80_FR_51822 80 FR 51658 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

80 FR 51658 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 164 (August 25, 2015)

Page Range51658-51682
FR Document2015-20371

The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2015-16 late-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 number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late 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.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51658-51682]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20371]



[[Page 51657]]

Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 164

August 25, 2015

Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 20





Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory 
Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 51658]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064; FF09M21200-156-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BA67


Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season 
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is 
proposing to establish the 2015-16 late-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 number 
of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These 
frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and 
limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with 
population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting 
late-season frameworks by September 4, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Comments: You may submit comments on the proposals by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-
MB-2014-0064.
     U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064; Division of Policy, Performance, and 
Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 
Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see the Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council 
Recommendations section, below, for more information).

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2015

    On April 13, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 
19852) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. 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 
2015-16 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal 
Register notifications were also identified in the April 13 proposed 
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents 
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under 
numbered headings. Those headings are:

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

    Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring 
attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we will omit those 
items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items will be 
discontinuous and appear incomplete.
    On June 11, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 
33223) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- 
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 11 
supplement also provided detailed information on the proposed 2015-16 
regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee 
(SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.
    On June 24-25, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the 
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 
recommendations for the 2015-16 regulations for these species plus 
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2015-16 regular 
waterfowl seasons.
    On July 21, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 
43266) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed 
frameworks for early-season regulations. In late August 2015, we will 
publish a rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season 
migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2015-16 season.
    On July 29-30, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2015-16 regulations for these 
species.
    This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the 
late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final 
frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting hours, 
areas, and limits. We have considered all pertinent comments received 
through August 1, 2015, on the April 13 and June 11, 2015, rulemaking 
documents in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for 
certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment. The 
comment period is specified above under DATES. We will publish final 
regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in 
the Federal Register on or around September 20, 2015.

Population Status and Harvest

    The following paragraphs provide preliminary information on the 
status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For 
more detailed information on methodologies and results, you may obtain 
complete copies of the various reports at the address indicated under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web site at http://
www.fws.gov/

[[Page 51659]]

migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.

Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey

    Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring 
to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate habitat 
conditions. These surveys are conducted using fixed-wing aircraft, 
helicopters, and ground crews and encompass principal breeding areas of 
North America, covering an area over 2.0 million square miles. The 
traditional survey area comprises Alaska, western Canada, and the 
northcentral United States, and includes approximately 1.3 million 
square miles. The eastern survey area includes parts of Ontario, 
Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New 
Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an area of approximately 0.7 million 
square miles.
    Despite an early spring over most of the survey area, habitat 
conditions during the 2015 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat 
Survey (WBPHS) were similar to or poorer than last year. With the 
exception of portions of southern Saskatchewan and central latitudes of 
eastern Canada, in many areas the decline in habitat conditions was due 
to average to below-average annual precipitation. The total pond 
estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 6.3  0.2 million, which was 12 percent below the 2014 estimate of 7.2 
 0.2 million but 21 percent above the long-term average of 
5.2  0.03 million. The 2015 estimate of ponds in Prairie 
Canada was 4.2  0.1 million. This estimate was 10 percent 
below the 2014 estimate of 4.6  0.2 million but 19 percent 
above the long-term average (3.5  0.02 million). The 2015 
pond estimate for the northcentral United States was 2.2  
0.09 million, which was 16 percent below the 2014 estimate of 2.6 
 0.1 million and 28 percent above the long-term average 
(1.7  0.02 million). Additional details of the 2015 Survey 
were provided in the July 21 Federal Register and are available from 
our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.
Breeding Population Status
    In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, 
and 75-77, the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters 
[Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria spp. and Polysticta stelleri], 
long-tailed ducks [Clangula hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus spp. and 
Lophodytes cucullatus], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 49.5  0.8 [SE] million birds. This estimate is similar to the 2014 
estimate of 49.2  0.8 million, and is 43 percent higher 
than the long-term average (1955-2014). This year also marks the 
highest estimates in the time series for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) 
and green-winged teal (A. crecca). Estimated mallard abundance was 11.6 
 0.4 million, which was similar to the 2014 estimate of 
10.9  0.3 million, and 51 percent above the long-term 
average of 7.7  0.04 million. Estimated abundance of 
gadwall (A. strepera; 3.8  0.2 million) and American wigeon 
(A. americana; 3.0  0.2 million) were similar to last 
year's estimates, and were 100 percent and 17 percent above their long-
term averages of 1.9  0.02 million and 2.6  
0.02 million, respectively. The estimated abundance of green-winged 
teal was 4.1  0.3 million, which was 19 percent above the 
2014 estimate of 3.4  0.2 million and 98 percent above the 
long-term average (2.1  0.02 million). Estimated blue-
winged teal (A. discors; 8.5  0.4 million) abundance was 
similar to the 2014 estimate, and 73 percent above the long-term 
average of 4.9  0.04 million. Estimated abundance of 
northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 4.4  0.2 million) was 17 
percent below the 2014 estimate but 75 percent above the long-term 
average of 2.5  0.02 million. Northern pintail abundance 
(A. acuta; 3.0  0.2 million) was similar to the 2014 
estimate and 24 percent below the long-term average of 4.0  
0.04 million. Abundance estimates for redheads (Aythya americana; 1.2 
 0.1 million) and canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria; 0.8 
 0.06 million) were similar to their 2014 estimates and 
were 71 percent and 30 percent above their long-term averages of 0.7 
 0.01 million and 0.6  0.01 million, 
respectively. Estimated abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila 
combined; 4.4  0.3 million) was similar to the 2014 
estimate and 13 percent below the long-term average of 5.0  
0.05 million.
    The eastern survey area was restratified in 2005, and is now 
composed of strata 51-72. In the eastern survey area, estimated 
abundance of American black ducks (Anas rubripes) was 0.5  
.04 million, which was 11 percent below last year's estimate and 13 
percent below the 1990-2014 average. The estimated abundance of 
mallards (0.4  0.1 million) and mergansers (0.4  0.04 million) were similar to the 2014 estimates and their 1990-
2014 averages. Abundance estimates of green-winged teal (0.2  0.04 million) and goldeneyes (common and Barrow's [Bucephala 
clangula and B. islandica], 0.4  0.4 million) were similar 
to their 2014 estimates, and were 14 percent and 15 percent below their 
1990-2014 averages of 0.3  0.04 million and 0.4  0.07 million, respectively. The abundance estimate of ring-
necked ducks (Aythya collaris, 0.5  0.07 million) was 
similar to the 2014 estimate and the 1990-2014 average.
Fall Flight Estimate
    The midcontinent mallard population is composed of mallards from 
the traditional survey area (revised in 2008 to exclude mallards in 
Alaska and the Old Crow Flats area of the Yukon Territory), Michigan, 
Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and is estimated to be 13.8  1.4 
million birds in 2015. This is similar to the 2014 estimate of 13.4 
 1.3 million. See section 1.A. General Harvest Strategy for 
further discussion of the implications of this information for this 
year's selection of the appropriate hunting regulations.

Status of Geese and Swans

    We provide information on the population status and productivity of 
North American Canada geese (Branta canadensis), brant (B. bernicla), 
snow geese (Chen caerulescens), Ross's geese (C. rossii), emperor geese 
(C. canagica), white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and tundra swans 
(Cygnus columbianus). Production of arctic-nesting geese depends 
heavily upon the timing of snow and ice melt, and spring and early 
summer temperatures.
    In 2015, conditions in the Arctic and boreal areas important for 
geese were variable. Compared to last year, snow and ice conditions 
were less extensive in the western Arctic, more extensive in the 
central Arctic, and similar in the eastern Arctic. Breeding conditions 
were good on Bylot Island in the eastern Arctic, and an average to 
above-average fall flight was expected for greater snow geese. 
Biologists reported later-than-average spring phenology at Southampton 
Island, the northern and western coastal areas of the Hudson Bay, and 
the southern portion of Baffin Island. Atlantic brant have had 3 years 
of low production, and below-average production was expected again this 
year. Habitat conditions across Atlantic Canada were generally good, 
except for a more persistent spring snow pack and ice coverage in 
higher elevation areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nesting conditions 
were below average on the Ungava Peninsula, and lakes and ponds along 
the eastern Hudson Bay coast remained frozen in mid-June. North 
Atlantic Population and Atlantic Population Canada goose numbers were 
similar to recent averages, and average fall flights were expected. Of 
the Canada goose populations that migrate through the Mississippi 
Flyway, Eastern Prairie

[[Page 51660]]

Population numbers were similar to last year, and average to above-
average production was expected; Southern James Bay Population and 
Mississippi Valley Population breeding numbers were down relative to 
recent years, with average and below-average fall flights predicted, 
respectively. Ice breakup and nesting phenology in the Queen Maud Gulf 
region of the central Arctic were similar to long-term averages, and 
nesting conditions and habitat were good to above average in the 
western Arctic and Northwest Territories. Thus, average to above-
average production was expected for Ross's, mid-continent snow, mid-
continent white-fronted, and lesser and Central Flyway Arctic nesting 
Canada geese. Alaska experienced an early spring and mild breakup of 
ice with minimal flooding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and other 
interior areas of the State. With less persistent ice and snow cover 
and favorable breeding conditions in the western Arctic and Alaska, the 
outlook for goose and swan populations nesting in these areas was good 
to excellent. With the exception of cackling Canada geese, indices for 
geese and swans that breed on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were lower this 
year compared to last year, though later survey timing relative to the 
early spring conditions may have contributed to lower counts. Record 
high counts were observed this year for the Wrangel Island Population 
of lesser snow geese and dusky Canada geese, and the spring index for 
emperor geese was the highest recorded in over three decades.
    Across much of the Canadian and U.S. prairies, spring phenology was 
early. Habitat conditions were generally rated good to fair on the 
Canadian prairies and fair to poor on the U.S. prairies. Southern and 
central portions of the western United States were exceptionally dry, 
and habitat conditions there were generally poor. However, production 
of temperate-nesting Canada geese over most of their North American 
range is expected to be average, and similar to previous years.
    Of the 28 goose and swan populations included in the report, 6 had 
significant positive trends during the most recent 10-year period (P < 
0.05): Western Prairie and Great Plains Population, dusky, and Aleutian 
Canada geese; and mid-continent, Western Central Flyway, and Western 
Arctic and Wrangel Island light geese. Three populations, Atlantic 
brant, and the Atlantic and Southern James Bay Populations of Canada 
geese, showed a statistically significant negative 10-year trend. Of 
the 13 populations for which primary indices included variance 
estimates, Ross's geese statistically significantly increased and 2 
populations statistically significantly decreased (Southern James Bay 
Population and Mississippi Valley Population Canada geese) in 2015 
compared to 2014. Of the 15 populations for which primary indices did 
not include variance estimates, 8 populations were higher than last 
year, and 7 populations were lower.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

    National surveys of migratory bird hunters were conducted during 
the 2013-14 and 2014-15 hunting seasons. Over 1 million waterfowl 
hunters harvested 13,716,400 ( 6 percent) ducks and 
3,360,400 ( 6 percent) geese in 2013, and over 1 million 
waterfowl hunters harvested 13,267,800 ( 4 percent) ducks 
and 3,321,100 ( 11 percent) geese in 2014. Mallard, green-
winged teal, gadwall, blue-winged/cinnamon teal, and wood duck (Aix 
sponsa) were the five most-harvested duck species in the United States, 
and Canada goose was the predominant goose species in the goose 
harvest.

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 
13, 2015, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for 
migratory game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed 
rule, which appeared in the June 11, 2015, Federal Register, discussed 
the regulatory alternatives for the 2015-16 duck hunting season. Late-
season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in 
the June 11 Federal Register. We have included only the numbered items 
pertaining to late-season issues for which we received written 
comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive 
numerical order.
    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 seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the April 13 and June 11, 2015, Federal Register documents.

General

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

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Regulatory 
Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/
Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published 
issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial 
recommendations are discussed below.

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 continue to use adaptive harvest management 
(AHM) protocols that allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in 
a manner that recognizes each Flyway's breeding-ground derivation of 
mallards. In 2008, we described and adopted a protocol for regulatory 
decision-making for the newly defined stock of western mallards

[[Page 51661]]

(73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008). For the 2015 hunting season, we continue 
to believe that the prescribed regulatory choice for the Pacific Flyway 
should be based on the status of this western mallard breeding stock, 
while the regulatory choice for the Mississippi and Central Flyways 
should depend on the status of the redefined mid-continent mallard 
stock. We also recommend that the regulatory choice for the Atlantic 
Flyway continue to depend on the status of eastern mallards.
    For the 2015 hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same 
regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the 
``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and ``liberal'' alternatives has 
remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended 
framework dates have been offered in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternatives since 2002 (67 FR 47224; July 17, 2002). Also, 
in 2003, we agreed to place a constraint on closed seasons in the 
Mississippi and Central Flyways whenever the midcontinent mallard 
breeding-population size (as defined prior to 2008; traditional survey 
area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) was >= 5.5 million (68 FR 
37362; June 23, 2003). This constraint subsequently was revised in 2008 
to >= 4.75 million to account for the change in the definition of 
midcontinent mallards to exclude birds from Alaska and the Old Crow 
Flats area of the Yukon Territory (73 FR 43293; July 24, 2008).
    The optimal AHM strategies for mid-continent, eastern, and western 
mallards for the 2015-16 hunting season were calculated using: (1) 
Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard stock; (2) the 
2015 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population models and 
associated weights. Based on this year's survey results of 11.79 
million mid-continent mallards (traditional survey area minus Alaska 
and the Old Crow Flats area of the Yukon Territory, plus Minnesota, 
Wisconsin, and Michigan) and 4.15 million ponds in Prairie Canada, 0.73 
million eastern mallards (0.19 million and 0.54 million respectively in 
northeast Canada and the northeastern United States), and 0.73 million 
western mallards (0.26 million in California-Oregon and 0.47 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 and 
propose to adopt the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative, as described 
in the July 21, 2015, Federal Register.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

iii. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway 
Councils recommended that the Service follow the International Black 
Duck AHM Strategy for 2015-16.
    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 address 
indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, or from our Web site 
at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.
    For the 2015-16 season, the optimal country-specific regulatory 
strategies were calculated in September 2014 using: (1) The black duck 
harvest objective (98 percent of long-term cumulative harvest); (2) 
2015-16 country-specific regulatory alternatives; (3) parameter 
estimates for mallard competition and additive mortality; and (4) 2014 
estimates of 0.619 million breeding black ducks and 0.445 million 
breeding mallards in the core survey area. The optimal regulatory 
choices are the moderate package in Canada and the restrictive 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: Since 1994, we have followed a canvasback harvest 
strategy whereby if canvasback population status and production are 
sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for 
the entire length of the regular duck season, while still attaining an 
objective of 500,000 birds the following spring, the season on 
canvasbacks should be opened. A partial season would be permitted if 
the estimated allowable harvest was below that associated with a 1-bird 
daily bag limit for the entire season. If neither of these conditions 
can be met, the harvest strategy calls for a closed season on 
canvasbacks nationwide. In 2008 (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008), we 
announced our decision to modify the canvasback harvest strategy to 
incorporate the option for a 2-bird daily bag limit for canvasbacks 
when the predicted breeding population the subsequent year exceeds 
725,000 birds.
    This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 757,000 
canvasbacks and 4.15 million Canadian ponds. The canvasback harvest 
strategy predicts a 2016 canvasback breeding population of 727,000 
birds under a liberal duck season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. 
Because the predicted 2016 spring canvasback population under a liberal 
2-bird-bag season is greater than 725,000, and since the recommended 
duck season under AHM is liberal, the harvest strategy stipulates that 
there should be a full canvasback season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
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 this year, 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 this year's survey results of 3.04 million pintails observed 
at a mean latitude of 55.9 and a latitude-adjusted breeding population

[[Page 51662]]

of 4.16 million birds, the optimal regulatory choice for all four 
Flyways is the ``liberal'' alternative with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
vi. Scaup
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended use of the ``moderate'' regulation 
package, consisting of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag in the 
Atlantic Flyway, 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.
    The 2015 breeding population estimate for scaup is 4.40 million, 
which is similar to the 2014 estimate. An optimal regulatory strategy 
for scaup was calculated with an objective of achieving 95 percent of 
maximum long-term cumulative harvest and updated model parameters and 
their relative weights. Based on this year's breeding population 
estimate of 4.40 million, the optimal regulatory choice for scaup is 
the ``moderate'' package in all four Flyways.
ix. Youth Hunt
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing the States to use their definitions of age for youth hunters 
as the age requirement for participation in youth hunting days.
    The Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils recommended that we 
allow States to use their established definitions of age for youth 
hunters as the age requirement for participation in youth hunting days, 
not to include anyone over the age of 17.
    Service Response: Given that these recommendations would not take 
effect until the 2016-17 season, our desire for unanimity between the 
Councils, and that at least one Flyway Council has yet to take action, 
we are deferring our decision on the Councils' recommendations until 
the October 2015 SRC meeting.
x. Mallard Management Units
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended a 
minor change to the High Plains Mallard Management Unit (HPMMU) 
boundary in Kansas.
    Service Response: As we stated in 2011 (76 FR 54052, August 30, 
2011), we do not support the modification of the boundary of the HPMMU 
in Kansas. We note that the boundary has been in place since the 1970s, 
and is sufficiently clear for enforcement of waterfowl hunting 
regulations. Further, we do not believe sufficient biological 
information is available to warrant changes to the boundary at the 
scales proposed. However, if the Flyway Council believes the 
demographics of ducks have changed and may warrant a change in the 
boundary, we suggest that an assessment of data should be conducted 
that could inform a change at the Management Unit level. We understand 
the Council's position that this is a small change; however, we do not 
believe that small, incremental changes to the boundary are the proper 
approach to the perceived changes in duck distribution or to provide 
hunter opportunity.

4. Canada Geese

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that New Jersey be permitted to change the designation of their Coastal 
Zone from an Atlantic Population (AP) to an Atlantic Flyway Resident 
Population (AFRP) Canada goose zone for the next 3-year period (2015-
17). Frameworks for the AFRP Zone would be 80 days between the fourth 
Saturday in October and February 15, with daily bag and possession 
limits of 5 and 15 Canada geese, respectively. The season could be 
split into 3 segments.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the following changes to 
goose season frameworks for the Pacific Flyway:
    1. In Oregon and Washington, modify frameworks to close the season 
for dusky Canada geese in Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone and 
Washington's Southwest Permit Zone, and restrict beginning goose 
shooting hours to no earlier than sunrise in Oregon's Northwest Permit 
Zone and Washington's Southwest Permit Zone.
    2. In Oregon, expand the Northwest Permit Zone to include the 
Northwest Zone, and modify the Tillamook County Special Management Area 
by reducing the area from all of Tillamook County to only that area 
currently described as closed to goose hunting.
    3. In Washington, modify frameworks to eliminate the special late 
season and extend the regular season to March 10 in Areas 2A and 2B 
(Southwest Permit Zone), eliminate the Aleutian goose bag limit 
restriction in Area 2B, and expand the Southwest Permit Zone to include 
all of Clark County (2A) and Grays Harbour County (2B).
    4. In Idaho, modify the frameworks to create a new zone by removing 
Bear Lake County and Caribou County, except that portion within the 
Fort Hall Indian Reservation, from Zone 2 and renaming these counties 
Zone 4.
    Service Response: The Atlantic Flyway Council revised criteria used 
to delineate new AFRP Canada goose harvest areas and evaluate AFRP 
seasons for the 2015-17 seasons. We agree with the Council that the 
Coastal Zone in New Jersey meets the new criteria as an AFRP zone. The 
additional days and increased bag limit will allow for the harvest of 
additional AFRP Canada geese.
    We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendations to close 
the dusky Canada goose season and restrict shooting hours for geese in 
the Permit Zones of Oregon and Washington, and expand Permit Zone 
boundaries. Seven subspecies of Canada geese winter in the Pacific 
Flyway and are managed as separate populations. Most Canada goose 
populations are abundant and at or above population objectives; 
however, the dusky Canada goose population has generally remained at 
<20,000 geese. Dusky Canada geese have a small breeding range including 
the Copper River Delta and adjacent islands in Alaska. Since 1985, the 
dusky Canada goose breeding population has varied between 7,000 and 
18,000 geese. The most recent (2015) estimate of the breeding 
population size is 17,873 geese, and the recent 3-year (2012-2015, no 
estimate was available in 2013) average is 15,574 geese. In addition to 
the small population size, the dusky goose population has low harvest 
potential, and these birds are especially vulnerable to harvest. 
Consequently, the take of dusky geese must be limited to a greater 
extent than other Canada goose populations in the Pacific Flyway.
    A permit and quota system with mandatory hunter reporting at check 
stations was implemented in 1985, in the primary dusky Canada goose 
wintering area of Oregon and Washington (Permit Zones). Once the quota 
was exceeded, the goose season in the Permit Zones was closed to 
protect against additional take of dusky geese. Check stations cost 
about $335,000 annually to operate in Oregon and Washington. Due to 
budgetary constraints, Oregon and Washington prefer to close the dusky 
Canada goose season rather than operate a quota system with mandatory 
hunter reporting at check stations.
    Regular Canada goose seasons in the Permit Zones of Oregon and 
Washington

[[Page 51663]]

will remain subject to a memorandum of agreement entered into with the 
Service regarding monitoring the impacts of take during the regular 
Canada goose season on the dusky Canada goose population. Existing 
monitoring programs of dusky Canada geese provide total abundance, 
productivity, and apparent adult annual survival rates. Abundance data 
can be used to evaluate current population status, while productivity 
and survival rate data can be used in a population model to predict 
population growth and consequences of changes in demographic 
parameters. This information will be collected and evaluated annually 
to help determine the effectiveness of regulations intended to minimize 
take of dusky Canada geese. Additional protection against the take of 
dusky Canada geese will be provided by expanding the Permit Zone 
boundaries in Oregon and Washington to include a larger portion of the 
population's winter range, and restricting shooting hours to no earlier 
than sunrise will increase light for hunter identification of Canada 
goose subspecies.
    We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for 
minor changes to the existing Canada goose hunting seasons in Oregon 
and Washington. The bag limit restriction of 1 Aleutian Canada goose in 
Pacific County, Washington (Area 2B), (within the overall Canada goose 
daily bag limit) was first implemented when hunting of Aleutian Canada 
geese resumed in Oregon and Washington, after the subspecies was 
removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) in 2001 (66 FR 15643; March 20, 2001). The bag limit 
restriction was intended to minimize potential harvest of the Semidi 
Islands population segment of Aleutian Canada geese. These geese use 
Pacific County sporadically during migration and use areas are not 
consistent. The total population of Aleutian Canada geese continues to 
increase and currently exceeds the population objective identified in 
the Flyway management plan. The most recent 3-year (2013-2015) average 
estimated number of Aleutian Canada geese is 165,952, well above the 
population objective of 60,000 geese. Also, the 1-Aleutian daily bag 
limit restriction regulation is difficult for hunters to comply with 
and to enforce. We agree that removal of the Aleutian Canada goose bag 
limit restriction within the overall Canada goose daily bag limit 
(currently proposed at 4 geese) will simplify regulations.
    In Washington, a special late Canada goose season has been offered 
in Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone). The special late goose 
season could be held between the Saturday following the close of the 
general goose season, which was the last Sunday in January, and March 
10. Eliminating the special late season and extend the regular season 
to March 10 in Areas 2A and 2B for Canada goose has no consequence in 
season length or outside dates, but reduces the number of splits 
allowed in the Canada goose season from 4 to 3. The change will 
simplify regulations and is expected to have no biological impact to 
the Canada goose population. Also, regular season outside dates for 
white-fronted geese and light geese in Washington extend through March 
10.I
    Lastly, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation 
for minor changes to the existing goose hunting zones in Idaho. The 
modifications to the Idaho goose zones are intended to provide 
additional flexibility to Idaho in addressing resident Canada goose 
over abundance. Breeding population indices for Pacific and Rocky 
Mountain populations of Canada geese currently exceed management 
objectives in Flyway management plans. The 3-year (2013-2015) average 
population estimate for the Pacific Population of western Canada geese 
is 214,603, and is well above the objective of 126,650 geese. The 3-
year (2013-2015) average population estimate for the Rocky Mountain 
Population of western Canada geese is 158,038, and above the objective 
of 88,000 to 146,000 geese. In order to accommodate an early Canada 
Goose season in Bear Lake County and Caribou County, except that 
portion within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, it is necessary to 
create a new goose zone in Idaho.

C. Special Late Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
that Ohio be allowed a 92-day Canada goose season with a 3-bird daily 
bag limit, which may extend no later than February 15th.
    Service Response: We note that the management plan for the Southern 
James Bay Population of Canada geese requires consultation with the 
Atlantic Flyway on regulatory changes that potentially affect both 
Flyways. Although the Ohio proposal was sent to the Atlantic Flyway 
during their recent summer meeting, the proposal was not received in a 
timely manner that provided for adequate review by the Atlantic Flyway. 
Thus, the Atlantic Flyway Council could not support the Ohio proposal 
at this time. Due to the lack of concurrence by the Atlantic Flyway, we 
do not support the Mississippi Flyway recommendation for the 2015-16 
season. We urge the two Flyway Councils to initiate consultations prior 
to this fall for a similar proposal for the 2016-17 hunting season.

