Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, 25738-25773 [2018-11759]
Download as PDF
25738
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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; Final
Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting
Regulations
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service or we) prescribes final
frameworks from which States may
select season dates, limits, and other
options for the 2018–19 migratory bird
hunting seasons. The effect of this final
rule is to facilitate the States’ selection
of hunting seasons and to further the
annual establishment of the migratory
bird hunting regulations. 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: This rule takes effect on June 4,
2018.
ADDRESSES: States should send their
season selections to: Chief, Division of
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, MS: MB, 5275
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–
3803. You may inspect comments
received on the migratory bird hunting
regulations during normal business
hours at the Service’s office at 5275
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–
3803 or at https://www.regulations.gov at
Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2017–0028.
You may obtain copies of referenced
reports from the street address above, or
from the Division of Migratory Bird
Management’s website at https://
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at
https://www.regulations.gov at Docket
No. FWS–HQ–MB–2017–0028.
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 RULES2
SUMMARY:
Process for the Annual Migratory Game
Bird Hunting Regulations
As part of DOI’s retrospective
regulatory review, 2 years ago we
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
process facilitates planning for the
States and all parties interested in
migratory bird hunting. Beginning in the
summer of 2015, with the 2016–17
hunting seasons, we started
promulgating our annual migratory
game bird hunting regulations using a
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 longterm 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
this revised 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 final rule
is the fourth 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 the August 3, 2017,
proposed rule. Further, we explained
that all sections of subsequent
documents outlining hunting
frameworks and guidelines would be
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 4700
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, including this
document, refer only to numbered items
requiring attention. Therefore, it is
important to note that we omit those
items requiring no attention and
remaining numbered items will be
discontinuous, so the list appears to be
incomplete. The August 3, 2017,
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
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. On February 2, 2018, we
published in the Federal Register (83
FR 4964) the proposed frameworks for
the 2018–19 season migratory bird
hunting regulations. This document
establishes final frameworks for
migratory bird hunting regulations for
the 2018–19 season. There are no
substantive changes from the February
2, 2018, proposed rule. We will publish
State selections in the Federal Register
as amendments to §§ 20.101 through
20.107 and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part
20.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 RULES2
Review of Public Comments and
Flyway Council Recommendations
The preliminary proposed
rulemaking, which appeared in the
August 3, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR
36308), opened the public comment
period for migratory game bird hunting
regulations and discussed the regulatory
alternatives for the 2018–19 duck
hunting season. The February 2, 2018,
Federal Register publication (83 FR
4964) discussed and proposed the
frameworks for the 2018–19 season
migratory bird hunting regulations.
Comments and recommendations are
summarized below and numbered in the
order from the above list of topics. 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.
General
Written Comments: A commenter
protested the entire migratory bird
hunting regulations process, the killing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
of all migratory birds, and status and
habitat data on which the migratory bird
hunting regulations are based. Another
commenter questioned the availability
of data upon which the proposals were
based and requested that all such data
should be in any proposal. Several other
commenters noted the lack of habitat
information (particularly human-caused
losses), biodiversity, and climate change
discussion in the proposals. An
individual stated that our economic
studies used outdated, flawed data. An
individual generally supported the
proposed regulations.
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
conclude 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 conclude 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.
Regarding the availability of
population and harvest data, we post all
reports, recommendations, background
materials, and other such information
used to make decisions on the Division
of Migratory Bird Management’s website
and the Federal Government’s official
regulatory website
(www.regulations.gov). Further, any of
the information is also available by
contacting the person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Regarding habitat information,
biodiversity, and climate change, we
note that there is an extensive
discussion of habitat conditions in the
Waterfowl Population Status report and
that all of the reports, population
models, and frameworks either directly
or indirectly take into consideration
factors such as these, especially habitat
conditions.
Lastly, as detailed under Regulatory
Flexibility Act, we analyzed the
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25739
economic impacts of the annual hunting
regulations on small business entities in
detail as part of a 1981 cost-benefit
analysis and that this analysis was
revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995,
we issued a Small Entity Flexibility
Analysis, which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and
2013, as new information became
available. The primary source of
information about hunter expenditures
for migratory game bird hunting is the
National Hunting and Fishing Survey,
which is conducted at 5-year intervals.
When there is updated information
available, we will update our analysis.
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 will 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).
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
25740
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
For the 2018–19 season, we will
continue to use independent
optimization to determine the optimal
regulatory choice for each mallard stock.
This means that we would develop
regulations for eastern mallards, midcontinent 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 (82 FR 46011), for the
2018–19 hunting season, we are
continuing to use 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
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 will adopt the
‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative, as
described in the October 3, 2017,
Federal Register.
C. Zones and Split Seasons
Written Comments: 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 nontarget 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 nontarget 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. As
established in the MOAs and discussed
in our 2014 Proposed Rule (79 FR
44583), the criteria to allow September
teal seasons included acceptable rates of
nontarget attempt rates no greater than
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25 percent and nontarget kill rates no
greater than 10 percent. 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). Thus, we conclude 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 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
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.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
We also agree with the Central Flyway
Council’s recommendation granting
operational status to Nebraska’s
experimental September teal season. As
with the Mississippi Flyway States,
Nebraska 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, wherein 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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
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 the Division of
Migratory Bird Management’s website at
https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
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.
v. Pintails
Council Recommendations: The
Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25741
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 limit in the
Atlantic Flyway and a 3-bird daily bag
limit in the Mississippi Flyway, a 74day 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25742
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 lowharvest 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.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
Service Response: As we discussed in
the 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 Mountains 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 typically
available at the time of the proposed
frameworks (early December to midJanuary). However, the 2018 MWS is
typically completed and winter brant
data is available by the expected
publication of the final frameworks.
