizona Zone 1: Beginning at the junction of the New Mexico State line and U.S. Hwy 80; south along the State line to the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to the junction with Arizona Hwy 77; northerly along Arizona Hwy 77 to the Gila River; northeast along the Gila River to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; south then east and north along the reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to the 352 exit on I–10; east on I–10 to Bowie-Apache Pass Road; southerly on the Bowie-Apache Pass Road to Arizona Hwy 186; southeasterly on Arizona Hwy 186 to Arizona Hwy 181; south on Arizona Hwy 181 to the West Turkey CreekKuykendall cutoff road; southerly on the Kuykendall cutoff road to Rucker Canyon Road; easterly on Rucker Canyon Road to the Tex Canyon Road; southerly on Tex Canyon Road to U.S. Hwy 80; northeast on U.S. Hwy 80 to the New Mexico State line. Zone 2: Beginning at I–10 and the New Mexico State line; north along the State line to Arizona Hwy 78; southwest on Arizona Hwy 78 to U.S. Hwy 191; northwest on U.S. Hwy 191 to Clifton; westerly on the Lower Eagle Creek Road (Pump Station Road) to Eagle Creek; northerly along Eagle Creek to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; southerly and west along the reservation VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to I–10; easterly on I–10 to the New Mexico State line. Idaho Area 1: All of Bear Lake County and all of Caribou County except that portion lying within the Grays Lake Basin. Area 2: All of Teton County except that portion lying west of State Highway 33 and south of Packsaddle Road (West 400 North) and north of the North Cedron Road (West 600 South) and east of the west bank of the Teton River. Area 3: All of Fremont County except the Chester Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. Area 4: All of Jefferson County. Area 5: All of Bannock County east of Interstate-15 and south of U.S. Highway 30; and all of Franklin County. Area 6: That portion of Oneida County within the boundary beginning at the intersection of the Idaho-Utah border and Old Highway 191, then north along Old Highway 191 to 1500 S, then west on 1500 S to Highway 38, then west on Highway 38 to 5400 W, then south on 5400 W to Pocatello Valley Road, then west and south on Pocatello Valley Road to 10000 W, then south on 10000 W to the Idaho-Utah border, then east along the Idaho-Utah border to the beginning point. Montana Zone 1 (Warm Springs Portion of Deer Lodge County): Those portions of Deer Lodge County lying within the following described boundary: Beginning at the intersection of I–90 and Highway 273, then westerly along Highway 273 to the junction of Highway 1, then southeast along said highway to Highway 275 at Opportunity, then east along said highway to East Side County road, then north along said road to Perkins Lake, then west on said lane to I–90, then north on said interstate to the junction of Highway 273, the point of beginning. Except for sections 13 and 24, T5N, R10W; and Warm Springs Pond number 3. Zone 2 (Ovando-Helmville Area): That portion of the Pacific Flyway, located in Powell County lying within the following described boundary: Beginning at the junction of State Routes 141 and 200, then west along Route 200 to its intersection with the Blackfoot River at Russell Gates Fishing Access Site (Powell-Missoula County line), then southeast along said river to its intersection with the OvandoHelmville Road (County Road 104) at Cedar Meadows Fishing Access Site, then south and east along said road to PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 4995 its junction with State Route 141, then north along said route to its junction with State Route 200, the point of beginning. Zone 3 (Dillon/Twin Bridges/Cardwell Areas): Beaverhead, Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison Counties. Zone 4 (Broadwater County): Broadwater County. Utah Cache County: Cache County. East Box Elder County: 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 Elder-Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the Utah-Idaho State line. Rich County: Rich County. Uintah County: Uintah County. Wyoming Area 1 (Bear River): All of the Bear River and Ham’s Fork River drainages in Lincoln County. Area 2 (Salt River Area): All of the Salt River drainage in Lincoln County south of the McCoy Creek Road. Area 3 (Eden Valley Area): All lands within the Bureau of Reclamation’s Eden Project in Sweetwater County. Area 5 (Uintah County Area): Uinta County. 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. 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. E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2 4996 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS2 Mona Island Closure Area: All of Mona Island. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Feb 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 9990 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. 2018–02112 Filed 2–1–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P E:\FR\FM\02FEP2.SGM 02FEP2

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4964-4996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02112]



[[Page 4963]]

Vol. 83

Friday,

No. 23

February 2, 2018

Part II





 Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 20





Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting 
Regulations; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 4964]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2017-0028; FF09M21200-178-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BB73


Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Migratory Bird 
Hunting Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) 
is proposing to establish the 2018-19 hunting regulations for certain 
migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer 
limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number of 
birds that may be taken and possessed in hunting seasons. These 
frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and 
limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with 
population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting 
frameworks by March 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments: You may submit comments on the proposals by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-
MB-2017-0028.
     U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2017-0028; Division of Policy, Performance, and 
Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 
Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see the Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council 
Recommendations section, below, for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls 
Church, VA 22041-3803; (703) 358-1967.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

New Process for the Annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations

    As part of DOI's retrospective regulatory review, 2 years ago we 
developed a schedule for migratory game bird hunting regulations that 
is more efficient and provides hunting season dates much earlier than 
was possible under the old process. The new process makes planning 
easier for the States and all parties interested in migratory bird 
hunting. Beginning in the summer of 2015, with the development of the 
2016-17 hunting seasons, we started promulgating our annual migratory 
game bird hunting regulations using a new schedule that combines the 
previously used early- and late-season regulatory processes into a 
single process. We make decisions for harvest management based on 
predictions derived from long-term biological information and 
established harvest strategies and, therefore, can establish migratory 
bird hunting seasons much earlier than the system we used for many 
years. Under the new process, we develop proposed hunting season 
frameworks for a given year in the fall of the prior year. We then 
finalize those frameworks a few months later, thereby enabling the 
State agencies to select and publish their season dates in early 
summer. We provided a detailed overview of the new process in the 
August 3, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR 36308). This proposed rule is 
the third in a series of proposed and final rules for the establishment 
of the 2018-19 hunting seasons.

Regulations Schedule for 2018

    On August 3, 2017, we published a proposal to amend title 50 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at part 20 (82 FR 36308). The 
proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird 
hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of 
seasons, limits, 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 2018-19 regulatory cycle relating to open public 
meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in a 
August 3, 2017, proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections 
of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines 
were organized under numbered headings. Those headings are:

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. Wood Ducks
    ix. Youth Hunt
    x. Mallard Management Units
    xi. Other
2. Sea Ducks
3. Mergansers
4. Canada Geese
    A. Special Early Seasons
    B. Regular Seasons
    C. Special Late Seasons
5. White-Fronted Geese
6. Brant
7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese
8. Swans
9. Sandhill Cranes
10. Coots
11. Moorhens and Gallinules
12. Rails
13. Snipe
14. Woodcock
15. Band-Tailed Pigeons
16. Doves
17. Alaska
18. Hawaii
19. Puerto Rico
20. Virgin Islands
21. Falconry
22. 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.
    The August 3 proposed rule also provided detailed information on 
the proposed 2018-19 regulatory schedule and announced the Service 
Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.
    On October 3, 2017, we published in the Federal Register (82 FR 
46011) a second document providing supplemental proposals for migratory 
bird hunting regulations. The October 3 supplement also provided 
detailed information on the 2018-19 regulatory schedule and re-
announced the SRC and Flyway Council meetings.
    On October 17-18, 2017, we held open meetings with the Flyway 
Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on 
the current status of migratory game birds and developed 
recommendations for the 2018-19 regulations for these species.
    This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the 
migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final frameworks 
from which States may select season dates, shooting hours, areas, and 
limits. We have considered all pertinent comments received through 
November 1, 2017, on the August 3 and October 3, 2017, proposed 
rulemaking documents in developing this document. In addition, new 
proposals for certain regulations are provided for public comment. The

[[Page 4965]]

comment period is specified above under DATES. We will publish final 
regulatory frameworks for migratory game bird hunting in the Federal 
Register on or around February 28, 2018.

Population Status and Harvest

    Each year we publish various species status reports that provide 
detailed information on the status and harvest of migratory game birds, 
including information on the methodologies and results. These reports 
are available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT or from our website at https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/reports-and-publications/population-status.php.
    We used the following reports: Adaptive Harvest Management, 2018 
Hunting Season (September, 2017); American Woodcock Population Status, 
2017 (August, 2017); Band-tailed Pigeon Population Status, 2017 
(August, 2017); Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest During the 
2015-16 and 2016-17 Hunting Seasons (August, 2017); Mourning Dove 
Population Status, 2017 (August, 2017); Status and Harvests of Sandhill 
Cranes, Mid-continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley and 
Eastern Populations, 2017 (August, 2017); and Waterfowl Population 
Status, 2017 (August, 2017).

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the August 
3, 2017, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for 
migratory game bird hunting regulations and discussed the regulatory 
alternatives for the 2018-19 duck hunting season. Comments and 
recommendations are summarized below and numbered in the order used in 
the August 3, 2017, proposed rule.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below. We have included only the numbered items pertaining 
to issues for which we received recommendations. Consequently, the 
issues do not follow in successive numerical order.
    We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the August 3, 2017, proposed rule.

General

    Written Comments: A commenter protested the entire migratory bird 
hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and 
status and habitat data on which the migratory bird hunting regulations 
are based.
    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 for 
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

A. General Harvest Strategy

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended the adoption of the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative.
    Service Response: We propose to continue using adaptive harvest 
management (AHM) to help determine appropriate duck-hunting regulations 
for the 2018-19 season. AHM allows sound resource decisions in the face 
of uncertain regulatory impacts and provides a mechanism for reducing 
that uncertainty over time. We use AHM to evaluate four alternative 
regulatory levels for duck hunting based on the population status of 
mallards. We enact other hunting regulations for species of special 
concern, such as canvasbacks, scaup, and pintails.
    The prescribed regulatory alternative for the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways is based on the status of 
mallard populations that contribute primarily to each Flyway. In the 
Atlantic Flyway, we set hunting regulations based on the population 
status of mallards breeding in eastern North America (Federal survey 
strata 51-54 and 56, and State surveys in New England and the mid-
Atlantic region). In the Central and Mississippi Flyways, we set 
hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of mid-continent 
mallards. Mid-continent mallards are those breeding in central North 
America (Federal survey strata 13-18, 20-50, and 75-77, and State 
surveys in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan). In the Pacific Flyway, 
we set hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of western 
mallards. Western mallards are those breeding in Alaska and the 
northern Yukon Territory (as based on Federal surveys in strata 1-12), 
and in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California (as based 
on Canadian Wildlife Service and State-conducted surveys).
    For the 2018-19 season, we recommend continuing to use independent 
optimization to determine the optimal regulatory choice for each 
mallard stock. This means that we would develop regulations for eastern 
mallards, mid-continent mallards, and western mallards independently, 
based upon the breeding stock that contributes primarily to each 
Flyway. We detailed implementation of this AHM decision framework for 
western and mid-continent mallards in the July 24, 2008, Federal 
Register (73 FR 43290) and for eastern mallards in the July 20, 2012, 
Federal Register (77 FR 42920). Further documentation on how 
adjustments were made to these decision frameworks can be found at 
https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/management/AHM/SEIS&AHMReportFinal.pdf.
    As we stated in the October 3, 2017, proposed rule, for the 2018-19 
hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same regulatory 
alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the 
``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and ``liberal'' alternatives has 
remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended 
framework dates have been offered in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternatives since 2002 (67 FR 47224; July 17, 2002).
    The optimal AHM strategies for mid-continent, eastern, and western 
mallards for the 2018-19 hunting season were calculated using: (1) 
Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard stock; (2) the 
2018-19 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current

[[Page 4966]]

population models and associated weights. Based on ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternatives selected for the 2017-18 hunting season, the 
2017 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (WBPHS) results 
of 10.64 million mid-continent mallards and 4.33 million ponds in 
Prairie Canada, 0.65 million eastern mallards, and 0.98 million western 
mallards (0.44 million in California-Oregon and 0.54 million in 
Alaska), the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the 
``liberal'' alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendations 
of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils 
regarding selection of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative for the 
2018-19 season and propose to adopt the ``liberal'' regulatory 
alternative, as described in the October 3, 2017, Federal Register.

C. Zones and Split Seasons

    Written Comments: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife requested a minor 
boundary change between the east and west zones in the Pacific Flyway 
portion of the State due to unintended law enforcement issues. The 
existing zones split Elkhead Reservoir.
    Service Response: We agree. The change is very minor and aids in 
hunter compliance by placing the entire reservoir into one zone.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. September Teal Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council requested that 
Florida be allowed to hold an experimental September teal-only season 
for an additional year (2018), to allow sufficient time to incorporate 
the 2017 results into a final report evaluating impacts to non-target 
species.
    The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that teal seasons in 
Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky be made operational beginning 
in 2018-19. They further recommended that Tennessee be granted an 
additional year of experimental status for their teal season to collect 
an additional year of data to support evaluations and that Iowa be 
allowed to retain the option to select a September 5-day duck season or 
an operational early teal season for the 2018-19 hunting seasons. 
Iowa's decision would remain in effect under current duck season 
frameworks.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that Nebraska's experimental 
September teal season be made operational for the 2018-19 hunting 
season.
    Service Response: For the 2018-19 season, we will utilize the 2017 
breeding population estimate of 7.9 million blue-winged teal from the 
traditional survey area and the criteria developed for the teal season 
harvest strategy. Thus, a 16-day September teal season in the Atlantic, 
Central, and Mississippi Flyways is appropriate for the 2018-19 season.
    We agree with the Atlantic Flyway's request to extend Florida's 
experimental teal-only season through 2018, to allow the State 
sufficient time to prepare a full report on the results of its study on 
impacts to non-target species.
    We also agree with the Mississippi Flyway's request that September 
teal seasons in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky be made 
operational beginning in 2018-19. Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin 
submitted a report that summarized results from their 3-year 
experimental September teal season conducted during 2014-16. Results 
from those studies demonstrated that nontarget species attempt rates 
were below the acceptable rate of 25 percent (range 4.6 to 6.6 
percent). Although Michigan and Wisconsin each had one year in which 
the nontarget harvest rate exceeded the acceptable rate of 10 percent, 
the harvest rate in the other 2 years of the studies in each State were 
well below 10 percent (range 4.0 to 6.7 for Michigan and 0.0 for both 
years in Wisconsin), and thus we believe that production (``northern'') 
States in the Mississippi Flyway have satisfied the experimental 
criteria for nontarget species harvest rates. None of the three States 
opened an experimental season prior to sunrise; therefore, a comparison 
of nontarget species attempt and harvest rates during pre- and post-
sunrise periods was not made. Furthermore, we concur that Iowa shall be 
allowed to retain the option to select either a September 5-day duck 
season or an operational September teal season for the 2018-19 hunting 
season. The Service previously agreed to allow Iowa to retain these 
options when the State suspended its special September 5-day duck 
season in order to conduct a 3-year experimental September teal season 
along with other production States in the Flyway. When Iowa chooses 
either of these options for the 2018-19 season, that decision will 
remain in effect for future years under current duck season frameworks. 
With regard to the results from the 3-year experimental September teal-
only season that follows the operational September teal-wood duck 
season in Kentucky, the nontarget species attempt rate for both the 
pre-sunrise (7.7 percent) and post-sunrise (13.4 percent) periods were 
below the acceptable rate of 25 percent. Similarly, the nontarget 
species harvest rate for both the pre-sunrise (5.0 percent) and post-
sunrise (6.0 percent) periods were below the acceptable rate of 10 
percent. Therefore, we agree with the Mississippi Flyway Council's 
request to make the September teal-only season in Kentucky operational. 
Finally, we agree with the Mississippi Flyway's request to extend 
Tennessee's experimental teal-only season through 2018, to allow the 
Service sufficient time to review a report recently submitted by 
Tennessee that contains results from a fourth experimental year 
conducted in September 2017. The Service will examine results from all 
4 years of the study to determine whether Tennessee has met 
experimental criteria with regard to nontarget species attempt and 
harvest rates.
    We also agree with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation 
regarding Nebraska's experimental September teal season. In 2014, we 
allowed States in northern (``production'') areas of the Central and 
Mississippi Flyways to open, on an experimental basis, September teal 
seasons similar to those offered since 1969 to southern (``non-
production'') States. For these experimental seasons, each State 
entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Service that specified 
sample sizes (i.e., observations of hunter performance) and decision 
criteria that would need to be met for these experimental seasons to 
become operational. Hunters' rates of attempting to shoot nontarget 
waterfowl species and the harvest rate of nontarget species could not 
exceed certain levels. Nebraska collected 4 years of information and 
met the sample-size requirements. The attempt rates at nontarget 
species (pre-sunrise period: 7.9 percent; post-sunrise period: 13.6 
percent; both periods combined: 12.4 percent) were below our acceptable 
rate of 25 percent. Further, the harvest rate of nontarget species was 
3 percent, below the acceptable rate of 10 percent. Therefore, we 
support granting operational status to September teal seasons in the 
northern portion of Nebraska.
iii. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils recommended that the Service continue to follow the 
International Black Duck AHM Strategy for the 2018-19 season.
    Service Response: In 2012, we adopted the International Black Duck 
AHM Strategy (77 FR 49868; August 17, 2012). The formal strategy is the 
result of 14 years of technical and policy decisions developed and 
agreed upon