5. White-Fronted Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
that frameworks for white-fronted geese in the Mississippi Flyway be 
revised to allow for a season length of 107 days and daily bag limit of 
5 geese for Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and 
Wisconsin (low harvest States). The daily bag limit would be an 
aggregate daily bag limit with dark geese. For Arkansas, Illinois, 
Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee (non-low 
harvest States), the Council recommended a season length of 88 days 
with a 2-bird daily bag limit, or a 74-day season with a 3-bird daily 
bag limit, or a 107-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that frameworks for white-
fronted geese in the east-tier States of the Central Flyway be revised 
to the Saturday nearest September 24 until the Sunday nearest February 
15 with a season length of 74 days and a daily bag of 3 birds, an 88-
day season with a daily bag of 2 birds, or a 107-day season with a 
daily bag limit of 1 bird. The Council recommended an increase of 1 
bird in the daily bag limit in the Western Goose Zone of Texas, but no 
change in the bag limit for other west-tier States. All the recommended 
revisions are consistent with the newly revised white-fronted goose 
management plan.
    Service Response: We support the revisions to the white-fronted 
goose frameworks recommended by the Mississippi and Central Flyway 
Councils. The Councils' recommendations are consistent with the newly 
revised 2015 management plan for mid-continent greater white-fronted 
goose Population.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
adoption of revised harvest packages (strategies) for Atlantic brant 
beginning with the 2015 hunting season as follows:
    If the mid-winter waterfowl survey (MWS) count is <100,000 Atlantic 
brant, the season would be closed.
    If the MWS count is between 100,000 and 115,000 brant, States could 
select a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

[[Page 51664]]

    If the MWS count is between 115,000 and 130,000 brant, States could 
select a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    If the MWS count is between 130,000 and 150,000 brant, States could 
select a 50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    If the MWS count is between 150,000 and 200,000 brant, States could 
select a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    If the MWS count is >200,000 brant, States could select a 60-day 
season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Under all the above open season alternatives, seasons would be 
between the Saturday nearest September 24 and January 31. Further, 
States could split their seasons into 2 segments.
    Utilizing the newly revised brant hunt plan, the Atlantic Flyway 
Council recommended a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit for 
the 2015-16 hunting season.
    The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended revising the brant 
frameworks in the Mississippi Flyway to allow States the option of 
including brant in an aggregate bag limit with white-fronted and/or 
Canada geese.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the brant season 
length in California from 30 to 37 days.
    Service Response: The Atlantic Flyway's changes to the current 
Atlantic brant hunt plan strategies incorporate additional conservatism 
in the brant hunt plan. More specifically, the newly amended packages 
prescribe a more restrictive season in 2015 than that prescribed by the 
pre-2015 hunt plan. The Atlantic Flyway estimates that a reduction from 
a 2-bird to a 1-bird daily bag limit will result in a harvest reduction 
of 33 percent.
    The Atlantic Flyway notes that there have been 3 consecutive years 
of poor Atlantic brant production, and 2015 may also be poor. Further, 
the population has been below management plan goals for the last 6 
years. The 2015 mid-winter index (MWI) for Atlantic brant was 111,434. 
The Council's revised brant hunt plan allows for a 30-day season with a 
1-bird daily bag limit when the MWI estimate falls between 100,000 and 
115,000 brant. Recognizing the Council's continuing concerns about the 
status of Atlantic brant, we support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
revisions to the brant hunt plan and the recommendation for the 2015-16 
season.
    Regarding the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation to allow 
States the option of including brant in an aggregate bag limit with 
white-fronted and/or Canada geese, we concur. Very few brant are 
harvested in the Mississippi Flyway, so this simplification of the 
regulations will have no biological impact to the population.
    Lastly, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation 
for increasing the season length from 30 days to 37 days in California. 
The Flyway management plan for Pacific brant allows harvest to increase 
by two times the current level if the 3-year average population index 
exceeds 135,000 brant based on the mid-winter waterfowl survey. The 3-
year (2013-2015) average is 157,700 brant. Increasing the season length 
by 7 days will allow additional hunting opportunity while maintaining 
the 2-bird daily bag limit for brant, and is not expected to increase 
harvest appreciably from that during a 30-day season.

7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the light goose daily bag limit from 4 to 6 in the Northwest 
Permit Zone of Oregon.
    Service Response: We support the Pacific Flyway Council's 
recommendation for increasing the daily bag limit of light geese from 4 
to 6 in the Northwest Permit Zone of Oregon. Three populations of light 
geese occur in the Pacific Flyway and all are above Flyway management 
plan objectives based on the most recent breeding population indices. 
The population estimate for the Western Arctic Population (WAP) of 
lesser snow geese was 451,000 in 2013, which is above the objective of 
200,000 geese. Ross's geese were estimated at 659,600 in 2014, and are 
above the objective of 100,000 geese. The population estimate for 
Wrangel Island snow geese was 240,000 in 2015, which is above the 
objective of 120,000 geese. Current evidence suggests most light geese 
in Oregon during fall and early winter are primarily Wrangel Island 
snow geese, but an influx of WAP lesser snow and Ross's geese occurs 
during late winter as birds begin to move north toward breeding areas. 
The current 4-bird daily bag limit for light geese in Oregon's 
Northwest Permit Zone was intended to minimize harvest of Wrangel 
Island snow geese in this primary use area in Oregon when Wrangel 
Island geese were below the population objective. A bag limit for light 
geese in the Northwest Permit Zone of 6 per day will simplify 
regulations by matching the 6-bird bag limit currently allowed for 
light geese in the balance of Oregon on or before the last Sunday in 
January.

16. Doves

    Council Recommendations: During the early season regulations 
process, the Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service, 
beginning with the 2016-17 hunting season, adopt a new ``standard'' 
season package framework comprised of a 90-day season and 15-bird daily 
bag limit for doves for States within the Central Management Unit. 
Subsequently, the Mississippi Flyway Council concurred with the 
previous recommendation from the Central Flyway Council.
    Service Response: In the July 21 Federal Register, we stated that 
we did not support the recommendation by the Central Flyway to increase 
the length of the dove season to 90 days for the 2016-17 season because 
the Mississippi Flyway had not agreed to the change involving this 
shared resource. However, we understood that the Central Flyway would 
continue to work with the Mississippi Flyway to develop a joint 
recommendation to increase the season length, and that we would 
consider such a recommendation if such an agreement were reached. Given 
the Mississippi Flyway Council's concurrence with the Central Flyway 
Council's recommendation, we now agree with the proposed revision to 
the ``standard'' season package framework beginning with the 2016-17 
hunting season.

Public Comments

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

[[Page 51665]]

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

Required Determinations

    Based on our most current data, we are affirming our required 
determinations made in the April 13, June 11, and July 21 proposed 
rules; for descriptions of our actions to ensure compliance with the 
following statutes and Executive Orders, see our April 13, 2015, 
proposed rule (80 FR 19852):
     National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration;
     Endangered Species Act Consideration;
     Regulatory Flexibility Act;
     Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act;
     Unfunded Mandates Reform Act;
     Executive Orders 12630, 12866, 12988, 13132, 13175, 13211, 
and 13563.
    We are updating one required determination in this document, as 
follows:

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)

    This proposed rule does not contain any new information collection 
requirements that require approval under the PRA (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 reviewed and 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.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2015-16 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 10, 2015.
Michael J. Bean,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2015-16 Late 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 
proposals for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession 
limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for 
hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 2015, and 
March 10, 2016. 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.
Management Units
    High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian.
Definitions
    For the purpose of 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 
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 late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this 
document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag

[[Page 51666]]

and possession limits, and other special provisions are listed below by 
Flyway.

Waterfowl 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 all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and 
coots).

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 a weekend, holidays, or other non-school days when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may 
be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season 
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any 
other open season on migratory birds.
    Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, 
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: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age 
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must 
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt 
but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth 
day. Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing 
applicable tundra swan permits.

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31).
    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), 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous 
whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, and 4 
scoters.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular 
duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the 
above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks 
during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be 
taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the 
regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession 
limits.
    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.

Canada Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for 
Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons also include 
white-fronted geese. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split 
into two segments.
    Connecticut:
    North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and 
February 15, a 70-day season may be held with a 3-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 70-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
February 15, with a 3-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 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
February 15, with a 3-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 70-day season may be held Statewide between 
October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    New Jersey:
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 24) 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 24) 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 February 15, a 70-day season may be 
held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in both the High Harvest and Low 
Harvest areas.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in 
designated areas of Suffolk County.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 24), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the 
opening date is October 10, and 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 26) and March 10, with an 
8-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.

[[Page 51667]]

    Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the 
fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and March 10, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
    North Carolina:
    SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
December 31, with a 5-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 19) 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 3) 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 24) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. 
The season may be split into 3 segments.
    AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in 
October (October 24) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Rhode Island: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
February 15, with a 3-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 70-day season may be held between October 
1 and February 15, with a 3-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 30-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and 
January 31, with a 1-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 
26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31).
    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, 1 black duck, 
2 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. In 
addition to the daily limits listed above, the States of Iowa, 
Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin may include an additional 2 blue-
winged teal in the daily bag limit in lieu of selecting an experimental 
September teal season during the first 16 days of the regular duck 
season in each respective duck hunting zone.
    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: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, 
and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be 
split into two segments in each zone.
    In Arkansas and Mississippi, the season may be split into three 
segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily 
between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. 
There is no possession limit for light geese. 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 the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the Sunday 
nearest February 15 (February 14); Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin may select a season for white-fronted 
geese not to exceed 107 day with 5 geese daily, in aggregate with dark 
geese. 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 Canada geese; alternately, States may include brant in an 
aggregate goose bag limit with either Canada geese, white-fronted 
geese, or dark geese. States may select seasons for Canada geese not to 
exceed 92 days with 2 geese daily or 78 days with 3 geese daily between 
the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and January 31 with 
the following exceptions listed by State:
    Arkansas: The season may extend to February 15.
    Indiana:
    Late Canada Goose Season Area: A special Canada goose season of up 
to 15 days may be held during February 1-15 in the Late Canada Goose 
Season Zone. During this special season, the daily bag limit cannot 
exceed 5 Canada geese.
    Iowa: The season for Canada geese may extend for 107 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Michigan:
    The framework opening date for all geese is September 11 in the 
Upper Peninsula of Michigan and September 16 in the Lower Peninsula of 
Michigan.
    Southern Michigan Late Canada Goose Season Zone: A 30-day special 
Canada goose season may be held between December 31 and February 15. 
The daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese.
    Minnesota: The season for Canada geese may extend for 107 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days. The 
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Tennessee: Northwest Goose Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend to February 15.
    Wisconsin:
    Horicon Zone: The framework opening date for all geese is September 
16.

[[Page 51668]]

    Exterior Zone: The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31).
    Hunting Seasons:
    High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which 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 12).
    Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days.
    Bag 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, 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

    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 26) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 14). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 26) 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, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck and Merganser Limits: Concurrent 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.
    In States or zones with a split duck and merganser season, the 
season on coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules may remain open 
during the closed portion of the duck and merganser season splits, but 
not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
limit of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules are 25, singly 
or in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by 
zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, 
and Wyoming may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, 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

    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 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 
31). In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah, the daily 
bag limit is 4 Canada geese and brant in the aggregate. In New Mexico 
and Wyoming, the daily bag limit is 3 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 26) 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 26) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 20.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split

[[Page 51669]]

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 26) 
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 should be concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone.
    Idaho:
    Zone 2: Idaho will continue to monitor the snow goose hunt that 
occurs after the last Sunday in January in the American Falls 
Reservoir/Fort Hall Bottoms and surrounding areas at 3-year intervals.
    Oregon: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6 on or before the 
last Sunday in January.
    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 26) 
and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag 
limit of light geese is 6. 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 26) 
and March 10. The daily bag limit of Canada geese is 6. Hunting days 
that occur after the last Sunday in January 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 and Washington County Zones with outside dates between 
the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the first Sunday 
in February (February 7).
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese.
    Area 1: Goose season outside dates are between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 
31).
    Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): A Canada goose season may 
be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 
24 (September 26) 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 only issue 1 
permit per hunter. Each State's season may open no earlier than the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 3). 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 13) 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 3) 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 compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be reduced by 10 
percent. All three States must provide to the Service by June 30, 2016, 
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 5,000 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.
    In the Central Flyway:

--The season may be 107 days, between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 3) and January 31.
--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,200 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,300 permits may be issued.

[[Page 51670]]

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 United States 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.

Massachusetts

    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont State line on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 
10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
State line.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line on 
I-95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south 
on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, 
west to the Rhode Island State line; except the waters, and the lands 
150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River 
upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the 
Center St.- Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.

New Hampshire

    Northern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of the 
Inland Zone beginning at the Jct. of Rte.10 and Rte.25A in Orford, east 
on Rte. 25A 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 which allows the taking 
of migratory waterfowl or a person holding a Vermont resident hunting 
license which 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 NH west of Rte. 63 at the MA border, 
north on Rte. 63 to Rte. 12, north on Rte. 12 to Rte. 12-A, north on 
Rte. 12A 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 the 
shoreline at Cape May and continuing 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

[[Page 51671]]

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

Alabama

    South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.

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 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 U.S. 40; 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

    West: That portion of the State west and north of a line beginning 
at the Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3; south on LA 3 to Bossier 
City; then east along I-20 to Minden; then south along LA 7 to 
Ringgold; then east along LA 4 to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy 
167 to its junction with LA 106; west on LA 106 to Oakdale; then south 
on U.S. Hwy 165 to junction with U.S. Hwy 190 at Kinder; then west on 
U.S. Hwy 190/LA 12 to the Texas State border.
    East: That portion of the State east and north of a line beginning 
at the Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3; south on LA 3 to Bossier 
City; then east along I-20 to Minden; then south along LA 7 to 
Ringgold; then east along LA 4 to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy 
167 to Lafayette; then southeast along U.S. Hwy 90 to the Mississippi 
State line.
    Coastal: 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

[[Page 51672]]

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 Interstate 75 from the Ohio-Michigan 
line to Interstate 280 to Interstate 80 to the Erie-Lorain County line 
extending to a line measuring two hundred (200) yards from the 
shoreline into the waters of Lake Erie and including the waters of 
Sandusky Bay and Maumee Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the Ohio-Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the 
Ohio-West Virginia border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.

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)

    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.
    Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Nebraska-Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with U.S.-36, 
then east on U.S.-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to 
its junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 
30 Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction 
with Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its 
junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd 
to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with U.S.-
24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on 
U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its 
junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with 
U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast 
on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its 
junction with K-4, then east on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then 
south on I-135 to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to 
McPherson County 14th Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th 
Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on Arapaho Rd to its 
junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to its junction with K-96, 
then northwest on K-96 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on 
U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then east on K-19 to its junction 
with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-54, 
then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with U.S.-183, then north on U.S.-
183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its 
junction with Ford County Rd 126, then south on Ford County Rd 126 to 
its junction with U.S.-400, then northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction 
with U.S.-283, then north on U.S.-283 to its junction with the 
Nebraska-Kansas State line, then east along the Nebraska-Kansas State 
line to its junction with K-128.
    Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Nebraska-
Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with U.S.-36, then 
east on U.S.-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to its 
junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 30 
Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction with 
Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its 
junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd 
to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with U.S.-
24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on 
U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its 
junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with 
U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast 
on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its 
junction with K-4, then east on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then 
south on I-135 to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to 
14th Avenue, then south on 14th Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, 
then west on Arapaho Rd to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-
61 to its junction with K-96, then northwest on K-96 to its junction 
with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then 
east on K-19 to its junction with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to 
its junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with 
U.S.-183, then north on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then 
southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then 
south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with U.S.-400, then 
northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction with U.S.-283, then south on 
U.S.-283 to its junction with the

[[Page 51673]]

Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along the Oklahoma-Kansas State 
line to its junction with U.S.-77, then north on U.S.-77 to its 
junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, then east on Butler 
County, NE 150th Street to its junction with U.S.-35, then northeast on 
U.S.-35 to its junction with K-68, then east on K-68 to the Kansas-
Missouri State line, then north along the Kansas-Missouri State line to 
its junction with the Nebraska State line, then west along the Kansas-
Nebraska State line to its junction with K-128.
    Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Missouri-Kansas State line west on K-68 to its junction with U.S.-35, 
then southwest on U.S.-35 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th 
Street, then west on NE 150th Street until its junction with K-77, then 
south on K-77 to the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along the 
Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction with the Missouri State 
line, then north along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction 
with K-68.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, 
Fallon, Ferus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, 
Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, 
Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and 
Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, and 
Treasure.

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 Country 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 
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 Sargent Rd; west to Milburn Rd; north to Blaine County Line; 
east to Loup County Line; north to NE Hwy. 91; west 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 Road; 
south to NE Hwy. 70; east to U.S. Hwy. 281; north to NE Hwy. 70; east 
to NE Hwy. 14; south to NE Hwy. 39; southeast to NE Hwy. 22; east to 
U.S. Hwy. 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to U.S. Hwy. 75; north to 
the Washington County line; east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south to 
the Missouri-Nebraska border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west 
along Kansas-Nebraska border to Colorado-Nebraska border; north and 
west to Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to intersection of Interstate 
Canal; and excluding that area in Zone 4.
    Zone 4: Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways 
and County Roads beginning at the intersection of NE Hwy. 8 and U.S. 
Hwy. 75; north to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 
136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to the 
intersection with Federal Levee R-562; north along Federal Levee R-562 
to the intersection with 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. 43; north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east 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 J; 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 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 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 from the South Dakota State line along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north 
along the County line 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

[[Page 51674]]

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

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

California

    Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the 
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with 
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its 
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with 
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection 
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to 
Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North 
Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and 
east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the 
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the 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 extending from the Nevada State 
line south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
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, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the Southern 
San Joaquin Valley 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: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, 
Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, 
Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, 
Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham County within the 
Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County, except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State 
Highway 39.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.

Nevada

    Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties.
    Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, 
Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and 
Washoe Counties.
    South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties.

[[Page 51675]]

    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: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, 
Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, 
Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, 
Morrow and Umatilla Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of the State.

Utah

    Zone 1: All of 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.

Washington

    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Wyoming

    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: Balance of the Pacific Flyway in Wyoming 
outside the Snake River Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

    AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west 
of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and 
extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in 
Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection 
with the Hartford/Middlesex County line.
    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.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.

Maine

    Same zones as for ducks.

Maryland

    Resident Population (RP) Zone: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, 
Frederick, and Montgomery Counties; that portion of Prince George's 
County west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County 
west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of 
Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and 
west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

Massachusetts

    NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones).
    AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones).
    Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the 
Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal, 
north to the New Hampshire line.

New Hampshire

    Same zones as for ducks.

New Jersey

    AP Zone: North and South Zones (see duck zones).
    RP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck zones).
    Special Late Season Area: In northern New Jersey, that portion of 
the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York 
State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York 
State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then 
west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along 
Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); 
then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west 
along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the 
Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning 
point. In southern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a 
continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom 
along Route 72 to Route 70; then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then 
south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 
322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 
to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then 
east along Route 40 to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 
(Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south 
along Carmel Road to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; 
then south along Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to 
Route 649; then north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along 
Route 670 to Route 47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then 
east along Route 548 to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; 
then south along Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 
625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the 
Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point.

New York

    Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north 
of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada 
International boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 
9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along 
Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline 
of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast 
along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York-
Vermont boundary.
    Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl 
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a 
continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore 
of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 
to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to 
Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to 
Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 
22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County 
Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-Vermont boundary, 
exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside 
of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east 
along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east 
along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to

[[Page 51676]]

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 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

[[Page 51677]]

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 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.
    Special Late Canada Goose Area: That area of the Central Long 
Island Goose Area lying north of State Route 25A and west of a 
continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall 
Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, then east to Sound Road and 
then north to Long Island Sound and then due north to the New York-
Connecticut boundary.

North Carolina

    SJBP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Halifax (that 
portion east of NC 903), Montgomery (that portion west of NC 109), 
Northampton, Richmond (that portion south of NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 
and north of U.S. 74), Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Wake.
    RP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Alamance, Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie 
(that portion south and west of a line formed by NC 45 at the 
Washington Co. line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 
in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Bladen, 
Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, 
Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, 
Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, 
Guilford, Halifax (that portion west of NC 903), Harnett, Haywood, 
Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, 
Lenoir, Lincoln, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, 
Mitchell, Montgomery (that portion that is east of NC 109), Moore, 
Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, 
Randolph, Richmond (all of the county with exception of that portion 
that is south of NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 and north of U.S. 74), 
Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, 
Swain, Transylvania, Vance, Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, 
Yadkin, and Yancey.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following Counties or portions of 
Counties: Bertie (that portion north and east of a line formed by NC 45 
at the Washington County line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway 
to U.S. 13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), 
Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, 
and Washington.

Pennsylvania

    Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for SJBP 
Zone and the area east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. 
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, 
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of 
I-80, and south of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.
    SJBP Zone: The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the 
city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie 
Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of 
the Lake Erie Shoreline).
    AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to 
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. 
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, 
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of 
I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey State line.

Rhode Island

    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).

South Carolina

    Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for the following area:
    East of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded to the 
North by S-14-25, to the East by Hwy 260, and to the South by the 
markers delineating the channel of the Santee River. West of U.S. 301: 
That portion of Clarendon County bounded on the North by S-14-26 
extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg County bordered by 
Hwy 6.

Vermont

    Same zones as for ducks.

Virginia

    AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the 
Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at 
Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then 
Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the 
North Carolina line.
    SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of 
the following line: The ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West 
Virginia-Virginia Border (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) south to 
Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the 
western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle 
and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 
15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line.
    RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama

    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.

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

    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

[[Page 51678]]

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 zones as for ducks.
    South Central Zone: Same zones as for ducks.

Indiana

    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
Special Canada Goose Seasons
    Late Canada Goose Season Zone: That part of the State encompassed 
by the following Counties: Steuben, Lagrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph, La 
Porte, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, De Kalb, Allen, Whitley, 
Huntington, Wells, Adams, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hendricks, Marion, 
Hancock, Morgan, Johnson, Shelby, Vermillion, Parke, Vigo, Clay, 
Sullivan, and Greene.

Iowa

    Same zones as for ducks.

Kentucky

    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at 
the Tennessee State line at Fulton and extending north along the 
Purchase Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. 
Highway 641, north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 
to the Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the 
Henderson County line to the Indiana State line.
    Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and 
Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the 
Western Goose Zone.

Louisiana

    Same zones as for ducks.

Michigan

    North Zone--Same as North duck zone.
    Middle Zone--Same as Middle duck zone.
    South Zone--Same as South duck zone.
    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly along 
109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-196 to 
the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.
    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.
Special Canada Goose Seasons
    Southern Michigan Late Season Canada Goose Zone: Same as the South 
Duck Zone excluding Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU), Allegan 
County GMU, Saginaw County GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU.

Minnesota

    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Rochester Goose Zone: That part of the State within the following 
described boundary:
    Beginning at the intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 247 and 
County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 4, Wabasha County; thence along CSAH 4 
to CSAH 10, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 10 to CSAH 9, Olmsted 
County; thence along CSAH 9 to CSAH 22, Winona County; thence along 
CSAH 22 to STH 74; thence along STH 74 to STH 30; thence along STH 30 
to CSAH 13, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway 14; 
thence along U.S. Highway 14 to STH 57; thence along STH 57 to CSAH 24, 
Dodge County; thence along CSAH 24 to CSAH 13, Olmsted County; thence 
along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway 52; thence along U.S. Highway 52 to CSAH 
12, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 12 to STH 247; thence along STH 
247 to the point of beginning.

Missouri

    Same zones as for ducks.

Ohio

    Lake Erie Goose Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line 
beginning at the Michigan border and extending south along Interstate 
75 to Interstate 280, south on Interstate 280 to Interstate 80, and 
east on Interstate 80 to the Pennsylvania border.
    North Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line beginning at the 
Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the West 
Virginia border excluding the portion of Ohio within the Lake Erie 
Goose Zone.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.

Tennessee

    Northwest Goose Zone: Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties and those 
portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties north of State Highways 20 and 104 
and east of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W
    Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the 
Northwest Goose Zone.

Wisconsin

    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.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon Zone.
    Mississippi River Subzone: 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.

[[Page 51679]]

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 N: 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 S: The Counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, 
Treasure, and Yellowstone.

Nebraska

Dark Geese
    Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the 
intersection of the South Dakota State line and the eastern Cherry 
County line, south along the Cherry County line to the Niobrara River, 
east to the Norden Road, south on the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east 
along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and 
County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County Line, 
north along the Knox County Line to the South Dakota State line. Where 
the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river are 
included in the Niobrara Unit.
    East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-
Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S. 275, south to 
U.S. 77, south to NE 91, east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State 
line.
    Platte River Unit: That area north and west of U.S. 81 at the 
Kansas-Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west along NE 91 to NE 
11, north to the Holt County line, west along the northern border of 
Garfield, Loup, Blaine and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, 
south along the Thomas-Hooker County lines to the McPherson County 
line, east along the south border of Thomas County to the western line 
of Custer County, south along the Custer-Logan County line to NE 92, 
west to U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61, south along NE 61 to NE 
92, west along NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south along U.S. Hwy 26 to Keith 
County Line, south along Keith County Line to the Colorado State line.
    Panhandle Unit: That area north and west of Keith-Deuel County Line 
at the Nebraska-Colorado State line, north along the Keith County Line 
to U.S. Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE Hwy 61, north along NE 
Hwy 61 to NE Hwy 2, west along NE 2 to the corner formed by Garden-
Grant-Sheridan Counties, west along the north border of Garden, 
Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the intersection of the 
Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming State line.
    North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State.
Light Geese
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area: The area bounded by the junction 
of NE Hwy. 92 and NE Hwy. 15, south along NE Hwy. 15 to NE Hwy. 4, west 
along NE Hwy. 4 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west along U.S. Hwy. 34 to U.S. Hwy. 
283, north along U.S. Hwy. 283 to U.S. Hwy. 30, east along U.S. Hwy. 30 
to NE Hwy. 92, east along NE Hwy. 92 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder portion 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; thence 
north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; thence west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; thence 
north on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; thence north on Mercer County Rd. 21 
to the section line between sections 8 and 9 (T146N-R87W); thence north 
on that section line to the southern shoreline to Lake Sakakawea; 
thence east along the southern shoreline (including Mallard Island) of 
Lake Sakakawea to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 
200; thence east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; thence south on ND Hwy 41 
to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to I-94; thence east on I-
94 to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to the South Dakota 
border; thence west along the South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6.
    Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota.

South Dakota

Canada Geese
    Unit 1: The Counties of Campbell, Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark, 
Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel, Walworth, 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 and Bon Homme 
Counties north and east of a line beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County 
line on State Highway 34, east to Lees Boulevard, southeast to the 
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, north on U.S. Highway 281 to the 
Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary, that portion of Bon Homme County 
north of State Highway 50, that portion of Perkins County west of State 
Highway 75 and south of State Highway 20; McPherson, Edmunds, 
Kingsbury, Brookings, Lake, Moody, Miner, Faulk, Hand, Jerauld, 
Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Union, Clay, Yankton, Aurora, Beadle, 
Davison, Hanson, Sanborn, Spink, Brown, Harding, Butte, Lawrence, 
Meade, Oglala Lakota (formerly Shannon), Jackson, Mellette, Todd, 
Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach, and McCook Counties; and those portions 
of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties outside of an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota state line and 
Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street) west to its junction with 
Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue), south on Minnehaha County 
Highway 149 (464th Avenue) to Hartford, then south on Minnehaha County 
Highway 151 (463rd Avenue) to State Highway 42, east on State Highway 
42 to State Highway 17, south on State Highway 17 to its junction with 
Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road), and east on Lincoln County 
Highway 116 (Klondike Road) to the South Dakota-Iowa state line, then 
north along the South Dakota-Iowa and South Dakota-Minnesota border to 
the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota state line

[[Page 51680]]

and Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street).
    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; and Fremont County excluding those portions south or 
west of the Continental Divide.
    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.

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: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the 
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with 
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its 
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with 
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection 
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to 
main street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North 
Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and 
east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the 
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the 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 extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    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 Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; 
northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the 
Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; 
south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland 
Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. 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, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    North Coast Special Management Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a 
line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn 
Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the 
junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on 
CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.

Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, 
Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those 
portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties west of the 
Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.

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: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, 
Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, 
Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, 
Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; and Power County west of State 
Highway 37 and State Highway 39.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
    Zone 4: Bear Lake County; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County, except that portion within the 
Fort Hall Indian Reservation.

[[Page 51681]]

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: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, 
Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, 
Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, 
Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham County within the 
Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County, except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State 
Highway 39.
    Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, 
Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington 
Counties.
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: 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, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, 
Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, 
Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, 
Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Caribou County, except 
the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Bingham County within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage.

Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana.