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 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25743
• 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 two segments.
The recently completed 2018 MWS
Atlantic brant count was 169,749 brant.
Thus, utilizing the above Atlantic brant
hunt strategies, the appropriate Atlantic
brant hunting season for the 2018–19
season is a 60-day season with a 2-bird
daily bag limit.
7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese
Council Recommendations: The
Pacific Flyway Council recommended,
in Washington, removing the special
goose season outside the 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
the 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25744
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 Mountains
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
according to the harvest strategy
specified in the Pacific and Central
Flyway Councils’ 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
Currently, results of the fall abundance
and recruitment surveys of RMP
sandhill cranes, upon which the annual
allowable harvest is based, will
continue to be released between
December 1 and January 31 each year,
which is after the date for which
proposed frameworks will be
formulated in the new regulatory
process. If the usual procedures for
determining allowable harvest were
used, data 2 to 4 years old would be
used to determine the annual allocation
for RMP sandhill cranes. Due to the
variability in fall abundance and
recruitment for this population, and
their impact on the annual harvest
allocations, we agree that relying on
data that is 2 to 4 years old is not ideal.
Thus, we agree that the formula to
determine the annual allowable harvest
for RMP sandhill cranes published in
the March 28, 2016, final rule should be
used under the new regulatory schedule
and propose to utilize it as such. The
formula uses information on abundance
and recruitment collected annually
through operational monitoring
programs, as well as constant values
based on past research or monitoring for
survival of fledglings to breeding age
and harvest retrieval rate. The formula
is:
H=C×P×R×L×f
Where:
H = total annual allowable harvest;
C = the average of the three most recent,
reliable fall population indices;
P = the average proportion of fledged chicks
in the fall population in the San Luis
Valley during the most recent 3 years for
which data are available;
R = estimated recruitment of fledged chicks
to breeding age (current estimate is 0.5);
L = retrieval rate of 0.80 (allowance for an
estimated 20 percent crippling loss based
on hunter interviews); and
f = (C/16,000) 3 (a variable factor used to
adjust the total harvest to achieve a
desired effect on the entire population)
The 2017 fall RMP sandhill crane
abundance estimate was 19,592 cranes,
resulting in a 3-year (2015–17) average
of 22,062 cranes, essentially unchanged
from the previous 3-year average, which
was 22,087 cranes. The RMP crane
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
recruitment estimate was 7.93 percent
young in the fall population, resulting
in a 3-year (2015–17) average of 9.37
percent, a decrease from the previous 3year average, which was 10.16 percent.
Using the above formula and the above
most recent 3-year average abundance
and recruitment estimates, the allowable
harvest for the 2018–19 season is 2,168
cranes.
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. As we stated in the October 3,
2017, Federal Register (82 FR 46011),
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
we agree with the Atlantic and
Mississippi Flyway Councils’
recommendation to extend the EMU’s
framework closing date to January 31. A
review of the available data on
mourning dove nesting phenology in the
EMU indicated that <1 percent of all
mourning dove nest initiations detected
occurred in January; thus, the impacts
on mourning dove reproduction will be
minimal. Furthermore, the maximum
additional harvest expected as a result
of this action is negligible in relation to
the number of mourning doves in the
EMU (<0.2 percent of the fall
population). Therefore, we do not
expect that this action will result in
significant impacts to the EMU
mourning dove population. However,
we also note that nesting phenology
may have changed in some areas since
the studies cited in the EMU
recommendation were conducted and
may continue to change in the future.
Thus, framework dates later than
January 31 should not be considered
without new studies that document
contemporary nesting phenology
throughout the EMU, which would
allow assessment of the impact of a later
closing date on mourning dove
productivity.
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).
Written Comments: An individual
supported allowing compensatory days.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
Required Determinations
Executive Order 13771—Reducing
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
This action is not subject to Executive
Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR 9339,
February 3, 2017) because it is issued
with respect to routine hunting and
fishing activities.
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) Consideration
The programmatic document,
‘‘Second Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement:
Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of
Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),’’ filed
with the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013,
addresses NEPA compliance by the
Service for issuance of the annual
framework regulations for hunting of
migratory game bird species. We
published a notice of availability in the
Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78
FR 32686), and our Record of Decision
on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also
address NEPA compliance for waterfowl
hunting frameworks through the annual
preparation of separate environmental
assessments, the most recent being
‘‘Duck Hunting Regulations for 2018–
19,’’ with its corresponding May 2018,
finding of no significant impact. The
programmatic document, as well as the
separate environmental assessment, is
available on our website at https://
www.fws.gov/birds/index.php. or from
the address indicated under the caption
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.), provides that, ‘‘The Secretary
shall review other programs
administered by him and utilize such
programs in furtherance of the purposes
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25745
of this Act’’ (and) shall ‘‘insure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out
* * * is not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of any endangered
species or threatened species or result in
the destruction or adverse modification
of [critical] habitat. * * *.’’
Consequently, we conducted formal
consultations to ensure that actions
resulting from these regulations would
not likely jeopardize the continued
existence of endangered or threatened
species or result in the destruction or
adverse modification of their critical
habitat. Findings from these
consultations are included in a
biological opinion, which concluded
that the regulations are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of
any endangered or threatened species.
Additionally, these findings may have
caused modification of some regulatory
measures previously proposed, and the
final frameworks reflect any such
modifications. Our biological opinions
resulting from this section 7
consultation are public documents
available for public inspection at the
address indicated under ADDRESSES.
Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs
(OIRA) will review all significant rules.
OIRA has reviewed this rule and has
determined that this rule is significant
because it would have an annual effect
of $100 million or more on the
economy.