[[Page 4967]]

by both Canadian and U.S. agencies and waterfowl managers. The strategy 
clarifies what harvest levels each country will manage for and reduces 
conflicts over country-specific regulatory policies. Further, the 
strategy allows for attainment of fundamental objectives of black duck 
management: Resource conservation; perpetuation of hunting tradition; 
and equitable access to the black duck resource between Canada and the 
United States while accommodating the fundamental sources of 
uncertainty, partial controllability and observability, structural 
uncertainty, and environmental variation. The underlying model 
performance is assessed annually, with a comprehensive evaluation of 
the entire strategy (objectives and model set) planned after 6 years. A 
copy of the strategy is available at https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/management/AHM/BlackDuckInternationalHarvestStrategy.pdf.
    For the 2018-19 season, the optimal country-specific regulatory 
strategies were calculated using: (1) The black duck harvest objective 
(98 percent of long-term cumulative harvest); (2) 2018-19 country-
specific regulatory alternatives; (3) current parameter estimates for 
mallard competition and additive mortality; and (4) 2017 survey results 
of 0.54 million breeding black ducks and 0.44 million breeding mallards 
in the core survey area. The optimal regulatory choices for the 2018-19 
season are the ``liberal'' package in Canada and the ``moderate'' 
package in the United States.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for canvasbacks with 
a 2-bird daily bag limit. Season lengths would be 60 days in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 
107 days in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: As we discussed in the March 28, 2016, final rule 
(81 FR 17302), the canvasback harvest strategy that we had relied on 
until 2015 was not viable under our new regulatory process because it 
required biological information that was not yet available at the time 
a decision on season structure needed to be made. We do not yet have a 
new harvest strategy to propose for use in guiding canvasback harvest 
management in the future. However, we have worked with technical staff 
of the four Flyway Councils to develop a decision framework (hereafter, 
decision support tool) that relies on the best biological information 
available to develop recommendations for annual canvasback harvest 
regulations. The decision support tool uses available information 
(1994-2014) on canvasback population size, growth rate, survival, and 
harvest and a discrete logistic growth model to derive an optimal 
harvest policy with an objective of maximum sustained yield. The 
decision support tool calls for a closed season when the observed 
population is below 460,000, a 1-bird daily bag limit when the observed 
breeding population is between 460,000 and 480,000, and a 2-bird daily 
bag limit when the observed population is greater than 480,000. Given 
that the 2017 canvasback breeding population estimate was 733,000 
birds, we support the Flyways' recommendations for a 2-canvasback daily 
bag limit for the 2018-19 season.
v. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for pintails, 
consisting of a 2-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central 
Flyway, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: The current derived pintail harvest strategy was 
adopted by the Service and Flyway Councils in 2010 (75 FR 44856; July 
29, 2010). For the 2018-19 season, an optimal regulatory strategy for 
pintails was calculated with: (1) An objective of maximizing long-term 
cumulative harvest, including a closed-season constraint of 1.75 
million birds; (2) the regulatory alternatives and associated predicted 
harvest; and (3) current population models and their relative weights. 
Based on a ``liberal'' regulatory alternative with a 1-bird daily bag 
limit for the 2017-18 season, and the 2017 survey results of 2.89 
million pintails observed at a mean latitude of 56.7 degrees, the 
optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways for the 2018-19 hunting 
season is the ``liberal'' alternative with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
vi. Scaup
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended use of the ``moderate'' regulation 
package, consisting of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag in the 
Atlantic Flyway and a 3-bird daily bag in the Mississippi Flyway, a 74-
day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Central Flyway, and an 
86-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: In 2008, we adopted and implemented a new scaup 
harvest strategy (73 FR 43290 on July 24, 2008, and 73 FR 51124 on 
August 29, 2008) with initial ``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and 
``liberal'' regulatory packages adopted for each Flyway.
    For scaup, optimal regulatory strategies for the 2018-19 season 
were calculated using: (1) An objective to achieve 95 percent of long-
term cumulative harvest, (2) current scaup regulatory alternatives, and 
(3) updated model parameters and weights. Based on a ``moderate'' 
regulatory alternative selected in 2017, and the 2017 survey results of 
4.37 million scaup, the optimal regulatory choice for the 2018-19 
season for all four Flyways is the ``moderate'' regulatory alternative.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Early Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
changing the zone boundaries in North Dakota, modifying the boundary of 
the ``Remainder of State'' zone to form a new zone in the western 
portion of the State.
    Service Response: We support the Central Flyway Council's 
recommendation. The change in zone boundaries will allow the State to 
increase harvest of resident Canada geese in eastern portions of the 
State, where goose/human conflicts need to be alleviated, without 
negatively impacting hunter opportunities in western portions of the 
State.

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council revised its 
North Atlantic Population (NAP) Harvest Strategy by (1) eliminating the 
``very restrictive'' regulatory option, and (2) incorporating 
uncertainty around breeding population estimates into the annual 
regulatory option decision. Under the revised strategy, the Council 
recommended adoption of the moderate season option, which would consist 
of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit, with a framework of 
October 1 to January 31 for the high harvest NAP areas; and a 70-day 
season with a 3-bird daily bag limit, with a framework of October 1 to 
February 15 for the low harvest NAP areas for the 2018-19 season. The 
Council further recommended discontinuance of North Carolina's Southern 
James Bay Population (SJBP) zone. This area would become part of North 
Carolina's Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Zone.

[[Page 4968]]

    The Central Flyway Council recommended the implementation of 
modified Canada goose hunting zones in North Dakota and Wyoming. 
Wyoming would conduct an evaluation of the 3-way splits in two zones in 
accordance with established criteria.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the daily bag 
limit for Canada geese from 4 to 6 in the Northwest Permit Zone of 
Oregon. They further recommended reducing the size of Oregon's 
Tillamook County Management Area (i.e., reducing the size of the goose 
hunting closure).
    Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
decision to explicitly consider uncertainty around breeding population 
estimates when developing its annual regulatory recommendation for NAP 
Canada geese, and we support the Council's recommendation for a 
moderate season in 2018-19. We also agree that the SJBP zone 
designation in North Carolina can be eliminated, and that incorporating 
that area into the State's AFRP zone is appropriate. The SJBP is no 
longer managed as a separate population in the Mississippi Flyway, 
where most of these birds are harvested; thus, the SJBP zone in North 
Carolina is not needed for harvest management purposes.
    We support the Central Flyway Council's recommendations. The change 
in North Dakota was previously addressed above in 4.A. Special Early 
Seasons. The changes will allow the States to better satisfy hunters' 
desires to hunt at certain times of the season without negatively 
impacting Canada goose populations. Wyoming will work together with the 
Service to conduct an evaluation of their change to conform to Service 
requirements.
    We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to 
increase the daily bag limit from 4 to 6 Canada geese in Oregon's 
Northwest Permit Zone. Seven subspecies of Canada geese occur in this 
area, but cackling Canada geese are the most abundant. The current 3-
year average predicted fall population estimate (2015-17) for cackling 
geese is 321,475, which is substantially above the Flyway population 
objective of 250,000. The increase in bag limit is specifically 
intended to decrease abundance of cackling geese and address associated 
depredation complaints, and is consistent with the Council's harvest 
strategy for these birds. However, the bag limit increase could result 
in increased harvest of the 6 other subspecies of Canada geese in the 
area, but is not expected to be significant. Canada goose harvest in 
the area is expected to increase by less than 10 percent with the bag 
limit change, and State harvest data indicate cackling geese represent 
about 70 percent of the Canada goose harvest in this area. Other 
subspecies of Canada geese are over the Council's population 
objectives, have no open hunting season, occur mostly outside of the 
Northwest Zone, or have stable trends in abundance during the last 10 
years. More specific to these other Canada goose subspecies, the 
current 3-year average breeding population estimate (2015-17) for 
Aleutian Canada geese is 167,451, which is substantially above the 
Flyway population objective of 60,000 geese. The current 3-year average 
breeding population estimate (2015-17) for the Pacific Population of 
western Canada geese is 313,200 and exceeds area-specific Flyway 
objectives. The hunting season on dusky Canada geese, a subspecies of 
management concern, is currently closed in this area. The potential for 
increased incidental take of dusky geese is expected to be small, and 
monitoring programs are in place to evaluate population status. 
Vancouver Canada geese are relatively nonmigratory, occur primarily in 
remote estuarine areas of southeast Alaska and northern British 
Columbia (i.e., Northwest Permit Zone is on the periphery of the 
subspecies' range), and additional harvest associated with the bag 
limit increase is expected to be insignificant. For Taverner's Canada 
geese and lesser Canada geese, there are no Flyway management plans, 
population objectives, or population- specific monitoring programs 
because these birds cannot be differentiated during surveys and 
breeding distributions are not disjunct. However, these subspecies are 
encountered during general waterfowl breeding population and habitat 
surveys across North America. Indices from these surveys indicate that 
abundance of Taverner's and lesser geese have been stable during the 
last 10 (2008-17) years.
    We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to 
reduce the size of the Tillamook County Management Area (i.e., goose 
hunting closure). Oregon's Tillamook County Management Area was 
established in 1982 to provide protection for Aleutian Canada geese, 
specifically those that primarily breed on the Semidi Islands, Alaska, 
and winter near Pacific City, Oregon. Aleutian Canada geese were listed 
as an endangered population in 1967 (32 FR 4001, March 11, 1967) under 
the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, which was later 
superseded by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.); downlisted to threatened status in 1990 (55 FR 51106, December 
12, 1990); and removed from protection under the Act in 2001 (66 FR 
15643, March 20, 2001). The current 3-year average breeding population 
estimate (2015-17) for Aleutian geese is 167,451, which is 
substantially above the Flyway population objective of 60,000 geese. 
The Semidi Islands population segment is currently about 300 birds, and 
has consisted of about 100-300 birds since the 1990s. Monitoring data 
indicate that these birds almost exclusively use two pastures/hayfields 
within the goose hunting closure area. The closure area includes both 
non-goose habitat and pastures/hayfields the Semidi Islands geese do 
not use. The closure area has been reduced four times (2002, 2005, 
2007, and 2011) since establishment to focus protection on areas Semidi 
Islands geese use and address depredation complaints resulting from 
increasing abundance of several populations of Canada and white-fronted 
geese in the area. This fifth reduction in the goose hunting closure 
area is expected to maintain the same level of protection for Semidi 
Islands geese and address the increasing number of goose depredation 
complaints in the area currently closed to goose hunting. Reduction of 
the goose hunting closure area could result in increased take of dusky 
Canada geese, a subspecies of management concern known to winter 
primarily in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. However, the 
hunting season for this subspecies is closed in this area, the 
potential for increased incidental take is expected to be small, and 
monitoring programs are in place to evaluate population status.

5. White-Fronted Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
removal of the special goose season outside date restriction in 
Washington's Area 1.
    Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's 
recommendation. Removing the restriction would change the hunting 
season framework dates for white-fronted geese from the Saturday 
nearest September 24 and the last Sunday in February to the Saturday 
nearest September 24 and March 10, consistent with the general 
framework for the Pacific Flyway. The current 3-year average predicted 
fall population estimate (2015-17) for the Pacific Population of 
greater white-fronted geese is 633,399, which is substantially above 
the Flyway population objective of 300,000. The Area 1 framework date 
restriction was implemented when the

[[Page 4969]]

local 3-year average snow goose count was below the 70,000 bird 
objective established in Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's 
management plan for Wrangel Island snow geese. The current 3-year 
average snow goose count (2015-17) is 83,175, and exceeds the threshold 
of 70,000 birds. Removing the framework date restriction for white-
fronted geese in Washington's Area 1 will simplify regulations by 
matching the general framework dates for white-fronted geese in the 
Pacific Flyway.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the 2018-19 season for Atlantic brant follow the Atlantic Flyway 
brant hunt plan pending the results of the 2018 Atlantic Flyway mid-
winter waterfowl survey. The Council also recommended that if the 
results of the 2018 mid-winter survey are not available, then the 
results of the most recent mid-winter survey should be used.
    Service Response: As we discussed March 28, 2016, final rule (81 FR 
17302), the current harvest strategy used to determine the Atlantic 
brant season frameworks does not fit well within the new regulatory 
process, similar to the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) sandhill crane 
issue discussed below under 9. Sandhill Cranes. In developing the 
annual proposed frameworks for Atlantic brant in the past, the Atlantic 
Flyway Council and the Service used the number of brant counted during 
the Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey (MWS) in the Atlantic Flyway, and took 
into consideration the brant population's expected productivity that 
summer. The MWS is conducted each January, and expected brant 
productivity is based on early-summer observations of breeding habitat 
conditions and nesting effort in important brant nesting areas. Thus, 
the data under consideration were available before the annual Flyway 
and SRC decision-making meetings took place in late July. Although the 
former regulatory alternatives for Atlantic brant were developed by 
factoring together long-term productivity rates (observed during 
November and December productivity surveys) with estimated observed 
harvest under different framework regulations, the primary decision-
making criterion for selecting the annual frameworks was the MWS count.
    Under the new regulatory schedule, neither the expected 2018 brant 
production information (available summer 2018) nor the 2018 MWS count 
(conducted in January 2018) is yet available. However, the 2018 MWS 
will be completed and winter brant data will be available by the 
expected publication of the final frameworks (late February 2018). 
Therefore, in the September 24, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 57664), 
we adopted the Atlantic Flyway's changes to the then-current Atlantic 
brant hunt plan strategies. Current harvest packages (strategies) for 
Atlantic brant hunting seasons are now as follows:
     If the mid-winter waterfowl survey (MWS) count is <100,000 
Atlantic brant, the season would be closed.
     If the MWS count is between 100,000 and 115,000 brant, 
States could select a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
     If the MWS count is between 115,000 and 130,000 brant, 
States could select a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
     If the MWS count is between 130,000 and 150,000 brant, 
States could select a 50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
     If the MWS count is between 150,000 and 200,000 brant, 
States could select a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
     If the MWS count is >200,000 brant, States could select a 
60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Under all the above open-season alternatives, seasons would be 
between the Saturday nearest September 24 and January 31. Further, 
States could split their seasons into 2 segments.
    When we acquire the 2018 MWS brant count in January 2018, we will 
select the appropriate Atlantic brant hunting season for 2018-19 from 
the above Atlantic brant hunt strategies and publish the result in the 
final frameworks rule.