Nevada

    Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties.
    Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, 
Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and 
Washoe Counties.
    South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties.

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, Clatsop, Columbia, Clackamas, 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 Rd crosses the south shores of 
Horn Creek, north on Old Woods Rd to Sand Lake Rd at Woods, north on 
Sand Lake Rd to the intersection with McPhillips Dr, due west (~200 
yards) from the intersection to the Pacific coastline, south on the 
Pacific coastline to Neskowin Creek, east along the north shores of 
Neskowin Creek and then Hawk Creek to Salem Ave, east on Salem Ave in 
Neskowin to Hawk Ave, east on Hawk Ave to Hwy 101, north on Hwy 101 to 
Resort Dr, north on Resort Dr 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: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Klamath County Zone: All of Klamath County.
    Harney and Lake County Zone: All of Harney and Lake Counties.
    Malheur County Zone: All of Malheur County.

Utah

    Northern Zone: That portion of Box Elder County beginning the 
Weber-Box Elder county line, north along the Box Elder county line to 
the Utah-Idaho State line; west on this line to Stone, Idaho-Snowville, 
Utah road; southwest on this road to the Locomotive Springs Wildlife 
Management Area boundary; west, south, east, and then north along this 
boundary to the county road; east on the county road, past Monument 
Point and across Salt Wells Flat, to the intersection with Promontory 
Road; south on Promontory Road to a point directly west of the 
northwest corner of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge boundary; east 
along a line to the northwest corner of the Refuge boundary; south and 
east along the Refuge boundary to the southeast corner of the boundary; 
northeast along the boundary to the Perry access road; east on the 
Perry access road to I-15; south on I-15 to the Weber-Box Elder County 
line.
    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 and along I-84 to I-80; south along I-80 to 
U.S.-189; south and west along U.S.-189 to the Utah County line; 
southeast and then west along this line to I-15; north on I-15 to U.S.-
6; west on U.S.-6 to SR-36; north on SR-36 to I-80; north along a line 
from this intersection to the southern tip of Promontory Point and 
Promontory Road; east and north along this road to the causeway 
separating Bear River Bay from Ogden Bay; east on this causeway to the 
southwest corner of Great Salt Lake Mineral Corporations (GSLMC) west 
impoundment; north and east along GSLMC's west impoundment to the 
northwest corner of the impoundment; directly north from this point 
along an imaginary 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.
    Washington County Zone: All of Washington County.
    Balance of State Zone: The remainder of Utah.

Washington

    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.

[[Page 51682]]

    Area 2A (Southwest Permit Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum 
Counties.
    Area 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.
    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: Balance of the State.

Washington

    Puget Sound Zone: Skagit County.
    Coastal Zone: Pacific County.

Swans

Central Flyway

    South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, 
Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Deuel, Day, 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.

[FR Doc. 2015-20371 Filed 8-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-55-P



                                                    51658                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              proposal provided a background and                    announced the Service Regulations
                                                                                                            overview of the migratory bird hunting                Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council
                                                    Fish and Wildlife Service                               regulations process, and addressed the                meetings.
                                                                                                            establishment of seasons, limits, and                    On June 24–25, 2015, we held open
                                                    50 CFR Part 20                                          other regulations for hunting migratory               meetings with the Flyway Council
                                                                                                            game birds under §§ 20.101 through                    Consultants, at which the participants
                                                    [Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064;
                                                    FF09M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0]                         20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K.              reviewed information on the current
                                                                                                            Major steps in the 2015–16 regulatory                 status of migratory shore and upland
                                                    RIN 1018–BA67                                           cycle relating to open public meetings                game birds and developed
                                                                                                            and Federal Register notifications were               recommendations for the 2015–16
                                                    Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed                                                                              regulations for these species plus
                                                                                                            also identified in the April 13 proposed
                                                    Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory                                                                          regulations for migratory game birds in
                                                                                                            rule. Further, we explained that all
                                                    Bird Hunting Regulations                                                                                      Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
                                                                                                            sections of subsequent documents
                                                    AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,                    outlining hunting frameworks and                      Islands; special September waterfowl
                                                    Interior.                                               guidelines were organized under                       seasons in designated States; special sea
                                                    ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.                    numbered headings. Those headings                     duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway;
                                                                                                            are:                                                  and extended falconry seasons. In
                                                    SUMMARY:   The Fish and Wildlife Service                                                                      addition, we reviewed and discussed
                                                                                                            1. Ducks
                                                    (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing                   A. General Harvest Strategy
                                                                                                                                                                  preliminary information on the status of
                                                    to establish the 2015–16 late-season                       B. Regulatory Alternatives                         waterfowl as it relates to the
                                                    hunting regulations for certain                            C. Zones and Split Seasons                         development and selection of the
                                                    migratory game birds. We annually                          D. Special Seasons/Species Management              regulatory packages for the 2015–16
                                                    prescribe frameworks, or outer limits,                     i. September Teal Seasons                          regular waterfowl seasons.
                                                    for dates and times when hunting may                       ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons                  On July 21, 2015, we published in the
                                                    occur and the number of birds that may                     iii. Black ducks                                   Federal Register (80 FR 43266) a third
                                                                                                               iv. Canvasbacks                                    document specifically dealing with the
                                                    be taken and possessed in late seasons.                    v. Pintails
                                                    These frameworks are necessary to                                                                             proposed frameworks for early-season
                                                                                                               vi. Scaup
                                                    allow State selections of seasons and                      vii. Mottled ducks
                                                                                                                                                                  regulations. In late August 2015, we will
                                                    limits and to allow recreational harvest                   viii. Wood ducks                                   publish a rulemaking establishing final
                                                    at levels compatible with population                       ix. Youth Hunt                                     frameworks for early-season migratory
                                                    and habitat conditions.                                    x. Mallard Management Units                        bird hunting regulations for the 2015–16
                                                                                                               xi. Other                                          season.
                                                    DATES: You must submit comments on
                                                                                                            2. Sea Ducks                                             On July 29–30, 2015, we held open
                                                    the proposed migratory bird hunting                     3. Mergansers                                         meetings with the Flyway Council
                                                    late-season frameworks by September 4,                  4. Canada Geese                                       Consultants, at which the participants
                                                    2015.                                                      A. Special Seasons                                 reviewed the status of waterfowl and
                                                    ADDRESSES: Comments: You may submit                        B. Regular Seasons
                                                                                                                                                                  developed recommendations for the
                                                    comments on the proposals by one of                        C. Special Late Seasons
                                                                                                            5. White-fronted Geese                                2015–16 regulations for these species.
                                                    the following methods:                                                                                           This document deals specifically with
                                                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                6. Brant
                                                                                                            7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese                      proposed frameworks for the late-season
                                                    www.regulations.gov. Follow the                         8. Swans                                              migratory bird hunting regulations. It
                                                    instructions for submitting comments                    9. Sandhill Cranes                                    will lead to final frameworks from
                                                    on Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–                           10. Coots                                             which States may select season dates,
                                                    0064.                                                   11. Moorhens and Gallinules                           shooting hours, areas, and limits. We
                                                       • U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public                 12. Rails                                             have considered all pertinent comments
                                                    Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ–                      13. Snipe
                                                                                                            14. Woodcock
                                                                                                                                                                  received through August 1, 2015, on the
                                                    MB–2014–0064; Division of Policy,                                                                             April 13 and June 11, 2015, rulemaking
                                                    Performance, and Management                             15. Band-tailed Pigeons
                                                                                                            16. Doves                                             documents in developing this
                                                    Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife                        17. Alaska                                            document. In addition, new proposals
                                                    Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike;                  18. Hawaii                                            for certain late-season regulations are
                                                    Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.                            19. Puerto Rico                                       provided for public comment. The
                                                       We will post all comments on http://                 20. Virgin Islands                                    comment period is specified above
                                                    www.regulations.gov. This generally                     21. Falconry                                          under DATES. We will publish final
                                                    means that we will post any personal                    22. Other
                                                                                                                                                                  regulatory frameworks for late-season
                                                    information you provide us (see the                        Subsequent documents will refer only               migratory game bird hunting in the
                                                    Review of Public Comments and Flyway                    to numbered items requiring attention.                Federal Register on or around
                                                    Council Recommendations section,                        Therefore, it is important to note that we            September 20, 2015.
                                                    below, for more information).                           will omit those items requiring no
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron                    attention, and remaining numbered                     Population Status and Harvest
                                                    W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife                        items will be discontinuous and appear                   The following paragraphs provide
                                                    Service, Department of the Interior, MS:                incomplete.                                           preliminary information on the status
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church,                      On June 11, 2015, we published in the              and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from
                                                    VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–1967.                          Federal Register (80 FR 33223) a second               various reports. For more detailed
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              document providing supplemental                       information on methodologies and
                                                                                                            proposals for early- and late-season                  results, you may obtain complete copies
                                                    Regulations Schedule for 2015                           migratory bird hunting regulations. The               of the various reports at the address
                                                      On April 13, 2015, we published in                    June 11 supplement also provided                      indicated under FOR FURTHER
                                                    the Federal Register (80 FR 19852) a                    detailed information on the proposed                  INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web
                                                    proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The                   2015–16 regulatory schedule and                       site at http://www.fws.gov/


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51659

                                                    migratorybirds/                                         and is 43 percent higher than the long-               1990–2014 averages of 0.3 ± 0.04
                                                    NewsPublicationsReports.html.                           term average (1955–2014). This year                   million and 0.4 ± 0.07 million,
                                                                                                            also marks the highest estimates in the               respectively. The abundance estimate of
                                                    Waterfowl Breeding Population and
                                                                                                            time series for mallards (Anas                        ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris, 0.5
                                                    Habitat Survey
                                                                                                            platyrhynchos) and green-winged teal                  ± 0.07 million) was similar to the 2014
                                                       Federal, provincial, and State                       (A. crecca). Estimated mallard                        estimate and the 1990–2014 average.
                                                    agencies conduct surveys each spring to                 abundance was 11.6 ± 0.4 million,                     Fall Flight Estimate
                                                    estimate the size of breeding                           which was similar to the 2014 estimate
                                                    populations and to evaluate habitat                     of 10.9 ± 0.3 million, and 51 percent                    The midcontinent mallard population
                                                    conditions. These surveys are                           above the long-term average of 7.7 ±                  is composed of mallards from the
                                                    conducted using fixed-wing aircraft,                    0.04 million. Estimated abundance of                  traditional survey area (revised in 2008
                                                    helicopters, and ground crews and                       gadwall (A. strepera; 3.8 ± 0.2 million)              to exclude mallards in Alaska and the
                                                    encompass principal breeding areas of                   and American wigeon (A. americana;                    Old Crow Flats area of the Yukon
                                                    North America, covering an area over                    3.0 ± 0.2 million) were similar to last               Territory), Michigan, Minnesota, and
                                                    2.0 million square miles. The traditional               year’s estimates, and were 100 percent                Wisconsin, and is estimated to be 13.8
                                                    survey area comprises Alaska, western                   and 17 percent above their long-term                  ± 1.4 million birds in 2015. This is
                                                    Canada, and the northcentral United                     averages of 1.9 ± 0.02 million and 2.6 ±              similar to the 2014 estimate of 13.4 ± 1.3
                                                    States, and includes approximately 1.3                  0.02 million, respectively. The                       million. See section 1.A. General
                                                    million square miles. The eastern survey                estimated abundance of green-winged                   Harvest Strategy for further discussion
                                                    area includes parts of Ontario, Quebec,                 teal was 4.1 ± 0.3 million, which was 19              of the implications of this information
                                                    Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,                    percent above the 2014 estimate of 3.4                for this year’s selection of the
                                                    Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick,                    ± 0.2 million and 98 percent above the                appropriate hunting regulations.
                                                    New York, and Maine, an area of                         long-term average (2.1 ± 0.02 million).               Status of Geese and Swans
                                                    approximately 0.7 million square miles.                 Estimated blue-winged teal (A. discors;
                                                       Despite an early spring over most of                                                                          We provide information on the
                                                                                                            8.5 ± 0.4 million) abundance was                      population status and productivity of
                                                    the survey area, habitat conditions
                                                                                                            similar to the 2014 estimate, and 73                  North American Canada geese (Branta
                                                    during the 2015 Waterfowl Breeding
                                                                                                            percent above the long-term average of                canadensis), brant (B. bernicla), snow
                                                    Population and Habitat Survey
                                                                                                            4.9 ± 0.04 million. Estimated abundance               geese (Chen caerulescens), Ross’s geese
                                                    (WBPHS) were similar to or poorer than
                                                                                                            of northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 4.4 ±             (C. rossii), emperor geese (C. canagica),
                                                    last year. With the exception of portions
                                                                                                            0.2 million) was 17 percent below the                 white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons),
                                                    of southern Saskatchewan and central
                                                                                                            2014 estimate but 75 percent above the                and tundra swans (Cygnus
                                                    latitudes of eastern Canada, in many
                                                    areas the decline in habitat conditions                 long-term average of 2.5 ± 0.02 million.              columbianus). Production of arctic-
                                                    was due to average to below-average                     Northern pintail abundance (A. acuta;                 nesting geese depends heavily upon the
                                                    annual precipitation. The total pond                    3.0 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the                 timing of snow and ice melt, and spring
                                                    estimate (Prairie Canada and United                     2014 estimate and 24 percent below the                and early summer temperatures.
                                                    States combined) was 6.3 ± 0.2 million,                 long-term average of 4.0 ± 0.04 million.                 In 2015, conditions in the Arctic and
                                                    which was 12 percent below the 2014                     Abundance estimates for redheads                      boreal areas important for geese were
                                                    estimate of 7.2 ± 0.2 million but 21                    (Aythya americana; 1.2 ± 0.1 million)                 variable. Compared to last year, snow
                                                    percent above the long-term average of                  and canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria; 0.8              and ice conditions were less extensive
                                                    5.2 ± 0.03 million. The 2015 estimate of                ± 0.06 million) were similar to their                 in the western Arctic, more extensive in
                                                    ponds in Prairie Canada was 4.2 ± 0.1                   2014 estimates and were 71 percent and                the central Arctic, and similar in the
                                                    million. This estimate was 10 percent                   30 percent above their long-term                      eastern Arctic. Breeding conditions
                                                    below the 2014 estimate of 4.6 ± 0.2                    averages of 0.7 ± 0.01 million and 0.6 ±              were good on Bylot Island in the eastern
                                                    million but 19 percent above the long-                  0.01 million, respectively. Estimated                 Arctic, and an average to above-average
                                                    term average (3.5 ± 0.02 million). The                  abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A.                 fall flight was expected for greater snow
                                                    2015 pond estimate for the northcentral                 marila combined; 4.4 ± 0.3 million) was               geese. Biologists reported later-than-
                                                    United States was 2.2 ± 0.09 million,                   similar to the 2014 estimate and 13                   average spring phenology at
                                                    which was 16 percent below the 2014                     percent below the long-term average of                Southampton Island, the northern and
                                                    estimate of 2.6 ± 0.1 million and 28                    5.0 ± 0.05 million.                                   western coastal areas of the Hudson
                                                    percent above the long-term average (1.7                  The eastern survey area was                         Bay, and the southern portion of Baffin
                                                    ± 0.02 million). Additional details of the              restratified in 2005, and is now                      Island. Atlantic brant have had 3 years
                                                    2015 Survey were provided in the July                   composed of strata 51–72. In the eastern              of low production, and below-average
                                                    21 Federal Register and are available                   survey area, estimated abundance of                   production was expected again this
                                                    from our Web site at http://                            American black ducks (Anas rubripes)                  year. Habitat conditions across Atlantic
                                                    www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.                             was 0.5 ± .04 million, which was 11                   Canada were generally good, except for
                                                                                                            percent below last year’s estimate and                a more persistent spring snow pack and
                                                    Breeding Population Status                              13 percent below the 1990–2014                        ice coverage in higher elevation areas in
                                                      In the traditional survey area, which                 average. The estimated abundance of                   Newfoundland and Labrador. Nesting
                                                    includes strata 1–18, 20–50, and 75–77,                 mallards (0.4 ± 0.1 million) and                      conditions were below average on the
                                                    the total duck population estimate                      mergansers (0.4 ± 0.04 million) were                  Ungava Peninsula, and lakes and ponds
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                                                    (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.],                    similar to the 2014 estimates and their               along the eastern Hudson Bay coast
                                                    eiders [Somateria spp. and Polysticta                   1990–2014 averages. Abundance                         remained frozen in mid-June. North
                                                    stelleri], long-tailed ducks [Clangula                  estimates of green-winged teal (0.2 ±                 Atlantic Population and Atlantic
                                                    hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus spp. and                  0.04 million) and goldeneyes (common                  Population Canada goose numbers were
                                                    Lophodytes cucullatus], and wood                        and Barrow’s [Bucephala clangula and                  similar to recent averages, and average
                                                    ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 49.5 ± 0.8 [SE]                 B. islandica], 0.4 ± 0.4 million) were                fall flights were expected. Of the Canada
                                                    million birds. This estimate is similar to              similar to their 2014 estimates, and were             goose populations that migrate through
                                                    the 2014 estimate of 49.2 ± 0.8 million,                14 percent and 15 percent below their                 the Mississippi Flyway, Eastern Prairie


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                                                    51660                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Population numbers were similar to last                 geese statistically significantly increased           corresponding to the numbered items in
                                                    year, and average to above-average                      and 2 populations statistically                       the April 13 and June 11, 2015, Federal
                                                    production was expected; Southern                       significantly decreased (Southern James               Register documents.
                                                    James Bay Population and Mississippi                    Bay Population and Mississippi Valley
                                                                                                                                                                  General
                                                    Valley Population breeding numbers                      Population Canada geese) in 2015
                                                    were down relative to recent years, with                compared to 2014. Of the 15                              Written Comments: A commenter
                                                    average and below-average fall flights                  populations for which primary indices                 protested the entire migratory bird
                                                    predicted, respectively. Ice breakup and                did not include variance estimates, 8                 hunting regulations process, the killing
                                                    nesting phenology in the Queen Maud                     populations were higher than last year,               of all migratory birds, and status and
                                                    Gulf region of the central Arctic were                  and 7 populations were lower.                         habitat data on which the migratory bird
                                                    similar to long-term averages, and                                                                            hunting regulations are based.
                                                                                                            Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity                    Service Response: Our long-term
                                                    nesting conditions and habitat were
                                                    good to above average in the western                      National surveys of migratory bird                  objectives continue to include providing
                                                    Arctic and Northwest Territories. Thus,                 hunters were conducted during the                     opportunities to harvest portions of
                                                    average to above-average production                     2013–14 and 2014–15 hunting seasons.                  certain migratory game bird populations
                                                    was expected for Ross’s, mid-continent                  Over 1 million waterfowl hunters                      and to limit harvests to levels
                                                    snow, mid-continent white-fronted, and                  harvested 13,716,400 (± 6 percent)                    compatible with each population’s
                                                    lesser and Central Flyway Arctic nesting                ducks and 3,360,400 (± 6 percent) geese               ability to maintain healthy, viable
                                                    Canada geese. Alaska experienced an                     in 2013, and over 1 million waterfowl                 numbers. Having taken into account the
                                                    early spring and mild breakup of ice                    hunters harvested 13,267,800 (± 4                     zones of temperature and the
                                                    with minimal flooding on the Yukon–                     percent) ducks and 3,321,100 (± 11                    distribution, abundance, economic
                                                    Kuskokwim Delta and other interior                      percent) geese in 2014. Mallard, green-               value, breeding habits, and times and
                                                    areas of the State. With less persistent                winged teal, gadwall, blue-winged/                    lines of flight of migratory birds, we
                                                    ice and snow cover and favorable                        cinnamon teal, and wood duck (Aix                     believe that the hunting seasons
                                                    breeding conditions in the western                      sponsa) were the five most-harvested                  provided for herein are compatible with
                                                    Arctic and Alaska, the outlook for goose                duck species in the United States, and                the current status of migratory bird
                                                    and swan populations nesting in these                   Canada goose was the predominant                      populations and long-term population
                                                    areas was good to excellent. With the                   goose species in the goose harvest.                   goals. Additionally, we are obligated to,
                                                    exception of cackling Canada geese,                     Review of Public Comments and                         and do, give serious consideration to all
                                                    indices for geese and swans that breed                  Flyway Council Recommendations                        information received as public
                                                    on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta were                                                                             comment. While there are problems
                                                    lower this year compared to last year,                     The preliminary proposed                           inherent with any type of representative
                                                    though later survey timing relative to                  rulemaking, which appeared in the                     management of public-trust resources,
                                                    the early spring conditions may have                    April 13, 2015, Federal Register,                     we believe that the Flyway-Council
                                                    contributed to lower counts. Record                     opened the public comment period for                  system of migratory game bird
                                                    high counts were observed this year for                 migratory game bird hunting                           management has been a longstanding
                                                    the Wrangel Island Population of lesser                 regulations. The supplemental proposed                example of State-Federal cooperative
                                                    snow geese and dusky Canada geese,                      rule, which appeared in the June 11,                  management since its establishment in
                                                    and the spring index for emperor geese                  2015, Federal Register, discussed the                 1952. However, as always, we continue
                                                    was the highest recorded in over three                  regulatory alternatives for the 2015–16               to seek new ways to streamline and
                                                    decades.                                                duck hunting season. Late-season                      improve the process.
                                                       Across much of the Canadian and                      comments are summarized below and
                                                    U.S. prairies, spring phenology was                     numbered in the order used in the June                1. Ducks
                                                    early. Habitat conditions were generally                11 Federal Register. We have included                    Categories used to discuss issues
                                                    rated good to fair on the Canadian                      only the numbered items pertaining to                 related to duck harvest management are:
                                                    prairies and fair to poor on the U.S.                   late-season issues for which we received              (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B)
                                                    prairies. Southern and central portions                 written comments. Consequently, the                   Regulatory Alternatives, (C) Zones and
                                                    of the western United States were                       issues do not follow in successive                    Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/
                                                    exceptionally dry, and habitat                          numerical order.                                      Species Management. The categories
                                                    conditions there were generally poor.                      We received recommendations from                   correspond to previously published
                                                    However, production of temperate-                       all four Flyway Councils. Some                        issues/discussion, and only those
                                                    nesting Canada geese over most of their                 recommendations supported                             containing substantial recommendations
                                                    North American range is expected to be                  continuation of last year’s frameworks.               are discussed below.
                                                    average, and similar to previous years.                 Due to the comprehensive nature of the
                                                       Of the 28 goose and swan populations                 annual review of the frameworks                       A. General Harvest Strategy
                                                    included in the report, 6 had significant               performed by the Councils, support for                   Council Recommendations: The
                                                    positive trends during the most recent                  continuation of last year’s frameworks is             Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
                                                    10-year period (P < 0.05): Western                      assumed for items for which no                        Pacific Flyway Councils recommended
                                                    Prairie and Great Plains Population,                    recommendations were received.                        the adoption of the ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory
                                                    dusky, and Aleutian Canada geese; and                   Council recommendations for changes                   alternative.
                                                    mid-continent, Western Central Flyway,                  in the frameworks are summarized                         Service Response: We continue to use
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    and Western Arctic and Wrangel Island                   below.                                                adaptive harvest management (AHM)
                                                    light geese. Three populations, Atlantic                   We seek additional information and                 protocols that allow hunting regulations
                                                    brant, and the Atlantic and Southern                    comments on the recommendations in                    to vary among Flyways in a manner that
                                                    James Bay Populations of Canada geese,                  this supplemental proposed rule. New                  recognizes each Flyway’s breeding-
                                                    showed a statistically significant                      proposals and modifications to                        ground derivation of mallards. In 2008,
                                                    negative 10-year trend. Of the 13                       previously described proposals are                    we described and adopted a protocol for
                                                    populations for which primary indices                   discussed below. Wherever possible,                   regulatory decision-making for the
                                                    included variance estimates, Ross’s                     they are discussed under headings                     newly defined stock of western mallards