E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of
E.O. 12866 while calling for
improvements in the nation’s regulatory
system to promote predictability, to
reduce uncertainty, and to use the best,
most innovative, and least burdensome
tools for achieving regulatory ends. The
executive order directs agencies to
consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
and freedom of choice for the public
where these approaches are relevant,
feasible, and consistent with regulatory
objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
further that regulations must be based
on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for
public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed
this rule in a manner consistent with
these requirements.
An economic analysis was prepared
for the 2018–19 season. This analysis
was based on data from the 2011
National Hunting and Fishing Survey,
the most recent year for which data are
available (see discussion in Regulatory
Flexibility Act section below). This
analysis estimated consumer surplus for
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25746
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
three alternatives for duck hunting
(estimates for other species are not
quantified due to lack of data). The
alternatives are (1) issue restrictive
regulations allowing fewer days than
those issued during the 2017–18 season,
(2) issue moderate regulations allowing
more days than those in alternative 1,
and (3) issue liberal regulations
identical to the regulations in the 2017–
18 season. For the 2018–19 season, we
chose Alternative 3, with an estimated
consumer surplus across all flyways of
$334–$440 million with a mid-point
estimate of $387 million. We also chose
alternative 3 for the 2009–10, the 2010–
11, the 2011–12, the 2012–13, the 2014–
15, the 2015–16, the 2016–17, and the
2017–18 seasons. The 2018–19 analysis
is part of the record for this rule and is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2017–
0028.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting
regulations have a significant economic
impact on substantial numbers of small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed
the economic impacts of the annual
hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 costbenefit analysis. This analysis was
revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995,
the Service issued a Small Entity
Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which
was subsequently updated in 1996,
1998, 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2018. The
primary source of information about
hunter expenditures for migratory game
bird hunting is the National Hunting
and Fishing Survey, which is conducted
at 5-year intervals. The 2018 Analysis
was based on the 2011 National Hunting
and Fishing Survey and the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s County
Business Patterns, from which it was
estimated that migratory bird hunters
would spend approximately $1.5 billion
at small businesses in 2018. Copies of
the Analysis are available upon request
from the Division of Migratory Bird
Management (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT) or from https://
www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
FWS–HQ–MB–2017–0028.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
This final rule is a major rule under
5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
For the reasons outlined above, this rule
would have an annual effect on the
economy of $100 million or more.
However, because this rule would
establish hunting seasons, we do not
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
plan to defer the effective date under the
exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule contains a collection of
information that we have submitted to
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and approval under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not
conduct or sponsor and you are not
required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
OMB has previously approved the
information collection requirements
associated with migratory bird surveys
and assigned the following OMB control
numbers:
• 1018–0019, ‘‘North American
Woodcock Singing Ground Survey’’
(expires 5/31/2018).
• 1018–0023, ‘‘Migratory Bird
Surveys’’ (expires 6/30/2017). Includes
Migratory Bird Harvest Information
Program, Migratory Bird Hunter
Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and
Parts Collection Survey.
OMB also reviewed and approved the
new reporting and recordkeeping
requirements identified below and
assigned OMB Control Number 1018–
0171, ‘‘Establishment of Annual
Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, 50 CFR
part 20’’:
(1) Information Requested to Establish
Annual Migratory Bird Hunting
Seasons:
(A) Tribes that wish to use the
guidelines to establish special hunting
regulations for the annual migratory
game bird hunting season are required
to submit a proposal that includes:
(i) The requested migratory game bird
hunting season dates and other details
regarding the proposed regulations;
(ii) Harvest anticipated under the
proposed regulations; and
(iii) Tribal capabilities to enforce
migratory game bird hunting
regulations.
For those situations where it could be
shown that failure to limit Tribal
harvest could seriously impact the
migratory game bird resource, we also
request information on the methods
employed to monitor harvest and any
potential steps taken to limit level of
harvest. A tribe that desires the earliest
possible opening of the migratory game
bird season for nontribal members
should specify this request in its
proposal, rather than request a date that
might not be within the final Federal
frameworks. Similarly, unless a tribe
wishes to set more restrictive
regulations than Federal regulations will
permit for nontribal members, the
proposal should request the same daily
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
bag and possession limits and season
length for migratory game birds that
Federal regulations are likely to permit
the States in the Flyway in which the
reservation is located
(B) State and U.S. territory
governments that wish to establish
annual migratory game bird hunting
seasons are required to provide the
requested dates and other details for
hunting seasons in their respective
States or Territories. The information is
provided to the Service in a nonform
format, usually via letter or spreadsheet,
in response to solicitations for the
information sent to the State
governments each year via an emailed
letter and as part of the first final rule
(for the frameworks).
(2) Reports: The following reports are
requested from the States and are
submitted either annually or every-three
years as explained in the following text.
(A) Reports from Experimental
Hunting Seasons and Season Structure
Changes:
Atlantic Flyway Council:
• Delaware—Experimental tundra swan
season (Yearly updates and Final
report)
• Florida—Experimental teal-only
season (Yearly updates and Final
report)
Mississippi Flyway Council:
• Alabama—Experimental sandhill
crane season (Yearly updates and
Final report)
Central Flyway Council:
• Nebraska—Experimental teal season
(Yearly updates and Final report)
• New Mexico—Experimental
sandhill crane season in Estancia Valley
(Yearly updates and Final report)
• Wyoming—Split (3-way) season for
Canada geese (Final report only)
Pacific Flyway Council:
• California—Zones and split season
for white-fronted geese (Final report
only)
(B) Additional State-specific Annual
Reports (unless otherwise indicated
these are annual reports):
State specific:
• Arizona—Sandhill crane racial
composition of the harvest conducted at
3-year intervals.
• North Carolina and Virginia—
Tundra swan harvest and hunter
participation data.