7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended, in 
Washington, removing the special goose season outside date restriction 
in Area 1.
    Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's 
recommendation. Removing the restriction would change the hunting 
season closing framework date for light geese from the last Sunday in 
February to March 10, consistent with the general framework for the 
Pacific Flyway. The Area 1 framework date restriction was implemented 
when the local 3-year average snow goose count was below the 70,000 
bird objective established in Washington Department of Fish and 
Wildlife's management plan for Wrangel Island snow geese. The current 
3-year average snow goose count (2015-17) is 83,175, and exceeds the 
threshold of 70,000 birds. Three populations of light geese occur in 
the Pacific Flyway, and all are above Flyway objectives based on the 
most recent breeding population indices. The population estimate for 
the Western Arctic Population (WAP) of lesser snow geese was 419,800 in 
2013 (most recent estimate) on Banks Island, which is above the 
objective of 200,000 geese. Ross's geese were estimated at 624,100 in 
2016 (most recent estimate) at Karrak Lake and are above the objective 
of 100,000 geese. The current 3-year average breeding population 
estimate (2015-17) for Wrangel Island snow geese is 297,333, which is 
above the objective of 120,000 geese. Current evidence suggests most 
light geese in Washington during fall and early winter are primarily 
Wrangel Island snow geese, but an influx of WAP lesser snow and Ross's 
geese may occur during late winter as birds begin to move north from 
California toward breeding areas. Removing the closing framework date 
restriction for light geese in Washington's Area 1 will simplify 
regulations by matching the general framework dates for light geese in 
the Pacific Flyway.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils 
recommended changing the framework season length for Rocky Mountain 
Population (RMP) cranes from 30 consecutive days to 60 days that may be 
split into segments. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a maximum 
of three season segments, whereas the Central Flyway Council 
recommendation did not specify a maximum number of season segments. The 
Pacific Flyway Council further recommended establishment of a new 
hunting unit for RMP cranes in the Malad River area of Oneida County, 
Idaho, and that allowable harvest of RMP cranes be determined based on 
the formula described in the Pacific and Central Flyway Management Plan 
for RMP cranes.
    Service Response: We agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway 
Council's recommendation to increase the season length for RMP cranes 
from 30 to 60 days and to allow the season to be split into segments. 
However, we will restrict the number of season segments to three, 
consistent with the Pacific Flyway recommendation. The change in season 
length and splits is intended to provide increased flexibility to 
States in addressing crop depredation concerns and cranes staging for 
longer periods. This change is not expected to result in harvest of RMP 
cranes above allowable levels because States are allocated a maximum 
allowable harvest annually

[[Page 4970]]

according to the harvest strategy specified in the Pacific and Central 
Flyway Council's RMP crane management plan. However, we note that 
increasing hunting opportunities likely will increase harvest and bring 
States closer to their harvest allocations. The Service, 
collaboratively with the States, will continue to monitor take levels 
to ensure that realized take remains within those allowed in the Flyway 
Councils' harvest strategy.
    We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to 
create a new hunting area for RMP cranes in Idaho to include a portion 
of Oneida County. The new hunting area is consistent with the hunting 
area requirements in the Pacific and Central Flyway Council's RMP crane 
management plan. Because this is a shared population between the 
Pacific and Central Flyways, the same recommendation should have come 
from the Central Flyway Council. Although we did not receive a formal 
recommendation from them, the Central Flyway Council has indicated to 
the Service that it supports the recommendation.
    Regarding the RMP crane harvest, as we discussed in the March 28, 
2016, final rule (81 FR 17302), the current harvest strategy used to 
calculate the allowable harvest of RMP cranes does not fit well within 
the new regulatory process, similar to the Atlantic brant issue 
discussed above under 6. Brant. Results of the fall abundance and 
recruitment surveys of RMP cranes, which are used in the calculation of 
the annual allowable harvest, will continue to be released between 
December 1 and January 31 each year, which is after the date proposed 
frameworks will be formulated in the new regulatory process. If we were 
to propose regulations at this point in time, data 2 to 4 years old 
would be used to determine the annual allowable harvest and State 
harvest allocations for RMP cranes. We agree that relying on data that 
is 2 to 4 years old is not ideal due to the variability in fall 
abundance and recruitment for this population, and the significance of 
these data in the annual harvest allocations. Thus, we agree that the 
formula to determine the annual allowable harvest for RMP cranes 
published in the March 28, 2016, final rule should be used under the 
new regulatory schedule. We will produce a final estimate for the 
allowable harvest of RMP cranes and publish it in the final frameworks 
rule, allowing us to use data that is 1 to 3 years old, as is currently 
practiced.

14. Woodcock

    In 2011, we implemented a harvest strategy for woodcock (76 FR 
19876, April 8, 2011). The harvest strategy provides a transparent 
framework for making regulatory decisions for woodcock season length 
and bag limits while we work to improve monitoring and assessment 
protocols for this species. Utilizing the criteria developed for the 
strategy, the 3-year average for the Singing Ground Survey indices and 
associated confidence intervals fall within the ``moderate package'' 
for both the Eastern and Central Management Regions. As such, a 
``moderate season'' for both management regions for the 2018-19 season 
is appropriate.
    Specifics of the harvest strategy can be found at https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/webless-migratory-game-birds/american-woodcock.php.

16. Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils recommended use of the ``standard'' season framework 
comprising a 90-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit for States 
within the Eastern Management Unit (EMU). The daily bag limit could be 
composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in 
combination. They also recommended that the closing framework date for 
the EMU be changed from January 15 to January 31.
    The Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils recommended the use of 
the ``standard'' season package of a 15-bird daily bag limit and a 90-
day season for the 2018-19 mourning dove season in the States within 
the Central Management Unit.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended use of the ``standard'' 
season framework for States in the Western Management Unit (WMU) 
population of mourning doves.
    Service Response: Based on the harvest strategies and current 
population status, we agree with the recommended selection of the 
``standard'' season frameworks for doves in the Eastern, Central, and 
Western Management Units for the 2018-19 season.

22. Other

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that Atlantic Flyway States be granted compensatory days for webless 
migratory game bird hunting beginning with the 2018-19 hunting season 
in States where Sunday hunting for migratory game birds is prohibited 
by a State law adopted prior to 1997 (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania).
    Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommendation to allow compensatory days for all migratory game bird 
species in States where Sunday hunting is prohibited by State law. 
Compensatory days will provide additional hunting opportunity for dove, 
woodcock, rail, snipe, and gallinule hunters in those States, thereby 
assisting State agency efforts to retain hunters. We expect that the 
biological impacts of the additional hunting opportunity afforded by 
compensatory days will be minimal on snipe, rails, and gallinules, 
which are lightly hunted in the Atlantic Flyway. More than 88 percent 
of the mourning dove harvest in the Atlantic Flyway occurs during the 
first month of the season, and only 4 of the affected States have dove 
seasons; thus, adding compensatory days later in the dove season in 
those States will not increase the harvest significantly. Based on 
recent (2012-2016) estimates of woodcock harvested per day, the 
additional 7 woodcock hunting days (5 in New Jersey) in the affected 
States is expected to result in approximately 5,500 additional woodcock 
harvested, about 9 percent of the recent annual woodcock harvest in the 
Atlantic Flyway. If this additional harvest results in measurable 
adverse population impacts, the woodcock hunting season and harvest in 
the Atlantic Flyway will be adjusted in accordance with the woodcock 
harvest strategy, which is based on the population status of the 
species.

Public Comments

    The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever possible, to 
afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking 
process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written 
comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed 
regulations. Before promulgating final migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will consider all comments we receive. These comments, 
and any additional information we receive, may lead to final 
regulations that differ from these proposals.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept 
comments sent by email or fax. We will not consider hand-delivered 
comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not 
postmarked, by the date specified in DATES.

[[Page 4971]]

    We will post all comments in their entirety--including your 
personal identifying information--on https://www.regulations.gov. Before 
including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal 
identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your 
entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be 
made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your 
comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public 
review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 5275 Leesburg 
Pike, Falls Church, Virginia.
    We will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each 
comment. As in the past, we will summarize all comments we receive 
during the comment period and respond to them after the closing date in 
the preambles of any final rules.

Required Determinations

    Based on our most current data, we are affirming our required 
determinations made in the August 3 and October 3 proposed rules; for 
descriptions of our actions to ensure compliance with the following 
statutes and Executive Orders, see our August 3, 2017, proposed rule 
(82 FR 36308):
     National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration;
     Endangered Species Act Consideration;
     Regulatory Flexibility Act;
     Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act;
     Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995;
     Unfunded Mandates Reform Act;
     Executive Orders 12630, 12866, 12988, 13132, 13175, 13211, 
13563, and 13771.

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 2018-19 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: January 16, 2018.
Jason Larrabee,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, 
Exercising the Authority of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and 
Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2018-19 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 
proposed frameworks for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and 
possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select 
seasons for hunting migratory game birds between the dates of September 
1, 2018, and March 10, 2019. These frameworks are summarized below.

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 three times the daily bag limit.
    Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service 
authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take 
by sport hunters, or both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans, some 
sandhill crane populations), the Service determines the amount of 
harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal 
regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to 
hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized 
by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not 
be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations.
    These Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to 
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on 
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory 
birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions 
of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The 
permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions 
and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The 
permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and 
may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another 
person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit 
becomes invalid.

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.
Duck Management Units
    High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian. See 
Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions, Ducks (Including Mergansers) and 
Coots for specific boundaries in each State.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: In Washington, all areas 
east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River 
in Klickitat County; and in Oregon, the counties of Gilliam, Morrow, 
and Umatilla.
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.

[[Page 4972]]

    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
    For the purpose of the hunting regulations listed below, the 
collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following 
species:
    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.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related 
to regulations are contained in a later portion of this document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are 
listed below by Flyway.

Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway

    In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, 
where Sunday hunting is prohibited Statewide by State law, all Sundays 
are closed to the take of all migratory game birds.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

    Outside Dates: States may select 2 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 weekends, holidays, or other non-school days when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may 
be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season 
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any 
other open season on migratory birds.
    Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, 
tundra swans, 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: States may use their established 
definition of age for youth hunters. However, youth hunters may not be 
over the age of 17. 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. Youth hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Federal 
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal 
Duck Stamp). Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing 
applicable tundra swan permits.

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, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, 
and Wisconsin.
    Central Flyway: Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico 
(part), Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 16 consecutive 
hunting days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The 
daily bag limit is 6 teal.
Shooting Hours
    Atlantic Flyway: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in 
South Carolina, 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, Iowa, 
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, 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 teal/wood duck season may be selected 
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 6 teal and wood ducks 
in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. In 
addition, a 4-consecutive-day teal-only season may be selected in 
September either immediately before or immediately after the 5-
consecutive-day teal/wood duck season. The daily bag limit is 6 teal. 
The teal-only seasons in Florida and Tennessee are experimental.
    Iowa: In lieu of an experimental special September teal season, 
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 during the remainder of the regular duck 
season. The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before 
October 10.

Waterfowl

Atlantic Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit is 6 
ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can 
be females), 2 black ducks, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous 
whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 4 
scoters, 4 eiders, and 4 long-tailed ducks.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, 
only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone 
of New Hampshire.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West 
Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, 
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, and Vermont may select hunting seasons by zones and may 
split their seasons into two segments in each zone.
Scoters, Eiders, and Long-Tailed Ducks
Special Sea Duck Seasons
    Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,

[[Page 4973]]

North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may select a 
Special Sea Duck Season in designated Special Sea Duck Areas. If a 
Special Sea Duck Season is selected, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed 
ducks may be taken in the designated Special Sea Duck Area(s) only 
during the Special Sea Duck Season dates; scoters, eiders, and long-
tailed ducks may be taken outside of Special Sea Duck Area(s) during 
the regular duck season, in accordance with the frameworks for ducks, 
mergansers, and coots specified above.
    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31.
    Special Sea Duck Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: 60 consecutive 
hunting days, or 60 days that are concurrent with the regular duck 
season, with a daily bag limit of 5, singly or in the aggregate, of the 
listed sea duck species, including no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 
and 4 long-tailed ducks. 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 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, 4 eiders, and 4 
long-tailed ducks) and possession limits.
    Special Sea Duck 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 
New Jersey, all coastal waters seaward from the International 
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Demarcation 
Lines shown on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
Nautical Charts and further described in 33 CFR 80.165, 80.501, 80.502, 
and 80.503; in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters 
of any bay that are separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any 
shore, island, and emergent vegetation in South Carolina and Georgia; 
and in any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any 
bay that 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.
Canada Geese
Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
    A Canada goose season of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland. Seasons not to exceed 30 
days during September 1-30 may be selected for Connecticut, Florida, 
Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone only), 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.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during any special early Canada goose season, shooting hours may extend 
to one-half hour after sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed 
in the specific applicable area.
Regular Canada Goose Seasons
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for 
Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons may also include 
white-fronted geese in an aggregate daily bag limit. Unless specified 
otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments.
Connecticut
    North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and January 
31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 50-day season may be held between 
October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    South Zone: A special season may be held between January 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Resident Population (RP) Zone: An 80-day season may be held between 
October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season 
may be split into 3 segments.
Delaware
    A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, 
with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Florida
    An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 
5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Georgia
    An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 
5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Maine
    A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and January 
31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Maryland
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Massachusetts
    NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 
31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may 
be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and 
February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
New Hampshire
    A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and January 
31 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
New Jersey
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 27) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday 
in October (October 27) and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. 
The season may be split into 3 segments.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held in 
designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
New York
    NAP Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be 
held, with a 2-bird daily bag limit in the High Harvest areas; and 
between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held, with a 
3-bird daily bag limit in the Low Harvest areas.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 27), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the 
opening date is October 10, through February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag 
limit.
    Western Long Island RP Zone: A 107-day season may be held between 
the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10, with an 
8-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.