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51661

                                                    (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008). For the                   regulatory alternative, as described in               Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the
                                                    2015 hunting season, we continue to                     the July 21, 2015, Federal Register.                  Central Flyway, and 107 days in the
                                                    believe that the prescribed regulatory                                                                        Pacific Flyway.
                                                                                                            D. Special Seasons/Species                               Service Response: Since 1994, we
                                                    choice for the Pacific Flyway should be
                                                                                                            Management                                            have followed a canvasback harvest
                                                    based on the status of this western
                                                    mallard breeding stock, while the                       iii. Black Ducks                                      strategy whereby if canvasback
                                                    regulatory choice for the Mississippi                                                                         population status and production are
                                                                                                               Council Recommendations: The
                                                    and Central Flyways should depend on                                                                          sufficient to permit a harvest of one
                                                                                                            Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
                                                    the status of the redefined mid-                                                                              canvasback per day nationwide for the
                                                                                                            Councils recommended that the Service
                                                    continent mallard stock. We also                                                                              entire length of the regular duck season,
                                                                                                            follow the International Black Duck
                                                    recommend that the regulatory choice                                                                          while still attaining an objective of
                                                                                                            AHM Strategy for 2015–16.                             500,000 birds the following spring, the
                                                    for the Atlantic Flyway continue to                        Service Response: In 2012, we
                                                    depend on the status of eastern                                                                               season on canvasbacks should be
                                                                                                            adopted the International Black Duck
                                                    mallards.                                                                                                     opened. A partial season would be
                                                                                                            AHM Strategy (77 FR 49868; August 17,                 permitted if the estimated allowable
                                                       For the 2015 hunting season, we are
                                                    continuing to consider the same                         2012). The formal strategy is the result              harvest was below that associated with
                                                    regulatory alternatives as those used last              of 14 years of technical and policy                   a 1-bird daily bag limit for the entire
                                                    year. The nature of the ‘‘restrictive,’’                decisions developed and agreed upon                   season. If neither of these conditions
                                                    ‘‘moderate,’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ alternatives              by both Canadian and U.S. agencies and                can be met, the harvest strategy calls for
                                                    has remained essentially unchanged                      waterfowl managers. The strategy                      a closed season on canvasbacks
                                                    since 1997, except that extended                        clarifies what harvest levels each                    nationwide. In 2008 (73 FR 43290; July
                                                    framework dates have been offered in                    country will manage for and reduces                   24, 2008), we announced our decision to
                                                    the ‘‘moderate’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory             conflicts over country-specific                       modify the canvasback harvest strategy
                                                    alternatives since 2002 (67 FR 47224;                   regulatory policies. Further, the strategy            to incorporate the option for a 2-bird
                                                    July 17, 2002). Also, in 2003, we agreed                allows for attainment of fundamental                  daily bag limit for canvasbacks when
                                                    to place a constraint on closed seasons                 objectives of black duck management:                  the predicted breeding population the
                                                    in the Mississippi and Central Flyways                  Resource conservation, perpetuation of                subsequent year exceeds 725,000 birds.
                                                    whenever the midcontinent mallard                       hunting tradition, and equitable access                  This year’s spring survey resulted in
                                                    breeding-population size (as defined                    to the black duck resource between                    an estimate of 757,000 canvasbacks and
                                                    prior to 2008; traditional survey area                  Canada and the United States while                    4.15 million Canadian ponds. The
                                                    plus Minnesota, Michigan, and                           accommodating the fundamental                         canvasback harvest strategy predicts a
                                                    Wisconsin) was ≥ 5.5 million (68 FR                     sources of uncertainty, partial                       2016 canvasback breeding population of
                                                    37362; June 23, 2003). This constraint                  controllability and observability,                    727,000 birds under a liberal duck
                                                    subsequently was revised in 2008 to ≥                   structural uncertainty, and                           season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    4.75 million to account for the change                  environmental variation. The                          Because the predicted 2016 spring
                                                    in the definition of midcontinent                       underlying model performance is                       canvasback population under a liberal
                                                    mallards to exclude birds from Alaska                   assessed annually, with a                             2-bird-bag season is greater than
                                                    and the Old Crow Flats area of the                      comprehensive evaluation of the entire                725,000, and since the recommended
                                                    Yukon Territory (73 FR 43293; July 24,                  strategy (objectives and model set)                   duck season under AHM is liberal, the
                                                    2008).                                                  planned after 6 years. A copy of the                  harvest strategy stipulates that there
                                                       The optimal AHM strategies for mid-                  strategy is available at the address                  should be a full canvasback season with
                                                    continent, eastern, and western mallards                indicated under FOR FURTHER                           a 2-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    for the 2015–16 hunting season were                     INFORMATION CONTACT, or from our Web
                                                                                                            site at http://www.fws.gov/                           v. Pintails
                                                    calculated using: (1) Harvest-
                                                    management objectives specific to each                  migratorybirds/                                          Council Recommendations: The
                                                    mallard stock; (2) the 2015 regulatory                  NewsPublicationsReports.html.                         Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
                                                    alternatives; and (3) current population                   For the 2015–16 season, the optimal                Pacific Flyway Councils recommended
                                                    models and associated weights. Based                    country-specific regulatory strategies                a full season for pintails, consisting of
                                                    on this year’s survey results of 11.79                  were calculated in September 2014                     a 2-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day
                                                    million mid-continent mallards                          using: (1) The black duck harvest                     season in the Atlantic and Mississippi
                                                    (traditional survey area minus Alaska                   objective (98 percent of long-term                    Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central
                                                    and the Old Crow Flats area of the                      cumulative harvest); (2) 2015–16                      Flyway, and a 107-day season in the
                                                    Yukon Territory, plus Minnesota,                        country-specific regulatory alternatives;             Pacific Flyway.
                                                    Wisconsin, and Michigan) and 4.15                       (3) parameter estimates for mallard                      Service Response: The current derived
                                                    million ponds in Prairie Canada, 0.73                   competition and additive mortality; and               pintail harvest strategy was adopted by
                                                    million eastern mallards (0.19 million                  (4) 2014 estimates of 0.619 million                   the Service and Flyway Councils in
                                                    and 0.54 million respectively in                        breeding black ducks and 0.445 million                2010 (75 FR 44856; July 29, 2010). For
                                                    northeast Canada and the northeastern                   breeding mallards in the core survey                  this year, an optimal regulatory strategy
                                                    United States), and 0.73 million western                area. The optimal regulatory choices are              for pintails was calculated with: (1) An
                                                    mallards (0.26 million in California-                   the moderate package in Canada and the                objective of maximizing long-term
                                                    Oregon and 0.47 million in Alaska), the                                                                       cumulative harvest, including a closed-
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            restrictive package in the United States.
                                                    optimal regulatory choice for all four                                                                        season constraint of 1.75 million birds;
                                                    Flyways is the ‘‘liberal’’ alternative.                 iv. Canvasbacks                                       (2) the regulatory alternatives and
                                                    Therefore, we concur with the                              Council Recommendations: The                       associated predicted harvest; and (3)
                                                    recommendations of the Atlantic,                        Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and                   current population models and their
                                                    Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway                Pacific Flyway Councils recommended                   relative weights. Based on this year’s
                                                    Councils regarding selection of the                     a full season for canvasbacks with a 2-               survey results of 3.04 million pintails
                                                    ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory alternative and                  bird daily bag limit. Season lengths                  observed at a mean latitude of 55.9 and
                                                    propose to adopt the ‘‘liberal’’                        would be 60 days in the Atlantic and                  a latitude-adjusted breeding population


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                                                    51662                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    of 4.16 million birds, the optimal                      we do not support the modification of                 all of Clark County (2A) and Grays
                                                    regulatory choice for all four Flyways is               the boundary of the HPMMU in Kansas.                  Harbour County (2B).
                                                    the ‘‘liberal’’ alternative with a 2-bird               We note that the boundary has been in                    4. In Idaho, modify the frameworks to
                                                    daily bag limit.                                        place since the 1970s, and is sufficiently            create a new zone by removing Bear
                                                                                                            clear for enforcement of waterfowl                    Lake County and Caribou County,
                                                    vi. Scaup                                                                                                     except that portion within the Fort Hall
                                                                                                            hunting regulations. Further, we do not
                                                      Council Recommendations: The                          believe sufficient biological information             Indian Reservation, from Zone 2 and
                                                    Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and                     is available to warrant changes to the                renaming these counties Zone 4.
                                                    Pacific Flyway Councils recommended                     boundary at the scales proposed.                         Service Response: The Atlantic
                                                    use of the ‘‘moderate’’ regulation                      However, if the Flyway Council believes               Flyway Council revised criteria used to
                                                    package, consisting of a 60-day season                  the demographics of ducks have                        delineate new AFRP Canada goose
                                                    with a 2-bird daily bag in the Atlantic                 changed and may warrant a change in                   harvest areas and evaluate AFRP
                                                    Flyway, a 74-day season with a 3-bird                   the boundary, we suggest that an                      seasons for the 2015–17 seasons. We
                                                    daily bag limit in the Central Flyway,                  assessment of data should be conducted                agree with the Council that the Coastal
                                                    and an 86-day season with a 3-bird daily                that could inform a change at the                     Zone in New Jersey meets the new
                                                    bag limit in the Pacific Flyway.                        Management Unit level. We understand                  criteria as an AFRP zone. The additional
                                                      Service Response: In 2008, we                         the Council’s position that this is a                 days and increased bag limit will allow
                                                    adopted and implemented a new scaup                     small change; however, we do not                      for the harvest of additional AFRP
                                                    harvest strategy (73 FR 43290 on July                   believe that small, incremental changes               Canada geese.
                                                    24, 2008, and 73 FR 51124 on August                     to the boundary are the proper approach                  We agree with the Pacific Flyway
                                                    29, 2008) with initial ‘‘restrictive,’’                 to the perceived changes in duck                      Council’s recommendations to close the
                                                    ‘‘moderate,’’ and ‘‘liberal’’ regulatory                distribution or to provide hunter                     dusky Canada goose season and restrict
                                                    packages adopted for each Flyway.                       opportunity.                                          shooting hours for geese in the Permit
                                                      The 2015 breeding population                                                                                Zones of Oregon and Washington, and
                                                    estimate for scaup is 4.40 million,                     4. Canada Geese                                       expand Permit Zone boundaries. Seven
                                                    which is similar to the 2014 estimate.                                                                        subspecies of Canada geese winter in
                                                                                                            B. Regular Seasons
                                                    An optimal regulatory strategy for scaup                                                                      the Pacific Flyway and are managed as
                                                    was calculated with an objective of                        Council Recommendations: The                       separate populations. Most Canada
                                                    achieving 95 percent of maximum long-                   Atlantic Flyway Council recommended                   goose populations are abundant and at
                                                    term cumulative harvest and updated                     that New Jersey be permitted to change                or above population objectives;
                                                    model parameters and their relative                     the designation of their Coastal Zone                 however, the dusky Canada goose
                                                    weights. Based on this year’s breeding                  from an Atlantic Population (AP) to an                population has generally remained at
                                                    population estimate of 4.40 million, the                Atlantic Flyway Resident Population                   <20,000 geese. Dusky Canada geese have
                                                    optimal regulatory choice for scaup is                  (AFRP) Canada goose zone for the next                 a small breeding range including the
                                                    the ‘‘moderate’’ package in all four                    3-year period (2015–17). Frameworks                   Copper River Delta and adjacent islands
                                                    Flyways.                                                for the AFRP Zone would be 80 days                    in Alaska. Since 1985, the dusky Canada
                                                                                                            between the fourth Saturday in October                goose breeding population has varied
                                                    ix. Youth Hunt                                          and February 15, with daily bag and                   between 7,000 and 18,000 geese. The
                                                       Council Recommendations: The                         possession limits of 5 and 15 Canada                  most recent (2015) estimate of the
                                                    Atlantic Flyway Council recommended                     geese, respectively. The season could be              breeding population size is 17,873
                                                    allowing the States to use their                        split into 3 segments.                                geese, and the recent 3-year (2012–2015,
                                                    definitions of age for youth hunters as                    The Pacific Flyway Council                         no estimate was available in 2013)
                                                    the age requirement for participation in                recommended the following changes to                  average is 15,574 geese. In addition to
                                                    youth hunting days.                                     goose season frameworks for the Pacific               the small population size, the dusky
                                                       The Mississippi and Central Flyway                   Flyway:                                               goose population has low harvest
                                                    Councils recommended that we allow                                                                            potential, and these birds are especially
                                                                                                               1. In Oregon and Washington, modify
                                                    States to use their established                                                                               vulnerable to harvest. Consequently, the
                                                                                                            frameworks to close the season for
                                                    definitions of age for youth hunters as                                                                       take of dusky geese must be limited to
                                                                                                            dusky Canada geese in Oregon’s
                                                    the age requirement for participation in                                                                      a greater extent than other Canada goose
                                                                                                            Northwest Permit Zone and
                                                    youth hunting days, not to include                                                                            populations in the Pacific Flyway.
                                                                                                            Washington’s Southwest Permit Zone,                      A permit and quota system with
                                                    anyone over the age of 17.                              and restrict beginning goose shooting
                                                       Service Response: Given that these                                                                         mandatory hunter reporting at check
                                                                                                            hours to no earlier than sunrise in                   stations was implemented in 1985, in
                                                    recommendations would not take effect
                                                                                                            Oregon’s Northwest Permit Zone and                    the primary dusky Canada goose
                                                    until the 2016–17 season, our desire for
                                                                                                            Washington’s Southwest Permit Zone.                   wintering area of Oregon and
                                                    unanimity between the Councils, and
                                                    that at least one Flyway Council has yet                   2. In Oregon, expand the Northwest                 Washington (Permit Zones). Once the
                                                    to take action, we are deferring our                    Permit Zone to include the Northwest                  quota was exceeded, the goose season in
                                                    decision on the Councils’                               Zone, and modify the Tillamook County                 the Permit Zones was closed to protect
                                                    recommendations until the October                       Special Management Area by reducing                   against additional take of dusky geese.
                                                    2015 SRC meeting.                                       the area from all of Tillamook County to              Check stations cost about $335,000
                                                                                                            only that area currently described as                 annually to operate in Oregon and
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                                                    x. Mallard Management Units                             closed to goose hunting.                              Washington. Due to budgetary
                                                       Council Recommendations: The                            3. In Washington, modify frameworks                constraints, Oregon and Washington
                                                    Central Flyway Council recommended a                    to eliminate the special late season and              prefer to close the dusky Canada goose
                                                    minor change to the High Plains Mallard                 extend the regular season to March 10                 season rather than operate a quota
                                                    Management Unit (HPMMU) boundary                        in Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit                  system with mandatory hunter reporting
                                                    in Kansas.                                              Zone), eliminate the Aleutian goose bag               at check stations.
                                                       Service Response: As we stated in                    limit restriction in Area 2B, and expand                 Regular Canada goose seasons in the
                                                    2011 (76 FR 54052, August 30, 2011),                    the Southwest Permit Zone to include                  Permit Zones of Oregon and Washington


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51663

                                                    will remain subject to a memorandum of                  The special late goose season could be                Mississippi Flyway recommendation for
                                                    agreement entered into with the Service                 held between the Saturday following the               the 2015–16 season. We urge the two
                                                    regarding monitoring the impacts of take                close of the general goose season, which              Flyway Councils to initiate
                                                    during the regular Canada goose season                  was the last Sunday in January, and                   consultations prior to this fall for a
                                                    on the dusky Canada goose population.                   March 10. Eliminating the special late                similar proposal for the 2016–17
                                                    Existing monitoring programs of dusky                   season and extend the regular season to               hunting season.
                                                    Canada geese provide total abundance,                   March 10 in Areas 2A and 2B for
                                                                                                                                                                  5. White-Fronted Geese
                                                    productivity, and apparent adult annual                 Canada goose has no consequence in
                                                    survival rates. Abundance data can be                   season length or outside dates, but                      Council Recommendations: The
                                                    used to evaluate current population                     reduces the number of splits allowed in               Mississippi Flyway Council
                                                    status, while productivity and survival                 the Canada goose season from 4 to 3.                  recommended that frameworks for
                                                    rate data can be used in a population                   The change will simplify regulations                  white-fronted geese in the Mississippi
                                                    model to predict population growth and                  and is expected to have no biological                 Flyway be revised to allow for a season
                                                    consequences of changes in                              impact to the Canada goose population.                length of 107 days and daily bag limit
                                                    demographic parameters. This                            Also, regular season outside dates for                of 5 geese for Alabama, Iowa, Indiana,
                                                    information will be collected and                       white-fronted geese and light geese in                Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and
                                                    evaluated annually to help determine                    Washington extend through March 10.I                  Wisconsin (low harvest States). The
                                                    the effectiveness of regulations intended                  Lastly, we agree with the Pacific                  daily bag limit would be an aggregate
                                                    to minimize take of dusky Canada geese.                 Flyway Council’s recommendation for                   daily bag limit with dark geese. For
                                                    Additional protection against the take of               minor changes to the existing goose                   Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky,
                                                    dusky Canada geese will be provided by                  hunting zones in Idaho. The                           Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee
                                                    expanding the Permit Zone boundaries                    modifications to the Idaho goose zones                (non-low harvest States), the Council
                                                    in Oregon and Washington to include a                   are intended to provide additional                    recommended a season length of 88
                                                    larger portion of the population’s winter               flexibility to Idaho in addressing                    days with a 2-bird daily bag limit, or a
                                                    range, and restricting shooting hours to                resident Canada goose over abundance.                 74-day season with a 3-bird daily bag
                                                    no earlier than sunrise will increase                   Breeding population indices for Pacific               limit, or a 107-day season with a 1-bird
                                                    light for hunter identification of Canada               and Rocky Mountain populations of                     daily bag limit.
                                                    goose subspecies.                                       Canada geese currently exceed                            The Central Flyway Council
                                                       We also agree with the Pacific Flyway                management objectives in Flyway                       recommended that frameworks for
                                                    Council’s recommendation for minor                      management plans. The 3-year (2013–                   white-fronted geese in the east-tier
                                                    changes to the existing Canada goose                    2015) average population estimate for                 States of the Central Flyway be revised
                                                    hunting seasons in Oregon and                           the Pacific Population of western                     to the Saturday nearest September 24
                                                    Washington. The bag limit restriction of                Canada geese is 214,603, and is well                  until the Sunday nearest February 15
                                                    1 Aleutian Canada goose in Pacific                      above the objective of 126,650 geese.                 with a season length of 74 days and a
                                                    County, Washington (Area 2B), (within                   The 3-year (2013–2015) average                        daily bag of 3 birds, an 88-day season
                                                    the overall Canada goose daily bag limit)               population estimate for the Rocky                     with a daily bag of 2 birds, or a 107-day
                                                    was first implemented when hunting of                   Mountain Population of western Canada                 season with a daily bag limit of 1 bird.
                                                    Aleutian Canada geese resumed in                        geese is 158,038, and above the                       The Council recommended an increase
                                                    Oregon and Washington, after the                        objective of 88,000 to 146,000 geese. In              of 1 bird in the daily bag limit in the
                                                    subspecies was removed from                             order to accommodate an early Canada                  Western Goose Zone of Texas, but no
                                                    protection under the Endangered                         Goose season in Bear Lake County and                  change in the bag limit for other west-
                                                    Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) in                 Caribou County, except that portion                   tier States. All the recommended
                                                    2001 (66 FR 15643; March 20, 2001).                     within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation,              revisions are consistent with the newly
                                                    The bag limit restriction was intended                  it is necessary to create a new goose                 revised white-fronted goose
                                                    to minimize potential harvest of the                    zone in Idaho.                                        management plan.
                                                    Semidi Islands population segment of                                                                             Service Response: We support the
                                                                                                            C. Special Late Seasons
                                                    Aleutian Canada geese. These geese use                                                                        revisions to the white-fronted goose
                                                    Pacific County sporadically during                        Council Recommendations: The                        frameworks recommended by the
                                                    migration and use areas are not                         Mississippi Flyway Council                            Mississippi and Central Flyway
                                                    consistent. The total population of                     recommended that Ohio be allowed a                    Councils. The Councils’
                                                    Aleutian Canada geese continues to                      92-day Canada goose season with a 3-                  recommendations are consistent with
                                                    increase and currently exceeds the                      bird daily bag limit, which may extend                the newly revised 2015 management
                                                    population objective identified in the                  no later than February 15th.                          plan for mid-continent greater white-
                                                    Flyway management plan. The most                          Service Response: We note that the                  fronted goose Population.
                                                    recent 3-year (2013–2015) average                       management plan for the Southern
                                                    estimated number of Aleutian Canada                     James Bay Population of Canada geese                  6. Brant
                                                    geese is 165,952, well above the                        requires consultation with the Atlantic                  Council Recommendations: The
                                                    population objective of 60,000 geese.                   Flyway on regulatory changes that                     Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
                                                    Also, the 1-Aleutian daily bag limit                    potentially affect both Flyways.                      adoption of revised harvest packages
                                                    restriction regulation is difficult for                 Although the Ohio proposal was sent to                (strategies) for Atlantic brant beginning
                                                                                                            the Atlantic Flyway during their recent
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                                                    hunters to comply with and to enforce.                                                                        with the 2015 hunting season as
                                                    We agree that removal of the Aleutian                   summer meeting, the proposal was not                  follows:
                                                    Canada goose bag limit restriction                      received in a timely manner that                         If the mid-winter waterfowl survey
                                                    within the overall Canada goose daily                   provided for adequate review by the                   (MWS) count is <100,000 Atlantic brant,
                                                    bag limit (currently proposed at 4 geese)               Atlantic Flyway. Thus, the Atlantic                   the season would be closed.
                                                    will simplify regulations.                              Flyway Council could not support the                     If the MWS count is between 100,000
                                                       In Washington, a special late Canada                 Ohio proposal at this time. Due to the                and 115,000 brant, States could select a
                                                    goose season has been offered in Areas                  lack of concurrence by the Atlantic                   30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag
                                                    2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone).                      Flyway, we do not support the                         limit.


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                                                    51664                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                       If the MWS count is between 115,000                  fronted and/or Canada geese, we concur.               16. Doves
                                                    and 130,000 brant, States could select a                Very few brant are harvested in the                      Council Recommendations: During
                                                    30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag                   Mississippi Flyway, so this                           the early season regulations process, the
                                                    limit.                                                  simplification of the regulations will                Central Flyway Council recommended
                                                       If the MWS count is between 130,000                  have no biological impact to the                      that the Service, beginning with the
                                                    and 150,000 brant, States could select a                population.                                           2016–17 hunting season, adopt a new
                                                    50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag                     Lastly, we agree with the Pacific
                                                                                                                                                                  ‘‘standard’’ season package framework
                                                    limit.                                                  Flyway Council’s recommendation for
                                                                                                                                                                  comprised of a 90-day season and 15-
                                                       If the MWS count is between 150,000                  increasing the season length from 30
                                                                                                                                                                  bird daily bag limit for doves for States
                                                    and 200,000 brant, States could select a                days to 37 days in California. The
                                                                                                                                                                  within the Central Management Unit.
                                                    60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag                   Flyway management plan for Pacific
                                                                                                                                                                  Subsequently, the Mississippi Flyway
                                                    limit.                                                  brant allows harvest to increase by two
                                                       If the MWS count is >200,000 brant,                  times the current level if the 3-year                 Council concurred with the previous
                                                    States could select a 60-day season with                average population index exceeds                      recommendation from the Central
                                                    a 3-bird daily bag limit.                               135,000 brant based on the mid-winter                 Flyway Council.
                                                       Under all the above open season                      waterfowl survey. The 3-year (2013–                      Service Response: In the July 21
                                                    alternatives, seasons would be between                  2015) average is 157,700 brant.                       Federal Register, we stated that we did
                                                    the Saturday nearest September 24 and                   Increasing the season length by 7 days                not support the recommendation by the
                                                    January 31. Further, States could split                 will allow additional hunting                         Central Flyway to increase the length of
                                                    their seasons into 2 segments.                          opportunity while maintaining the 2-                  the dove season to 90 days for the 2016–
                                                       Utilizing the newly revised brant hunt               bird daily bag limit for brant, and is not            17 season because the Mississippi
                                                    plan, the Atlantic Flyway Council                       expected to increase harvest appreciably              Flyway had not agreed to the change
                                                    recommended a 30-day season with a 1-                   from that during a 30-day season.                     involving this shared resource.
                                                    bird daily bag limit for the 2015–16                                                                          However, we understood that the
                                                    hunting season.                                         7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese                      Central Flyway would continue to work
                                                       The Mississippi Flyway Council                          Council Recommendations: The                       with the Mississippi Flyway to develop
                                                    recommended revising the brant                          Pacific Flyway Council recommended                    a joint recommendation to increase the
                                                    frameworks in the Mississippi Flyway                    increasing the light goose daily bag limit            season length, and that we would
                                                    to allow States the option of including                 from 4 to 6 in the Northwest Permit                   consider such a recommendation if such
                                                    brant in an aggregate bag limit with                    Zone of Oregon.                                       an agreement were reached. Given the
                                                    white-fronted and/or Canada geese.                         Service Response: We support the                   Mississippi Flyway Council’s
                                                       The Pacific Flyway Council                           Pacific Flyway Council’s                              concurrence with the Central Flyway
                                                    recommended increasing the brant                        recommendation for increasing the daily               Council’s recommendation, we now
                                                    season length in California from 30 to 37               bag limit of light geese from 4 to 6 in               agree with the proposed revision to the
                                                    days.                                                   the Northwest Permit Zone of Oregon.                  ‘‘standard’’ season package framework
                                                       Service Response: The Atlantic                       Three populations of light geese occur                beginning with the 2016–17 hunting
                                                    Flyway’s changes to the current Atlantic                in the Pacific Flyway and all are above               season.
                                                    brant hunt plan strategies incorporate                  Flyway management plan objectives
                                                                                                                                                                  Public Comments
                                                    additional conservatism in the brant                    based on the most recent breeding
                                                    hunt plan. More specifically, the newly                 population indices. The population                      The Department of the Interior’s
                                                    amended packages prescribe a more                       estimate for the Western Arctic                       policy is, whenever possible, to afford
                                                    restrictive season in 2015 than that                    Population (WAP) of lesser snow geese                 the public an opportunity to participate
                                                    prescribed by the pre-2015 hunt plan.                   was 451,000 in 2013, which is above the               in the rulemaking process. Accordingly,
                                                    The Atlantic Flyway estimates that a                    objective of 200,000 geese. Ross’s geese              we invite interested persons to submit
                                                    reduction from a 2-bird to a 1-bird daily               were estimated at 659,600 in 2014, and                written comments, suggestions, or
                                                    bag limit will result in a harvest                      are above the objective of 100,000 geese.             recommendations regarding the
                                                    reduction of 33 percent.                                The population estimate for Wrangel                   proposed regulations. Before
                                                       The Atlantic Flyway notes that there                 Island snow geese was 240,000 in 2015,                promulgating final migratory game bird
                                                    have been 3 consecutive years of poor                   which is above the objective of 120,000               hunting regulations, we will consider all
                                                    Atlantic brant production, and 2015                     geese. Current evidence suggests most                 comments we receive. These comments,
                                                    may also be poor. Further, the                          light geese in Oregon during fall and                 and any additional information we
                                                    population has been below management                    early winter are primarily Wrangel                    receive, may lead to final regulations
                                                    plan goals for the last 6 years. The 2015               Island snow geese, but an influx of WAP               that differ from these proposals.
                                                    mid-winter index (MWI) for Atlantic                     lesser snow and Ross’s geese occurs                     You may submit your comments and
                                                    brant was 111,434. The Council’s                        during late winter as birds begin to                  materials concerning this proposed rule
                                                    revised brant hunt plan allows for a 30-                move north toward breeding areas. The                 by one of the methods listed in the
                                                    day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit                current 4-bird daily bag limit for light              ADDRESSES section. We will not accept
                                                    when the MWI estimate falls between                     geese in Oregon’s Northwest Permit                    comments sent by email or fax. We will
                                                    100,000 and 115,000 brant. Recognizing                  Zone was intended to minimize harvest                 not consider hand-delivered comments
                                                    the Council’s continuing concerns about                 of Wrangel Island snow geese in this                  that we do not receive, or mailed
                                                    the status of Atlantic brant, we support                primary use area in Oregon when                       comments that are not postmarked, by
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                                                    the Atlantic Flyway Council’s revisions                 Wrangel Island geese were below the                   the date specified in the DATES section.
                                                    to the brant hunt plan and the                          population objective. A bag limit for                 We will post all comments in their
                                                    recommendation for the 2015–16                          light geese in the Northwest Permit                   entirety—including your personal
                                                    season.                                                 Zone of 6 per day will simplify                       identifying information—on http://
                                                       Regarding the Mississippi Flyway                     regulations by matching the 6-bird bag                www.regulations.gov. Before including
                                                    Council’s recommendation to allow                       limit currently allowed for light geese in            your address, phone number, email
                                                    States the option of including brant in                 the balance of Oregon on or before the                address, or other personal identifying
                                                    an aggregate bag limit with white-                      last Sunday in January.                               information in your comment, you