• Montana (Central Flyway portion),
North Dakota, and South Dakota—
Tundra swan harvest and hunter
participation data.
• Montana (Pacific Flyway portion)—
Swan harvest-monitoring program to
measure species composition.
• Montana (Pacific Flyway portion),
Utah, and Nevada—Swan harvest-
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
monitoring program to measure the
species composition and report
detailing swan harvest, hunter
participation, reporting compliance, and
monitoring of swam populations in
designated hunt areas.
Reports and monitoring are used for a
variety of reasons. Some are used to
monitor species composition of the
harvest for those areas where species
intermingling can confound harvest
management and potential overharvest
of one species can be a management
concern. Others are used to determine
overall harvest for those species and/or
areas that are not sampled well by our
overall harvest surveys due to either the
limited nature/area of the hunt or
season or where the harvest needs to
closely monitored. Experimental season
reports are used to determine whether
the experimental season is achieving its
intended goals and objectives, without
causing unintended harm to other
species and ultimately whether the
experimental season should proceed to
operational status. Most experimental
seasons are 3-year trials with yearly
reports and a final report. Most of the
other reports and monitoring are
conducted either annually or at 3-year
intervals.
During the proposed rule stage, we
solicited comments on the above
information collection requirements. We
received two comments in response to
the proposed rule but neither addressed
the information collection requirements.
We have discussed other comments
received in the preamble above.
Title: Establishment of Annual
Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, 50 CFR
part 20.
OMB Control Number: 1018–0171.
Service Form Number: None.
Type of Request: New.
Description of Respondents: State and
Tribal governments.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 82 (from 52 State
governments and Territories and 30
Tribal governments).
Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 99 (includes State
governments, Tribal governments and
Reports).
Average Completion Time per
Response: Varies from 4 hours to 650
hours, depending on the activity.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 9,878.
Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden
Cost: None.
You may send comments on this
information collection to the Service
Information Collection Clearance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls
Church, VA 22041–3803 (mail); or Info_
Coll@fws.gov (email). Please reference
OMB Control Number 1018–BB73/0171
in the subject line of your comments.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in
compliance with the requirements of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking
would not impose a cost of $100 million
or more in any given year on local or
State government or private entities.
Therefore, this rule is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order
12988
The Department, in promulgating this
rule, has determined that this rule will
not unduly burden the judicial system
and that it meets the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this
rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act, does not have significant
takings implications and does not affect
any constitutionally protected property
rights. This rule would not result in the
physical occupancy of property, the
physical invasion of property, or the
regulatory taking of any property. In
fact, this rule would allow hunters to
exercise otherwise unavailable
privileges and, therefore, reduce
restrictions on the use of private and
public property.
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211 requires agencies to
prepare Statements of Energy Effects
when undertaking certain actions.
While this rule is a significant
regulatory action under E.O. 12866, it is
not expected to adversely affect energy
supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore,
this action is not a significant energy
action and no Statement of Energy
Effects is required.
Government-to-Government
Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President’s
memorandum of April 29, 1994,
‘‘Government-to-Government Relations
with Native American Tribal
Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), E.O.
13175, and 512 DM 2, we have
evaluated possible effects on Federally
recognized Indian tribes and have
determined that there are no effects on
Indian trust resources. We have
consulted with Tribes affected by this
rule.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25747
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain
species of birds, the Federal
Government has been given
responsibility over these species by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually
prescribe frameworks from which the
States make selections regarding the
hunting of migratory birds, and we
employ guidelines to establish special
regulations on Federal Indian
reservations and ceded lands. This
process preserves the ability of the
States and tribes to determine which
seasons meet their individual needs.
Any State or Indian tribe may be more
restrictive than the Federal frameworks
at any time. The frameworks are
developed in a cooperative process with
the States and the Flyway Councils.
This process allows States to participate
in the development of frameworks from
which they will make selections,
thereby having an influence on their
own regulations. These rules do not
have a substantial direct effect on fiscal
capacity, change the roles or
responsibilities of Federal or State
governments, or intrude on State policy
or administration. Therefore, in
accordance with E.O. 13132, these
regulations do not have significant
federalism effects and do not have
sufficient federalism implications to
warrant the preparation of a federalism
summary impact statement.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory
game bird hunting, by its nature,
operates under a time constraint as
seasons must be established each year or
hunting seasons remain closed.
However, we intend that the public be
provided extensive opportunity for
public input and involvement in
compliance with Administrative
Procedure Act requirements. Thus,
when the preliminary proposed
rulemaking was published, we
established what we concluded were the
longest periods possible for public
comment and the most opportunities for
public involvement. We also provided
notification of our participation in
multiple Flyway Council meetings,
opportunities for additional public
review and comment on all Flyway
Council proposals for regulatory change,
and opportunities for additional public
review during the SRC meeting.
Therefore, sufficient public notice and
opportunity for involvement have been
given to affected persons regarding the
migratory bird hunting frameworks for
the 2018–19 hunting seasons. Further,
after establishment of the final
frameworks, States need sufficient time
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25748
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
to conduct their own public processes to
select season dates and limits; to
communicate those selections to us; and
to establish and publicize the necessary
regulations and procedures to
implement their decisions. Thus, if
there were a delay in the effective date
of these regulations after this final
rulemaking, States might not be able to
meet their own administrative needs
and requirements.
For the reasons cited above, we find
that ‘‘good cause’’ exists, within the
terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the
Administrative Procedure Act, and
these frameworks will take effect
immediately upon publication.
Therefore, under authority of the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918),
as amended (16 U.S.C. 703–711), we
prescribe final frameworks setting forth
the species to be hunted, the daily bag
and possession limits, the shooting
hours, the season lengths, the earliest
opening and latest closing season dates,
and hunting areas, from which State
conservation agency officials will select
hunting season dates and other options.
