80 FR 52645 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds in the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 169 (September 1, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 169 (September 1, 2015)
| Page Range | 52645-52663 | |
| FR Document | 2015-21596 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 1, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 52645-52663] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-21596] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds in the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits of mourning, white-winged, and white- tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl day; and some extended falconry seasons. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits taking of designated species during the 2015-16 season. DATES: This rule is effective on September 1, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ- MB-2014-0064. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. 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. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items might be discontinuous or 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 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 participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 2015-16 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 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. We published the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations in a July 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 43266) and final frameworks in an August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). 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. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons. We published the proposed frameworks for late-season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that start after October 1 and most waterfowl seasons) in an August 25, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51658). The final rule described here is the sixth in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl hunting day; and some extended falconry seasons. This final rule is the culmination of the rulemaking process for the migratory game bird early hunting seasons, which started with the April 13 proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on June 11 and July 21, and published final early-season frameworks in an August 21, 2015, Federal Register that provided the season selection criteria from which the States selected these seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird early hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to early season issues in that August 21 Federal Register. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed with the Environmental Protection [[Page 52646]] Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015-16,'' with its corresponding August 2015 finding of no significant impact. In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the person indicated under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Endangered Species Act Consideration Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final regulations reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available at the address indicated under ADDRESSES. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements. An updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This analysis was based on data from the newly released 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. For the 2015-16 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the 2012-13, and the 2014-15 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064. Regulatory Flexibility Act The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5- year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in 2013. Copies of the Analysis are available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1). Paperwork Reduction Act This final rule does not contain any new information collection that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (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 4/30/2015). 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. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. [[Page 52647]] Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988 The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. Takings Implication Assessment In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property. Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Thus, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 13 Federal Register, we solicited proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 4, 2015, proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes. Federalism Effects Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. Review of Public Comments The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 13 Federal Register) opened the public comment period for 2015-16 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to early season issues in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register. Regulations Promulgation The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that, when the comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. Dated: August 26, 2015. Karen Hyun, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 20--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j; Public Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703. Note: The following annual hunting regulations provided for by Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.106 and 20.109 of 50 CFR 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature. 0 2. Section 20.101 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.101 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. (a) Puerto Rico. [[Page 52648]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doves and Pigeons: Zenaida, white[dash]winged, and Sept. 5-Nov. 2..................... 20 20 mourning doves (1). Scaly[dash]naped pigeons............... Sept. 5-Nov. 2..................... 5 5 Ducks.................................. Nov. 14-Dec. 21 &.................. 6 12 Jan. 9-Jan. 25..................... 6 12 Common Moorhens........................ Nov. 14-Dec. 21 &.................. 6 12 Jan. 9-Jan. 25..................... 6 12 Common Snipe........................... Nov. 14-Dec. 21 &.................. 8 16 Jan. 9-Jan. 25..................... 8 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Not more than 10 Zenaida and 3 mourning doves in the aggregate. Restrictions: In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon. Closed Areas: Closed areas are described in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). (b) Virgin Islands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zenaida doves.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 10 10 Ducks...................................... CLOSED............................. .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restrictions: In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and purple gallinule. Closed Areas: Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. 0 3. Section 20.102 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.102 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Alaska. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Area seasons Dates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Dec. 16. Gulf Coast Zone........................ Sept. 1-Dec. 16. Southeast Zone......................... Sept. 16-Dec. 31. Pribilof & Aleutian Islands Zone....... Oct. 8-Jan. 22. Kodiak Zone............................ Oct. 8-Jan. 22. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily bag and possession limits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ White Area Canada Fronted Light Geese Sandhill Ducks (1) Geese Geese (6) Brant Emperor Geese Snipe Cranes (7) (2)(3) (4)(5) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Zone........................... 10-30 4-12 4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24 3-9 Gulf Coast Zone...................... 8-24 4-12 4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24 2-6 Southeast Zone....................... 7-21 4-12 4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24 2-6 Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone... 7-21 4-12 4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24 2-6 Kodiak Zone.......................... 7-21 4-12 4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24 2-6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The basic duck bag limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily, and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, sea duck limits of 10 daily, singly or in the aggregate, including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks, are allowed. Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers. The season for Steller's and spectacled eiders is closed. (2) In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is only permitted from September 28 through December 16. In the Middleton Island portion of Unit 6, the taking of Canada geese is by special permit only. The maximum number of Canada goose permits is 10 for the season. A mandatory goose identification class is required. Hunters must check in and out. The daily bag and possession limit is 1. The season will close if incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters. (3) In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, for Canada geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18. (4) In Units 9, 10, and 17, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18. (5) In Unit 18, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 10 and the possession limit is 30. (6) Light geese include snow geese and Ross' geese. (7) In Unit 17 of the North Zone, for sandhill cranes, the daily bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6. [[Page 52649]] Falconry: The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory game birds taken with the use of a falcon under a falconry permit is 3 per day, 9 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit for any species listed in this subsection. Special Tundra Swan Season: In Units 17, 18, 22, and 23, there will be a tundra swan season from September 1 through October 31 with a season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by State registration permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the take of up to 3 tundra swans. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after the season is completed. Up to 500 permits may be issued in Unit 18; 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23; and 200 permits in Unit 17. 0 4. Section 20.103 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.103 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for doves and pigeons. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. (a) Doves. Note: Unless otherwise noted, the seasons listed below are for mourning and white-winged doves. Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ----------------- Bag Poss. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama......................... North Zone......... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 12 only..... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 13-Nov. 15 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Dec. 5-Dec. 29. 15 45 South Zone......... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 19 only..... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 20-Sept. 27 15 45 sunrise to sunset. & Oct. 10-Oct. 27 15 45 & Nov. 12-Jan. 15. 15 45 Delaware........................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Sept. 26 & 15 45 Oct. 20-Oct. 31 & 15 45 Nov. 23-Jan. 13. 15 45 Florida......................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 26-Oct. 26.. 15 45 1/2 hour before Nov. 14-Dec. 7 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Dec. 12-Jan. 15. 15 45 Georgia......................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 5 only...... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 6-Sept. 20 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 1 & 15 45 Nov. 26-Jan. 15. 15 45 Illinois (1).................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 14 & 15 45 Dec. 26-Jan. 9. 15 45 Indiana......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 18 & 15 45 Nov. 1-Nov. 8 & 15 45 Dec. 12-Jan. 10. 15 45 Kentucky........................ ................... 11 a.m. to sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 2-Oct. 26 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Nov. 26-Dec. 6 & 15 45 Dec. 19-Jan. 10. 15 45 Louisiana....................... North Zone......... 1/2 hour before Sept. 5-Sept. 27 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 8 & 15 45 Dec. 10-Jan. 15. 15 45 South Zone......... 1/2 hour before Sept. 5-Sept. 13 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Oct. 10-Dec. 1 & 15 45 Dec. 19-Jan. 15. 15 45 Maryland........................ ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 1-Oct. 10... 15 45 1/2 hour before Oct. 31-Nov. 27 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Dec. 25-Jan. 15. 15 45 Mississippi..................... North Zone......... ................... Sept. 4-Oct. 7 & 15 45 Oct. 10-Oct. 31 & 15 45 Dec. 13-Jan. 15. 15 45 South Zone......... ................... Sept. 4-Sept. 13 & 15 45 Oct. 10-Nov. 15 & 15 45 Dec. 4-Jan. 15. 15 45 North Carolina.................. ................... ................... Sept. 5-Oct. 10 & 15 45 Nov. 23-Jan. 15. 15 45 Ohio............................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 8 & 15 45 Dec. 12-Jan. 1. 15 45 Pennsylvania.................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 1-Sept. 25.. 15 45 1/2 hour before Sept. 26-Oct. 10 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Oct. 17-Nov. 28 & 15 45 Dec. 26-Jan. 1. 15 45 [[Page 52650]] Rhode Island.................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 12-Oct. 11.. 15 45 1/2 hour before Oct. 17-Nov. 29 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Dec. 12-Dec. 27. 15 45 South Carolina.................. ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 5-Sept. 7... 15 45 1/2 hour before Sept. 8-Oct. 17 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Nov. 14-Nov. 28 & 15 45 Dec. 15-Jan. 15. 15 45 Tennessee....................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 2-Sept. 28 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 1 & 15 45 Nov. 28-Jan. 5. 15 45 Virginia........................ ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 5-Sept. 11.. 15 45 1/2 hour before Sept. 12-Nov. 1 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Nov. 21-Nov. 29 & 15 45 Dec. 24-Jan. 15. 