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51665

                                                    should be aware that your entire                          • 1018–0023—Migratory Bird                          both Federal and State regulations
                                                    comment—including your personal                         Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes                 governing the hunting season. The
                                                    identifying information—may be made                     Migratory Bird Harvest Information                    permit must be carried by the permittee
                                                    publicly available at any time. While                   Program, Migratory Bird Hunter                        when exercising its provisions and must
                                                    you can ask us in your comment to                       Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and                   be presented to any law enforcement
                                                    withhold your personal identifying                      Parts Collection Survey.                              officer upon request. The permit is not
                                                    information from public review, we                                                                            transferrable or assignable to another
                                                                                                            List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20                    individual, and may not be sold,
                                                    cannot guarantee that we will be able to
                                                    do so.                                                    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting                bartered, traded, or otherwise provided
                                                       Comments and materials we receive,                   and recordkeeping requirements,                       to another person. If the permit is
                                                    as well as supporting documentation we                  Transportation, Wildlife.                             altered or defaced in any way, the
                                                    used in preparing this proposed rule,                     The rules that eventually will be                   permit becomes invalid.
                                                    will be available for public inspection                 promulgated for the 2015–16 hunting                   Flyways and Management Units
                                                    on http://www.regulations.gov, or by                    season are authorized under 16 U.S.C.
                                                    appointment, during normal business                     703–712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j.                        Waterfowl Flyways
                                                    hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife                      Dated: August 10, 2015.                                Atlantic Flyway—includes
                                                    Service, Division of Migratory Bird                                                                           Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
                                                                                                            Michael J. Bean,
                                                    Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls                                                                         Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
                                                    Church, Virginia. For each series of                    Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish
                                                                                                            and Wildlife and Parks.                               Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
                                                    proposed rulemakings, we will establish                                                                       North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode
                                                    specific comment periods.                               Proposed Regulations Frameworks for                   Island, South Carolina, Vermont,
                                                       We will consider, but possibly may                   2015–16 Late Hunting Seasons on                       Virginia, and West Virginia.
                                                    not respond in detail to, each comment.                 Certain Migratory Game Birds                             Mississippi Flyway—includes
                                                    As in the past, we will summarize all                                                                         Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
                                                                                                              Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty
                                                    comments we receive during the                                                                                Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,
                                                                                                            Act and delegated authorities, the
                                                    comment period and respond to them                                                                            Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio,
                                                                                                            Department of the Interior approved the
                                                    after the closing date in the preambles                                                                       Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
                                                                                                            following proposals for season lengths,
                                                    of any final rules.                                                                                              Central Flyway—includes Colorado
                                                                                                            shooting hours, bag and possession
                                                    Required Determinations                                 limits, and outside dates within which                (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas,
                                                                                                            States may select seasons for hunting                 Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon,
                                                      Based on our most current data, we                                                                          Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater,
                                                    are affirming our required                              waterfowl and coots between the dates
                                                                                                            of September 1, 2015, and March 10,                   Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties
                                                    determinations made in the April 13,                                                                          east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico
                                                    June 11, and July 21 proposed rules; for                2016. These frameworks are
                                                                                                            summarized below.                                     (east of the Continental Divide except
                                                    descriptions of our actions to ensure                                                                         the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation),
                                                    compliance with the following statutes                  General                                               North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
                                                    and Executive Orders, see our April 13,                                                                       Texas, and Wyoming (east of the
                                                                                                               Dates: All outside dates noted below
                                                    2015, proposed rule (80 FR 19852):                                                                            Continental Divide).
                                                                                                            are inclusive.
                                                      • National Environmental Policy Act                                                                            Pacific Flyway—includes Alaska,
                                                                                                               Shooting and Hawking (taking by
                                                    (NEPA) Consideration;                                                                                         Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
                                                      • Endangered Species Act                              falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise
                                                                                                            specified, from one-half hour before                  Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those
                                                    Consideration;                                                                                                portions of Colorado, Montana, New
                                                      • Regulatory Flexibility Act;                         sunrise to sunset daily.
                                                                                                               Possession Limits: Unless otherwise                Mexico, and Wyoming not included in
                                                      • Small Business Regulatory                                                                                 the Central Flyway.
                                                    Enforcement Fairness Act;                               specified, possession limits are three
                                                      • Unfunded Mandates Reform Act;                       times the daily bag limit.                            Management Units
                                                      • Executive Orders 12630, 12866,                         Permits: For some species of
                                                                                                                                                                    High Plains Mallard Management
                                                    12988, 13132, 13175, 13211, and 13563.                  migratory birds, the Service authorizes
                                                                                                                                                                  Unit—roughly defined as that portion of
                                                      We are updating one required                          the use of permits to regulate harvest or
                                                                                                                                                                  the Central Flyway that lies west of the
                                                    determination in this document, as                      monitor their take by sport hunters, or
                                                                                                                                                                  100th meridian.
                                                    follows:                                                both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans,
                                                                                                            some sandhill crane populations), the                 Definitions
                                                    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)                   Service determines the amount of                         For the purpose of hunting
                                                      This proposed rule does not contain                   harvest that may be taken during                      regulations listed below, the collective
                                                    any new information collection                          hunting seasons during its formal                     terms ‘‘dark’’ and ‘‘light’’ geese include
                                                    requirements that require approval                      regulations-setting process, and the                  the following species:
                                                    under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).                 States then issue permits to hunters at                  Dark geese: Canada geese, white-
                                                    We may not conduct or sponsor and you                   levels predicted to result in the amount              fronted geese, brant (except in
                                                    are not required to respond to a                        of take authorized by the Service. Thus,              California, Oregon, Washington, and the
                                                    collection of information unless it                     although issued by States, the permits                Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose
                                                    displays a currently valid OMB control                  would not be valid unless the Service
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                                                                                                                                                                  species except light geese.
                                                    number. OMB has reviewed and                            approved such take in its regulations.                   Light geese: Snow (including blue)
                                                    approved the information collection                        These Federally authorized, State-                 geese and Ross’s geese.
                                                    requirements associated with migratory                  issued permits are issued to individuals,                Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions:
                                                    bird surveys and assigned the following                 and only the individual whose name                    Geographic descriptions related to late-
                                                    OMB control numbers:                                    and address appears on the permit at the              season regulations are contained in a
                                                      • 1018–0019—North American                            time of issuance is authorized to take                later portion of this document.
                                                    Woodcock Singing Ground Survey                          migratory birds at levels specified in the               Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks
                                                    (expires 5/31/2018).                                    permit, in accordance with provisions of              for open seasons, season lengths, bag


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                                                    51666                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    and possession limits, and other special                may choose to allow the above sea duck                with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season
                                                    provisions are listed below by Flyway.                  limits in addition to the limits applying             may be split into 3 segments.
                                                                                                            to other ducks during the regular duck                   Georgia: An 80-day season may be
                                                    Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic                                                                             held between October 1 and March 10,
                                                                                                            season. In all other areas, sea ducks may
                                                    Flyway                                                                                                        with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season
                                                                                                            be taken only during the regular open
                                                       In the Atlantic Flyway States of                     season for ducks and are part of the                  may be split into 3 segments.
                                                    Connecticut, Delaware, Maine,                           regular duck season daily bag (not to                    Maine: A 70-day season may be held
                                                    Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey,                    exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits.              Statewide between October 1 and
                                                    North Carolina, and Pennsylvania,                         Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit               February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag
                                                    where Sunday hunting is prohibited                      of mergansers is 5, only 2 of which may               limit.
                                                    Statewide by State law, all Sundays are                 be hooded mergansers. In States that                     Maryland:
                                                    closed to all take of migratory waterfowl               include mergansers in the duck bag                       RP Zone: An 80-day season may be
                                                    (including mergansers and coots).                       limit, the daily limit is the same as the             held between November 15 and March
                                                                                                            duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be                10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The
                                                    Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days                                                                          season may be split into 3 segments.
                                                                                                            hooded mergansers.
                                                       Outside Dates: States may select 2                                                                            AP Zone: A 50-day season may be
                                                                                                              Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15              held between November 15 and
                                                    days per duck-hunting zone, designated                  coots.
                                                    as ‘‘Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,’’ in                                                                       February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
                                                                                                              Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The                     Massachusetts:
                                                    addition to their regular duck seasons.                 waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting                  NAP Zone: A 70-day season may be
                                                    The days must be held outside any                       hours should be the same as those                     held between October 1 and February
                                                    regular duck season on a weekend,                       selected for the Lake Champlain Zone of               15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    holidays, or other non-school days                      Vermont.                                              Additionally, a special season may be
                                                    when youth hunters would have the                         Connecticut River Zone, Vermont:                    held from January 15 to February 15,
                                                    maximum opportunity to participate.                     The waterfowl seasons, limits, and                    with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    The days may be held up to 14 days                      shooting hours should be the same as                     AP Zone: A 50-day season may be
                                                    before or after any regular duck-season                 those selected for the Inland Zone of                 held between October 10 and February
                                                    frameworks or within any split of a                     New Hampshire.                                        5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    regular duck season, or within any other                  Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware,                    New Hampshire: A 70-day season may
                                                    open season on migratory birds.                         Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North                     be held Statewide between October 1
                                                       Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits               Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina,               and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag
                                                    may include ducks, geese, tundra                        Virginia, and West Virginia may split                 limit.
                                                    swans, mergansers, coots, moorhens,                     their seasons into three segments;                       New Jersey:
                                                    and gallinules and would be the same                    Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,                       AP Zone: A 50-day season may be
                                                    as those allowed in the regular season.                 New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,                  held between the fourth Saturday in
                                                    Flyway species and area restrictions                    Pennsylvania, and Vermont may select                  October (October 24) and February 5,
                                                    would remain in effect.                                 hunting seasons by zones and may split                with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
                                                       Shooting Hours: One-half hour before                 their seasons into two segments in each                  RP Zone: An 80-day season may be
                                                    sunrise to sunset.                                      zone.                                                 held between the fourth Saturday in
                                                       Participation Restrictions: Youth                                                                          October (October 24) and February 15,
                                                    hunters must be 15 years of age or                      Canada Geese                                          with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season
                                                    younger. In addition, an adult at least 18                Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and                  may be split into 3 segments.
                                                    years of age must accompany the youth                   Limits: Specific regulations for Canada                  Special Late Goose Season Area: A
                                                    hunter into the field. This adult may not               geese are shown below by State. These                 special season may be held in
                                                    duck hunt but may participate in other                  seasons also include white-fronted                    designated areas of North and South
                                                    seasons that are open on the special                    geese. Unless specified otherwise,                    New Jersey from January 15 to February
                                                    youth day. Tundra swans may only be                     seasons may be split into two segments.               15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
                                                    taken by participants possessing                                                                                 New York:
                                                                                                              Connecticut:                                           NAP Zone: Between October 1 and
                                                    applicable tundra swan permits.                           North Atlantic Population (NAP)                     February 15, a 70-day season may be
                                                    Atlantic Flyway                                         Zone: Between October 1 and February                  held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in
                                                                                                            15, a 70-day season may be held with                  both the High Harvest and Low Harvest
                                                    Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots                            a 3-bird daily bag limit.                             areas.
                                                       Outside Dates: Between the Saturday                    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 50-                   Special Late Goose Season Area: A
                                                    nearest September 24 (September 26)                     day season may be held between                        special season may be held between
                                                    and the last Sunday in January (January                 October 10 and February 5, with a 3-                  January 15 and February 15, with a 5-
                                                    31).                                                    bird daily bag limit.                                 bird daily bag limit in designated areas
                                                       Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60                    South Zone: A special season may be                 of Suffolk County.
                                                    days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks,                   held between January 15 and February                     AP Zone: A 50-day season may be
                                                    including no more than 4 mallards (no                   15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.                    held between the fourth Saturday in
                                                    more than 2 of which can be females),                     Resident Population (RP) Zone: An                   October (October 24), except in the Lake
                                                    1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck,               80-day season may be held between                     Champlain Area where the opening date
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    1 fulvous whistling duck, 3 wood ducks,                 October 1 and February 15, with a 5-                  is October 10, and February 5, with a 3-
                                                    2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, and                 bird daily bag limit. The season may be               bird daily bag limit.
                                                    4 scoters.                                              split into 3 segments.                                   Western Long Island RP Zone: A 107-
                                                       Closures: The season on harlequin                      Delaware: A 50-day season may be                    day season may be held between the
                                                    ducks is closed.                                        held between November 15 and                          Saturday nearest September 24
                                                       Sea Ducks: Within the special sea                    February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.            (September 26) and March 10, with an
                                                    duck areas, during the regular duck                       Florida: An 80-day season may be                    8-bird daily bag limit. The season may
                                                    season in the Atlantic Flyway, States                   held between October 1 and March 10,                  be split into 3 segments.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51667

                                                      Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day                      10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The                   Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and
                                                    season may be held between the fourth                   season may be split into 3 segments in                Limits: States may select seasons for
                                                    Saturday in October (October 24) and                    each zone.                                            light geese not to exceed 107 days, with
                                                    March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.                                                                      20 geese daily between the Saturday
                                                                                                            Light Geese
                                                    The season may be split into 3                                                                                nearest September 24 (September 26)
                                                    segments.                                                 Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and                  and March 10. There is no possession
                                                      North Carolina:                                       Limits: States may select a 107-day                   limit for light geese. Arkansas, Illinois,
                                                      SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be                     season between October 1 and March                    Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri,
                                                    held between October 1 and December                     10, with a 25-bird daily bag limit and no             Mississippi, and Tennessee may select a
                                                    31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.                      possession limit. States may split their              season for white-fronted geese not to
                                                      RP Zone: An 80-day season may be                      seasons into three segments.                          exceed 74 days with 3 geese daily, or 88
                                                    held between October 1 and March 10,                                                                          days with 2 geese daily, or 107 days
                                                    with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season               Brant
                                                                                                                                                                  with 1 goose daily between the Saturday
                                                    may be split into 3 segments.                             Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and                  nearest September 24 (September 26)
                                                      Northeast Hunt Unit: A 14-day season                  Limits: States may select a 30-day                    and the Sunday nearest February 15
                                                    may be held between the Saturday prior                  season between the Saturday nearest                   (February 14); Alabama, Iowa, Indiana,
                                                    to December 25 (December 19) and                        September 24 (September 26) and                       Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and
                                                    January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.              January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.            Wisconsin may select a season for
                                                      Pennsylvania:                                         States may split their seasons into two
                                                      SJBP Zone: A 78-day season may be                                                                           white-fronted geese not to exceed 107
                                                                                                            segments.                                             day with 5 geese daily, in aggregate with
                                                    held between the first Saturday in
                                                    October (October 3) and February 15,                    Mississippi Flyway                                    dark geese. States may select a season
                                                    with a 3-bird daily bag limit.                                                                                for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2
                                                                                                            Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots                          brant daily, or 107 days with 1 brant
                                                      RP Zone: An 80-day season may be
                                                    held between the fourth Saturday in                        Outside Dates: Between the Saturday                daily with outside dates the same as
                                                    October (October 24) and March 10,                      nearest September 24 (September 26)                   Canada geese; alternately, States may
                                                    with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season               and the last Sunday in January (January               include brant in an aggregate goose bag
                                                    may be split into 3 segments.                           31).                                                  limit with either Canada geese, white-
                                                      AP Zone: A 50-day season may be                          Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:                   fronted geese, or dark geese. States may
                                                    held between the fourth Saturday in                     The season may not exceed 60 days,                    select seasons for Canada geese not to
                                                    October (October 24) and February 5,                    with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks,                    exceed 92 days with 2 geese daily or 78
                                                    with a 3-bird daily bag limit.                          including no more than 4 mallards (no                 days with 3 geese daily between the
                                                      Rhode Island: A 70-day season may                     more than 2 of which may be females),                 Saturday nearest September 24
                                                    be held between October 1 and February                  1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails,             (September 26) and January 31 with the
                                                    15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. A                    3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup,                 following exceptions listed by State:
                                                    special late season may be held in                      and 2 redheads. In addition to the daily                 Arkansas: The season may extend to
                                                    designated areas from January 15 to                     limits listed above, the States of Iowa,              February 15.
                                                    February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag                    Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin                       Indiana:
                                                    limit.                                                  may include an additional 2 blue-                        Late Canada Goose Season Area: A
                                                      South Carolina: In designated areas,                  winged teal in the daily bag limit in lieu            special Canada goose season of up to 15
                                                    an 80-day season may be held between                    of selecting an experimental September                days may be held during February 1–15
                                                    October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird                   teal season during the first 16 days of               in the Late Canada Goose Season Zone.
                                                    daily bag limit. The season may be split                the regular duck season in each                       During this special season, the daily bag
                                                    into 3 segments.                                        respective duck hunting zone.                         limit cannot exceed 5 Canada geese.
                                                      Vermont:                                                 Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit                 Iowa: The season for Canada geese
                                                      Lake Champlain Zone and Interior                      is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded                   may extend for 107 days. The daily bag
                                                    Zone: A 50-day season may be held                       mergansers. In States that include                    limit is 3 Canada geese.
                                                    between October 10 and February 5                       mergansers in the duck bag limit, the                    Michigan:
                                                    with a 3-bird daily bag limit.                          daily limit is the same as the duck bag                  The framework opening date for all
                                                      Connecticut River Zone: A 70-day                      limit, only 2 of which may be hooded                  geese is September 11 in the Upper
                                                    season may be held between October 1                    mergansers.                                           Peninsula of Michigan and September
                                                    and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag                   Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15             16 in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
                                                    limit.                                                  coots.                                                   Southern Michigan Late Canada
                                                      Virginia:                                                Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama,                 Goose Season Zone: A 30-day special
                                                      SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be                     Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,                    Canada goose season may be held
                                                    held between November 15 and January                    Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota,                       between December 31 and February 15.
                                                    14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.                      Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and                        The daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese.
                                                    Additionally, a special late season may                 Wisconsin may select hunting seasons                     Minnesota: The season for Canada
                                                    be held between January 15 and                          by zones.                                             geese may extend for 107 days. The
                                                    February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag                       In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,               daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
                                                    limit.                                                  Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota,                          Missouri: The season for Canada geese
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                      AP Zone: A 50-day season may be                       Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and                        may extend for 85 days. The daily bag
                                                    held between November 15 and                            Wisconsin, the season may be split into               limit is 3 Canada geese.
                                                    February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.              two segments in each zone.                               Tennessee: Northwest Goose Zone—
                                                      RP Zone: An 80-day season may be                         In Arkansas and Mississippi, the                   The season for Canada geese may extend
                                                    held between November 15 and March                      season may be split into three segments.              to February 15.
                                                    10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The                                                                           Wisconsin:
                                                    season may be split into 3 segments.                    Geese                                                    Horicon Zone: The framework
                                                      West Virginia: An 80-day season may                     Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may                opening date for all geese is September
                                                    be held between October 1 and March                     be split into three segments.                         16.


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                                                    51668                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      Exterior Zone: The framework                          Geese                                                 applicable zones and split duck hunting
                                                    opening date for all geese is September                                                                       configurations approved for each State.
                                                                                                               Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may
                                                    16.                                                                                                             In States or zones with a split duck
                                                                                                            be split into three segments. Three-way
                                                      Additional Limits: In addition to the                                                                       and merganser season, the season on
                                                                                                            split seasons for Canada geese require
                                                    harvest limits stated for the respective                                                                      coots, common moorhens, and purple
                                                                                                            Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish
                                                    zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada                                                                       gallinules may remain open during the
                                                                                                            and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-
                                                    geese may be taken in the Horicon Zone                                                                        closed portion of the duck and
                                                                                                            year evaluation by each participating
                                                    under special agricultural permits.                                                                           merganser season splits, but not to
                                                                                                            State.
                                                                                                                                                                  exceed 107 days.
                                                    Central Flyway                                             Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons               Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple
                                                                                                            may be selected between the outside                   Gallinule Limits: The daily bag limit of
                                                    Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots                            dates of the Saturday nearest September               coots, common moorhens, and purple
                                                       Outside Dates: Between the Saturday                  24 (September 26) and the Sunday                      gallinules are 25, singly or in the
                                                    nearest September 24 (September 26)                     nearest February 15 (February 14). For                aggregate.
                                                    and the last Sunday in January (January                 light geese, outside dates for seasons                  Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona,
                                                    31).                                                    may be selected between the Saturday                  California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
                                                       Hunting Seasons:                                     nearest September 24 (September 26)                   Washington, and Wyoming may select
                                                       High Plains Mallard Management                       and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin                  hunting seasons by zones. Arizona,
                                                    Unit (roughly defined as that portion of                Light Goose Area (East and West) of                   California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
                                                    the Central Flyway which lies west of                   Nebraska, temporal and spatial                        Washington, and Wyoming may split
                                                    the 100th meridian): 97 days. The last                  restrictions that are consistent with the             their seasons into two segments.
                                                    23 days must run consecutively and                      late-winter snow goose hunting strategy                 Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico
                                                    may start no earlier than the Saturday                  cooperatively developed by the Central                may split their seasons into three
                                                    nearest December 10 (December 12).                      Flyway Council and the Service are                    segments.
                                                       Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74                  required.                                               Colorado River Zone, California:
                                                    days.                                                      Season Lengths and Limits:                         Seasons and limits should be the same
                                                       Bag Limits: The daily bag limit is 6                    Light Geese: States may select a light             as seasons and limits selected in the
                                                    ducks, with species and sex restrictions                goose season not to exceed 107 days.                  adjacent portion of Arizona (South
                                                    as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2                  The daily bag limit for light geese is 50             Zone).
                                                    of which may be females), 3 scaup, 2                    with no possession limit.
                                                                                                                                                                  Geese
                                                    redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, and                    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska,
                                                    2 canvasbacks. In Texas, the daily bag                  North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,                    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and
                                                    limit on mottled ducks is 1, except that                and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas,                  Limits:
                                                                                                            States may select a season for Canada                    Canada geese and brant: Except as
                                                    no mottled ducks may be taken during
                                                                                                            geese (or any other dark goose species                subsequently noted, 107-day seasons
                                                    the first 5 days of the season. In addition
                                                                                                            except white-fronted geese) not to                    may be selected with outside dates
                                                    to the daily limits listed above, the
                                                                                                            exceed 107 days with a daily bag limit                between the Saturday nearest September
                                                    States of Montana, North Dakota, South
                                                                                                            of 8. For white-fronted geese, these                  24 (September 26) and the last Sunday
                                                    Dakota, and Wyoming, in lieu of
                                                                                                            States may select either a season of 74               in January (January 31). In Arizona,
                                                    selecting an experimental September
                                                                                                            days with a bag limit of 3, or an 88-day              Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and
                                                    teal season, may include an additional
                                                                                                            season with a bag limit of 2, or a season             Utah, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada
                                                    daily bag and possession limit of 2 and
                                                                                                            of 107 days with a bag limit of 1.                    geese and brant in the aggregate. In New
                                                    6 blue-winged teal, respectively, during
                                                                                                               In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,                  Mexico and Wyoming, the daily bag
                                                    the first 16 days of the regular duck
                                                                                                            and Wyoming, States may select seasons                limit is 3 Canada geese and brant in the
                                                    season in each respective duck hunting
                                                                                                            not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag                 aggregate. In California, Oregon, and
                                                    zone. These extra limits are in addition
                                                                                                            limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate.           Washington, the daily bag limit is 4
                                                    to the regular duck bag and possession
                                                                                                               In the Western Goose Zone of Texas,                Canada geese. For brant, Oregon and
                                                    limits.
                                                                                                            the season may not exceed 95 days. The                Washington may select a 16-day season
                                                       Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit                                                                      and California a 37-day season. Days
                                                    is 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be                 daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any
                                                                                                            other dark goose species except white-                must be consecutive. Washington and
                                                    hooded mergansers. In States that                                                                             California may select hunting seasons
                                                    include mergansers in the duck daily                    fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit
                                                                                                            for white-fronted geese is 2.                         for up to two zones. The daily bag limit
                                                    bag limit, the daily limit may be the                                                                         is 2 brant and is in addition to other
                                                    same as the duck bag limit, only two of                 Pacific Flyway                                        goose limits. In Oregon and California,
                                                    which may be hooded mergansers.                                                                               the brant season must end no later than
                                                       Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15               Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common
                                                                                                            Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules                       December 15.
                                                    coots.                                                                                                           White-fronted geese: Except as
                                                       Zoning and Split Seasons: Colorado,                    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday                 subsequently noted, 107-day seasons
                                                    Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana,                   nearest September 24 (September 26)                   may be selected with outside dates
                                                    Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low                     and the last Sunday in January (January               between the Saturday nearest September
                                                    Plains portion), South Dakota (Low                      31).
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                                  24 (September 26) and March 10. The
                                                    Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains                        Hunting Seasons and Duck and                        daily bag limit is 10.
                                                    portion), and Wyoming may select                        Merganser Limits: Concurrent 107 days.                   Light geese: Except as subsequently
                                                    hunting seasons by zones.                               The daily bag limit is 7 ducks and                    noted, 107-day seasons may be selected
                                                       In Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New                    mergansers, including no more than 2                  with outside dates between the Saturday
                                                    Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South                   female mallards, 2 pintails, 2                        nearest September 24 (September 26)
                                                    Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the                         canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads.                 and March 10. The daily bag limit is 20.
                                                    regular season may be split into two                    For scaup, the season length is 86 days,                 Split Seasons: Unless otherwise
                                                    segments.                                               which may be split according to                       specified, seasons for geese may be split