Upon receipt of season selections from
these officials, we will publish a final
rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to
reflect seasons, limits, and shooting
hours for the United States for the 2018–
19 seasons. The rules that eventually
will be promulgated for the 2018–19
hunting season are authorized under 16
U.S.C. 703–712 and 742 a–j.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements,
Transportation, Wildlife.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Final 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 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
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
Flyways and Management Units
Waterfowl Flyways
Dated: April 25, 2018.
Susan Combs,
Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Exercising
the Authority of the Assistant Secretary for
Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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.
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Special September Teal Season
Atlantic Flyway
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,
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25749
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,
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, 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25750
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 2bird 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
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.
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 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.
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.
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
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.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Mississippi Flyway
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.
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 60-day
season between the Saturday nearest
September 24 (September 22) and
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
States may split their seasons into two
segments.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25751
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
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,
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25752
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 RULES2
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 3year 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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
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.
Northeastern Zone: The white-fronted
goose season may be split into 3
segments.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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).
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Washington
The daily bag limit for light geese is
6.
Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coastal
(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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 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
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25753
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
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,
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25754
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 RULES2
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
Mountains 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 unless
100% of the harvest will be assigned to
the RMP quota;
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
requirement to monitor the level and
racial composition of the harvest;
greater sandhill cranes in the harvest
will be assigned to the RMP quota.
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.
Common Moorhens and Purple
Gallinules
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.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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, 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.
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25755
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
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.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25756
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Hawaii
Virgin Islands
Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
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.
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 (Including Mergansers) and
Coots
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
In accordance with 50 CFR 21.29,
falconry is a permitted means of taking
migratory game birds in any State
except for Hawaii. 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.
Regular season bag limits do not apply
to falconry. The falconry bag limit is not
in addition to gun limits.
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25757
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 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25758
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 Highway (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.
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 96 junction, then east on State
highway 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
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25759
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
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 State
highway 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
25760
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25761
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
25762
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
7 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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, those portions
of Gunnison County except 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 with the Moffat–
Routt County line (Elkhead Reservoir
State Park).
Western Zone: All areas west of the
Continental Divide 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
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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 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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
State line.
AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 State line.
New Hampshire
Same zones as for ducks.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25763
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 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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
25764
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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–
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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
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 County line), Camden,
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 Rte. 64 to Route 15, then south
along Rte. 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
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25765
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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
25766
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
Missouri
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.
Frm 00030
North Zone: Same as North duck
zone.
Middle Zone: Same as Middle duck
zone.
South Zone: Same as South duck
zone.
Allegan County Game Management
Unit (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.
PO 00000
Michigan
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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,
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 the 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25767
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, Clark, Codington,
Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall,
Roberts, 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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25768
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Road to State Highway 19, then south to
State Highway 50 and east to the Clay/
Union County Line; Aurora, Beadle,
Brookings, Brown, Butte, Corson,
Davison, Douglas, Edmunds, Faulk,
Haakon, Hand, Hanson, Harding,
Hutchinson, Jackson, Jerauld, Jones,
Kingsbury, Lake, McCook, McPherson,
Meade, Mellette, Miner, Moody, Oglala
Lakota (formerly Shannon), Sanborn,
Spink, Todd, Turner, and Ziebach
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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
7 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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25769
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
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25770
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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, Washington, and
Wayne 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 2 Inland (Southwest Permit
Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum
Counties, and that portion of Grays
Harbor County east of Highway 101.
Area 2 Coastal (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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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.
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.
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.
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.
Doves
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Alabama
South Zone: Baldwin, Barbour,
Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia,
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile
Counties.
North Zone: Remainder of the State.
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.
Nevada
Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and
Pershing Counties.
Florida
Northwest Zone: The Counties of Bay,
Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden,
Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty,
Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,
Washington, Leon (except that portion
north of U.S. 27 and east of State Road
155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of
State Road 59 and north of U.S. 98), and
Wakulla (except that portion south of
U.S. 98 and east of the St. Marks River).
South Zone: The remainder of the
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
25771
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.
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.
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
25772
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and
Washakie 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 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
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 on 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 Lane, 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
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
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.
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
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:55 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 9990
25773
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. 2018–11759 Filed 6–1–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
E:\FR\FM\04JNR2.SGM
04JNR2
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25738-25773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11759]
[[Page 25737]]
Vol. 83
Monday,
No. 107
June 4, 2018
Part II
Department of the Interior
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Wildlife Service
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting
Regulations; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 25738]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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; Final Frameworks for Migratory Bird
Hunting Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) prescribes
final frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and
other options for the 2018-19 migratory bird hunting seasons. The
effect of this final rule is to facilitate the States' selection of
hunting seasons and to further the annual establishment of the
migratory bird hunting regulations. 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: This rule takes effect on June 4, 2018.
ADDRESSES: States should send their season selections to: Chief,
Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. You may
inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations
during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 or at https://www.regulations.gov at
Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2017-0028. You may obtain copies of referenced
reports from the street address above, or from the Division of
Migratory Bird Management's website at https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-
MB-2017-0028.
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:
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 process facilitates planning
for the States and all parties interested in migratory bird hunting.
Beginning in the summer of 2015, with the 2016-17 hunting seasons, we
started promulgating our annual migratory game bird hunting regulations
using a 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 this revised 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
final rule is the fourth 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 the
August 3, 2017, proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections
of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines
would be 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, including this document, refer only to
numbered items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note
that we omit those items requiring no attention and remaining numbered
items will be discontinuous, so the list appears to be incomplete. The
August 3, 2017, 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 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. On February 2, 2018, we published in the Federal Register (83
FR 4964) the proposed frameworks for the 2018-19 season migratory bird
hunting regulations. This document establishes final frameworks for
migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2018-19 season. There are no
substantive changes from the February 2, 2018, proposed rule. We will
publish State selections in the Federal Register as amendments to
Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107 and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20.