[[Page 4974]]

    Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the 
fourth Saturday in October (October 27) and March 10, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
North Carolina
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: A 14-day season may be held between the 
Saturday prior to December 25 (December 22) and January 31, with a 1-
bird daily bag limit.
Pennsylvania
    SJBP Zone: A 78-day season may be held between the first Saturday 
in October (October 6) and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday 
in October (October 27) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. 
The season may be split into 3 segments.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 27) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Rhode Island
    A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with 
a 2-bird daily bag limit. A special late season may be held in 
designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily 
bag limit.
South Carolina
    In designated areas, an 80-day season may be held between October 1 
and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split 
into 3 segments.
Vermont
    Lake Champlain Zone and Interior Zone: A 50-day season may be held 
between October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Connecticut River Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 
1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Virginia
    SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special late 
season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 
10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 
segments.
West Virginia
    An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 
5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments in each 
zone.
Light Geese
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 25-bird daily bag 
limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into 
three segments.
Brant
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 
season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and 
January 31. States may split their seasons into two segments. The 
season length and daily bag limit will be based on the upcoming Mid-
Winter Survey results and the Atlantic brant hunt plan.
Mississippi Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: The season may not exceed 60 days, 
with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards 
(no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black 
ducks, 2 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 
redheads.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 2 of which may be 
hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag 
limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and 
Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into 
two segments in each zone.
    In Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi, the season may be split into 
three segments.
Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits:
    Canada Geese: States may select seasons for Canada geese not to 
exceed 107 days with a 5-bird daily bag limit during September 1-30, 
and a 3-bird daily bag limit for the remainder of the season. Seasons 
may be held between September 1 and February 15, and may be split into 
4 segments.
    White-fronted Geese and Brant: Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, 
Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee may select a season for 
white-fronted geese not to exceed 74 days with 3 geese daily, or 88 
days with 2 geese daily, or 107 days with 1 goose daily between 
September 1 and February 15; Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin may select a season for white-fronted 
geese not to exceed 107 days with 5 geese daily, in aggregate with dark 
geese between September 1 and February 15. States may select a season 
for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily, or 107 days with 1 
brant daily with outside dates the same as for Canada geese; 
alternately, States may include brant in an aggregate goose bag limit 
with either Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or dark geese.
    Light Geese: States may select seasons for light geese not to 
exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily between September 1 and February 
15. There is no possession limit for light geese.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after 
sunset for Canada geese if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are 
closed in the specific applicable area.
    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into four segments 
unless otherwise indicated.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27).
Hunting Seasons
    High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian): 97 
days. The last 23 days must run consecutively and may start no earlier 
than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 8).
    Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days.
    Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with species and sex 
restrictions

[[Page 4975]]

as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 
scaup, 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, and 2 canvasbacks. In 
Texas, the daily bag limit on mottled ducks is 1, except that no 
mottled ducks may be taken during the first 5 days of the season. In 
addition to the daily limits listed above, the States of Montana, North 
Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, in lieu of selecting an experimental 
September teal season, may include an additional daily bag and 
possession limit of 2 and 6 blue-winged teal, respectively, during the 
first 16 days of the regular duck season in each respective duck 
hunting zone. These extra limits are in addition to the regular duck 
bag and possession limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 2 of 
which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck 
bag limit, only two of which may be hooded mergansers.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Colorado, Kansas (Low Plains portion), 
Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South 
Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming 
may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into 
two segments.
Geese
    Special Early Canada Goose 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, Montana, and 
Wyoming, Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 
may be selected. In North Dakota, Canada goose seasons of up to 22 days 
during September 1-22 may be selected. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 5 Canada geese, except in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, where 
the daily bag limit may not exceed 8 Canada geese and in North Dakota 
and South Dakota, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 15 Canada 
geese. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that 
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after 
sunset if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed in the 
specific applicable area.
Regular Goose Seasons
    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council 
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by 
each participating State.
    Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the 
outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 22) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light 
Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial 
restrictions that are consistent with the late-winter snow goose 
hunting strategy cooperatively developed by the Central Flyway Council 
and the Service are required.
Season Lengths and Limits
    Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 
107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 50 with no possession 
limit.
    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season 
for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted 
geese) not to exceed 107 days with a daily bag limit of 8. For white-
fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 74 days with 
a bag limit of 3, or an 88-day season with a bag limit of 2, or a 
season of 107 days with a bag limit of 1.
    In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming, States may select 
seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 
in the aggregate.
    In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 
days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose 
species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for 
white-fronted geese is 2.
Pacific Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
22) and the last Sunday in January (January 27).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck and Merganser Limits: 107 days. The daily 
bag limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female 
mallards, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. For 
scaup, the season length is 86 days, which may be split according to 
applicable zones and split duck hunting configurations approved for 
each State.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
limit of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules is 25, singly or 
in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, 
Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting 
seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments.
    Montana and New Mexico may split their seasons into three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits should be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona 
(South Zone).
Geese
Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
    A Canada goose season of up to 15 days during September 1-20 may be 
selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in 
Pacific County, Washington, where the daily bag limit may not exceed 15 
Canada geese. 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
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits
    Canada Geese and Brant: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day 
seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 22) and the last Sunday in January (January 
27). In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, 
and Wyoming, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese and brant in the 
aggregate. In California, Oregon, and Washington, the daily bag limit 
is 4 Canada geese. For brant, Oregon and Washington may select a 16-day 
season and California a 37-day season. Days must be consecutive. 
Washington and California may select hunting seasons for up to two 
zones. The daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to other goose 
limits. In Oregon and California, the brant season must end no later 
than December 15.
    White-fronted Geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons 
may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 22) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 10.
    Light Geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be 
selected with outside dates between the Saturday

[[Page 4976]]

nearest September 24 (September 22) and March 10. The daily bag limit 
is 20.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese 
and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each 
participating State.
    California: The daily bag limit for Canada geese is 10.
    Balance of State Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with 
outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) 
and March 10. In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, the 
season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 28, and 
the daily bag limit is 3 white-fronted geese. In the North Coast 
Special Management Area, hunting days that occur after the last Sunday 
in January (January 27) should be concurrent with Oregon's South Coast 
Zone.
    Oregon: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6 on or before the 
last Sunday in January (January 27).
    Harney and Lake County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily white-
fronted goose bag limit is 1.
    Northwest Permit Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with 
outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) 
and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag 
limits of Canada geese and light geese are 6 each. In the Tillamook 
County Management Area, the hunting season is closed on geese.
    South Coast Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with 
outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) 
and March 10. The daily bag limit of Canada geese is 6. Hunting days 
that occur after the last Sunday in January (January 27) should be 
concurrent with California's North Coast Special Management Area. Goose 
seasons may be split into 3 segments.
    Utah: A Canada goose and brant season may be selected in the 
Wasatch Front Zone with outside dates between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 22) and the first Sunday in February (February 
3).
    Washington: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6.
    Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): A Canada goose season may 
be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 
24 (September 22) and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 
segments.
    Area 4: Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments.
Permit Zones
    In Oregon and Washington permit zones, the hunting season is closed 
on 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. Hunting of geese will only be by hunters 
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. Shooting 
hours for geese may begin no earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada goose 
seasons in the permit zones of Oregon and Washington remain subject to 
the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Service regarding 
monitoring the impacts of take during the regular Canada goose season 
on the dusky Canada goose population.

Swans

    In portions of the Pacific Flyway (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an 
open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. 
Permits will be issued by the State and will authorize each permittee 
to take no more than 1 swan per season with each permit. Nevada may 
issue up to 2 permits per hunter. Montana and Utah may issue only 1 
permit per hunter. Each State's season may open no earlier than the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29). These seasons are also 
subject to the following conditions:
    Montana: No more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1. The State must implement a harvest-
monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan 
harvest and should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter 
compliance in reporting bill measurement and color information.
    Utah: No more than 2,000 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 10 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 9) or upon 
attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the 
Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August 2003, 
regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education 
requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan 
season.
    Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 6) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In addition, the States of Utah and Nevada must implement a 
harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the 
swan harvest. The harvest-monitoring program must require that all 
harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by 
either State or Federal biologists for the purpose of species 
classification. The States should use appropriate measures to maximize 
hunter compliance in providing bagged swans for examination. Further, 
the States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must achieve at least an 80-
percent hunter compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be reduced 
by 10 percent. All three States must provide to the Service by June 30, 
2019, a report detailing harvest, hunter participation, reporting 
compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt 
areas.

Tundra Swans

    In portions of the Atlantic Flyway (North Carolina and Virginia) 
and the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota [east of the 
Missouri River], and that portion of Montana in the Central Flyway), an 
open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be 
selected. Permits will be issued by the States that authorize the take 
of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second permit may be issued 
to hunters from unused permits remaining after the first drawing. The 
States must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons 
are also subject to the following conditions:
In the Atlantic Flyway
--The season may be 90 days, between October 1 and January 31.
--In North Carolina, no more than 6,250 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 750 permits may be issued.
In the Central Flyway
--The season may be 107 days, between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(September 29) and January 31.
--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 625 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,500 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,875 permits may be issued.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28 in Minnesota, 
and

[[Page 4977]]

between September 1 and January 31 in Kentucky and Tennessee.
    Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be 
selected in the designated portion of northwestern Minnesota (Northwest 
Goose Zone), and a season not to exceed 60 consecutive days in Kentucky 
and Tennessee.
    Daily Bag Limit: 1 sandhill crane in Minnesota, 2 sandhill cranes 
in Kentucky, and 3 sandhill cranes in Tennessee. In Kentucky and 
Tennessee, the seasonal bag limit is 3 sandhill cranes.
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
seasons must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting 
permit.
    Other Provisions: The number of permits (where applicable), open 
areas, season dates, protection plans for other species, and other 
provisions of seasons must be consistent with the management plans and 
approved by the Mississippi Flyway Council.
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 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 
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting 
permit.
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 60 
days, and may be split into no more than 3 segments.
    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:
    A. In Utah, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP 
quota;
    B. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest 
must be conducted at 3-year intervals;
    C. In Idaho, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP 
quota; and
    D. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is 
experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial 
composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will 
be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January 
(January 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, mergansers, and 
coots; therefore, frameworks for common moorhens and purple gallinules 
are included with the duck, merganser, and coot frameworks.
    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: Seasons may not exceed 70 days, and may be split 
into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits
    Clapper and King Rails: In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New 
Jersey, and Rhode Island, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, 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 rails, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. The season is closed in the remainder of the Pacific Flyway.

Snipe

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in 
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, 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 45 
days in the Eastern and Central Regions. 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 36 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.
    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 14 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 2.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 14 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

[[Page 4978]]

Doves

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31 in the Eastern 
Management Unit, and between September 1 and January 15 in the Central 
and Western Management Units, except as otherwise provided, States may 
select hunting seasons and daily bag limits as follows:
Eastern Management Unit
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a 
daily 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
For All States Except Texas
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a 
daily 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
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 90 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in 
the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: 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 take of mourning and white-tipped 
doves may also occur during that special season (see Special White-
winged Dove Area in Texas).
    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 14 
and January 25.
    C. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.
Special White-Winged Dove Area in Texas
    In addition, Texas 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 15 
white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be 
white-tipped doves.
Western Management Unit
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits
    Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington: Not more than 60 days, 
which may be split between two periods. The daily bag limit is 15 
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 
15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more 
than 10 could be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the 
season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves. In California, the 
daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, 
of which no more than 10 could be white-winged doves.
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 spectacled eiders and 
Steller's eiders.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
    Ducks: Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 ducks. Daily 
bag limits in the North Zone are 10, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they 
are 8. The basic limits may include no more than 2 canvasbacks daily 
and may not include sea ducks.
    In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck 
limits of 10 daily, 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: The daily bag limit is 6.
    Canada Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 with the following 
exceptions:
    A. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from 
September 28 through December 16.
    B. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada 
goose season may be offered. 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.
    C. In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, the daily bag limit is 6 Canada 
geese.
    White-fronted Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 with the following 
exceptions:
    A. In Units 9, 10, and 17, the daily bag limit is 6 white-fronted 
geese.
    B. In Unit 18, the daily bag limit is 10 white-fronted geese.
    Emperor Geese: Open seasons for emperor geese may be selected 
subject to the following conditions:
    A. All seasons are by permit only.
    B. No more than 1 emperor goose may be authorized per permit.
    C. Total harvest may not exceed 1,000 emperor geese.
    D. In State Game Management Unit 18, the Kodiak Island Road Area is 
closed to hunting. The Kodiak Island Road Area consists of all lands 
and water (including exposed tidelands) east of a line extending from 
Crag Point in the north to the west end of Saltery Cove in the south 
and all lands and water south of a line extending from Termination 
Point along the north side of Cascade Lake extending to Anton Larsen 
Bay. Marine waters adjacent to the closed area are closed to harvest 
within 500 feet from the water's edge. The offshore islands are open to 
harvest, for example: Woody, Long, Gull, and Puffin islands.
    Brant: The daily bag limit is 3.
    Snipe: The daily bag limit is 8.
    Sandhill Cranes: The daily bag limit is 2 in the Southeast, Gulf 
Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones, and Unit 17 in the North Zone. In 
the remainder of the North Zone (outside Unit 17), the daily bag limit 
is 3.
    Tundra Swans: Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    A. All seasons are by permit only.
    B. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.
    C. In Unit 17, no more than 200 permits may be issued during this 
operational season. No more than 3

[[Page 4979]]

tundra swans may be authorized per permit, with no more than 1 permit 
issued per hunter per season.
    D. In Unit 18, no more than 500 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.
    E. In Unit 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.
    F. In Unit 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.
Hawaii
    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.

    Note:  Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico
Doves and Pigeons
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 20 Zenaida, 
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which not more 
than 10 may be Zenaida doves and 3 may be mourning doves. Not to exceed 
5 scaly-naped pigeons.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the white-crowned pigeon 
and the 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.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on 
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
    Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain 
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge; 
common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or 
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled 
pigeon.
Ducks
    Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck.
Special Falconry Regulations
    Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any 
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29. 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 Limits: Falconry daily bag limits for all permitted 
migratory game birds must not exceed 3 birds, 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. 
Regular season bag limits do not apply to falconry. The falconry bag 
limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway
Connecticut
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Maine
    North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along 
Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire-Maine State line to the 
intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east 
along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then 
north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of I-95 in Augusta; 
then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along 
Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony Brook in 
Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the U.S. border.
    Coastal Zone: That portion south of a line extending east from the 
Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at the Route 1 Bridge; then south 
along Route 1 to the Maine-New Hampshire border in Kittery.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Maryland
    Special Teal Season Area: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, 
Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, 
and Worcester Counties; 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.