15 45 West Virginia................... ................... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15 1/2 hour before Sept. 2-Oct. 17 & 15 45 sunrise to sunset. Nov. 2-Nov. 21 & 15 45 Dec. 21-Jan. 12. 15 45 Wisconsin....................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 29... 15 45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL MANAGEMENT UNIT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arkansas........................ ................... ................... Sept. 5-Oct. 24 & 15 45 Dec. 19-Jan. 7. 15 45 Colorado........................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 Iowa............................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 Kansas.......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & 15 45 Nov. 7-Nov. 15. 15 45 Minnesota....................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 Missouri........................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov 9..... 15 45 Montana......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 Nebraska........................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 New Mexico...................... North Zone......... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 South Zone......... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 13 & 15 45 Dec. 5-Dec. 31. 15 45 North Dakota.................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 Oklahoma........................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & 15 45 Dec. 19-Dec. 27. 15 45 South Dakota.................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 Texas (2)....................... North Zone......... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & 15 45 Dec. 18-Jan. 1. 15 45 Central Zone....... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & 15 45 Dec. 18-Jan. 1. 15 45 South Zone......... Special Area....... Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & 15 45 Dec. 18-Jan. 18. 15 45 (Special Season)... Sept. 5-Sept. 6 & 15 45 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 12-Sept. 13. 15 45 Remainder of the ................... Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & 15 45 South Zone. Dec. 18-Jan. 22. 15 45 Wyoming......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona (3)..................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & 15 45 Nov. 26-Jan. 9. 15 45 California (4).................. ................... ................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & 15 45 Nov. 14-Dec. 28. 15 45 Idaho........................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 Nevada.......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 Oregon.......................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 Utah............................ ................... ................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45 Washington...................... ................... ................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30.. 10 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER POPULATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hawaii (5)...................... ................... ................... Nov. 7-Nov. 29 & 10 30 Dec. 5-Dec. 27 & 10 30 Jan. 1-Jan. 18. 10 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Illinois, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset. [[Page 52651]] (2) In Texas, the daily bag limit is either 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves with a maximum 70-day season. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. During the special season in the Special White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped doves. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. (3) In Arizona, during September 1 through 15, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-wing doves. During November 26 through January 9, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves. (4) In California, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-wing doves. (5) In Hawaii, the season is only open on the island of Hawaii. The daily bag limits are 10 mourning doves, spotted doves and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in the aggregate. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. Hunting is permitted only on weekends and State holidays. (b) Band-tailed Pigeons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season Dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona.................................... Sept. 4-Sept. 17................... 2 6 California: North Zone............................. Sept. 19-Sept. 27.................. 2 6 South Zone............................. Dec. 19-Dec. 27.................... 2 6 Colorado................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 14................... 2 6 New Mexico: North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 14................... 2 6 South Zone............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 14..................... 2 6 Oregon..................................... Sept. 15-Sept. 23.................. 2 6 Utah (1)................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 14................... 2 6 Washington................................. Sept. 15-Sept. 23.................. 2 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Utah, each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have a band-tailed pigeon hunting permit issued by the State. 0 5. Section 20.104 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and snipe. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Note: States with deferred seasons will select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sora and Virginia Clapper and King rails rails Woodcock Snipe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily bag limit................. 25 (1) 15 (2) 3 8 Possession limit................ 75 (1) 45 (2) 9 24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut (3)................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Oct. 23-Nov. 21 &. Oct. 23-Nov. 21 & Nov. 23-Dec. 7.... Nov. 23-Dec. 7 Delaware........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &.. Sept. 22-Dec. 5 & Dec. 12-Jan. 12... Dec. 12-Jan. 12 Florida......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 1-Feb. 15 Georgia......................... Sept. 25-Nov. 15 & Sept. 25-Nov. 15 & Dec. 5-Jan. 18.... Nov. 15-Feb. 28 Nov. 21-Dec. 8.... Nov. 21-Dec. 8.... Maine (4)....................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Maryland (5).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Oct. 30-Nov. 27 &. Sept. 30-Nov. 27 & Jan. 15-Jan. 30... Dec. 14-Jan. 30 Massachusetts (6)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Closed............ Deferred.......... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 New Hampshire................... Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 15-Nov. 14 New Jersey (7): North Zone.................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Oct. 17-Nov. 21... Sept. 18-Jan. 2 South Zone.................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Nov. 7-Nov. 28 &.. Sept. 18-Jan. 2 Dec. 19-Jan. 1.... New York (8).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9 North Carolina.................. Sept. 1-Oct. 3 &.. Sept. 1-Oct. 3 &.. Dec. 17-Jan. 30... Nov. 13-Feb. 27 Oct. 23-Nov. 28... Oct. 23-Nov. 28... Pennsylvania (9)................