[[Page 25739]]
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 (82 FR 36308), opened the public comment
period for migratory game bird hunting regulations and discussed the
regulatory alternatives for the 2018-19 duck hunting season. The
February 2, 2018, Federal Register publication (83 FR 4964) discussed
and proposed the frameworks for the 2018-19 season migratory bird
hunting regulations. Comments and recommendations are summarized below
and numbered in the order from the above list of topics. 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.
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. Another commenter questioned the availability of data upon
which the proposals were based and requested that all such data should
be in any proposal. Several other commenters noted the lack of habitat
information (particularly human-caused losses), biodiversity, and
climate change discussion in the proposals. An individual stated that
our economic studies used outdated, flawed data. An individual
generally supported the proposed regulations.
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 conclude 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
conclude 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.
Regarding the availability of population and harvest data, we post
all reports, recommendations, background materials, and other such
information used to make decisions on the Division of Migratory Bird
Management's website and the Federal Government's official regulatory
website (www.regulations.gov). Further, any of the information is also
available by contacting the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
Regarding habitat information, biodiversity, and climate change, we
note that there is an extensive discussion of habitat conditions in the
Waterfowl Population Status report and that all of the reports,
population models, and frameworks either directly or indirectly take
into consideration factors such as these, especially habitat
conditions.
Lastly, as detailed under Regulatory Flexibility Act, we analyzed
the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small
business entities in detail as part of a 1981 cost-benefit analysis and
that this analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, we
issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis, which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013, as new information became
available. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures
for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. When there is updated
information available, we will update our analysis.
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 will 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).
[[Page 25740]]
For the 2018-19 season, we will continue 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 (82 FR 46011),
for the 2018-19 hunting season, we are continuing to use 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 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
will adopt the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative, as described in the
October 3, 2017, Federal Register.
C. Zones and Split Seasons
Written Comments: 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 nontarget
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 nontarget 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. As
established in the MOAs and discussed in our 2014 Proposed Rule (79 FR
44583), the criteria to allow September teal seasons included
acceptable rates of nontarget attempt rates no greater than 25 percent
and nontarget kill rates no greater than 10 percent. 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). Thus, we conclude 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 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.
[[Page 25741]]
We also agree with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation
granting operational status to Nebraska's experimental September teal
season. As with the Mississippi Flyway States, Nebraska 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, wherein 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 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 the Division of
Migratory Bird Management's website at https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
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 limit in
the Atlantic Flyway and a 3-bird daily bag limit 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
[[Page 25742]]
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.
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
[[Page 25743]]
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 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 in the 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 Mountains 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 typically available at the time of the
proposed frameworks (early December to mid-January). However, the 2018
MWS is typically completed and winter brant data is available by the
expected publication of the final frameworks. 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 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 two segments.
The recently completed 2018 MWS Atlantic brant count was 169,749
brant. Thus, utilizing the above Atlantic brant hunt strategies, the
appropriate Atlantic brant hunting season for the 2018-19 season is a
60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended, in
Washington, removing the special goose season outside the 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 the 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
[[Page 25744]]
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 Mountains
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 according to the harvest strategy specified
in the Pacific and Central Flyway Councils' 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. Currently, results of the fall
abundance and recruitment surveys of RMP sandhill cranes, upon which
the annual allowable harvest is based, will continue to be released
between December 1 and January 31 each year, which is after the date
for which proposed frameworks will be formulated in the new regulatory
process. If the usual procedures for determining allowable harvest were
used, data 2 to 4 years old would be used to determine the annual
allocation for RMP sandhill cranes. Due to the variability in fall
abundance and recruitment for this population, and their impact on the
annual harvest allocations, we agree that relying on data that is 2 to
4 years old is not ideal. Thus, we agree that the formula to determine
the annual allowable harvest for RMP sandhill cranes published in the
March 28, 2016, final rule should be used under the new regulatory
schedule and propose to utilize it as such. The formula uses
information on abundance and recruitment collected annually through
operational monitoring programs, as well as constant values based on
past research or monitoring for survival of fledglings to breeding age
and harvest retrieval rate. The formula is:
H = C x P x R x L x f
Where:
H = total annual allowable harvest;
C = the average of the three most recent, reliable fall population
indices;
P = the average proportion of fledged chicks in the fall population
in the San Luis Valley during the most recent 3 years for which data
are available;
R = estimated recruitment of fledged chicks to breeding age (current
estimate is 0.5);
L = retrieval rate of 0.80 (allowance for an estimated 20 percent
crippling loss based on hunter interviews); and
f = (C/16,000) \3\ (a variable factor used to adjust the total
harvest to achieve a desired effect on the entire population)
The 2017 fall RMP sandhill crane abundance estimate was 19,592
cranes, resulting in a 3-year (2015-17) average of 22,062 cranes,
essentially unchanged from the previous 3-year average, which was
22,087 cranes. The RMP crane recruitment estimate was 7.93 percent
young in the fall population, resulting in a 3-year (2015-17) average
of 9.37 percent, a decrease from the previous 3-year average, which was
10.16 percent. Using the above formula and the above most recent 3-year
average abundance and recruitment estimates, the allowable harvest for
the 2018-19 season is 2,168 cranes.