[[Page 4980]]

Massachusetts
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont State line 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 
State line.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line 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 State line; 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 shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
New Hampshire
    Northern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of the 
Inland Zone beginning at the Jct. of Rte. 10 and Rte. 25-A in Orford, 
east on Rte. 25-A to Rte. 25 in Wentworth, southeast on Rte. 25 to Exit 
26 of Rte. I-93 in Plymouth, south on Rte. I-93 to Rte. 3 at Exit 24 of 
Rte. I-93 in Ashland, northeast on Rte. 3 to Rte. 113 in Holderness, 
north on Rte. 113 to Rte. 113-A in Sandwich, north on Rte. 113-A to 
Rte. 113 in Tamworth, east on Rte. 113 to Rte. 16 in Chocorua, north on 
Rte. 16 to Rte. 302 in Conway, east on Rte. 302 to the Maine-New 
Hampshire border.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State south and west of the 
Northern Zone, west of the Coastal Zone, and includes the area of 
Vermont and New Hampshire as described for hunting reciprocity. A 
person holding a New Hampshire hunting license that allows the taking 
of migratory waterfowl or a person holding a Vermont resident hunting 
license that allows the taking of migratory waterfowl may take 
migratory waterfowl and coots from the following designated area of the 
Inland Zone: The State of Vermont east of Rte. I-91 at the 
Massachusetts border, north on Rte. I-91 to Rte. 2, north on Rte. 2 to 
Rte. 102, north on Rte. 102 to Rte. 253, and north on Rte. 253 to the 
border with Canada and the area of New Hampshire west of Rte. 63 at the 
Massachusetts border, north on Rte. 63 to Rte. 12, north on Rte. 12 to 
Rte. 12-A, north on Rte. 12-A to Rte 10, north on Rte. 10 to Rte. 135, 
north on Rte. 135 to Rte. 3, north on Rte. 3 to the intersection with 
the Connecticut River.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line beginning at 
the Maine-New Hampshire border in Rollinsford, then extending to Rte. 4 
west to the city of Dover, south to the intersection of Rte. 108, south 
along Rte. 108 through Madbury, Durham, and Newmarket to the junction 
of Rte. 85 in Newfields, south to Rte. 101 in Exeter, east to 
Interstate 95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) in Hampton, and south to the 
Massachusetts border.
New Jersey
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning 
at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the 
New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the 
Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to NJ 109; 
south on NJ 109 to Cape May County Route 633 (Lafayette Street); south 
on Lafayette Street to Jackson Street; south on Jackson Street to the 
shoreline at Cape May; west along the shoreline of Cape May beach to 
COLREGS Demarcation Line 80.503 at Cape May Point; south along COLREGS 
Demarcation Line 80.503 to the Delaware State line in Delaware Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State 
line in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.
New York
    Lake Champlain Zone: That area east and north of a continuous line 
extending along U.S. 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary 
south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B 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 State line.
    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 State line.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending 
from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-
81, south along I-81 to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along 
NY 13 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 NY 22, north along NY 22 
to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-
Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
Pennsylvania
    Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a 
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on 
the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle 
Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
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 VT 78 at Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to Maquam Bay on Lake 
Champlain; along and around the shoreline of Maquam Bay and Hog Island 
to VT 78 at the West Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in Alburg; VT 2 to 
the Richelieu River in Alburg; along the east shore of the Richelieu 
River to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain 
Zone and west 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
Illinois
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
west from the Indiana border along Peotone-Beecher Road to Illinois 
Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road, 
west along Wilmington-Peotone

[[Page 4981]]

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 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 south of the North Duck 
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-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 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to 
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's Road to Modoc Road, west along 
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to 
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry 
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route 
and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to 
the Missouri border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line 
extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along 
U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to 
Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on 
Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to 
Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, 
south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west 
along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 
3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank 
of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the 
Mississippi River to the Missouri border.
    South Central Zone: The remainder of the State between the south 
border of the Central Zone and the North border of the South Zone.
Indiana
    North Zone: That part of Indiana north of a line extending east 
from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 31; north along 
U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east along U.S. 24 to Huntington; southeast along 
U.S. 224; south along State Road 5; and east along State Road 124 to 
the Ohio border.
    Central Zone: That part of Indiana south of the North Zone boundary 
and north of the South Zone boundary.
    South Zone: That part of Indiana south of a line extending east 
from the Illinois border along I-70; east along National Ave.; east 
along U.S. 150; south along U.S. 41; east along State Road 58; south 
along State Road 37 to Bedford; and east along U.S. 50 to the Ohio 
border.
Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of Iowa north of a line beginning on the 
South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 
29 to State Highway 175, east 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, and along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois 
border.
    Missouri River Zone: That portion of Iowa west of a line beginning 
on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along 
Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, and west along State Highway 175 to 
the Iowa-Nebraska border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
Kentucky
    West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, 
Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
Louisiana
    East Zone: That area of the State between the Mississippi State 
line and a line going south on Hwy 79 from the Arkansas border to 
Homer, then south on Hwy 9 to Arcadia, then south on Hwy 147 to Hodge, 
then south on Hwy 167 to Turkey Creek, then south on Hwy 13 to Eunice, 
then west on Hwy 190 to Kinder, then south on Hwy 165 to Iowa, then 
west on I-10 to its junction with Hwy 14 at Lake Charles, then south 
and east on Hwy 14 to its junction with Hwy 90 in New Iberia, then east 
on Hwy 90 to the Mississippi State line.
    West Zone: That area between the Texas State line and a line going 
east on I-10 from the Texas border to Hwy 165 at Iowa, then north on 
Hwy 165 to Kinder, then east on Hwy 190 to Eunice, then north on Hwy 13 
to Turkey Creek, then north on Hwy 167 to Hodge, then north on Hwy 147 
to Arcadia, then north on Hwy 9 to Homer, then north on Hwy 79 to the 
Arkansas border.
    Coastal Zone: Remainder of the State.
Michigan
    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin State line in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 
to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 
to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along 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.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
Minnesota
    North Duck Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the North Dakota State line along State Highway 210 
to State Highway 23 and east to State Highway 39 and east to the 
Wisconsin State line at the Oliver Bridge.
    South Duck Zone: The portion of the State south of a line extending 
east from the South Dakota State line along U.S. Highway 212 to 
Interstate 494 and east to Interstate 94 and east to the Wisconsin 
State line.
    Central Duck Zone: The remainder of the State.
Missouri
    North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west 
from the Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; west on Lincoln County 
Hwy. N to Mo. Hwy. 79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 to Mo. Hwy. 47; west on Mo. 
Hwy. 47 to I-70; west on I-70 to the Kansas border.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri not included in other zones.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo. Hwy. 25; south on Mo. 
Hwy. 25 to U.S. Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo. Hwy. 53; north on 
Mo. Hwy. 53 to Mo. Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 to U.S. Hwy. 60; west 
on U.S. Hwy. 60 to Mo. Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. 21 to Mo. Hwy. 72; 
west on Mo. Hwy. 72 to Mo. Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. 32 to U.S.

[[Page 4982]]

Hwy. 65; north on U.S. Hwy. 65 to U.S. Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. 54 to 
U.S. Hwy. 71; south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line 
Blvd.); west on Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line Blvd.) to CRD 40 (Base 
Line Blvd.); west on CRD 40 (Base Line Blvd.) to the Kansas border.
Ohio
    Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all land and water within the 
boundaries of the area bordered by a line beginning at the intersection 
of Interstate 75 at the Ohio-Michigan State line and continuing south 
to Interstate 280, then south on I-280 to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-
90), then east on the Ohio Turnpike to the Erie-Lorain County line, 
then north to Lake Erie, then following the Lake Erie shoreline at a 
distance of 200 yards offshore, then following the shoreline west 
toward and around the northern tip of Cedar Point Amusement Park, then 
continuing from the westernmost point of Cedar Point toward the 
southernmost tip of the sand bar at the mouth of Sandusky Bay and out 
into Lake Erie at a distance of 200 yards offshore continuing parallel 
to the Lake Erie shoreline north and west toward the northernmost tip 
of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, then following a direct line 
toward the southernmost tip of Wood Tick Peninsula in Michigan to a 
point that intersects the Ohio-Michigan State line, then following the 
State line back to the point of the beginning.
    North Zone: That portion of the State, excluding the Lake Erie 
Marsh Zone, north of a line extending east from the Indiana State line 
along U.S. Highway (U.S.) 33 to State Route (SR) 127, then south along 
SR 127 to SR 703, then south along SR 703 and including all lands 
within the Mercer Wildlife Area to SR 219, then east along SR 219 to SR 
364, then north along SR 364 and including all lands within the St. 
Mary's Fish Hatchery to SR 703, then east along SR 703 to SR 66, then 
north along SR 66 to U.S. 33, then east along U.S. 33 to SR 385, then 
east along SR 385 to SR 117, then south along SR 117 to SR 273, then 
east along SR 273 to SR 31, then south along SR 31 to SR 739, then east 
along SR 739 to SR 4, then north along SR 4 to SR 95, then east along 
SR 95 to SR 13, then southeast along SR 13 to SR 3, then northeast 
along SR 3 to SR 60, then north along SR 60 to U.S. 30, then east along 
U.S. 30 to SR 3, then south along SR 3 to SR 226, then south along SR 
226 to SR 514, then southwest along SR 514 to SR 754, then south along 
SR 754 to SR 39/60, then east along SR 39/60 to SR 241, then north 
along SR 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to SR 39, then east 
along SR 39 to the Pennsylvania State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio not included in the Lake Erie 
Marsh Zone or the North Zone.
Tennessee
    Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
    Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the 
Reelfoot Zone.
Wisconsin
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Minnesota State line along U.S. Highway 10 into Portage 
County to County Highway HH, east on County Highway HH to State Highway 
66 and then east on State Highway 66 to U.S. Highway 10, continuing 
east on U.S. Highway 10 to U.S. Highway 41, then north on U.S. Highway 
41 to the Michigan State line.
    Mississippi River Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and 
the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending northerly along 
the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of 
Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to 
the Minnesota State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.
Central Flyway
Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
    Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that 
portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.
    Northeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of 
Interstate 70.
    Southeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and south of 
Interstate 70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas 
Counties.
    Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas west of Interstate 25 and east 
of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las 
Animas Counties.
Kansas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from 
the Federal highway U.S.-283 and State highway U.S.-96 junction, then 
east on Federal highway U.S.-96 to its junction with Federal highway 
U.S.-183, then north on Federal highway U.S.-183 to its junction with 
Federal highway U.S.-24, then east on Federal highway U.S.-24 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-281, then north on Federal highway 
U.S.-281 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-36, then east on 
Federal highway U.S.-36 to its junction with State highway K-199, then 
south on State highway K-199 to its junction with Republic County 30th 
Road, then south on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with 
State highway K-148, then east on State highway K-148 to its junction 
with Republic County 50th Road, then south on Republic County 50th Road 
to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then south on Cloud County 
40th Road to its junction with State highway K-9, then west on State 
highway K-9 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-24, then west on 
Federal highway U.S.-24 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-181, 
then south on Federal highway U.S.-181 to its junction with State 
highway K-18, then west on State highway K-18 to its junction with 
Federal highway U.S.-281, then south on Federal highway U.S.-281 to its 
junction with State highway K-4, then east on State highway K-4 to its 
junction with interstate highway I-135, then south on interstate 
highway I-135 to its junction with State highway K-61, then southwest 
on State highway K-61 to its junction with McPherson County 14th 
Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with 
McPherson County Arapaho Rd, then west on McPherson County Arapaho Rd 
to its junction with State highway K-61, then southwest on State 
highway K-61 to its junction with State highway K-96, then northwest on 
State highway K-96 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-56, then 
southwest on Federal highway U.S.-56 to its junction with State highway 
K-19, then east on State highway K-19 to its junction with Federal 
highway U.S.-281, then south on Federal highway U.S.-281 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-54, then west on Federal highway 
U.S.-54 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-183, then north on 
Federal highway U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-56, 
then southwest on Federal highway U.S.-56 to its junction with North 
Main Street in Spearville, then south on North Main Street to Davis 
Street, then east on Davis Street to Ford County Road 126 (South 
Stafford Street), then south on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, 
then east on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then south on Ford 
County Road 126 to Ford Spearville Road, then west on Ford Spearville 
Road to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-400, then northwest on 
Federal highway U.S.-400 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-283, 
and then north on

[[Page 4983]]

Federal highway U.S.-283 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-96.
    Low Plains Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from 
the Federal highway U.S.-283 and Federal highway U.S.-96 junction, then 
north on Federal highway U.S.-283 to the Kansas-Nebraska State line, 
then east along the Kansas-Nebraska State line to its junction with the 
Kansas-Missouri State line, then southeast along the Kansas-Missouri 
State line to its junction with State highway K-68, then west on State 
highway K-68 to its junction with interstate highway I-35, then 
southwest on interstate highway I-35 to its junction with Butler County 
NE 150th Street, then west on Butler County NE 150th Street to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-77, then south on Federal highway 
U.S.-77 to its junction with the Kansas-Oklahoma State line, then west 
along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction with Federal 
highway U.S.-283, then north on Federal highway U.S.-283 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-400, then east on Federal highway 
U.S.-400 to its junction with Ford Spearville Road, then east on Ford 
Spearville Road to Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street), then 
north on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then west on Garnett 
Road to Ford County Road 126, then north on Ford County Road 126 to 
Davis Street, then west on Davis Street to North Main Street, then 
north on North Main Street to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-
56, then east on Federal highway U.S.-56 to its junction with Federal 
highway U.S.-183, then south on Federal highway U.S.-183 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-54, then east on Federal highway 
U.S.-54 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-281, then north on 
Federal highway U.S.-281 to its junction with State highway K-19, then 
west on State highway K-19 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-
56, then east on Federal highway U.S.-56 to its junction with State 
highway K-96, then southeast on State highway K-96 to its junction with 
State highway K-61, then northeast on State highway K-61 to its 
junction with McPherson County Arapaho Road, then east on McPherson 
County Arapaho Road to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue, 
then north on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with State 
highway K-61, then east on State highway K-61 to its junction with 
interstate highway I-135, then north on interstate highway I-135 to its 
junction with State highway K-4, then west on State highway K-4 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-281, then north on Federal highway 
U.S.-281 to its junction with State highway K-18, then east on State 
highway K-18 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-181, then north 
on Federal highway U.S.-181 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-
24, then east on Federal highway U.S.-24 to its junction with State 
highway K-9, then east on State highway K-9 to its junction with Cloud 
County 40th Road, then north on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction 
with Republic County 50th Road, then north on Republic County 50th Road 
to its junction with State highway K-148, then west on State highway K-
148 to its junction with Republic County 30th Road, then north on 
Republic County 30th Road to its junction with State highway K-199, 
then north on State highway K-199 to its junction with federal highway 
U.S.-36, then west on Federal highway U.S.-36 to its junction with 
Federal highway U.S.-281, then south on Federal highway U.S.-281 to its 
junction with Federal highway U.S.-24, then west on Federal highway 
U.S.-24 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-183, then south on 
Federal highway U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-96, 
and then west on Federal highway U.S.-96 to its junction with Federal 
highway U.S.-283.
    Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Missouri-Kansas State line west on K-68 to its junction with I-35, then 
southwest on I-35 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, 
then west on NE 150th Street to its junction with Federal highway U.S.-
77, then south on Federal highway U.S.-77 to the Oklahoma-Kansas State 
line, then east along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction 
with the Kansas-Missouri State line, then north along the Kansas-
Missouri State line to its junction with State highway K-68.
Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, 
Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, 
Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, 
Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, 
Treasure, and Yellowstone.
Nebraska
    High Plains: That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line 
beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy. 183; south 
on U.S. Hwy. 183 to U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to NE Hwy. 7; 
south on NE Hwy. 7 to NE Hwy. 91; southwest on NE Hwy. 91 to NE Hwy. 2; 
southeast on NE Hwy. 2 to NE Hwy. 92; west on NE Hwy. 92 to NE Hwy. 40; 
south on NE Hwy. 40 to NE Hwy. 47; south on NE Hwy. 47 to NE Hwy. 23; 
east on NE Hwy. 23 to U.S. Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283 to the 
Kansas-Nebraska border.
    Zone 1: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways and 
political boundaries beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border west 
of NE Hwy. 26E Spur and north of NE Hwy. 12; those portions of Dixon, 
Cedar, and Knox Counties north of NE Hwy. 12; that portion of Keya Paha 
County east of U.S. Hwy. 183; and all of Boyd County. Both banks of the 
Niobrara River in Keya Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. Hwy. 183 
shall be included in Zone 1.
    Zone 2: The area south of Zone 1 and north of Zone 3.
    Zone 3: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways, 
County Roads, and political boundaries beginning at the Wyoming-
Nebraska border at the intersection of the Interstate Canal; east along 
northern borders of Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties to Broadwater 
Road; south to Morrill County Rd 94; east to County Rd 135; south to 
County Rd 88; southeast to County Rd 151; south to County Rd 80; east 
to County Rd 161; south to County Rd 76; east to County Rd 165; south 
to County Rd 167; south to U.S. Hwy 26; east to County Rd 171; north to 
County Rd 68; east to County Rd 183; south to County Rd 64; east to 
County Rd 189; north to County Rd 70; east to County Rd 201; south to 
County Rd 60A; east to County Rd 203; south to County Rd 52; east to 
Keith County Line; east along the northern boundaries of Keith and 
Lincoln Counties to NE Hwy 97; south to U.S. Hwy 83; south to E Hall 
School Rd; east to N Airport Road; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to NE Hwy 
47; north to Dawson County Rd 769; east to County Rd 423; south to 
County Rd 766; east to County Rd 428; south to County Rd 763; east to 
NE Hwy 21 (Adams Street); south to County Rd 761; east to the Dawson 
County Canal; south and east along the Dawson County Canal to County Rd 
444; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to U.S. Hwy 183; north to Buffalo 
County Rd 100; east to 46th Avenue; north to NE Hwy 40; south and east 
to NE Hwy 10; north to Buffalo County Rd 220 and Hall County Husker 
Hwy; east to Hall County Rd 70; north to NE Hwy 2; east to U.S. Hwy 
281; north to Chapman Rd; east to 7th Rd; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to 
Merrick County Rd 13; north to County Rd O; east to NE Hwy 14; north to 
NE Hwy 52; west and north to NE Hwy 91; west to