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51669

                                                    into up to 3 segments. Three-way split                  Saturday nearest September 24                         no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be
                                                    seasons for Canada geese and white-                     (September 26) and March 10. Goose                    taken. The season must end no later
                                                    fronted geese require Pacific Flyway                    seasons may be split into 3 segments.                 than the Sunday following January 1
                                                    Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife                        Area 4: Goose seasons may be split                  (January 3) or upon attainment of 5
                                                    Service approval and a 3-year                           into 3 segments.                                      trumpeter swans in the harvest,
                                                    evaluation by each participating State.                 Permit Zones                                          whichever occurs earliest.
                                                       California: The daily bag limit for                                                                           In addition, the States of Utah and
                                                    Canada geese is 10.                                       In Oregon and Washington permit
                                                                                                            zones, the hunting season is closed on                Nevada must implement a harvest-
                                                       Balance of State Zone: A Canada                                                                            monitoring program to measure the
                                                    goose season may be selected with                       dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada
                                                                                                            goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose               species composition of the swan
                                                    outside dates between the Saturday                                                                            harvest. The harvest-monitoring
                                                    nearest September 24 (September 26)                     (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less)
                                                                                                            with a bill length between 40 and 50                  program must require that all harvested
                                                    and March 10. In the Sacramento Valley                                                                        swans or their species-determinant parts
                                                    Special Management Area, the season                     millimeters. Hunting of geese will only
                                                                                                            be by hunters possessing a State-issued               be examined by either State or Federal
                                                    on white-fronted geese must end on or                                                                         biologists for the purpose of species
                                                    before December 28, and the daily bag                   permit authorizing them to do so.
                                                                                                            Shooting hours for geese may begin no                 classification. The States should use
                                                    limit is 3 white-fronted geese. In the                                                                        appropriate measures to maximize
                                                    North Coast Special Management Area,                    earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada
                                                                                                            goose seasons in the permit zones of                  hunter compliance in providing bagged
                                                    hunting days that occur after the last                                                                        swans for examination. Further, the
                                                    Sunday in January should be concurrent                  Oregon and Washington remain subject
                                                                                                            to the Memorandum of Understanding                    States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah
                                                    with Oregon’s South Coast Zone.                                                                               must achieve at least an 80-percent
                                                       Idaho:                                               entered into with the Service regarding
                                                                                                            monitoring the impacts of take during                 compliance rate, or subsequent permits
                                                       Zone 2: Idaho will continue to
                                                                                                            the regular Canada goose season on the                will be reduced by 10 percent. All three
                                                    monitor the snow goose hunt that
                                                                                                            dusky Canada goose population.                        States must provide to the Service by
                                                    occurs after the last Sunday in January
                                                                                                                                                                  June 30, 2016, a report detailing harvest,
                                                    in the American Falls Reservoir/Fort                    Swans                                                 hunter participation, reporting
                                                    Hall Bottoms and surrounding areas at
                                                                                                               In portions of the Pacific Flyway                  compliance, and monitoring of swan
                                                    3-year intervals.
                                                       Oregon: The daily bag limit for light                (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an open                  populations in the designated hunt
                                                    geese is 6 on or before the last Sunday                 season for taking a limited number of                 areas.
                                                    in January.                                             swans may be selected. Permits will be                Tundra Swans
                                                       Harney and Lake County Zone: For                     issued by the State and will authorize
                                                    Lake County only, the daily white-                      each permittee to take no more than 1                    In portions of the Atlantic Flyway
                                                    fronted goose bag limit is 1.                           swan per season with each permit.                     (North Carolina and Virginia) and the
                                                       Northwest Permit Zone: A Canada                      Nevada may issue up to 2 permits per                  Central Flyway (North Dakota, South
                                                    goose season may be selected with                       hunter. Montana and Utah may only                     Dakota [east of the Missouri River], and
                                                    outside dates between the Saturday                      issue 1 permit per hunter. Each State’s               that portion of Montana in the Central
                                                    nearest September 24 (September 26)                     season may open no earlier than the                   Flyway), an open season for taking a
                                                    and March 10. Goose seasons may be                      Saturday nearest October 1 (October 3).               limited number of tundra swans may be
                                                    split into 3 segments. The daily bag                    These seasons are also subject to the                 selected. Permits will be issued by the
                                                    limit of light geese is 6. In the Tillamook             following conditions:                                 States that authorize the take of no more
                                                    County Management Area, the hunting                        Montana: No more than 500 permits                  than 1 tundra swan per permit. A
                                                    season is closed on geese.                              may be issued. The season must end no                 second permit may be issued to hunters
                                                       South Coast Zone: A Canada goose                     later than December 1. The State must                 from unused permits remaining after the
                                                    season may be selected with outside                     implement a harvest-monitoring                        first drawing. The States must obtain
                                                    dates between the Saturday nearest                      program to measure the species                        harvest and hunter participation data.
                                                    September 24 (September 26) and                         composition of the swan harvest and                   These seasons are also subject to the
                                                    March 10. The daily bag limit of Canada                 should use appropriate measures to                    following conditions:
                                                    geese is 6. Hunting days that occur after               maximize hunter compliance in                            In the Atlantic Flyway:
                                                    the last Sunday in January should be                    reporting bill measurement and color
                                                    concurrent with California’s North Coast                information.                                          —The season may be 90 days, between
                                                    Special Management Area. Goose                             Utah: No more than 2,000 permits                      October 1 and January 31.
                                                    seasons may be split into 3 segments.                   may be issued. During the swan season,                —In North Carolina, no more than 5,000
                                                       Utah: A Canada goose and brant                       no more than 10 trumpeter swans may                      permits may be issued.
                                                    season may be selected in the Wasatch                   be taken. The season must end no later                —In Virginia, no more than 600 permits
                                                    Front and Washington County Zones                       than the second Sunday in December                       may be issued.
                                                    with outside dates between the Saturday                 (December 13) or upon attainment of 10
                                                    nearest September 24 (September 26)                     trumpeter swans in the harvest,                        In the Central Flyway:
                                                    and the first Sunday in February                        whichever occurs earliest. The Utah                   —The season may be 107 days, between
                                                    (February 7).                                           season remains subject to the terms of                   the Saturday nearest October 1
                                                                                                            the Memorandum of Agreement entered
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                                                       Washington: The daily bag limit is 4                                                                          (October 3) and January 31.
                                                    geese.                                                  into with the Service in August 2003,                 —In the Central Flyway portion of
                                                       Area 1: Goose season outside dates are               regarding harvest monitoring, season                     Montana, no more than 500 permits
                                                    between the Saturday nearest September                  closure procedures, and education                        may be issued.
                                                    24 (September 26) and the last Sunday                   requirements to minimize the take of
                                                    in January (January 31).                                trumpeter swans during the swan                       —In North Dakota, no more than 2,200
                                                       Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit                    season.                                                  permits may be issued.
                                                    Zone): A Canada goose season may be                        Nevada: No more than 650 permits                   —In South Dakota, no more than 1,300
                                                    selected with outside dates between the                 may be issued. During the swan season,                   permits may be issued.


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                                                    51670                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions                       of Rte. I–93 in Ashland, northeast on                 New York
                                                    Ducks (Including Mergansers) and                        Rte. 3 to Rte. 113 in Holderness, north                 Lake Champlain Zone: That area east
                                                    Coots                                                   on Rte. 113 to Rte. 113–A in Sandwich,                and north of a continuous line
                                                                                                            north on Rte. 113–A to Rte. 113 in                    extending along U.S. 11 from the New
                                                    Atlantic Flyway                                         Tamworth, east on Rte. 113 to Rte. 16                 York—Canada International boundary
                                                    Connecticut                                             in Chocorua, north on Rte. 16 to Rte.                 south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B to
                                                                                                            302 in Conway, east on Rte. 302 to the
                                                      North Zone: That portion of the State                                                                       U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22
                                                                                                            Maine—New Hampshire border.
                                                    north of I–95.                                                                                                south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to
                                                                                                               Inland Zone: That portion of the State
                                                      South Zone: Remainder of the State.                   south and west of the Northern Zone,                  the west shore of South Bay, along and
                                                                                                            west of the Coastal Zone, and includes                around the shoreline of South Bay to NY
                                                    Maine                                                                                                         22 on the east shore of South Bay;
                                                                                                            the area of Vermont and New
                                                       North Zone: That portion north of the                Hampshire as described for hunting                    southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4,
                                                    line extending east along Maine State                   reciprocity. A person holding a New                   northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont
                                                    Highway 110 from the New Hampshire–                     Hampshire hunting license which                       State line.
                                                    Maine State line to the intersection of                 allows the taking of migratory waterfowl                Long Island Zone: That area
                                                    Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield;                     or a person holding a Vermont resident                consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk
                                                    then north and east along Route 11 to                   hunting license which allows the taking               County, that area of Westchester County
                                                    the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in                   of migratory waterfowl may take                       southeast of I–95, and their tidal waters.
                                                    Auburn; then north and east on Route                    migratory waterfowl and coots from the                  Western Zone: That area west of a line
                                                    202 to the intersection of I–95 in                      following designated area of the Inland               extending from Lake Ontario east along
                                                    Augusta; then north and east along I–95                 Zone: the State of Vermont east of Rte.               the north shore of the Salmon River to
                                                    to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along                  I–91 at the Massachusetts border, north               I–81, and south along I–81 to the
                                                    Route 15 to Route 9; then east along                    on Rte. I–91 to Rte. 2, north on Rte. 2               Pennsylvania State line.
                                                    Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville;                  to Rte. 102, north on Rte. 102 to Rte.                  Northeastern Zone: That area north of
                                                    then east along Stony Brook to the                      253, and north on Rte. 253 to the border              a continuous line extending from Lake
                                                    United States border.                                   with Canada and the area of NH west of                Ontario east along the north shore of the
                                                       Coastal Zone: That portion south of a                Rte. 63 at the MA border, north on Rte.               Salmon River to I–81, south along I–81
                                                    line extending east from the Maine-New                  63 to Rte. 12, north on Rte. 12 to Rte.               to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13,
                                                    Brunswick border in Calais at the Route                 12–A, north on Rte. 12A to Rte 10, north              north along NY 13 to NY 49, east along
                                                    1 Bridge; then south along Route 1 to                   on Rte. 10 to Rte. 135, north on Rte. 135             NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to
                                                    the Maine-New Hampshire border in                       to Rte. 3, north on Rte. 3 to the                     NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east
                                                    Kittery.                                                intersection with the Connecticut River.              along NY 29 to NY 22, north along NY
                                                       South Zone: Remainder of the State.                     Coastal Zone: That portion of the                  22 to Washington County Route 153,
                                                                                                            State east of a line beginning at the                 east along CR 153 to the New York—
                                                    Massachusetts                                                                                                 Vermont boundary, exclusive of the
                                                                                                            Maine-New Hampshire border in
                                                       Western Zone: That portion of the                    Rollinsford, then extending to Rte. 4                 Lake Champlain Zone.
                                                    State west of a line extending south                    west to the city of Dover, south to the                 Southeastern Zone: The remaining
                                                    from the Vermont State line on I–91 to                  intersection of Rte. 108, south along Rte.            portion of New York.
                                                    MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south                      108 through Madbury, Durham, and                      Pennsylvania
                                                    on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202                 Newmarket to the junction of Rte. 85 in
                                                    to the Connecticut State line.                          Newfields, south to Rte. 101 in Exeter,                  Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters
                                                       Central Zone: That portion of the                    east to Interstate 95 (New Hampshire                  of Pennsylvania and a shoreline margin
                                                    State east of the Berkshire Zone and                    Turnpike) in Hampton, and south to the                along Lake Erie from New York on the
                                                    west of a line extending south from the                 Massachusetts border.                                 east to Ohio on the west extending 150
                                                    New Hampshire State line on I–95 to                                                                           yards inland, but including all of
                                                    U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I–93, south on               New Jersey                                            Presque Isle Peninsula.
                                                    I–93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S.                        Coastal Zone: That portion of the                     Northwest Zone: The area bounded on
                                                    6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA                  State seaward of a line beginning at the              the north by the Lake Erie Zone and
                                                    28 to I–195, west to the Rhode Island                   New York State line in Raritan Bay and                including all of Erie and Crawford
                                                    State line; except the waters, and the                  extending west along the New York                     Counties and those portions of Mercer
                                                    lands 150 yards inland from the high-                   State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy;                  and Venango Counties north of I–80.
                                                    water mark, of the Assonet River                        west on NJ 440 to the Garden State                       North Zone: That portion of the State
                                                    upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the                   Parkway; south on the Garden State                    east of the Northwest Zone and north of
                                                    Taunton River upstream to the Center                    Parkway to the shoreline at Cape May                  a line extending east on I–80 to U.S.
                                                    St.– Elm St. bridge shall be in the                     and continuing to the Delaware State                  220, Route 220 to I–180, I–180 to I–80,
                                                    Coastal Zone.                                           line in Delaware Bay.                                 and I–80 to the Delaware River.
                                                       Coastal Zone: That portion of                           North Zone: That portion of the State                 South Zone: The remaining portion of
                                                    Massachusetts east and south of the                     west of the Coastal Zone and north of                 Pennsylvania.
                                                    Central Zone.                                           a line extending west from the Garden
                                                                                                                                                                  Vermont
                                                                                                            State Parkway on NJ 70 to the New
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                                                    New Hampshire                                                                                                    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S.
                                                                                                            Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike
                                                      Northern Zone: That portion of the                    to U.S. 206, north on U.S. 206 to U.S.                portion of Lake Champlain and that area
                                                    State east and north of the Inland Zone                 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the                   north and west of the line extending
                                                    beginning at the Jct. of Rte.10 and                     Pennsylvania State line in the Delaware               from the New York border along U.S. 4
                                                    Rte.25A in Orford, east on Rte. 25A to                  River.                                                to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S.
                                                    Rte. 25 in Wentworth, southeast on Rte.                    South Zone: That portion of the State              7 at Vergennes; U.S. 7 to VT 78 at
                                                    25 to Exit 26 of Rte. I–93 in Plymouth,                 not within the North Zone or the Coastal              Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to
                                                    south on Rte. I–93 to Rte. 3 at Exit 24                 Zone.                                                 Maquam Bay on Lake Champlain; along


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51671

                                                    and around the shoreline of Maquam                         South Zone: That portion of the State              Kentucky
                                                    Bay and Hog Island to VT 78 at the West                 south and east of a line extending west                 West Zone: All counties west of and
                                                    Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in                        from the Indiana border along Interstate              including Butler, Daviess, Ohio,
                                                    Alburg; VT 2 to the Richelieu River in                  70, south along U.S. Highway 45, to                   Simpson, and Warren Counties.
                                                    Alburg; along the east shore of the                     Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois                  East Zone: The remainder of
                                                    Richelieu River to the Canadian border.                 Route 13 to Greenbriar Road, north on                 Kentucky.
                                                      Interior Zone: That portion of                        Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road,
                                                    Vermont east of the Lake Champlain                      west on Sycamore Road to N. Reed                      Louisiana
                                                    Zone and west of a line extending from                  Station Road, south on N. Reed Station                   West: That portion of the State west
                                                    the Massachusetts border at Interstate                  Road to Illinois Route 13, west along                 and north of a line beginning at the
                                                    91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2;                Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127,              Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3;
                                                    east along U.S. 2 to VT 102; north along                south along Illinois Route 127 to State               south on LA 3 to Bossier City; then east
                                                    VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253                    Forest Road (1025 N), west along State                along I–20 to Minden; then south along
                                                    to the Canadian border.                                 Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north                LA 7 to Ringgold; then east along LA 4
                                                      Connecticut River Zone: The                           along Illinois Route 3 to the south bank              to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy
                                                    remaining portion of Vermont east of                    of the Big Muddy River, west along the                167 to its junction with LA 106; west on
                                                    the Interior Zone.                                      south bank of the Big Muddy River to                  LA 106 to Oakdale; then south on U.S.
                                                                                                            the Mississippi River, west across the                Hwy 165 to junction with U.S. Hwy 190
                                                    Mississippi Flyway
                                                                                                            Mississippi River to the Missouri                     at Kinder; then west on U.S. Hwy 190/
                                                    Alabama                                                 border.                                               LA 12 to the Texas State border.
                                                      South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin                           South Central Zone: The remainder of                  East: That portion of the State east
                                                    Counties.                                               the State between the south border of                 and north of a line beginning at the
                                                      North Zone: The remainder of                          the Central Zone and the North border                 Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3;
                                                    Alabama.                                                of the South Zone.                                    south on LA 3 to Bossier City; then east
                                                                                                                                                                  along I–20 to Minden; then south along
                                                    Illinois                                                Indiana                                               LA 7 to Ringgold; then east along LA 4
                                                       North Zone: That portion of the State                   North Zone: That part of Indiana                   to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy
                                                    north of a line extending west from the                 north of a line extending east from the               167 to Lafayette; then southeast along
                                                    Indiana border along Peotone-Beecher                    Illinois border along State Road 18 to                U.S. Hwy 90 to the Mississippi State
                                                    Road to Illinois Route 50, south along                  U.S. 31; north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24;              line.
                                                    Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone                 east along U.S. 24 to Huntington;                        Coastal: Remainder of the State.
                                                    Road, west along Wilmington-Peotone                     southeast along U.S. 224; south along
                                                    Road to Illinois Route 53, north along                                                                        Michigan
                                                                                                            State Road 5; and east along State Road
                                                    Illinois Route 53 to New River Road,                    124 to the Ohio border.                                 North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
                                                    northwest along New River Road to                                                                               Middle Zone: That portion of the
                                                    Interstate Highway 55, south along I–55                    Central Zone: That part of Indiana                 Lower Peninsula north of a line
                                                    to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road, west along                  south of the North Zone boundary and                  beginning at the Wisconsin State line in
                                                    Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road to Illinois                     north of the South Zone boundary.                     Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of
                                                    Route 47, north along Illinois Route 47                    South Zone: That part of Indiana                   Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due
                                                    to I–80, west along I–80 to I–39, south                 south of a line extending east from the               east to, and easterly and southerly along
                                                    along I–39 to Illinois Route 18, west                   Illinois border along U.S. 40; south                  the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic
                                                    along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois Route               along U.S. 41; east along State Road 58;              Drive, easterly and southerly along
                                                    29, south along Illinois Route 29 to                    south along State Road 37 to Bedford;                 Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road,
                                                    Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois                  and east along U.S. 50 to the Ohio                    easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield
                                                    Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and                  border.                                               Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east
                                                    due south across the Mississippi River                                                                        along Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10
                                                    to the Iowa border.                                     Iowa                                                  Business Route (BR) in the city of
                                                       Central Zone: That portion of the                      North Zone: That portion of Iowa                    Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to
                                                    State south of the North Duck Zone line                 north of a line beginning on the South                U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 to
                                                    to a line extending west from the                       Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29,                  Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23,
                                                    Indiana border along I–70 to Illinois                   southeast along Interstate 29 to State                northerly along I–75/U.S. 23 to the U.S.
                                                    Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to                Highway 175, east along State Highway                 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S.
                                                    Illinois Route 161, west along Illinois                 175 to State Highway 37, southeast                    23 to the centerline of the Au Gres
                                                    Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south                  along State Highway 37 to State                       River, then southerly along the
                                                    and west along Illinois Route 158 to                    Highway 183, northeast along State                    centerline of the Au Gres River to
                                                    Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois                Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east                Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east
                                                    Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south                    along State Highway 141 to U.S.                       10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from
                                                    along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo’s Road,               Highway 30, and along U.S. Highway 30                 that point on a line directly northeast to
                                                    south along St. Leo’s Road to Modoc                     to the Illinois border.                               the Canadian border.
                                                    Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc                                                                            South Zone: The remainder of
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                                                    Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc                         Missouri River Zone: That portion of                Michigan.
                                                    Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast                     Iowa west of a line beginning on the
                                                    along Levee Road to County Route 12                     South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate                Minnesota
                                                    (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south                      29, southeast along Interstate 29 to State              North Duck Zone: That portion of the
                                                    along County Route 12 to the Modoc                      Highway 175, and west along State                     State north of a line extending east from
                                                    Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc                  Highway 175 to the Iowa-Nebraska                      the North Dakota State line along State
                                                    Ferry route across the Mississippi River                border.                                               Highway 210 to State Highway 23 and
                                                    to the Missouri border.                                   South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.                  east to State Highway 39 and east to the


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                                                    51672                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Wisconsin State line at the Oliver                      Highway 10 into Portage County to                     junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on
                                                    Bridge.                                                 County Highway HH, east on County                     Arapaho Rd to its junction with K–61,
                                                      South Duck Zone: The portion of the                   Highway HH to State Highway 66 and                    then southwest on K–61 to its junction
                                                    State south of a line extending east from               then east on State Highway 66 to U.S.                 with K–96, then northwest on K–96 to
                                                    the South Dakota State line along U.S.                  Highway 10, continuing east on U.S.                   its junction with U.S.–56, then
                                                    Highway 212 to Interstate 494 and east                  Highway 10 to U.S. Highway 41, then                   southwest on U.S.–56 to its junction
                                                    to Interstate 94 and east to the                        north on U.S. Highway 41 to the                       with K–19, then east on K–19 to its
                                                    Wisconsin State line.                                   Michigan State line.                                  junction with U.S.–281, then south on
                                                      Central Duck Zone: The remainder of                      Mississippi River Zone: That area                  U.S.–281 to its junction with U.S.–54,
                                                    the State.                                              encompassed by a line beginning at the                then west on U.S.–54 to its junction
                                                    Missouri                                                intersection of the Burlington Northern               with U.S.–183, then north on U.S.–183
                                                                                                            & Santa Fe Railway and the Illinois                   to its junction with U.S.–56, then
                                                       North Zone: That portion of Missouri                 State line in Grant County and                        southwest on U.S.–56 to its junction
                                                    north of a line running west from the                   extending northerly along the                         with Ford County Rd 126, then south on
                                                    Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; west                Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway                Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with
                                                    on Lincoln County Hwy. N to Mo. Hwy.                    to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce               U.S.–400, then northwest on U.S.–400
                                                    79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 to Mo. Hwy.                    County, then west along the Prescott                  to its junction with U.S.–283, then north
                                                    47; west on Mo. Hwy. 47 to I–70; west                   city limit to the Minnesota State line.               on U.S.–283 to its junction with the
                                                    on I–70 to the Kansas border.                              South Zone: The remainder of                       Nebraska-Kansas State line, then east
                                                       Middle Zone: The remainder of                        Wisconsin.                                            along the Nebraska-Kansas State line to
                                                    Missouri not included in other zones.                                                                         its junction with K–128.
                                                       South Zone: That portion of Missouri                 Central Flyway
                                                                                                                                                                     Late Zone: That part of Kansas
                                                    south of a line running west from the                   Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)                     bounded by a line from the Nebraska-
                                                    Illinois border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo.
                                                                                                              Northeast Zone: All areas east of                   Kansas State line south on K–128 to its
                                                    Hwy. 25; south on Mo. Hwy. 25 to U.S.
                                                                                                            Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70.             junction with U.S.–36, then east on
                                                    Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo.
                                                                                                              Southeast Zone: All areas east of                   U.S.–36 to its junction with K–199, then
                                                    Hwy. 53; north on Mo. Hwy. 53 to Mo.
                                                                                                            Interstate 25 and south of Interstate 70,             south on K–199 to its junction with
                                                    Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 to U.S.
                                                                                                            and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano,                 Republic County 30 Rd, then south on
                                                    Hwy. 60; west on U.S. Hwy. 60 to Mo.
                                                                                                            and Las Animas Counties.                              Republic County 30 Rd to its junction
                                                    Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. 21 to Mo.
                                                                                                              Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas                  with K–148, then east on K–148 to its
                                                    Hwy. 72; west on Mo. Hwy. 72 to Mo.
                                                                                                            west of Interstate 25 and east of the                 junction with Republic County 50 Rd,
                                                    Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. 32 to U.S.
                                                                                                            Continental Divide, except El Paso,                   then south on Republic County 50 Rd to
                                                    Hwy. 65; north on U.S. Hwy. 65 to U.S.
                                                                                                            Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas                      its junction with Cloud County 40th Rd,
                                                    Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. 54 to U.S.
                                                                                                            Counties.                                             then south on Cloud County 40th Rd to
                                                    Hwy. 71; south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to
                                                                                                                                                                  its junction with K–9, then west on K–
                                                    Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line                         Kansas                                                9 to its junction with U.S.–24, then west
                                                    Blvd.); west on Jasper County Hwy. M
                                                                                                               High Plains Zone: That portion of the              on U.S.–24 to its junction with U.S.–
                                                    (Base Line Blvd.) to CRD 40 (Base Line
                                                                                                            State west of U.S. 283.                               281, then north on U.S.–281 to its
                                                    Blvd.); west on CRD 40 (Base Line
                                                                                                               Early Zone: That part of Kansas                    junction with U.S.–36, then west on
                                                    Blvd.) to the Kansas border.
                                                                                                            bounded by a line from the Nebraska-                  U.S.–36 to its junction with U.S.–183,
                                                    Ohio                                                    Kansas State line south on K–128 to its               then south on U.S.–183 to its junction
                                                       Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all                   junction with U.S.–36, then east on                   with U.S.–24, then west on U.S.–24 to
                                                    land and water within the boundaries of                 U.S.–36 to its junction with K–199, then              its junction with K–18, then southeast
                                                    the area bordered by Interstate 75 from                 south on K–199 to its junction with                   on K–18 to its junction with U.S.–183,
                                                    the Ohio-Michigan line to Interstate 280                Republic County 30 Rd, then south on                  then south on U.S.–183 to its junction
                                                    to Interstate 80 to the Erie-Lorain                     Republic County 30 Rd to its junction                 with K–4, then east on K–4 to its
                                                    County line extending to a line                         with K–148, then east on K–148 to its                 junction with I–135, then south on I–
                                                    measuring two hundred (200) yards                       junction with Republic County 50 Rd,                  135 to its junction with K–61, then
                                                    from the shoreline into the waters of                   then south on Republic County 50 Rd to                southwest on K–61 to 14th Avenue,
                                                    Lake Erie and including the waters of                   its junction with Cloud County 40th Rd,               then south on 14th Avenue to its
                                                    Sandusky Bay and Maumee Bay.                            then south on Cloud County 40th Rd to                 junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on
                                                       North Zone: That portion of the State                its junction with K–9, then west on K–                Arapaho Rd to its junction with K–61,
                                                    north of a line beginning at the Ohio-                  9 to its junction with U.S.–24, then west             then southwest on K–61 to its junction
                                                    Indiana border and extending east along                 on U.S.–24 to its junction with U.S.–                 with K–96, then northwest on K–96 to
                                                    Interstate 70 to the Ohio-West Virginia                 281, then north on U.S.–281 to its                    its junction with U.S.–56, then
                                                    border.                                                 junction with U.S.–36, then west on                   southwest on U.S.–56 to its junction
                                                       South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.                   U.S.–36 to its junction with U.S.–183,                with K–19, then east on K–19 to its
                                                                                                            then south on U.S.–183 to its junction                junction with U.S.–281, then south on
                                                    Tennessee                                               with U.S.–24, then west on U.S.–24 to                 U.S.–281 to its junction with U.S.–54,
                                                                                                            its junction with K–18, then southeast                then west on U.S.–54 to its junction
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                                                      Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake
                                                    and Obion Counties.                                     on K–18 to its junction with U.S.–183,                with U.S.–183, then north on U.S.–183
                                                      Remainder of State: That portion of                   then south on U.S.–183 to its junction                to its junction with U.S.–56, then
                                                    Tennessee outside of the Reelfoot Zone.                 with K–4, then east on K–4 to its                     southwest on U.S.–56 to its junction
                                                                                                            junction with I–135, then south on I–                 with Ford County Rd 126, then south on
                                                    Wisconsin                                               135 to its junction with K–61, then                   Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with
                                                      North Zone: That portion of the State                 southwest on K–61 to McPherson                        U.S.–400, then northwest on U.S.–400
                                                    north of a line extending east from the                 County 14th Avenue, then south on                     to its junction with U.S.–283, then south
                                                    Minnesota State line along U.S.                         McPherson County 14th Avenue to its                   on U.S.–283 to its junction with the


