Fish and Wildlife Service July 24, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2009-10 early-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early seasons. Early seasons may open as early as September 1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of specific final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population status and habitat conditions. This proposed rule also provides the final regulatory alternatives for the 2009-10 duck hunting seasons.