[[Page 4984]]

U.S. Hwy 281; south to NE Hwy 22; west to NE Hwy 11; northwest to NE 
Hwy 91; west to U.S. Hwy 183; south to Round Valley Rd; west to Sargent 
River Rd; west to Drive 443; north to Sargent Rd; west to NE Hwy S21A; 
west to NE Hwy 2; west and north to NE Hwy 91; north and east to North 
Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup River Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/
Worth Rd; east to Loup County Line; north to Loup-Brown County line; 
east along northern boundaries of Loup and Garfield Counties to Cedar 
River Rd; south to NE Hwy 70; east to U.S. Hwy 281; north to NE Hwy 70; 
east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 39; southeast to NE Hwy 22; east to 
U.S. Hwy 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy 30; east to U.S. Hwy 75; north to 
the Washington County line; east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south to 
the Missouri-Nebraska border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west 
along Kansas-Nebraska border to Colorado-Nebraska border; north and 
west to Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to intersection of Interstate 
Canal; and excluding that area in Zone 4.
    Zone 4: Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways 
and County Roads beginning at the intersection of NE Hwy 8 and U.S. Hwy 
75; north to U.S. Hwy 136; east to the intersection of U.S. Hwy 136 and 
the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to the intersection 
with Federal Levee R-562; north along Federal Levee R-562 to the 
intersection with Nemaha County Rd 643A; south to the Trace; north 
along the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to NE Hwy 2; 
west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy 2; west to NE Hwy 50; north to 
U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 63; north to NE Hwy 66; north and west to 
U.S. Hwy 77; north to NE Hwy 92; west to NE Hwy Spur 12F; south to 
Butler County Rd 30; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 27; west 
to County Rd W; south to County Rd 26; east to County Rd X; south to 
County Rd 21 (Seward County Line); west to NE Hwy 15; north to County 
Rd 34; west to County Rd H; south to NE Hwy 92; west to U.S. Hwy 81; 
south to NE Hwy 66; west to Polk County Rd C; north to NE Hwy 92; west 
to U.S. Hwy 30; west to Merrick County Rd 17; south to Hordlake Road; 
southeast to Prairie Island Road; southeast to Hamilton County Rd T; 
south to NE Hwy 66; west to NE Hwy 14; south to County Rd 22; west to 
County Rd M; south to County Rd 21; west to County Rd K; south to U.S. 
Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 2; south to U.S. Hwy I-80; west to Gunbarrel Rd 
(Hall/Hamilton county line); south to Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy 281; 
south to Lochland Rd; west to Holstein Avenue; south to U.S. Hwy 34; 
west to NE Hwy 10; north to Kearney County Rd R and Phelps County Rd 
742; west to U.S. Hwy 283; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east to U.S. Hwy 136; 
east to U.S. Hwy 183; north to NE Hwy 4; east to NE Hwy 10; south to 
U.S. Hwy 136; east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 8; east to U.S. Hwy 
81; north to NE Hwy 4; east to NE Hwy 15; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east 
to Jefferson County Rd 578 Avenue; south to PWF Rd; east to NE Hwy 103; 
south to NE Hwy 8; east to U.S. Hwy 75.
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.
North Dakota
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a 
line beginning at the junction of U.S. Hwy 83 and the South Dakota 
State line, then north along U.S. Hwy 83 and I-94 to ND Hwy 41, then 
north on ND Hwy 41 to ND Hwy 53, then west on ND Hwy 53 to U.S. Hwy 83, 
then north on U.S. Hwy 83 to U.S. Hwy 2, then west on U.S. Hwy 2 to the 
Williams County line, then north and west along the Williams and Divide 
County lines to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains Unit: The remainder of North Dakota.
Oklahoma
    High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State 
line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along 
U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to 
OK 33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north along OK 18 to OK 51, west 
along OK 51 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along U.S. 412 
to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State line.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
South Dakota
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 
83 to U.S. 14, east on U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the Blunt-Canning Rd 
to SD 34, east and south on SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee's Corner, south on SD 
50 to I-90, east on I-90 to SD 50, south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD 
44 across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD 47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18, 
east on U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the Nebraska State line.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along U.S. 212 to 
the Minnesota State line.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47 and south 
of SD 44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line; 
south on SD 50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes Highway to U.S. 281; south 
on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on SD 50 to the Bon 
Homme County line; the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south 
of SD 50; and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
Texas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of 
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International 
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San 
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana State line at 
Orange, Texas.
    Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.
Wyoming (Central Flyway portion)
    Zone C1: Big Horn, Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, 
Platte, and Washakie Counties; and Fremont County excluding the 
portions west or south of the Continental Divide.
    Zone C2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston 
Counties.
    Zone C3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon 
County east of the Continental Divide.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona
    North Zone: Game Management Units 1-5, those portions of Game 
Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game Management 
Units 7, 9, and 12A.
    South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in 
Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-45.

[[Page 4985]]

California
    Northeastern Zone: 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 California-Nevada-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 from the intersection of Highway 
95 with the California-Nevada state line; south on Highway 95 through 
the junction with Highway 40; south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; 
south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County 
line on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' also known as Highway 62 in 
San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice 
Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with 
Wiley Well Road; south on Wiley Well Road to Wiley Well; southeast on 
Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; 
south on Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its 
intersection with Ogilby Road; south on Ogilby Road to its intersection 
with Interstate 8; east seven miles on Interstate 8 to its intersection 
with the Andrade-Algodones Road/Highway 186; south on Highway 186 to 
its intersection with the U.S. Mexico border at Los Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River zone) south and east of a line beginning at the 
mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the 
Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101-166 near the City of 
Santa Maria; north on Highway 101-166; east on Highway 166 to the 
junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of 
Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi 
Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the 
Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; 
east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of 
Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on 
Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to 
the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of 
intersection with the California-Nevada State line.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties 
and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in 
the Northeastern, Colorado River, Southern, and the Southern San 
Joaquin Valley Zones.
Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Eastern Zone: Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties, 
those portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral Counties 
west of the Continental Divide, that portion of Gunnison County outside 
the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (Game Management Units 521, 
53, and 63), and that portion of Moffat County east of the northern 
intersection of Moffat County Road 29 with the Moffat-Routt County line 
south along Moffat County Road 29 to the intersection of Moffat County 
Road 29 and the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead Reservoir State 
Park).
    Western Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of 
Colorado not included in the Eastern Zone.
Idaho
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power 
County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 2: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, 
Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation.
    Zone 3: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, 
Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, 
Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, 
Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, and 
Washington Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and 
State Highway 39.
    Zone 4: Valley County.
Nevada
    Northeast Zone: Elko and White Pine Counties.
    Northwest Zone: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, 
Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe 
Counties.
    South Zone: Clark and Lincoln Counties.
    Moapa Valley Special Management Area: That portion of Clark County 
including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin 
Rivers.
Oregon
    Zone 1: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, 
Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, 
Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco, 
Washington, and Yamhill, Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Oregon not included in Zone 1.
Utah
    Zone 1: Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich, 
Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and that 
part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah not included in Zone 1.
Washington
    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    West Zone: The remainder of Washington not included in the East 
Zone.
Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Snake River Zone: Beginning at the south boundary of Yellowstone 
National Park and the Continental Divide; south along the Continental 
Divide to Union Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S. Road 600); west 
and south along the Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605; south along 
U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary; along 
the national forest boundary to the Idaho State line; north along the 
Idaho State line to the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park; 
east along

[[Page 4986]]

the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Continental Divide.
    Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion 
of Wyoming not included in the Snake River Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway
Connecticut
Early Canada Goose Seasons
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.
Regular Seasons
    AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west 
of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and 
extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in 
Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection 
with the Hartford-Middlesex County line.
    Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Unit: Starting at the 
intersection of I-95 and the Quinnipiac River, north on the Quinnipiac 
River to its intersection with I-91, north on I-91 to I-691, west on I-
691 to the Hartford County line, and encompassing the rest of New Haven 
County and Fairfield County in its entirety.
    NAP H-Unit: All of the rest of the State not included in the AP or 
AFRP descriptions above.
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
Maine
    Same zones as for ducks.
Maryland
    Early Canada Goose Seasons
    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.
Regular Seasons
    Resident Population (RP) Zone: Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, 
Montgomery, and Washington Counties; that portion of Prince George's 
County west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County 
west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of 
Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and 
west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
Massachusetts
    NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones).
    AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones).
    Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the 
Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal, 
north to the New Hampshire line.
New Hampshire
    Same zones as for ducks.
New Jersey
    AP Zone: North and South Zones (see duck zones).
    RP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck zones).
    Special Late Season Area: In northern New Jersey, that portion of 
the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York 
State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York 
State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then 
west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along 
Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); 
then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: Then west 
along Route 94 to the toll bridge in Columbia; then north along the 
Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning 
point. In southern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a 
continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom 
along Route 72 to Route 70; then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then 
south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 
322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 
to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then 
east along Route 40 to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 
(Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south 
along Carmel Road to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; 
then south along Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to 
Route 649; then north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along 
Route 670 to Route 47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then 
east along Route 548 to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; 
then south along Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 
625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the 
Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point.
New York
    Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north 
of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada 
International boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 
9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along 
Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline 
of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast 
along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York-
Vermont boundary.
    Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a 
continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore 
of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 
to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to 
Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to 
Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 
22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County 
Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-Vermont boundary, 
exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside 
of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east 
along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east 
along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east 
along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball 
Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West 
Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along 
Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to 
State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along 
the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady 
County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south 
along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady 
County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 
406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 
99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, 
southwest along Route 397 to Route 146

[[Page 4987]]

at Altamont, west along Route 146 to Albany County Route 252, northwest 
along Route 252 to Schenectady County Route 131, north along Route 131 
to Route 7, west along Route 7 to Route 10 at Richmondville, south on 
Route 10 to Route 23 at Stamford, west along Route 23 to Route 7 in 
Oneonta, southwest along Route 7 to Route 79 to Interstate Route 88 
near Harpursville, west along Route 88 to Interstate Route 81, north 
along Route 81 to the point of beginning.
    West Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a 
continuous line beginning at the point where the northerly extension of 
Route 269 (County Line Road on the Niagara-Orleans County boundary) 
meets the International boundary with Canada, south to the shore of 
Lake Ontario at the eastern boundary of Golden Hill State Park, south 
along the extension of Route 269 and Route 269 to Route 104 at Jeddo, 
west along Route 104 to Niagara County Route 271, south along Route 271 
to Route 31E at Middleport, south along Route 31E to Route 31, west 
along Route 31 to Griswold Street, south along Griswold Street to Ditch 
Road, south along Ditch Road to Foot Road, south along Foot Road to the 
north bank of Tonawanda Creek, west along the north bank of Tonawanda 
Creek to Route 93, south along Route 93 to Route 5, east along Route 5 
to Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road, south on Crittenden-Murrays Corners 
Road to the NYS Thruway, east along the Thruway 90 to Route 98 (at 
Thruway Exit 48) in Batavia, south along Route 98 to Route 20, east 
along Route 20 to Route 19 in Pavilion Center, south along Route 19 to 
Route 63, southeast along Route 63 to Route 246, south along Route 246 
to Route 39 in Perry, northeast along Route 39 to Route 20A, northeast 
along Route 20A to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 364 (near 
Canandaigua), south and east along Route 364 to Yates County Route 18 
(Italy Valley Road), southwest along Route 18 to Yates County Route 34, 
east along Route 34 to Yates County Route 32, south along Route 32 to 
Steuben County Route 122, south along Route 122 to Route 53, south 
along Route 53 to Steuben County Route 74, east along Route 74 to Route 
54A (near Pulteney), south along Route 54A to Steuben County Route 87, 
east along Route 87 to Steuben County Route 96, east along Route 96 to 
Steuben County Route 114, east along Route 114 to Schuyler County Route 
23, east and southeast along Route 23 to Schuyler County Route 28, 
southeast along Route 28 to Route 409 at Watkins Glen, south along 
Route 409 to Route 14, south along Route 14 to Route 224 at Montour 
Falls, east along Route 224 to Route 228 in Odessa, north along Route 
228 to Route 79 in Mecklenburg, east along Route 79 to Route 366 in 
Ithaca, northeast along Route 366 to Route 13, northeast along Route 13 
to Interstate Route 81 in Cortland, north along Route 81 to the north 
shore of the Salmon River to shore of Lake Ontario, extending generally 
northwest in a straight line to the nearest point of the international 
boundary with Canada, south and west along the international boundary 
to the point of beginning.
    Hudson Valley Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within 
a continuous line extending from Route 4 at the New York-Vermont 
boundary, west and south along Route 4 to Route 149 at Fort Ann, west 
on Route 149 to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Interstate Route 87 (at 
Exit 20 in Glens Falls), south along Route 87 to Route 29, west along 
Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to 
Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 
to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County 
Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to 
the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, 
southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest 
along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, 
southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along 
Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County 
Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, 
south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to 
Route 146 at Altamont, southeast along Route 146 to Main Street in 
Altamont, west along Main Street to Route 156, southeast along Route 
156 to Albany County Route 307, southeast along Route 307 to Route 85A, 
southwest along Route 85A to Route 85, south along Route 85 to Route 
443, southeast along Route 443 to Albany County Route 301 at 
Clarksville, southeast along Route 301 to Route 32, south along Route 
32 to Route 23 at Cairo, west along Route 23 to Joseph Chadderdon Road, 
southeast along Joseph Chadderdon Road to Hearts Content Road (Greene 
County Route 31), southeast along Route 31 to Route 32, south along 
Route 32 to Greene County Route 23A, east along Route 23A to Interstate 
Route 87 (the NYS Thruway), south along Route 87 to Route 28 (Exit 19) 
near Kingston, northwest on Route 28 to Route 209, southwest on Route 
209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary, southeast along the New 
York-Pennsylvania boundary to the New York-New Jersey boundary, 
southeast along the New York-New Jersey boundary to Route 210 near 
Greenwood Lake, northeast along Route 210 to Orange County Route 5, 
northeast along Orange County Route 5 to Route 105 in the Village of 
Monroe, east and north along Route 105 to Route 32, northeast along 
Route 32 to Orange County Route 107 (Quaker Avenue), east along Route 
107 to Route 9W, north along Route 9W to the south bank of Moodna 
Creek, southeast along the south bank of Moodna Creek to the New 
Windsor-Cornwall town boundary, northeast along the New Windsor-
Cornwall town boundary to the Orange-Dutchess County boundary (middle 
of the Hudson River), north along the county boundary to Interstate 
Route 84, east along Route 84 to the Dutchess-Putnam County boundary, 
east along the county boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary, 
north along the New York-Connecticut boundary to the New York-
Massachusetts boundary, north along the New York-Massachusetts boundary 
to the New York-Vermont boundary, north to the point of beginning.
    Eastern Long Island Goose Area (NAP High Harvest Area): That area 
of Suffolk County lying east of a continuous line extending due south 
from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of 
Roanoke Avenue in the Town of Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue 
(which becomes County Route 73) to State Route 25; then west on Route 
25 to Peconic Avenue; then south on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR) 
104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead 
Road); then south on CR 31 to Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to 
Potunk Lane; then west on Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in 
Westhampton Beach) to Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to 
international waters.
    Western Long Island Goose Area (RP Area): That area of Westchester 
County and its tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that 
area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line 
extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the 
northernmost end of Sound Road (just east of Wading River Marsh); then 
south on Sound Road to North Country Road; then west on North Country 
Road to Randall Road; then south on Randall Road to Route 25A, then 
west on Route 25A to the Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then south on the 
Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then south on the 
Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert