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. As we stated in the
October 3, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR 46011),
[[Page 25745]]
we agree with the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils'
recommendation to extend the EMU's framework closing date to January
31. A review of the available data on mourning dove nesting phenology
in the EMU indicated that <1 percent of all mourning dove nest
initiations detected occurred in January; thus, the impacts on mourning
dove reproduction will be minimal. Furthermore, the maximum additional
harvest expected as a result of this action is negligible in relation
to the number of mourning doves in the EMU (<0.2 percent of the fall
population). Therefore, we do not expect that this action will result
in significant impacts to the EMU mourning dove population. However, we
also note that nesting phenology may have changed in some areas since
the studies cited in the EMU recommendation were conducted and may
continue to change in the future. Thus, framework dates later than
January 31 should not be considered without new studies that document
contemporary nesting phenology throughout the EMU, which would allow
assessment of the impact of a later closing date on mourning dove
productivity.
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).
Written Comments: An individual supported allowing compensatory
days.
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.
Required Determinations
Executive Order 13771--Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory
Costs
This action is not subject to Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR
9339, February 3, 2017) because it is issued with respect to routine
hunting and fishing activities.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration
The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013,
addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual
framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We
published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31,
2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR
45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting
frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental
assessments, the most recent being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2018-
19,'' with its corresponding May 2018, finding of no significant
impact. The programmatic document, as well as the separate
environmental assessment, is available on our website at https://www.fws.gov/birds/index.php. or from the address indicated under the
caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other
programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance
of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action
authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical]
habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to
ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological
opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened
species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of
some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks
reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from
this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public
inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed
this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it
would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy.
E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for
improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent
with these requirements.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2018-19 season. This
analysis was based on data from the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis
estimated consumer surplus for
[[Page 25746]]
three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are
not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives are (1) issue
restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during
the 2017-18 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more days
than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations
identical to the regulations in the 2017-18 season. For the 2018-19
season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus
across all flyways of $334-$440 million with a mid-point estimate of
$387 million. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11,
the 2011-12, the 2012-13, the 2014-15, the 2015-16, the 2016-17, and
the 2017-18 seasons. The 2018-19 analysis is part of the record for
this rule and is available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
FWS-HQ-MB-2017-0028.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2018. The primary source
of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird
hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted
at 5-year intervals. The 2018 Analysis was based on the 2011 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in
2018. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the
Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT) or from https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-
2017-0028.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This final rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined
above, this rule would have an annual effect on the economy of $100
million or more. However, because this rule would establish hunting
seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption
contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule contains a collection of information that we have
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and
approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number. OMB has previously approved the information
collection requirements associated with migratory bird surveys and
assigned the following OMB control numbers:
1018-0019, ``North American Woodcock Singing Ground
Survey'' (expires 5/31/2018).
1018-0023, ``Migratory Bird Surveys'' (expires 6/30/2017).
Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird
Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
OMB also reviewed and approved the new reporting and recordkeeping
requirements identified below and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-
0171, ``Establishment of Annual Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, 50 CFR
part 20'':
(1) Information Requested to Establish Annual Migratory Bird
Hunting Seasons:
(A) Tribes that wish to use the guidelines to establish special
hunting regulations for the annual migratory game bird hunting season
are required to submit a proposal that includes:
(i) The requested migratory game bird hunting season dates and
other details regarding the proposed regulations;
(ii) Harvest anticipated under the proposed regulations; and
(iii) Tribal capabilities to enforce migratory game bird hunting
regulations.
For those situations where it could be shown that failure to limit
Tribal harvest could seriously impact the migratory game bird resource,
we also request information on the methods employed to monitor harvest
and any potential steps taken to limit level of harvest. A tribe that
desires the earliest possible opening of the migratory game bird season
for nontribal members should specify this request in its proposal,
rather than request a date that might not be within the final Federal
frameworks. Similarly, unless a tribe wishes to set more restrictive
regulations than Federal regulations will permit for nontribal members,
the proposal should request the same daily bag and possession limits
and season length for migratory game birds that Federal regulations are
likely to permit the States in the Flyway in which the reservation is
located
(B) State and U.S. territory governments that wish to establish
annual migratory game bird hunting seasons are required to provide the
requested dates and other details for hunting seasons in their
respective States or Territories. The information is provided to the
Service in a nonform format, usually via letter or spreadsheet, in
response to solicitations for the information sent to the State
governments each year via an emailed letter and as part of the first
final rule (for the frameworks).
(2) Reports: The following reports are requested from the States
and are submitted either annually or every-three years as explained in
the following text.
(A) Reports from Experimental Hunting Seasons and Season Structure
Changes:
Atlantic Flyway Council:
Delaware--Experimental tundra swan season (Yearly updates and
Final report)
Florida--Experimental teal-only season (Yearly updates and
Final report)
Mississippi Flyway Council:
Alabama--Experimental sandhill crane season (Yearly updates
and Final report)
Central Flyway Council:
Nebraska--Experimental teal season (Yearly updates and
Final report)
New Mexico--Experimental sandhill crane season in Estancia
Valley (Yearly updates and Final report)
Wyoming--Split (3-way) season for Canada geese (Final
report only)
Pacific Flyway Council:
California--Zones and split season for white-fronted geese
(Final report only)
(B) Additional State-specific Annual Reports (unless otherwise
indicated these are annual reports):
State specific:
Arizona--Sandhill crane racial composition of the harvest
conducted at 3-year intervals.
North Carolina and Virginia--Tundra swan harvest and
hunter participation data.
Montana (Central Flyway portion), North Dakota, and South
Dakota--Tundra swan harvest and hunter participation data.
Montana (Pacific Flyway portion)--Swan harvest-monitoring
program to measure species composition.
Montana (Pacific Flyway portion), Utah, and Nevada--Swan
harvest-
[[Page 25747]]
monitoring program to measure the species composition and report
detailing swan harvest, hunter participation, reporting compliance, and
monitoring of swam populations in designated hunt areas.