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         51673

                                                    Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east                     Zone 2: The area south of Zone 1 and                Federal Levee R–562 to the intersection
                                                    along the Oklahoma-Kansas State line to                 north of Zone 3.                                      with the Trace; north along the Trace/
                                                    its junction with U.S.–77, then north on                  Zone 3: Area bounded by designated                  Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-
                                                    U.S.–77 to its junction with Butler                     Federal and State highways, County                    way to NE Hwy. 2; west to U.S. Hwy.
                                                    County, NE 150th Street, then east on                   Roads, and political boundaries                       75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE
                                                    Butler County, NE 150th Street to its                   beginning at the Wyoming-Nebraska                     Hwy. 43; north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east to
                                                    junction with U.S.–35, then northeast                   border at the intersection of the                     NE Hwy. 63; north to NE Hwy. 66; north
                                                    on U.S.–35 to its junction with K–68,                   Interstate Canal; east along northern                 and west to U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE
                                                    then east on K–68 to the Kansas-                        borders of Scotts Bluff and Morrill                   Hwy. 92; west to NE Hwy. Spur 12F;
                                                    Missouri State line, then north along the               Counties to Broadwater Road; south to                 south to Butler County Rd 30; east to
                                                    Kansas-Missouri State line to its                       Morrill County Rd 94; east to County Rd               County Rd X; south to County Rd 27;
                                                    junction with the Nebraska State line,                  135; south to County Rd 88; southeast                 west to County Rd W; south to County
                                                    then west along the Kansas-Nebraska                     to County Rd 151; south to County Rd                  Rd 26; east to County Rd X; south to
                                                    State line to its junction with K–128.                  80; east to County Rd 161; south to                   County Rd 21 (Seward County Line);
                                                       Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas                  County Rd 76; east to County Rd 165;                  west to NE Hwy. 15; north to County Rd
                                                    bounded by a line from the Missouri-                    south to Country Rd 167; south to U.S.                34; west to County Rd J; south to NE
                                                    Kansas State line west on K–68 to its                   Hwy. 26; east to County Rd 171; north                 Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 81; south to
                                                    junction with U.S.–35, then southwest                   to County Rd 68; east to County Rd 183;               NE Hwy. 66; west to Polk County Rd C;
                                                    on U.S.–35 to its junction with Butler                  south to County Rd 64; east to County                 north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy.
                                                    County, NE 150th Street, then west on                   Rd 189; north to County Rd 70; east to                30; west to Merrick County Rd 17; south
                                                    NE 150th Street until its junction with                 County Rd 201; south to County Rd                     to Hordlake Road; southeast to Prairie
                                                    K–77, then south on K–77 to the                         60A; east to County Rd 203; south to                  Island Road; southeast to Hamilton
                                                    Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east                   County Rd 52; east to Keith County                    County Rd T; south to NE Hwy. 66; west
                                                    along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to                 Line; east along the northern boundaries              to NE Hwy. 14; south to County Rd 22;
                                                    its junction with the Missouri State line,              of Keith and Lincoln Counties to NE                   west to County Rd M; south to County
                                                    then north along the Kansas-Missouri                    Hwy. 97; south to U.S. Hwy 83; south                  Rd 21; west to County Rd K; south to
                                                    State line to its junction with K–68.                   to E Hall School Rd; east to N Airport                U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; south
                                                                                                            Road; south to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to                  to U.S. Hwy. I–80; west to Gunbarrel Rd
                                                    Montana (Central Flyway Portion)                        Merrick County Rd 13; north to County                 (Hall/Hamilton county line); south to
                                                      Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine,                       Rd O; east to NE Hwy. 14; north to NE                 Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south
                                                    Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon,                Hwy. 52; west and north to NE Hwy. 91;                to U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE Hwy. 10;
                                                    Ferus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith                  west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to NE                    north to Kearney County Rd R and
                                                                                                            Hwy. 22; west to NE Hwy. 11; northwest                Phelps County Rd 742; west to U.S.
                                                    Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum,
                                                                                                            to NE Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 183;                 Hwy. 283; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east to
                                                    Phillips, Powder River, Richland,
                                                                                                            south to Round Valley Rd; west to                     U.S. Hwy. 136; east to U.S. Hwy. 183;
                                                    Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet
                                                                                                            Sargent River Rd; west to Sargent Rd;                 north to NE Hwy. 4; east to NE Hwy. 10;
                                                    Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and
                                                                                                            west to Milburn Rd; north to Blaine                   south to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to NE Hwy.
                                                    Yellowstone.
                                                                                                            County Line; east to Loup County Line;                14; south to NE Hwy. 8; east to U.S.
                                                      Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn,                     north to NE Hwy. 91; west to North
                                                    Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, and Treasure.                                                                       Hwy. 81; north to NE Hwy. 4; east to NE
                                                                                                            Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup
                                                                                                                                                                  Hwy. 15; south to U.S. Hwy. 136; east
                                                    Nebraska                                                River Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth
                                                                                                                                                                  to NE Hwy. 103; south to NE Hwy. 8;
                                                                                                            Rd; east to Loup County Line; north to
                                                      High Plains: That portion of Nebraska                                                                       east to U.S. Hwy. 75.
                                                                                                            Loup-Brown county line; east along
                                                    lying west of a line beginning at the                   northern boundaries of Loup and                       New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
                                                    South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S.                    Garfield Counties to Cedar River Road;
                                                    Hwy. 183; south on U.S. Hwy. 183 to                                                                             North Zone: That portion of the State
                                                                                                            south to NE Hwy. 70; east to U.S. Hwy.                north of I–40 and U.S. 54.
                                                    U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to                   281; north to NE Hwy. 70; east to NE
                                                    NE Hwy. 7; south on NE Hwy. 7 to NE                                                                             South Zone: The remainder of New
                                                                                                            Hwy. 14; south to NE Hwy. 39;                         Mexico.
                                                    Hwy. 91; southwest on NE Hwy. 91 to                     southeast to NE Hwy. 22; east to U.S.
                                                    NE Hwy. 2; southeast on NE Hwy. 2 to                    Hwy. 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy. 30; east              North Dakota
                                                    NE Hwy. 92; west on NE Hwy. 92 to NE                    to U.S. Hwy. 75; north to the                           High Plains Unit: That portion of the
                                                    Hwy. 40; south on NE Hwy. 40 to NE                      Washington County line; east to the                   State south and west of a line from the
                                                    Hwy. 47; south on NE Hwy. 47 to NE                      Iowa-Nebraska border; south to the                    South Dakota State line along U.S. 83
                                                    Hwy. 23; east on NE Hwy. 23 to U.S.                     Missouri-Nebraska border; south to                    and I–94 to ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west
                                                    Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283                    Kansas-Nebraska border; west along                    to the Williams/Divide County line,
                                                    to the Kansas-Nebraska border.                          Kansas-Nebraska border to Colorado-                   then north along the County line to the
                                                      Zone 1: Area bounded by designated                    Nebraska border; north and west to                    Canadian border.
                                                    Federal and State highways and                          Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to                       Low Plains Unit: The remainder of
                                                    political boundaries beginning at the                   intersection of Interstate Canal; and                 North Dakota.
                                                    South Dakota-Nebraska border west of                    excluding that area in Zone 4.
                                                    NE Hwy. 26E Spur and north of NE                          Zone 4: Area encompassed by                         Oklahoma
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Hwy. 12; those portions of Dixon, Cedar                 designated Federal and State highways                   High Plains Zone: The Counties of
                                                    and Knox Counties north of NE Hwy.                      and County Roads beginning at the                     Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
                                                    12; that portion of Keya Paha County                    intersection of NE Hwy. 8 and U.S.                      Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of
                                                    east of U.S. Hwy. 183; and all of Boyd                  Hwy. 75; north to U.S. Hwy. 136; east                 the State east of the High Plains Zone
                                                    County. Both banks of the Niobrara                      to the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 136 and              and north of a line extending east from
                                                    River in Keya Paha and Boyd counties                    the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along              the Texas State line along OK 33 to OK
                                                    east of U.S. Hwy. 183 shall be included                 the Trace to the intersection with                    47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south
                                                    in Zone 1.                                              Federal Levee R–562; north along                      along U.S. 183 to I–40, east along I–40


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                                                    51674                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK                 County excluding the portions west or                 the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe,
                                                    33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north                    south of the Continental Divide.                      Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south
                                                    along OK 18 to OK 51, west along OK                       Zone C2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson,                  on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the
                                                    51 to I–35, north along I–35 to U.S. 412,               Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston                        Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on
                                                    west along U.S. 412 to OK 132, then                     Counties.                                             this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S.
                                                    north along OK 132 to the Kansas State                    Zone C3: Albany and Laramie                         80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road;
                                                    line.                                                   Counties; and that portion of Carbon                  south on this paved road to the Mexican
                                                       Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of                  County east of the Continental Divide.                border at Algodones, Mexico.
                                                    Oklahoma.                                                                                                        Southern Zone: That portion of
                                                                                                            Pacific Flyway
                                                                                                                                                                  southern California (but excluding the
                                                    South Dakota
                                                                                                            Arizona                                               Colorado River Zone) south and east of
                                                      High Plains Zone: That portion of the                                                                       a line extending from the Pacific Ocean
                                                    State west of a line beginning at the                     Game Management Units (GMU) as
                                                                                                            follows:                                              east along the Santa Maria River to CA
                                                    North Dakota State line and extending                                                                         166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on
                                                                                                              South Zone: Those portions of GMUs
                                                    south along U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east on                                                                       CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the
                                                                                                            6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and GMUs
                                                    U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the Blunt-                                                                         crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at
                                                                                                            10 and 12B–45.
                                                    Canning Rd to SD 34, east and south on                                                                        Tejon Pass; east and north along the
                                                                                                              North Zone: GMUs 1–5, those
                                                    SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee’s Corner, south                                                                         crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA
                                                                                                            portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within
                                                    on SD 50 to I–90, east on I–90 to SD 50,                                                                      178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to
                                                                                                            Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.
                                                    south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD                                                                           U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south
                                                    44 across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD                California                                            on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to
                                                    47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18, east on                     Northeastern Zone: In that portion of              I–15; east on I–15 to CA 127; north on
                                                    U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the                 California lying east and north of a line             CA 127 to the Nevada State line.
                                                    Nebraska State line.                                    beginning at the intersection of                         Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:
                                                      North Zone: That portion of                                                                                 All of Kings and Tulare Counties and
                                                                                                            Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon
                                                    northeastern South Dakota east of the                                                                         that portion of Kern County north of the
                                                                                                            line; south along Interstate 5 to its
                                                    High Plains Unit and north of a line                                                                          Southern Zone.
                                                                                                            junction with Walters Lane south of the
                                                    extending east along U.S. 212 to the                                                                             Balance of State Zone: The remainder
                                                                                                            town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane
                                                    Minnesota State line.                                                                                         of California not included in the
                                                                                                            to its junction with Easy Street; south
                                                      South Zone: That portion of Gregory                                                                         Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado
                                                                                                            along Easy Street to the junction with
                                                    County east of SD 47 and south of SD                                                                          River Zones, and the Southern San
                                                                                                            Old Highway 99; south along Old
                                                    44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44                                                                         Joaquin Valley Zone.
                                                                                                            Highway 99 to the point of intersection
                                                    to the Douglas County line; south on SD
                                                                                                            with Interstate 5 north of the town of                Idaho
                                                    50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes
                                                                                                            Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its                   Zone 1: All lands and waters within
                                                    Highway to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281
                                                                                                            junction with Highway 89; east and                    the Fort Hall Indian Reservation,
                                                    and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on
                                                                                                            south along Highway 89 to Main Street                 including private in-holdings; Bannock
                                                    SD 50 to the Bon Homme County line;
                                                                                                            Greenville; north and east to its junction            County; Bingham County, except that
                                                    the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton,
                                                                                                            with North Valley Road; south to its                  portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir
                                                    and Clay south of SD 50; and Union
                                                                                                            junction of Diamond Mountain Road;                    drainage; Caribou County within the
                                                    County south and west of SD 50 and I–
                                                                                                            north and east to its junction with North             Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power
                                                    29.
                                                      Middle Zone: The remainder of South                   Arm Road; south and west to the                       County east of State Highway 37 and
                                                    Dakota.                                                 junction of North Valley Road; south to               State Highway 39.
                                                                                                            the junction with Arlington Road (A22);                 Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah,
                                                    Texas                                                   west to the junction of Highway 89;                   Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary,
                                                       High Plains Zone: That portion of the                south and west to the junction of                     Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer,
                                                    State west of a line extending south                    Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to                     Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson,
                                                    from the Oklahoma State line along U.S.                 Highway 395; south and east on                        Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis,
                                                    183 to Vernon, south along U.S. 283 to                  Highway 395 to the point of intersection              Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone,
                                                    Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to                   with the California-Nevada State line;                Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham
                                                    Abilene, south along U.S. 277 to Del                    north along the California-Nevada State               County within the Blackfoot Reservoir
                                                    Rio, then south along the Del Rio                       line to the junction of the California-               drainage; Caribou County, except the
                                                    International Toll Bridge access road to                Nevada-Oregon State lines; west along                 Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power
                                                    the Mexico border.                                      the California-Oregon State line to the               County west of State Highway 37 and
                                                       Low Plains North Zone: That portion                  point of origin.                                      State Highway 39.
                                                    of northeastern Texas east of the High                     Colorado River Zone: Those portions                  Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia,
                                                    Plains Zone and north of a line                         of San Bernardino, Riverside, and                     Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln,
                                                    beginning at the International Toll                     Imperial Counties east of a line                      Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls,
                                                    Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending                 extending from the Nevada State line                  and Washington Counties.
                                                    east on U.S. 90 to San Antonio, then                    south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction;
                                                                                                            south on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct                   Nevada
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    continuing east on I–10 to the Louisiana
                                                    State line at Orange, Texas.                            Road’’ in San Bernardino County                         Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White
                                                       Low Plains South Zone: The                           through the town of Rice to the San                   Pine Counties.
                                                    remainder of Texas.                                     Bernardino-Riverside County line; south                 Northwest Zone: All of Carson City,
                                                                                                            on a road known in Riverside County as                Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka,
                                                    Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)                        the ‘‘Desert Center to Rice Road’’ to the             Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye,
                                                     Zone C1: Big Horn, Converse, Goshen,                   town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on               Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties.
                                                    Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Platte, and                 I–10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on                   South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln
                                                    Washakie Counties; and Fremont                          this road to Wiley Well; southeast along              Counties.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         51675

                                                      Moapa Valley Special Management                          AFRP Unit: Starting at the                         Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to
                                                    Area: That portion of Clark County                      intersection of I–95 and the Quinnipiac               Route 70; then west along Route 70 to
                                                    including the Moapa Valley to the                       River, north on the Quinnipiac River to               Route 206; then south along Route 206
                                                    confluence of the Muddy and Virgin                      its intersection with I–91, north on I–91             to Route 536; then west along Route 536
                                                    Rivers.                                                 to I–691, west on I–691 to the Hartford               to Route 322; then west along Route 322
                                                                                                            County line, and encompassing the rest                to Route 55; then south along Route 55
                                                    Oregon                                                                                                        to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south
                                                                                                            of New Haven County and Fairfield
                                                      Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln,                  County in its entirety.                               along Route 553 to Route 40; then east
                                                    Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine,                     NAP H–Unit: All of the rest of the                 along Route 40 to route 55; then south
                                                    Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion,                    State not included in the AP or AFRP                  along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman
                                                    Yamhill, Washington, Columbia,                          descriptions above.                                   Avenue); then west along Route 552 to
                                                    Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River,                          South Zone: Same as for ducks.                     Carmel Road; then south along Carmel
                                                    Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow and                        North Zone: Same as for ducks.                     Road to Route 49; then east along Route
                                                    Umatilla Counties.                                                                                            49 to Route 555; then south along Route
                                                                                                            Maine                                                 555 to Route 553; then east along Route
                                                      Columbia Basin Mallard Management
                                                    Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and Umatilla                       Same zones as for ducks.                            553 to Route 649; then north along
                                                    Counties.                                               Maryland                                              Route 649 to Route 670; then east along
                                                      Zone 2: The remainder of the State.                                                                         Route 670 to Route 47; then north along
                                                                                                               Resident Population (RP) Zone:                     Route 47 to Route 548; then east along
                                                    Utah                                                    Garrett, Allegany, Washington,                        Route 548 to Route 49; then east along
                                                      Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache,                      Frederick, and Montgomery Counties;                   Route 49 to Route 50; then south along
                                                    Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich,                 that portion of Prince George’s County                Route 50 to Route 9; then south along
                                                    Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah,                        west of Route 3 and Route 301; that                   Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle City
                                                    Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and that                   portion of Charles County west of Route               Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to
                                                    part of Toole County north of I–80.                     301 to the Virginia State line; and that              the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the
                                                      Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.                        portion of Carroll County west of Route               beginning point.
                                                                                                            31 to the intersection of Route 97, and
                                                    Washington                                                                                                    New York
                                                                                                            west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania
                                                      East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific              line.                                                   Lake Champlain Goose Area: The
                                                    Crest Trail and east of the Big White                      AP Zone: Remainder of the State.                   same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl
                                                    Salmon River in Klickitat County.                                                                             Hunting Zone, which is that area of New
                                                      Columbia Basin Mallard Management                     Massachusetts                                         York State lying east and north of a
                                                    Unit: Same as East Zone.                                  NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones                 continuous line extending along Route
                                                      West Zone: All areas to the west of the               (see duck zones).                                     11 from the New York-Canada
                                                    East Zone.                                                AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck                 International boundary south to Route
                                                                                                            zones).                                               9B, south along Route 9B to Route 9,
                                                    Wyoming                                                   Special Late Season Area: The Central               south along Route 9 to Route 22 south
                                                      Snake River Zone: Beginning at the                    Zone and that portion of the Coastal                  of Keeseville, south along Route 22 to
                                                    south boundary of Yellowstone National                  Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of              the west shore of South Bay along and
                                                    Park and the Continental Divide; south                  the Cape Cod Canal, north to the New                  around the shoreline of South Bay to
                                                    along the Continental Divide to Union                   Hampshire line.                                       Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay,
                                                    Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S.                                                                        southeast along Route 22 to Route 4,
                                                    Road 600); west and south along the                     New Hampshire                                         northeast along Route 4 to the New
                                                    Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605;                     Same zones as for ducks.                            York-Vermont boundary.
                                                    south along U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the                                                                            Northeast Goose Area: The same as
                                                                                                            New Jersey                                            the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting
                                                    Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary;
                                                    along the national forest boundary to the                  AP Zone: North and South Zones (see                Zone, which is that area of New York
                                                    Idaho State line; north along the Idaho                 duck zones).                                          State lying north of a continuous line
                                                    State line to the south boundary of                        RP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck                extending from Lake Ontario east along
                                                    Yellowstone National Park; east along                   zones).                                               the north shore of the Salmon River to
                                                    the Yellowstone National Park boundary                     Special Late Season Area: In northern              Interstate 81, south along Interstate
                                                    to the Continental Divide.                              New Jersey, that portion of the State                 Route 81 to Route 31, east along Route
                                                      Balance of State Zone: Balance of the                 within a continuous line that runs east               31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to
                                                    Pacific Flyway in Wyoming outside the                   along the New York State boundary line                Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route
                                                    Snake River Zone.                                       to the Hudson River; then south along                 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28,
                                                                                                            the New York State boundary to its                    east along Route 28 to Route 29, east
                                                    Geese                                                   intersection with Route 440 at Perth                  along Route 29 to Route 22 at
                                                    Atlantic Flyway                                         Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its                  Greenwich Junction, north along Route
                                                                                                            intersection with Route 287; then west                22 to Washington County Route 153,
                                                    Connecticut                                             along Route 287 to its intersection with              east along CR 153 to the New York-
                                                       AP Unit: Litchfield County and the                   Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then               Vermont boundary, exclusive of the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    portion of Hartford County west of a                    north along Route 206 to its intersection             Lake Champlain Zone.
                                                    line beginning at the Massachusetts                     with Route 94: then west along Route 94                 East Central Goose Area: That area of
                                                    border in Suffield and extending south                  to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north             New York State lying inside of a
                                                    along Route 159 to its intersection with                along the Pennsylvania State boundary                 continuous line extending from
                                                    Route 91 in Hartford, and then                          in the Delaware River to the beginning                Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east along
                                                    extending south along Route 91 to its                   point. In southern New Jersey, that                   Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route
                                                    intersection with the Hartford/                         portion of the State within a continuous              13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to
                                                    Middlesex County line.                                  line that runs west from the Atlantic                 Route 365, east along Route 365 to


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                                                    51676                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

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


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          51677

                                                    Street to Potunk Lane; then west on                     Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg,                         North by S–14–26 extending southward
                                                    Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup                      Mitchell, Montgomery (that portion that               to that portion of Orangeburg County
                                                    Avenue (in Westhampton Beach) to                        is east of NC 109), Moore, Nash, New                  bordered by Hwy 6.
                                                    Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to                    Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico,
                                                                                                                                                                  Vermont
                                                    international waters.                                   Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph,
                                                      Western Long Island Goose Area (RP                    Richmond (all of the county with                        Same zones as for ducks.
                                                    Area): That area of Westchester County                  exception of that portion that is south of            Virginia
                                                    and its tidal waters southeast of                       NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 and north
                                                    Interstate Route 95 and that area of                    of U.S. 74), Robeson, Rockingham,                        AP Zone: The area east and south of
                                                    Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west                  Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes,                the following line—the Stafford County
                                                    of a continuous line extending due                      Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Vance,                    line from the Potomac River west to
                                                    south from the New York-Connecticut                     Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes,                       Interstate 95 at Fredericksburg, then
                                                    boundary to the northernmost end of the                 Wilson, Yadkin, and Yancey.                           south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg,
                                                    Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then                          Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the                  then Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk,
                                                    south on the Sunken Meadow Parkway                      following Counties or portions of                     then south along Route 32 to the North
                                                    to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then                     Counties: Bertie (that portion north and              Carolina line.
                                                    south on the Sagtikos Parkway to the                    east of a line formed by NC 45 at the                    SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the
                                                    Robert Moses State Parkway; then south                  Washington County line to U.S. 17 in                  AP Zone boundary and east of the
                                                    on the Robert Moses Parkway to its                      Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13                  following line: The ‘‘Blue Ridge’’
                                                    southernmost end; then due south to                     in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the                 (mountain spine) at the West Virginia-
                                                    international waters.                                   Hertford Co. line), Camden, Chowan,                   Virginia Border (Loudoun County-
                                                      Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP                   Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank,                    Clarke County line) south to Interstate
                                                    Low Harvest Area): That area of Suffolk                 Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.                  64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county
                                                    County lying between the Western and                                                                          borders along the western edge of
                                                    Eastern Long Island Goose Areas, as                     Pennsylvania                                          Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-
                                                    defined above.                                             Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of                 Madison-Greene-Albemarle and into
                                                      South Goose Area: The remainder of                    Pennsylvania except for SJBP Zone and                 Nelson Counties), then east along
                                                    New York State, excluding New York                      the area east of route SR 97 from the                 Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 15, then south
                                                    City.                                                   Maryland State Line to the intersection               along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line.
                                                      Special Late Canada Goose Area: That                  of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection                RP Zone: The remainder of the State
                                                    area of the Central Long Island Goose                   of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30              west of the SJBP Zone.
                                                    Area lying north of State Route 25A and                 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east             Mississippi Flyway
                                                    west of a continuous line extending                     of SR 743 to intersection of I–81, east of
                                                    northward from State Route 25A along                    I–81 to intersection of I–80, and south               Alabama
                                                    Randall Road (near Shoreham) to North                   of I–80 to the New Jersey State line.                   Same zones as for ducks, but in
                                                    Country Road, then east to Sound Road                      SJBP Zone: The area north of I–80 and              addition:
                                                    and then north to Long Island Sound                     west of I–79 including in the city of Erie              SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan
                                                    and then due north to the New York-                     west of Bay Front Parkway to and                      County east of U.S. Highway 31, north
                                                    Connecticut boundary.                                   including the Lake Erie Duck zone (Lake               of State Highway 36, and west of U.S.
                                                    North Carolina                                          Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within               231; that portion of Limestone County
                                                                                                            150 yards of the Lake Erie Shoreline).                south of U.S. 72; and that portion of
                                                      SJBP Hunt Zone: Includes the                             AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97              Madison County south of Swancott
                                                    following Counties or portions of                       from Maryland State Line to the                       Road and west of Triana Road.
                                                    Counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham,                     intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to
                                                    Davidson, Durham, Halifax (that portion                                                                       Arkansas
                                                                                                            intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of
                                                    east of NC 903), Montgomery (that                       U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441                 Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton,
                                                    portion west of NC 109), Northampton,                   to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection             Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford,
                                                    Richmond (that portion south of NC 73                   of I–81, east of I–81 to intersection of I–           Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan,
                                                    and west of U.S. 220 and north of U.S.                  80, south of I–80 to New Jersey State                 Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry, Pope,
                                                    74), Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Wake.                    line.                                                 Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van
                                                      RP Hunt Zone: Includes the following                                                                        Buren, Washington, and Yell Counties.
                                                    Counties or portions of Counties:                       Rhode Island
                                                    Alamance, Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe,                                                                         Illinois
                                                                                                              Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent
                                                    Avery, Beaufort, Bertie (that portion                   and Providence Counties and portions                     North Zone: That portion of the State
                                                    south and west of a line formed by NC                   of the towns of Exeter and North                      north of a line extending west from the
                                                    45 at the Washington Co. line to U.S. 17                Kingston within Washington County                     Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I–
                                                    in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S.                    (see State regulations for detailed                   39, south along I–39 to Illinois Route 18,
                                                    13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to                    descriptions).                                        west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois
                                                    the Hertford Co. line), Bladen,                                                                               Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29
                                                    Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell,                   South Carolina                                        to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois
                                                    Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee,                     Canada Goose Area: Statewide except                 Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and
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                                                    Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven,                      for the following area:                               due south across the Mississippi River
                                                    Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe,                     East of U.S. 301: That portion of                   to the Iowa border.
                                                    Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates,                       Clarendon County bounded to the North                    Central Zone: That portion of the
                                                    Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford,                    by S–14–25, to the East by Hwy 260,                   State south of the North Goose Zone line
                                                    Halifax (that portion west of NC 903),                  and to the South by the markers                       to a line extending west from the
                                                    Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hertford,                  delineating the channel of the Santee                 Indiana border along I–70 to Illinois
                                                    Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones,                River. West of U.S. 301: That portion of              Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to
                                                    Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, McDowell, Macon,                  Clarendon County bounded on the                       Illinois Route 161, west along Illinois