[[Page 4988]]

Moses State Parkway; then south on the Robert Moses Parkway to its 
southernmost end; then due south to international waters.
    Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area): That area of 
Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose 
Areas, as defined above.
    South Goose Area: The remainder of New York State, excluding New 
York City.
North Carolina
    Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following counties or portions of 
counties: Bertie (that portion 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, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), 
Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, 
and Washington.
    RP Hunt Zone: Remainder of the State.
Pennsylvania
    Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for SJBP 
Zone and the area east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. 
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, 
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of 
I-80, and south of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.
    SJBP Zone: The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the 
city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie 
Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of 
the Lake Erie Shoreline).
    AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. 
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, 
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of 
I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey State line.
Rhode Island
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
South Carolina
    Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for the following area:
    East of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded to the 
North by S-14-25, to the East by Hwy 260, and to the South by the 
markers delineating the channel of the Santee River.
    West of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded on the 
North by S-14-26 extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg 
County bordered by Hwy 6.
Vermont
    Same zones as for ducks.
Virginia
    AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the 
Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at 
Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then 
Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the 
North Carolina line.
    SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of 
the following line: The ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West 
Virginia-Virginia Border (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) south to 
Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the 
western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle 
and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 
15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line.
    RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone.
Mississippi Flyway
Arkansas
    Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, 
Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry, 
Pope, Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and 
Yell Counties.
Illinois
Early Canada Goose Seasons
    North September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State north 
of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to 
I-39, south along I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 
18 to Illinois 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 September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State 
south of the North September Canada Goose Zone line to a line extending 
west from the Indiana border along I-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 3, 
south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's 
road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, 
southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee 
Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County 
Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry 
route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border.
    South September Canada Goose Zone: That portion of the State south 
and east of a line extending west from the Indiana border along 
Interstate 70, south along U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west 
along Illinois Route 13 to Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to 
Sycamore Road, west on Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on 
N. Reed Station Road to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 
to Illinois Route 127, south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest 
Road (1025 N), west along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north 
along Illinois Route 3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west 
along the south bank of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, 
west across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border.
    South Central September Canada Goose Zone: The remainder of the 
State between the south border of the Central September Canada Goose 
Zone and the North border of the South September Canada Goose Zone.
Regular Seasons
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I-39, south along 
I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois 
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 south of the North Goose 
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-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 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to 
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's road to Modoc Road, west along 
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to 
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry 
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc

[[Page 4989]]

Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the 
Mississippi River to the Missouri border.
    South Zone: Same zone as for ducks.
    South Central Zone: Same zone as for ducks.
Indiana
    Same zones as for ducks.
Iowa
Early Canada Goose Seasons
    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; then south and 
east along County Road E2W to Highway 920; then north along Highway 920 
to County Road E16; then east along County Road E16 to County Road W58; 
then south along County Road W58 to County Road E34; then east along 
County Road E34 to Highway 13; then south along Highway 13 to Highway 
30; then east along Highway 30 to Highway 1; then south along Highway 1 
to Morse Road in Johnson County; then east along Morse Road to Wapsi 
Avenue; then south along Wapsi Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; then 
west along Lower West Branch Road to Taft Avenue; then south along Taft 
Avenue to County Road F62; then west along County Road F62 to Kansas 
Avenue; then north along Kansas Avenue to Black Diamond Road; then west 
on Black Diamond Road to Jasper Avenue; then north along Jasper Avenue 
to Rohert Road; then west along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; then north 
along Ivy Avenue to 340th Street; then west along 340th Street to Half 
Moon Avenue; then north along Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; then west 
along Highway 6 to Echo Avenue; then north along Echo Avenue to 250th 
Street; then east on 250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; then north 
along Green Castle Avenue to County Road F12; then west along County 
Road F12 to County Road W30; then north along County Road W30 to 
Highway 151; then 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; then south along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; then east along 
Northwest 142nd Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; then east along 
Northeast 126th Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; then south along 
Northeast 46th Street to Highway 931; then east along Highway 931 to 
Northeast 80th Street; then south along Northeast 80th Street to 
Southeast 6th Avenue; then west along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway 
65; then south and west along Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren 
County; then south along Highway 69 to County Road G24; then west along 
County Road G24 to Highway 28; then southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd 
Avenue; then north along 43rd Avenue to Ford Street; then west along 
Ford Street to Filmore Street; then west along Filmore Street to 10th 
Avenue; then south along 10th Avenue to 155th Street in Madison County; 
then west along 155th Street to Cumming Road; then north along Cumming 
Road to Badger Creek Avenue; then north along Badger Creek Avenue to 
County Road F90 in Dallas County; then east along County Road F90 to 
County Road R22; then north along County Road R22 to Highway 44; then 
east along Highway 44 to County Road R30; then north along County Road 
R30 to County Road F31; then east along County Road F31 to Highway 17; 
then north along Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk County; then east 
along Highway 415 to Northwest 158th Avenue; then east along Northwest 
158th Avenue to the point of beginning.
    Cedar Falls/Waterloo Goose Zone: Includes those portions of Black 
Hawk County bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of County 
Roads C66 and V49 in Black Hawk County, then south along County Road 
V49 to County Road D38, then west along County Road D38 to State 
Highway 21, then south along State Highway 21 to County Road D35, then 
west along County Road D35 to Grundy Road, then north along Grundy Road 
to County Road D19, then west along County Road D19 to Butler Road, 
then north along Butler Road to County Road C57, then north and east 
along County Road C57 to U.S. Highway 63, then south along U.S. Highway 
63 to County Road C66, then east along County Road C66 to the point of 
beginning.
Regular Seasons
    Same zones as for ducks.
Kentucky
    Northeast Goose Zone: Bath, Menifee, Morgan (except the portion 
that lies within the Paintsville Lake Wildlife Management Area) and 
Rowan Counties except that no goose hunting is permitted on public land 
(U.S. Forest Service) and water within the block of land lying inside 
the boundaries of Hwy 801, Hwy 1274, Hwy 36, Hwy 211, Hwy 60, and Hwy 
826.
    Western Goose Zone: The Western Goose Zone includes Henderson 
County and the portion of Kentucky west of U.S. 60 from the Henderson-
Union County line to U.S. 641; U.S. 641 to Interstate 24; Interstate 24 
to the Purchase Parkway; and the Purchase Parkway.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Kentucky outside the Northeast 
and Western Goose Zones.
Louisiana
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of the line from the 
Texas border at Hwy 190/12 east to Hwy 49, then south on Hwy 49 to I-
10, then east on I-10 to I-12, then east on I-12 to I-10, then east on 
I-10 to the Mississippi State line.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Michigan
    North Zone: Same as North duck zone.
    Middle Zone: Same as Middle duck zone.
    South Zone: Same as South duck zone.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly along 
109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-196 to 
the point of beginning.
    Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the 
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the 
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
Minnesota
    Same zones as for ducks.
Missouri
    Same zones as for ducks.
Ohio
    Same zones as for ducks.
Tennessee
    Northwest Goose Zone: Lake, Obion, Weakley, and Dyer Counties, 
excluding that portion south of State Highway 104; and Gibson County, 
excluding that portion south of State Highway 104 and west of U.S. 
Highways 45 and 45W.
    Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the 
Northwest Goose Zone.

[[Page 4990]]

Wisconsin
Early Canada Goose Seasons
    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 along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to 
the Illinois border.
    Early-Season Subzone B: The remainder of the State.
Regular Seasons
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Horicon Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a boundary 
beginning at the intersection of State 23 and State 73 and moves south 
along State 73 until the intersection of State 73 and State 60, then 
moves east along State 60 until the intersection of State 60 and State 
83, and then moves north along State 83 until the intersection of State 
83 and State 33 at which point it moves east until the intersection of 
State 33 and U.S. 45, then moves north along U.S. 45 until the 
intersection of U.S. 45 and State 23, at which point it moves west 
along State 23 until the intersection of State 23 and State 73.
Central Flyway
Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
    Northern Front Range Area: All areas in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld 
Counties from the Continental Divide east along the Wyoming border to 
U.S. 85, south on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line, and all lands in 
Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and 
Jefferson Counties.
    North Park Area: Jackson County.
    South Park and San Luis Valley Area: All of Alamosa, Chaffee, 
Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Rio Grande, and Teller 
Counties, and those portions of Saguache, Mineral and Hinsdale Counties 
east of the Continental Divide.
    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.
Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
    Zone 1: Same as Zone 1 for ducks and coots.
    Zone 2: Same as Zone 2 for ducks and coots.
Nebraska
Dark Geese
    Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the 
intersection of the South Dakota State line and the eastern Cherry 
County line, south along the Cherry County line to the Niobrara River, 
east to the Norden Road, south on the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east 
along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and 
County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County Line, 
north along the Knox County Line to the South Dakota State line. Where 
the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river are 
included in the Niobrara Unit.
    East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-
Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S. 275, south to 
U.S. 77, south to NE 91, east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State 
line.
    Platte River Unit: That area north and west of U.S. 81 at the 
Kansas-Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west along NE 91 to NE 
11, north to the Holt County line, west along the northern border of 
Garfield, Loup, Blaine and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, 
south along the Thomas-Hooker County lines to the McPherson County 
line, east along the south border of Thomas County to the western line 
of Custer County, south along the Custer-Logan County line to NE 92, 
west to U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61, south along NE 61 to NE 
92, west along NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south along U.S. Hwy 26 to Keith 
County Line, south along Keith County Line to the Colorado State line.
    Panhandle Unit: That area north and west of Keith-Deuel County Line 
at the Nebraska-Colorado State line, north along the Keith County Line 
to U.S. Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE Hwy 61, north along NE 
Hwy 61 to NE Hwy 2, west along NE 2 to the corner formed by Garden-
Grant-Sheridan Counties, west along the north border of Garden, 
Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the intersection of the 
Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming State line.
    North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State.
Light Geese
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area: The area bounded by the junction 
of NE Hwy. 92 and NE Hwy. 15, south along NE Hwy. 15 to NE Hwy. 4, west 
along NE Hwy. 4 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west along U.S. Hwy. 34 to U.S. Hwy. 
283, north along U.S. Hwy. 283 to U.S. Hwy. 30, east along U.S. Hwy. 30 
to NE Hwy. 92, east along NE Hwy. 92 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Nebraska.
New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
Dark Geese
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia 
Counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.
North Dakota
    Missouri River Canada Goose Zone: The area within and bounded by a 
line starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the South Dakota border; then 
north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; then west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; then north 
on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; then west on ND Hwy 200; then north on ND 
Hwy 8 to the Mercer/McLean County line; then east following the county 
line until it turns south toward Garrison Dam; then east along a line 
(including Mallard Island) of Lake Sakakawea to U.S. Hwy 83; then south 
on U.S. Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; then east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; 
then south on ND Hwy 41 to U.S. Hwy 83; then south on U.S. Hwy 83 to I-
94; then east on I-94 to U.S. Hwy 83; then south on U.S. Hwy 83 to the 
South Dakota border; then west along the South Dakota border to ND Hwy 
6.
    Western North Dakota Canada Goose Zone: Same as the High Plains 
Unit for ducks, mergansers and coots, excluding the Missouri River 
Canada Goose Zone.
    Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota.
South Dakota
Early Canada Goose Seasons
    Special Early Canada Goose Unit: The Counties of Campbell, 
Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark, Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel, 
Walworth; that portion of Perkins County west of State Highway 75 and 
south of State Highway 20; that portion of Dewey County north of Bureau 
of Indian Affairs Road 8, Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 9, and the 
section of U.S. Highway 212 east of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8 
junction; that portion of Potter County east of U.S. Highway 83; that 
portion of Sully County east of U.S. Highway 83; portions of Hyde, 
Buffalo, Brule, and Charles Mix counties north and east of a line 
beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County line on State Highway 34, east to 
Lees Boulevard, southeast to State Highway 34, east 7 miles to 350th

[[Page 4991]]