Reports and monitoring are used for a variety of reasons. Some are
used to monitor species composition of the harvest for those areas
where species intermingling can confound harvest management and
potential overharvest of one species can be a management concern.
Others are used to determine overall harvest for those species and/or
areas that are not sampled well by our overall harvest surveys due to
either the limited nature/area of the hunt or season or where the
harvest needs to closely monitored. Experimental season reports are
used to determine whether the experimental season is achieving its
intended goals and objectives, without causing unintended harm to other
species and ultimately whether the experimental season should proceed
to operational status. Most experimental seasons are 3-year trials with
yearly reports and a final report. Most of the other reports and
monitoring are conducted either annually or at 3-year intervals.
During the proposed rule stage, we solicited comments on the above
information collection requirements. We received two comments in
response to the proposed rule but neither addressed the information
collection requirements. We have discussed other comments received in
the preamble above.
Title: Establishment of Annual Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, 50
CFR part 20.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0171.
Service Form Number: None.
Type of Request: New.
Description of Respondents: State and Tribal governments.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 82 (from 52 State
governments and Territories and 30 Tribal governments).
Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 99 (includes State
governments, Tribal governments and Reports).
Average Completion Time per Response: Varies from 4 hours to 650
hours, depending on the activity.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 9,878.
Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: None.
You may send comments on this information collection to the Service
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
(mail); or [email protected] (email). Please reference OMB Control
Number 1018-BB73/0171 in the subject line of your comments.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking would not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule, authorized by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings
implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected
property rights. This rule would not result in the physical occupancy
of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory
taking of any property. In fact, this rule would allow hunters to
exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce
restrictions on the use of private and public property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy
Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, it is not expected to
adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this
action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy
Effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have
evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and
have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. We
have consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132, these
regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact statement.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting, by its
nature, operates under a time constraint as seasons must be established
each year or hunting seasons remain closed. However, we intend that the
public be provided extensive opportunity for public input and
involvement in compliance with Administrative Procedure Act
requirements. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was
published, we established what we concluded were the longest periods
possible for public comment and the most opportunities for public
involvement. We also provided notification of our participation in
multiple Flyway Council meetings, opportunities for additional public
review and comment on all Flyway Council proposals for regulatory
change, and opportunities for additional public review during the SRC
meeting. Therefore, sufficient public notice and opportunity for
involvement have been given to affected persons regarding the migratory
bird hunting frameworks for the 2018-19 hunting seasons. Further, after
establishment of the final frameworks, States need sufficient time
[[Page 25748]]
to conduct their own public processes to select season dates and
limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and
publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their
decisions. Thus, if there were a delay in the effective date of these
regulations after this final rulemaking, States might not be able to
meet their own administrative needs and requirements.
For the reasons cited above, we find that ``good cause'' exists,
within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure
Act, and these frameworks will take effect immediately upon
publication.
Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July
3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final frameworks
setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and possession
limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest opening
and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which State
conservation agency officials will select hunting season dates and
other options. Upon receipt of season selections from these officials,
we will publish a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the United States for the 2018-
19 seasons. The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2018-
19 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 742 a-j.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Dated: April 25, 2018.
Susan Combs,
Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Exercising the Authority of the
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
Final 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
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.
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
[[Page 25749]]
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, 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, 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
[[Page 25750]]
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.
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.
[[Page 25751]]
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 60-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 22) and
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. States may split their
seasons into two segments.
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 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,
[[Page 25752]]
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 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.
Northeastern Zone: The white-fronted goose season may be split into
3 segments.
[[Page 25753]]
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 2 Inland and 2 Coastal (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 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,
[[Page 25754]]
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 Mountains 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 unless 100% of the harvest will
be assigned to the RMP quota;
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.
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
[[Page 25755]]
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 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.
[[Page 25756]]
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
In accordance with 50 CFR 21.29, falconry is a permitted means of
taking migratory game birds in any State except for Hawaii. 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. 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.
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
[[Page 25757]]
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 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
[[Page 25758]]
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 Highway (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. 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
[[Page 25759]]
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 96 junction, then east
on State highway 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 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 State highway 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
[[Page 25760]]
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 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
[[Page 25761]]
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.
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
[[Page 25762]]
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 7 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, those portions of Gunnison County
except 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 with the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead
Reservoir State Park).
Western Zone: All areas west of the Continental Divide 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 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
[[Page 25763]]
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 State 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 State 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 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 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
[[Page 25764]]
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 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 County line),
Camden,
[[Page 25765]]
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 Rte. 64 to Route
15, then south along Rte. 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 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
[[Page 25766]]
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 Game Management Unit (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.
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,
[[Page 25767]]
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 the 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, Clark,
Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, Roberts, 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 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
[[Page 25768]]
Road to State Highway 19, then south to State Highway 50 and east to
the Clay/Union County Line; Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Butte,
Corson, Davison, Douglas, Edmunds, Faulk, Haakon, Hand, Hanson,
Harding, Hutchinson, Jackson, Jerauld, Jones, Kingsbury, Lake, McCook,
McPherson, Meade, Mellette, Miner, Moody, Oglala Lakota (formerly
Shannon), Sanborn, Spink, Todd, Turner, and Ziebach 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 7 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 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
[[Page 25769]]
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 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
[[Page 25770]]
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,
Washington, and Wayne 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 2 Inland (Southwest Permit Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and
Wahkiakum Counties, and that portion of Grays Harbor County east of
Highway 101.
Area 2 Coastal (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: The remainder of the 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.
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.
[[Page 25771]]
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. 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.
[[Page 25772]]
Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie 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 on 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
Lane, 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.
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
[[Page 25773]]
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. 2018-11759 Filed 6-1-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P