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                                                    51678                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south                  south by Michigan Highway 138 and                     CSAH 24 to CSAH 13, Olmsted County;
                                                    and west along Illinois Route 158 to                    Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood                 thence along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway
                                                    Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois                and Bay Port Roads, on the north by                   52; thence along U.S. Highway 52 to
                                                    Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south                    Kilmanagh Road and a line extending                   CSAH 12, Olmsted County; thence along
                                                    along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo’s Road,               directly west off the end of Kilmanagh                CSAH 12 to STH 247; thence along STH
                                                    south along St. Leo’s road to Modoc                     Road into Saginaw Bay to the west                     247 to the point of beginning.
                                                    Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc                    boundary, and on the west by the
                                                                                                                                                                  Missouri
                                                    Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc                       Tuscola-Bay County line and a line
                                                    Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast                     extending directly north off the end of                  Same zones as for ducks.
                                                    along Levee Road to County Route 12                     the Tuscola-Bay County line into
                                                                                                            Saginaw Bay to the north boundary.                    Ohio
                                                    (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south
                                                    along County Route 12 to the Modoc                         Allegan County GMU: That area                        Lake Erie Goose Zone: That portion of
                                                    Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc                  encompassed by a line beginning at the                Ohio north of a line beginning at the
                                                    Ferry route across the Mississippi River                junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate               Michigan border and extending south
                                                    to the Missouri border.                                 Highway 196 in Lake Town Township                     along Interstate 75 to Interstate 280,
                                                       South Zone: Same zones as for ducks.                 and extending easterly along 136th                    south on Interstate 280 to Interstate 80,
                                                       South Central Zone: Same zones as for                Avenue to Michigan Highway 40,                        and east on Interstate 80 to the
                                                    ducks.                                                  southerly along Michigan 40 through                   Pennsylvania border.
                                                                                                            the city of Allegan to 108th Avenue in                  North Zone: That portion of Ohio
                                                    Indiana
                                                                                                            Trowbridge Township, westerly along                   north of a line beginning at the Indiana
                                                      Same zones as for ducks but in                        108th Avenue to 46th Street, northerly                border and extending east along
                                                    addition:                                               along 46th Street to 109th Avenue,                    Interstate 70 to the West Virginia border
                                                    Special Canada Goose Seasons                            westerly along 109th Avenue to I–196 in               excluding the portion of Ohio within
                                                                                                            Casco Township, then northerly along                  the Lake Erie Goose Zone.
                                                      Late Canada Goose Season Zone: That                   I–196 to the point of beginning.
                                                    part of the State encompassed by the                       Saginaw County GMU: That portion                     South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.
                                                    following Counties: Steuben, Lagrange,                  of Saginaw County bounded by                          Tennessee
                                                    Elkhart, St. Joseph, La Porte, Starke,                  Michigan Highway 46 on the north;
                                                    Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, De Kalb,                    Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57                    Northwest Goose Zone: Lake, Obion,
                                                    Allen, Whitley, Huntington, Wells,                      on the south; and Michigan 13 on the                  and Weakley Counties and those
                                                    Adams, Boone, Hamilton, Madison,                        east.                                                 portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties
                                                    Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, Morgan,                        Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That                      north of State Highways 20 and 104 and
                                                    Johnson, Shelby, Vermillion, Parke,                     portion of Muskegon County within the                 east of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W
                                                    Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, and Greene.                       boundaries of the Muskegon County                       Remainder of State: That portion of
                                                                                                            wastewater system, east of the                        Tennessee outside of the Northwest
                                                    Iowa                                                                                                          Goose Zone.
                                                                                                            Muskegon State Game Area, in sections
                                                       Same zones as for ducks.                             5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 32,           Wisconsin
                                                    Kentucky                                                T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11,
                                                                                                            12, 13, 14, 24, and 25, T10N R15W, as                    Same zones as for ducks but in
                                                       Western Zone: That portion of the                    posted.                                               addition:
                                                    State west of a line beginning at the                                                                            Horicon Zone: That portion of the
                                                    Tennessee State line at Fulton and                      Special Canada Goose Seasons
                                                                                                                                                                  State encompassed by a boundary
                                                    extending north along the Purchase                        Southern Michigan Late Season                       beginning at the intersection of State 23
                                                    Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east                  Canada Goose Zone: Same as the South                  and State 73 and moves south along
                                                    along I–24 to U.S. Highway 641, north                   Duck Zone excluding Tuscola/Huron                     State 73 until the intersection of State
                                                    along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast                    Goose Management Unit (GMU),                          73 and State 60, then moves east along
                                                    along U.S. 60 to the Henderson County                   Allegan County GMU, Saginaw County                    State 60 until the intersection of State
                                                    line, then south, east, and northerly                   GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU.                     60 and State 83, and then moves north
                                                    along the Henderson County line to the                                                                        along State 83 until the intersection of
                                                    Indiana State line.                                     Minnesota
                                                                                                                                                                  State 83 and State 33 at which point it
                                                       Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler,                     Same zones as for ducks but in
                                                                                                                                                                  moves east until the intersection of State
                                                    Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren                      addition:
                                                                                                              Rochester Goose Zone: That part of                  33 and U.S .45, then moves north along
                                                    Counties and all counties lying west to                                                                       U.S. 45 until the intersection of U.S. 45
                                                    the boundary of the Western Goose                       the State within the following described
                                                                                                            boundary:                                             and State 23, at which point it moves
                                                    Zone.                                                                                                         west along State 23 until the
                                                                                                              Beginning at the intersection of State
                                                    Louisiana                                               Trunk Highway (STH) 247 and County                    intersection of State 23 and State 73.
                                                       Same zones as for ducks.                             State Aid Highway (CSAH) 4, Wabasha                      Exterior Zone: That portion of the
                                                                                                            County; thence along CSAH 4 to CSAH                   State not included in the Horicon Zone.
                                                    Michigan                                                10, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH                    Mississippi River Subzone: That area
                                                      North Zone—Same as North duck                         10 to CSAH 9, Olmsted County; thence                  encompassed by a line beginning at the
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                                                    zone.                                                   along CSAH 9 to CSAH 22, Winona                       intersection of the Burlington Northern
                                                      Middle Zone—Same as Middle duck                       County; thence along CSAH 22 to STH                   & Santa Fe Railway and the Illinois
                                                    zone.                                                   74; thence along STH 74 to STH 30;                    State line in Grant County and
                                                      South Zone—Same as South duck                         thence along STH 30 to CSAH 13, Dodge                 extending northerly along the
                                                    zone.                                                   County; thence along CSAH 13 to U.S.                  Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway
                                                      Tuscola/Huron Goose Management                        Highway 14; thence along U.S. Highway                 to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce
                                                    Unit (GMU): Those portions of Tuscola                   14 to STH 57; thence along STH 57 to                  County, then west along the Prescott
                                                    and Huron Counties bounded on the                       CSAH 24, Dodge County; thence along                   city limit to the Minnesota State line.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         51679

                                                    Central Flyway                                          line, south along the Thomas-Hooker                   U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy
                                                                                                            County lines to the McPherson County                  83 to the South Dakota border; thence
                                                    Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
                                                                                                            line, east along the south border of                  west along the South Dakota border to
                                                       Northern Front Range Area: All areas                 Thomas County to the western line of                  ND Hwy 6.
                                                    in Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties                   Custer County, south along the Custer-                  Rest of State: Remainder of North
                                                    from the Continental Divide east along                  Logan County line to NE 92, west to                   Dakota.
                                                    the Wyoming border to U.S. 85, south                    U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61,
                                                    on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line,                    south along NE 61 to NE 92, west along                South Dakota
                                                    and all lands in Adams, Arapahoe,                       NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south along U.S.
                                                    Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver,                                                                              Canada Geese
                                                                                                            Hwy 26 to Keith County Line, south
                                                    Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson Counties.                along Keith County Line to the Colorado                  Unit 1: The Counties of Campbell,
                                                       North Park Area: Jackson County.                     State line.                                           Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark,
                                                       South Park and San Luis Valley Area:                    Panhandle Unit: That area north and                Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel,
                                                    All of Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos,                       west of Keith-Deuel County Line at the                Walworth, that portion of Dewey
                                                    Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park,                  Nebraska-Colorado State line, north                   County north of Bureau of Indian Affairs
                                                    Rio Grande and Teller Counties, and                     along the Keith County Line to U.S.                   Road 8, Bureau of Indian Affairs Road
                                                    those portions of Saguache, Mineral and                 Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE                 9, and the section of U.S. Highway 212
                                                    Hinsdale Counties east of the                           Hwy 61, north along NE Hwy 61 to NE                   east of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road
                                                    Continental Divide.                                     Hwy 2, west along NE 2 to the corner                  8 junction, that portion of Potter County
                                                       Remainder: Remainder of the Central                  formed by Garden-Grant-Sheridan                       east of U.S. Highway 83, that portion of
                                                    Flyway portion of Colorado.                             Counties, west along the north border of              Sully County east of U.S. Highway 83,
                                                       Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose                    Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff                     portions of Hyde, Buffalo, Brule, and
                                                    Area: That portion of the State east of                 Counties to the intersection of the                   Charles Mix and Bon Homme Counties
                                                    Interstate Highway 25.                                  Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming                 north and east of a line beginning at the
                                                    Montana (Central Flyway Portion)                        State line.                                           Hughes-Hyde County line on State
                                                                                                               North-Central Unit: The remainder of               Highway 34, east to Lees Boulevard,
                                                      Zone N: The Counties of Blaine,                       the State.                                            southeast to the State Highway 34, east
                                                    Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus,                                                                      7 miles to 350th Avenue, south to
                                                    Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin,                  Light Geese
                                                                                                                                                                  Interstate 90 on 350th Avenue, south
                                                    McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum,                           Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area:                   and east on State Highway 50 to Geddes,
                                                    Phillips, Powder River, Richland,                       The area bounded by the junction of NE                east on 285th Street to U.S. Highway
                                                    Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet                  Hwy. 92 and NE Hwy. 15, south along                   281, north on U.S. Highway 281 to the
                                                    Grass, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux.                   NE Hwy. 15 to NE Hwy. 4, west along                   Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary,
                                                      Zone S: The Counties of Big Horn,                     NE Hwy. 4 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west along                 that portion of Bon Homme County
                                                    Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud,                       U.S. Hwy. 34 to U.S. Hwy. 283, north                  north of State Highway 50, that portion
                                                    Treasure, and Yellowstone.                              along U.S. Hwy. 283 to U.S. Hwy. 30,                  of Perkins County west of State
                                                    Nebraska                                                east along U.S. Hwy. 30 to NE Hwy. 92,                Highway 75 and south of State Highway
                                                                                                            east along NE Hwy. 92 to the beginning.               20; McPherson, Edmunds, Kingsbury,
                                                    Dark Geese                                                Remainder of State: The remainder                   Brookings, Lake, Moody, Miner, Faulk,
                                                       Niobrara Unit: That area contained                   portion of Nebraska.                                  Hand, Jerauld, Douglas, Hutchinson,
                                                    within and bounded by the intersection                  New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)                   Turner, Union, Clay, Yankton, Aurora,
                                                    of the South Dakota State line and the                                                                        Beadle, Davison, Hanson, Sanborn,
                                                    eastern Cherry County line, south along                 Dark Geese                                            Spink, Brown, Harding, Butte,
                                                    the Cherry County line to the Niobrara                    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit:                      Lawrence, Meade, Oglala Lakota
                                                    River, east to the Norden Road, south on                Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia Counties.               (formerly Shannon), Jackson, Mellette,
                                                    the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east                      Remainder: The remainder of the                     Todd, Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach,
                                                    along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north                   Central Flyway portion of New Mexico.                 and McCook Counties; and those
                                                    along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and                                                                              portions of Minnehaha and Lincoln
                                                    County Road 872, west along County                      North Dakota                                          counties outside of an area bounded by
                                                    Road 872 to the Knox County Line,                          Missouri River Canada Goose Zone:                  a line beginning at the junction of the
                                                    north along the Knox County Line to the                 The area within and bounded by a line                 South Dakota-Minnesota state line and
                                                    South Dakota State line. Where the                      starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the                   Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th
                                                    Niobrara River forms the boundary, both                 South Dakota border; thence north on                  Street) west to its junction with
                                                    banks of the river are included in the                  ND Hwy 6 to I–94; thence west on I–94                 Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th
                                                    Niobrara Unit.                                          to ND Hwy 49; thence north on ND Hwy                  Avenue), south on Minnehaha County
                                                       East Unit: That area north and east of               49 to ND Hwy 200; thence north on                     Highway 149 (464th Avenue) to
                                                    U.S. 81 at the Kansas-Nebraska State                    Mercer County Rd. 21 to the section line              Hartford, then south on Minnehaha
                                                    line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S.                  between sections 8 and 9 (T146N–                      County Highway 151 (463rd Avenue) to
                                                    275, south to U.S. 77, south to NE 91,                  R87W); thence north on that section line              State Highway 42, east on State
                                                    east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa                  to the southern shoreline to Lake                     Highway 42 to State Highway 17, south
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                                                    State line.                                             Sakakawea; thence east along the                      on State Highway 17 to its junction with
                                                       Platte River Unit: That area north and               southern shoreline (including Mallard                 Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike
                                                    west of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-Nebraska                  Island) of Lake Sakakawea to U.S. Hwy                 Road), and east on Lincoln County
                                                    State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west                    83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to ND                 Highway 116 (Klondike Road) to the
                                                    along NE 91 to NE 11, north to the Holt                 Hwy 200; thence east on ND Hwy 200                    South Dakota-Iowa state line, then north
                                                    County line, west along the northern                    to ND Hwy 41; thence south on ND Hwy                  along the South Dakota-Iowa and South
                                                    border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine and                    41 to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S.               Dakota-Minnesota border to the junction
                                                    Thomas Counties to the Hooker County                    Hwy 83 to I–94; thence east on I–94 to                of the South Dakota-Minnesota state line


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                                                    51680                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    and Minnehaha County Highway 122                        south along Highway 89 to main street                 to Frink Rd.; south on Frink Rd. to
                                                    (254th Street).                                         Greenville; north and east to its junction            Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to
                                                      Unit 2: Remainder of South Dakota.                    with North Valley Road; south to its                  Niland Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland
                                                      Unit 3: Bennett County.                               junction of Diamond Mountain Road;                    Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County
                                                                                                            north and east to its junction with North             boat ramp and the water line of the
                                                    Texas
                                                                                                            Arm Road; south and west to the                       Salton Sea; from the water line of the
                                                       Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of                junction of North Valley Road; south to               Salton Sea, a straight line across the
                                                    Texas lying east and north of a line                    the junction with Arlington Road (A22);               Salton Sea to the Salinity Control
                                                    beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border                  west to the junction of Highway 89;                   Research Facility and the Navy Test
                                                    at U.S. 81, then continuing south to                    south and west to the junction of                     Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test
                                                    Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S.                 Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to                     Base Road to the point of beginning.
                                                    81 and U.S. 287 to I–35W and I–35 to                    Highway 395; south and east on                          Balance of State Zone: The remainder
                                                    the juncture with I–10 in San Antonio,                  Highway 395 to the point of intersection              of California not included in the
                                                    then east on I–10 to the Texas-Louisiana                with the California-Nevada State line;                Northeastern, Southern, and the
                                                    border.                                                 north along the California-Nevada State               Colorado River Zones.
                                                       Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of                line to the junction of the California-                 North Coast Special Management
                                                    Texas lying east and south of a line                    Nevada-Oregon State lines west along                  Area: The Counties of Del Norte and
                                                    beginning at the International Toll                     the California-Oregon State line to the               Humboldt.
                                                    Bridge at Laredo, then continuing north                 point of origin.                                        Sacramento Valley Special
                                                    following I–35 to the juncture with I–10                   Colorado River Zone: Those portions                Management Area: That area bounded
                                                    in San Antonio, then easterly along I–                  of San Bernardino, Riverside, and                     by a line beginning at Willows south on
                                                    10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.                       Imperial Counties east of a line                      I–5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn
                                                       West Goose Zone: The remainder of                    extending from the Nevada border south                Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to
                                                    the State.                                              along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south                Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the
                                                                                                            on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct Road’’                  junction with CA 162; northerly on CA
                                                    Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)                                                                              45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on CA
                                                                                                            in San Bernardino County through the
                                                    Dark Geese                                              town of Rice to the San Bernardino-                   162 to the point of beginning in
                                                                                                            Riverside County line; south on a road                Willows.
                                                      Zone G1: Big Horn, Converse, Hot
                                                    Springs, Natrona, Park, and Washakie                    known in Riverside County as the                      Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)
                                                    Counties; and Fremont County                            ‘‘Desert Center to Rice Road’’ to the
                                                                                                            town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on                 West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta,
                                                    excluding those portions south or west                                                                        Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata,
                                                                                                            I–10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on
                                                    of the Continental Divide.                                                                                    Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan,
                                                      Zone G1A: Goshen and Platte                           this road to Wiley Well; southeast along
                                                                                                            the Army–Milpitas Road to the Blythe,                 and San Miguel Counties and those
                                                    Counties.                                                                                                     portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and
                                                      Zone G2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson,                    Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south
                                                                                                            on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the               Saguache Counties west of the
                                                    Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston                                                                                Continental Divide.
                                                                                                            Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on
                                                    Counties.                                                                                                       State Area: The remainder of the
                                                      Zone G3: Albany and Laramie                           this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S.
                                                                                                            80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road;                     Pacific-Flyway Portion of Colorado.
                                                    Counties; and that portion of Carbon
                                                                                                            south on this paved road to the Mexican               Idaho
                                                    County east of the Continental Divide.
                                                                                                            border at Algodones, Mexico.
                                                    Pacific Flyway                                             Southern Zone: That portion of                     Canada Geese and Brant
                                                                                                            southern California (but excluding the                  Zone 1: All lands and waters within
                                                    Arizona                                                 Colorado River Zone) south and east of                the Fort Hall Indian Reservation,
                                                      North Zone: Game Management Units                     a line extending from the Pacific Ocean               including private in-holdings; Bannock
                                                    1–5, those portions of Game                             east along the Santa Maria River to CA                County; Bingham County, except that
                                                    Management Units 6 and 8 within                         166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on             portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir
                                                    Coconino County, and Game                               CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the                drainage; Caribou County within the
                                                    Management Units 7, 9, and 12A.                         crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at                   Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power
                                                      South Zone: Those portions of Game                    Tejon Pass; east and north along the                  County east of State Highway 37 and
                                                    Management Units 6 and 8 in Yavapai                     crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA                State Highway 39.
                                                    County, and Game Management Units                       178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to                   Zone 2: Adams, Benewah, Blaine,
                                                    10 and 12B–45.                                          U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south               Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte,
                                                                                                            on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to                Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer,
                                                    California
                                                                                                            I–15; east on I–15 to CA 127; north on                Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson,
                                                       Northeastern Zone: In that portion of                CA 127 to the Nevada border.                          Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis,
                                                    California lying east and north of a line                  Imperial County Special Management                 Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone,
                                                    beginning at the intersection of                        Area: The area bounded by a line                      Teton, and Valley Counties; and Power
                                                    Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon                 beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy                  County west of State Highway 37 and
                                                    line; south along Interstate 5 to its                   Test Base Road; south on Highway 86 to                State Highway 39.
                                                    junction with Walters Lane south of the                 the town of Westmoreland; continue                      Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia,
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                                                    town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane                  through the town of Westmoreland to                   Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln,
                                                    to its junction with Easy Street; south                 Route S26; east on Route S26 to                       Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls,
                                                    along Easy Street to the junction with                  Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to                  and Washington Counties.
                                                    Old Highway 99; south along Old                         Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to                        Zone 4: Bear Lake County; Bingham
                                                    Highway 99 to the point of intersection                 Flowing Wells Rd.; northeast on                       County within the Blackfoot Reservoir
                                                    with Interstate 5 north of the town of                  Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella                    drainage; and Caribou County, except
                                                    Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its                   Canal; northwest on the Coachella Canal               that portion within the Fort Hall Indian
                                                    junction with Highway 89; east and                      to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18              Reservation.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         51681

                                                    White-Fronted Geese                                       West of the Divide Zone: The                          Harney and Lake County Zone: All of
                                                      Zone 1: All lands and waters within                   remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion               Harney and Lake Counties.
                                                    the Fort Hall Indian Reservation,                       of Montana.                                             Malheur County Zone: All of Malheur
                                                    including private in-holdings; Bannock                  Nevada                                                County.
                                                    County; Bingham County, except that                       Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White               Utah
                                                    portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir                  Pine Counties.
                                                    drainage; Caribou County within the                                                                              Northern Zone: That portion of Box
                                                                                                              Northwest Zone: All of Carson City,                 Elder County beginning the Weber-Box
                                                    Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power                 Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka,
                                                    County east of State Highway 37 and                                                                           Elder county line, north along the Box
                                                                                                            Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye,                 Elder county line to the Utah-Idaho
                                                    State Highway 39.                                       Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties.
                                                      Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah,                                                                          State line; west on this line to Stone,
                                                                                                              South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln
                                                    Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary,                                                                         Idaho-Snowville, Utah road; southwest
                                                                                                            Counties.
                                                    Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer,                                                                      on this road to the Locomotive Springs
                                                    Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson,                    New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion)                   Wildlife Management Area boundary;
                                                    Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis,                            North Zone: The Pacific Flyway                      west, south, east, and then north along
                                                    Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone,                   portion of New Mexico located north of                this boundary to the county road; east
                                                    Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham                     I–40.                                                 on the county road, past Monument
                                                    County within the Blackfoot Reservoir                     South Zone: The Pacific Flyway                      Point and across Salt Wells Flat, to the
                                                    drainage; Caribou County, except the                    portion of New Mexico located south of                intersection with Promontory Road;
                                                    Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power                 I–40.                                                 south on Promontory Road to a point
                                                    County west of State Highway 37 and                                                                           directly west of the northwest corner of
                                                                                                            Oregon                                                the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
                                                    State Highway 39.
                                                      Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia,                     Northwest Permit Zone: Benton,                      boundary; east along a line to the
                                                    Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln,                  Clatsop, Columbia, Clackamas, Lane,                   northwest corner of the Refuge
                                                    Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls,                  Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah,                     boundary; south and east along the
                                                    and Washington Counties.                                Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and                      Refuge boundary to the southeast corner
                                                                                                            Yamhill Counties.                                     of the boundary; northeast along the
                                                    Light Geese                                               Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley                 boundary to the Perry access road; east
                                                      Zone 1: All lands and waters within                   Management Area: Those portions of                    on the Perry access road to I–15; south
                                                    the Fort Hall Indian Reservation,                       Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and                     on I–15 to the Weber-Box Elder County
                                                    including private in-holdings; Bannock                  Washington Counties within the                        line.
                                                    County; Bingham County east of the                      Northwest Special Permit Zone.                           Wasatch Front Zone: Boundary begins
                                                                                                              Tillamook County Management Area:                   at the Weber-Box Elder county line at I–
                                                    west bank of the Snake River, west of
                                                                                                            That portion of Tillamook County                      15; east along Weber county line to
                                                    the McTucker boat ramp access road,
                                                                                                            beginning at the point where Old Woods                U.S.–89; south on U.S.–89 to I–84; east
                                                    and east of the American Falls Reservoir
                                                                                                            Rd crosses the south shores of Horn                   and south and along I–84 to I–80; south
                                                    bluff, except that portion within the
                                                                                                            Creek, north on Old Woods Rd to Sand                  along I–80 to U.S.–189; south and west
                                                    Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou
                                                                                                            Lake Rd at Woods, north on Sand Lake                  along U.S.–189 to the Utah County line;
                                                    County within the Fort Hall Indian                      Rd to the intersection with McPhillips
                                                    Reservation; and Power County below                                                                           southeast and then west along this line
                                                                                                            Dr, due west (∼200 yards) from the                    to I–15; north on I–15 to U.S.–6; west on
                                                    the American Falls Reservoir bluff, and                 intersection to the Pacific coastline,
                                                    within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.                                                                      U.S.–6 to SR–36; north on SR–36 to I–
                                                                                                            south on the Pacific coastline to                     80; north along a line from this
                                                      Zone 2: Bingham County west of the                    Neskowin Creek, east along the north
                                                    west bank of the Snake River, east of the                                                                     intersection to the southern tip of
                                                                                                            shores of Neskowin Creek and then                     Promontory Point and Promontory
                                                    McTucker boat ramp access road, and                     Hawk Creek to Salem Ave, east on
                                                    west of the American Falls Reservoir                                                                          Road; east and north along this road to
                                                                                                            Salem Ave in Neskowin to Hawk Ave,                    the causeway separating Bear River Bay
                                                    bluff; Power County, except below the                   east on Hawk Ave to Hwy 101, north on
                                                    American Falls Reservoir bluff and                                                                            from Ogden Bay; east on this causeway
                                                                                                            Hwy 101 to Resort Dr, north on Resort                 to the southwest corner of Great Salt
                                                    those lands and waters within the Fort                  Dr to a point due west of the south
                                                    Hall Indian Reservation.                                                                                      Lake Mineral Corporations (GSLMC)
                                                                                                            shores of Horn Creek at its confluence
                                                      Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia,                                                                         west impoundment; north and east
                                                                                                            with the Nestucca River, due east (∼80
                                                    Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln,                                                                        along GSLMC’s west impoundment to
                                                                                                            yards) across the Nestucca River to the
                                                    Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls,                                                                        the northwest corner of the
                                                                                                            south shores of Horn Creek, east along
                                                    and Washington Counties.                                                                                      impoundment; directly north from this
                                                                                                            the south shores of Horn Creek to the
                                                      Zone 4: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah,                                                                          point along an imaginary line to the
                                                                                                            point of beginning.
                                                    Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary,                     Southwest Zone: Those portions of                   southern boundary of Bear River
                                                    Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer,                Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties east                Migratory Bird Refuge; east along this
                                                    Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson,                    of Highway 101, and Josephine and                     southern boundary to the Perry access
                                                    Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis,                          Jackson Counties.                                     road; northeast along this road to I–15;
                                                    Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone,                     South Coast Zone: Those portions of                 south along I–15 to the Weber-Box Elder
                                                                                                                                                                  county line.
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                                                    Teton, and Valley Counties; Caribou                     Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties west
                                                    County, except the Fort Hall Indian                     of Highway 101.                                          Washington County Zone: All of
                                                    Reservation; Bingham County within                        Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco,                    Washington County.
                                                    the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage.                       Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla,                      Balance of State Zone: The remainder
                                                                                                            Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler,                 of Utah.
                                                    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
                                                                                                            Grant, Baker, Union, and Wallowa
                                                                                                                                                                  Washington
                                                      East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific                  Counties.
                                                    Flyway portion of the State located east                  Klamath County Zone: All of Klamath                   Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish
                                                    of the Continental Divide.                              County.                                               Counties.


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                                                    51682                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      Area 2A (Southwest Permit Zone):                      Washington                                            Nevada
                                                    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum
                                                    Counties.                                                 Puget Sound Zone: Skagit County.                      Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and
                                                      Area 2B (Southwest Permit Zone):                        Coastal Zone: Pacific County.                       Pershing Counties.
                                                    Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.                                                                            Utah
                                                      Area 3: All areas west of the Pacific                 Swans
                                                    Crest Trail and west of the Big White                   Central Flyway                                           Open Area: Those portions of Box
                                                    Salmon River that are not included in                                                                         Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and
                                                    Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.                                      South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle,                       Toole Counties lying west of I–15, north
                                                      Area 4: Adams, Benton, Chelan,                        Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo,                     of I–80, and south of a line beginning
                                                    Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas,                     Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison,                  from the Forest Street exit to the Bear
                                                    Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla                   Deuel, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant,                    River National Wildlife Refuge
                                                    Walla Counties.                                         Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde,                   boundary; then north and west along the
                                                      Area 5: All areas east of the Pacific                 Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall,                   Bear River National Wildlife Refuge
                                                    Crest Trail and east of the Big White                   McCook, McPherson, Miner,                             boundary to the farthest west boundary
                                                    Salmon River that are not included in                   Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts,                    of the Refuge; then west along a line to
                                                    Area 4.                                                 Sanborn, Spink, Sully, and Walworth                   Promontory Road; then north on
                                                                                                            Counties.                                             Promontory Road to the intersection of
                                                    Brant
                                                                                                            Pacific Flyway                                        SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I–84; then
                                                    Pacific Flyway                                                                                                north and west on I–84 to State Hwy 30;
                                                    California                                              Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)                      then west on State Hwy 30 to the
                                                      Northern Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt                      Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill,                 Nevada-Utah State line; then south on
                                                    and Mendocino Counties.                                 Liberty, and Toole Counties and those                 the Nevada-Utah State line to I–80.
                                                      Balance of State Zone: Balance of the                 portions of Pondera and Teton Counties                [FR Doc. 2015–20371 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am]
                                                    State.                                                  lying east of U.S. 287–89.                            BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-23 11:03:13
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 11:03:13
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule; supplemental.
DatesYou must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting late-season frameworks by September 4, 2015.
ContactRon 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.
FR Citation80 FR 51658 
RIN Number1018-BA67
CFR AssociatedExports; Hunting; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Transportation and Wildlife

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