Avenue, south to Interstate 90 on 350th Avenue, south and east on State 
Highway 50 to Geddes, east on 285th Street to U.S. Highway 281, and 
north on U.S. Highway 281 to the Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary; 
that portion of Bon Homme County north of State Highway 50; those 
portions of Yankton and Clay Counties north of a line beginning at the 
junction of State Highway 50 and 306th Street/County Highway 585 in Bon 
Homme County, east to U.S. Highway 81, then north on U.S. Highway 81 to 
303rd Street, then east on 303rd Street to 444th Avenue, then south on 
444th Avenue to 305th Street, then east on 305th Street/Bluff Road to 
State Highway 19, then south to State Highway 50 and east to the Clay/
Union County Line; McPherson, Edmunds, Kingsbury, Brookings, Lake, 
Moody, Miner, Faulk, Hand, Jerauld, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, 
Aurora, Beadle, Davison, Hanson, Sanborn, Spink, Brown, Harding, Butte, 
Meade, Oglala Lakota (formerly Shannon), Jackson, Mellette, Todd, 
Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach, and McCook Counties; and those portions 
of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties outside of an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota State line and 
Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street) west to its junction with 
Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue), south on Minnehaha County 
Highway 149 (464th Avenue) to Hartford, then south on Minnehaha County 
Highway 151 (463rd Avenue) to State Highway 42, east on State Highway 
42 to State Highway 17, south on State Highway 17 to its junction with 
Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road), and east on Lincoln County 
Highway 116 (Klondike Road) to the South Dakota-Iowa State line, then 
north along the South Dakota-Iowa and South Dakota-Minnesota border to 
the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota State line and Minnehaha 
County Highway 122 (254th Street).
Regular Seasons
    Unit 1: Same as that for the September Canada goose season.
    Unit 2: Remainder of South Dakota.
    Unit 3: Bennett County.
Texas
    Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and north of 
a line beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border at U.S. 81, then 
continuing south to Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S. 81 and U.S. 
287 to I-35W and I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San Antonio, then 
east on I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and south of 
a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, then 
continuing north following I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San 
Antonio, then easterly along I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    West Goose Zone: The remainder of the State.
Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)
Dark Geese
    Zone G1: Big Horn, Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, and 
Washakie Counties.
    Zone G1A: Goshen and Platte Counties.
    Zone G2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston 
Counties.
    Zone G3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon 
County east of the Continental Divide.
    Zone G4: Fremont County excluding those portions south or west of 
the Continental Divide.
Pacific Flyway
Arizona
    Same zones as for ducks.
California
    Northeastern Zone: 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 California-Nevada-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 from the intersection of Highway 
95 with the California-Nevada State line; south on Highway 95 through 
the junction with Highway 40; south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; 
south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County 
line on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' also known as Highway 62 in 
San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice 
Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with 
Wiley Well Road; south on Wiley Well Road to Wiley Well; southeast on 
Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; 
south on Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its 
intersection with Ogilby Road; south on Ogilby Road to its intersection 
with Interstate 8; east seven miles on Interstate 8 to its intersection 
with the Andrade-Algodones Road/Highway 186; south on Highway 186 to 
its intersection with the U.S. Mexico border at Los Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River zone) south and east of a line beginning at the 
mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the 
Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101-166 near the City of 
Santa Maria; north on Highway 101-166; east on Highway 166 to the 
junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of 
Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi 
Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the 
Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; 
east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of 
Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on 
Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to 
the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of 
intersection with the California-Nevada State line.
    Imperial County Special Management Area: The area bounded by a line 
beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 
86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of 
Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on 
Highway 115 to Weist Road; north on Weist Road to Flowing Wells Road; 
northeast on Flowing Wells Road to the Coachella Canal; northwest on 
the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink 
Road; south on Frink Road to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to 
Niland Marina Road; southwest on

[[Page 4992]]

Niland Marina Road to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water 
line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a 
straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research 
Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test Base 
Road to the point of beginning.
    Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in 
the Northeastern, Colorado River, and Southern Zones.
    North Coast Special Management Area: Del Norte and Humboldt 
Counties.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a 
line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn 
Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the 
junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on 
CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.
Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Same zones as for ducks.
Idaho
Canada Geese and Brant
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power 
County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 2: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and 
Teton Counties.
    Zone 3: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, 
Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, 
Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, 
Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, and 
Washington Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and 
State Highway 39.
    Zone 4: Bear Lake County; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County, except that portion within the 
Fort Hall Indian Reservation.
    Zone 5: Valley County.
White-Fronted Geese
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power 
County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 2: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, 
Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation.
    Zone 3: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, 
Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez 
Perce, Oneida, and Shoshone Counties; and Power County west of State 
Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 4: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
    Zone 5: Valley County.
Light Geese
    Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County east of the west bank of the Snake River, west of the McTucker 
boat ramp access road, and east of the American Falls Reservoir bluff, 
except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou 
County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County below 
the American Falls Reservoir bluff, and within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation.
    Zone 2: Franklin and Oneida Counties; Bingham County west of the 
west bank of the Snake River, east of the McTucker boat ramp access 
road, and west of the American Falls Reservoir bluff; Power County, 
except below the American Falls Reservoir bluff and those lands and 
waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
    Zone 4: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, 
Clearwater, Custer, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez Perce, 
and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 5: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, 
Madison, and Teton Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County except within the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation.
    Zone 6: Valley County.
Nevada
    Same zones as for ducks.
New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north 
of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.
Oregon
    Northwest Permit Zone: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, 
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and 
Yamhill Counties.
    Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley Management Area: Those portions 
of Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties within the 
Northwest Special Permit Zone.
    Tillamook County Management Area: That portion of Tillamook County 
beginning at the point where Old Woods Road crosses the south shores of 
Horn Creek, north on Old Woods Road to Sand Lake Road at Woods, north 
on Sand Lake Road to the intersection with McPhillips Drive, due west 
(~200 yards) from the intersection to the Pacific coastline, south 
along the Pacific coastline to a point due west of the western end of 
Pacific Avenue in Pacific City, east from this point (~250 yards) to 
Pacific Avenue, east on Pacific Avenue to Brooten Road, south and then 
east on Brooten Road to Highway 101, north on Highway 101 to Resort 
Drive, north on Resort Drive to a point due west of the south shores of 
Horn Creek at its confluence with the Nestucca River, due east (~80 
yards) across the Nestucca River to the south shores of Horn Creek, 
east along the south shores of Horn Creek to the point of beginning.
    Southwest Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties 
east of Highway 101, and Josephine and Jackson Counties.
    South Coast Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry 
Counties west of Highway 101.
    Eastern Zone: Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, 
Jefferson, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and 
Wheeler Counties.
    Klamath County Zone: Klamath County.
    Harney and Lake County Zone: Harney and Lake Counties.
    Malheur County Zone: Malheur County.
Utah
    East Box Elder County Zone: Boundary begins at the intersection of 
the eastern boundary of Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management 
Area and SR-83 (Promontory Road); east along SR-83 to I-15; south on I-
15 to the Perry access road; southwest along this road to the Bear 
River Bird Refuge boundary; west, north, and then east along the refuge 
boundary until it

[[Page 4993]]

intersects the Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area 
boundary; east and north along the Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl 
Management Area boundary to SR-83.
    Wasatch Front Zone: Boundary begins at the Weber-Box Elder County 
line at I-15; east along Weber County line to U.S.-89; south on U.S.-89 
to I-84; east and south on I-84 to I-80; south on I-80 to U.S.-189; 
south and west on U.S.-189 to the Utah County line; southeast and then 
west along this line to the Tooele County line; north along the Tooele 
County line to I-80; east on I-80 to Exit 99; north from Exit 99 along 
a direct line to the southern tip of Promontory Point and Promontory 
Road; east and north along this road to the causeway separating Bear 
River Bay from Ogden Bay; east on this causeway to the southwest corner 
of Great Salt Lake Mineral Corporations (GSLMC) west impoundment; north 
and east along GSLMC's west impoundment to the northwest corner of the 
impoundment; north from this point along a direct line to the southern 
boundary of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; east along this southern 
boundary to the Perry access road; northeast along this road to I-15; 
south along I-15 to the Weber-Box Elder County line.
    Southern Zone: boundary includes Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, 
Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, 
Wayne, and Washington Counties, and that part of Tooele County south of 
I-80.
    Northern Zone: The remainder of Utah not included in the East Box 
Elder County, Wasatch Front, and Southern Zones.
Washington
    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2A (Southwest Permit Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum 
Counties, and that portion of Grays Harbor County east of Highway 101.
    Area 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): Pacific County and that portion of 
Grays Harbor County west of Highway 101.
    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 Salmon River that are not included in Area 4.

Brant

Pacific Flyway
California
    Northern Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties.
    Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the State not included in 
the Northern Zone.
Washington
    Puget Sound Zone: Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties.
    Coastal Zone: Pacific County.

Swans

Central Flyway
    South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, 
Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Day, Deuel, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, 
Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, 
McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, 
Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties.
Pacific Flyway
Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
Nevada
    Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.
Utah
    Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, 
and Toole Counties lying west of I-15, north of I-80, and south of a 
line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National 
Wildlife Refuge boundary; then north and west along the Bear River 
National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the 
Refuge; then west along a line to Promontory Road; then north on 
Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I-
84; then north and west on I-84 to State Hwy 30; then west on State Hwy 
30 to the Nevada-Utah State line; then south on the Nevada-Utah State 
line to I-80.

Doves

Alabama
    South Zone: Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, 
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone: Remainder of the State.
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 U.S. Highway 190, 
east along U.S. 190 to Interstate Highway 12, east along Interstate 
Highway 12 to Interstate Highway 10, then east along Interstate Highway 
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.
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.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State lying between the North and 
South Zones.
    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 I-10 east of San Antonio; then east on I-
10 to Orange, Texas.
    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone: Same as the South 
Zone.

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 not included in the North 
Zone.

[[Page 4994]]

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: The remainder of the State not included in the North 
Zone.
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.

Sandhill Cranes

Mississippi Flyway
Minnesota
    Northwest 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.
Tennessee
    Southeast Crane Zone: That portion of the State south of Interstate 
40 and east of State Highway 56.
    Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the 
Southeast Crane Zone.
Central Flyway
Colorado
    Open Area: The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San 
Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, 
and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park 
(Jackson County).
Kansas
    Open Area: 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
    Regular Season Open Area: The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except for that area south and west of Interstate 90, which is closed 
to sandhill crane hunting.
    Special Season Open Area: Carbon County.
New Mexico
    Regular-Season Open Area: Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
Special Season Open Areas
    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 
Bernallilo 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: Area bounded on the south by the New Mexico-Mexico 
border; on the west by the New Mexico-Arizona border north to 
Interstate 10; on the north by Interstate 10 east to U.S. 180, north to 
NM 26, east to NM 27, north to NM 152, and east to Interstate 25; on 
the east by Interstate 25 south to Interstate 10, west to the Luna 
County line, and south to the New Mexico-Mexico border.
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
    Open Area: That portion of the State west of I-35.
South Dakota
    Open Area: 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, then northeast along U.S. Highway 
81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, then north 
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its 
junction with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction, then north along U.S. 
Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of 
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma 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, then 
southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287 
in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its 
junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, then southwest 
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10 
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its 
junction with U.S. Highway 83 in the town of Junction, then north along 
U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of 
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State 
line, then south along the Texas-Oklahoma State line to the south bank 
of the Red River, then 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, then southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with 
U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 
287 to its junction with I-35W in Fort Worth, then southwest along I-35 
to its junction with U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, then east along 
U.S. Highway 290 to its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris 
County, then south and east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction 
with Interstate Highway 45 in Houston, then south on Interstate Highway 
45 to State Highway 342, then to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and 
then 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, then west along the County line to Park Road 22 in Nueces 
County, then north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with 
State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, then west and north along State 
Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, then north along 
State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, then east 
along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, then 
north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway 
77 in Sinton, then north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction 
with U.S.

[[Page 4995]]

Highway 87 in Victoria, then south and east along U.S. Highway 87 to 
its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, then north and east 
along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca Bay Causeway, 
then south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its junction with 
the Port Lavaca Ship Channel, then south and east along the Lavaca Bay 
Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and then 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.
    Special Season Open Areas
    Riverton-Boysen Unit: Portions of Fremont County.
    Park and Big Horn County Unit: All of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, 
and Washakie Counties.
    Johnson, Natrona, and Sheridan County Unit: All of Johnson, 
Natrona, and Sheridan Counties.
Pacific Flyway
Arizona
    Zone 1: Beginning at the junction of the New Mexico State line and 
U.S. Hwy 80; south along the State line to the U.S.-Mexico border; west 
along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro 
River to the junction with Arizona Hwy 77; northerly along Arizona Hwy 
77 to the Gila River; northeast along the Gila River to the San Carlos 
Indian Reservation boundary; south then east and north along the 
reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. 
Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to the 352 exit on I-10; east on I-10 to 
Bowie-Apache Pass Road; southerly on the Bowie-Apache Pass Road to 
Arizona Hwy 186; southeasterly on Arizona Hwy 186 to Arizona Hwy 181; 
south on Arizona Hwy 181 to the West Turkey Creek-Kuykendall cutoff 
road; southerly on the Kuykendall cutoff road to Rucker Canyon Road; 
easterly on Rucker Canyon Road to the Tex Canyon Road; southerly on Tex 
Canyon Road to U.S. Hwy 80; northeast on U.S. Hwy 80 to the New Mexico 
State line.
    Zone 2: Beginning at I-10 and the New Mexico State line; north 
along the State line to Arizona Hwy 78; southwest on Arizona Hwy 78 to 
U.S. Hwy 191; northwest on U.S. Hwy 191 to Clifton; westerly on the 
Lower Eagle Creek Road (Pump Station Road) to Eagle Creek; northerly 
along Eagle Creek to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; 
southerly and west along the reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; 
southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to I-
10; easterly on I-10 to the New Mexico State line.
Idaho
    Area 1: All of Bear Lake County and all of Caribou County except 
that portion lying within the Grays Lake Basin.
    Area 2: All of Teton County except that portion lying west of State 
Highway 33 and south of Packsaddle Road (West 400 North) and north of 
the North Cedron Road (West 600 South) and east of the west bank of the 
Teton River.
    Area 3: All of Fremont County except the Chester Wetlands Wildlife 
Management Area.
    Area 4: All of Jefferson County.
    Area 5: All of Bannock County east of Interstate-15 and south of 
U.S. Highway 30; and all of Franklin County.
    Area 6: That portion of Oneida County within the boundary beginning 
at the intersection of the Idaho-Utah border and Old Highway 191, then 
north along Old Highway 191 to 1500 S, then west on 1500 S to Highway 
38, then west on Highway 38 to 5400 W, then south on 5400 W to 
Pocatello Valley Road, then west and south on Pocatello Valley Road to 
10000 W, then south on 10000 W to the Idaho-Utah border, then east 
along the Idaho-Utah border to the beginning point.
Montana
    Zone 1 (Warm Springs Portion of Deer Lodge County): Those portions 
of Deer Lodge County lying within the following described boundary: 
Beginning at the intersection of I-90 and Highway 273, then westerly 
along Highway 273 to the junction of Highway 1, then southeast along 
said highway to Highway 275 at Opportunity, then east along said 
highway to East Side County road, then north along said road to Perkins 
Lake, then west on said lane to I-90, then north on said interstate to 
the junction of Highway 273, the point of beginning. Except for 
sections 13 and 24, T5N, R10W; and Warm Springs Pond number 3.
    Zone 2 (Ovando-Helmville Area): That portion of the Pacific Flyway, 
located in Powell County lying within the following described boundary: 
Beginning at the junction of State Routes 141 and 200, then west along 
Route 200 to its intersection with the Blackfoot River at Russell Gates 
Fishing Access Site (Powell-Missoula County line), then southeast along 
said river to its intersection with the Ovando-Helmville Road (County 
Road 104) at Cedar Meadows Fishing Access Site, then south and east 
along said road to its junction with State Route 141, then north along 
said route to its junction with State Route 200, the point of 
beginning.
    Zone 3 (Dillon/Twin Bridges/Cardwell Areas): Beaverhead, Gallatin, 
Jefferson, and Madison Counties.
    Zone 4 (Broadwater County): Broadwater County.
Utah
    Cache County: Cache County.
    East Box Elder County: That portion of Box Elder County beginning 
on the Utah-Idaho State line at the Box Elder-Cache 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 Elder-Weber County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County 
line to the Box Elder-Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache 
County line to the Utah-Idaho State line.
    Rich County: Rich County.
    Uintah County: Uintah County.
Wyoming
    Area 1 (Bear River): All of the Bear River and Ham's Fork River 
drainages in Lincoln County.
    Area 2 (Salt River Area): All of the Salt River drainage in Lincoln 
County south of the McCoy Creek Road.
    Area 3 (Eden Valley Area): All lands within the Bureau of 
Reclamation's Eden Project in Sweetwater County.
    Area 5 (Uintah County Area): Uinta County.

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.

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.

[[Page 4996]]

    Mona Island Closure Area: All of Mona Island.
    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. 2018-02112 Filed 2-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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