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 17-Nov. 28... Oct. 17-Nov. 28 Rhode Island (10)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Nov. 9 South Carolina.................. Sept. 26-Oct. 1 &. Sept. 26-Oct. 1 &. Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28 Oct. 25-Dec. 27... Oct. 25-Dec. 27... Vermont......................... Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Oct. 1-Nov. 14 Virginia........................ Sept. 8-Nov. 16... Sept. 8-Nov. 16... Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &.. Oct. 9-Oct. 12 & Dec. 15-Jan. 15... Oct. 21-Jan. 31 West Virginia (11).............. Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 52652]] MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama (12).................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28 Nov. 28-Jan. 20... Nov. 28-Jan. 20. Arkansas........................ Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............ Nov. 7-Dec. 21.... Nov. 1-Feb. 15 Illinois (13)................... Sept. 5-Nov. 13... Closed............ Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 5-Dec. 20 Indiana (14).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 15-Nov. 28... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Iowa (15)....................... Sept. 5-Nov. 13... Closed............ Oct. 3-Nov. 16.... Sept. 5-Nov. 30 Kentucky........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Nov. 1-Dec. 15.... Sept. 16-Oct. 25 & Nov. 26-Jan. 31 Louisiana (16).................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27. Sept. 12-Sept. 27. Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Deferred Michigan........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Nov. 9 Minnesota....................... Sept. 1-Nov. 2.... Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Nov. 2 Mississippi..................... Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28 Missouri........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 15-Nov. 28... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Ohio............................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 10-Nov. 23... Sept. 1-Nov. 29 & Dec. 19-Jan. 4 Tennessee....................... Deferred.......... Closed............ Oct. 31-Dec. 14... Nov. 15-Feb. 29 Wisconsin....................... Deferred.......... Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Deferred ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Kansas.......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Montana......................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Nebraska (17)................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Dec. 16 New Mexico (18)................. Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7 North Dakota.................... Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 26-Nov. 9... Sept. 19-Dec. 6 Oklahoma........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Nov. 1-Dec. 15.... Oct. 1-Jan. 15 South Dakota (19)............... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Oct. 31 Texas........................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Oct. 31-Feb. 14 &. &. Oct. 31-Dec. 23... Oct. 31-Dec. 23... Wyoming......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PACIFIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona......................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred California...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7 Colorado........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Idaho........................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred Montana......................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Nevada.......................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred New Mexico...................... Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7 Oregon: Zone 1...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Nov. 7-Feb. 21 Zone 2...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 10-Dec. 6 & Dec. 9-Jan. 24 Utah............................ Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred Washington...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred Wyoming......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The daily bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species. (2) All daily bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species and, unless otherwise specified, the limits are in addition to the limits on sora and Virginia rails in all States. In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession. (3) In Connecticut, the daily bag and possession limits may not contain more than 1 king rail. (4) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limit for sora and Virginia rails is 25. (5) In Maryland, no more than 1 king rail may be taken per day. (6) In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10 daily and 30 in possession. (7) In New Jersey, the season for king rail is closed by State regulation. (8) In New York, the rail daily bag and possession limits are 8 and 24, respectively. Seasons for sora and Virginia rails and snipe are closed on Long Island. (9) In Pennsylvania, the daily bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails, singly or in the aggregate, are 3 and 9, respectively. (10) In Rhode Island, the sora and Virginia rails limits are 3 daily and 9 in possession, singly or in the aggregate; the clapper and king rail limits are 1 daily and 3 in possession, singly or in the aggregate; the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession. (11) In West Virginia, the daily bag and possession limit for sora and Virginia rails is 25; the possession limit for snipe is 16. (12) In Alabama, the daily bag and possession limit for all rails, singly or in the aggregate, is 15. (13) In Illinois, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset. (14) In Indiana, the season on Virginia rails is closed. (15) In Iowa, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 12 daily and 24 in possession. (16) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections. (17) In Nebraska, the rail limits are 10 daily and 30 in possession. (18) In New Mexico, in the Central Flyway portion of the State, the rail limits are 10 daily and 20 in possession. (19) In South Dakota, the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession. 0 6. Section 20.105 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.105 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: [[Page 52653]] Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Note: States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-seasons regulations for further information. (a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Delaware................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 15 45 Florida (1)................................ Sept. 1-Nov.9...................... 15 45 Georgia.................................... Deferred........................... .............. .............. New Jersey................................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7..................... 10 30 New York: Long Island............................ Closed............................. .............. .............. Remainder of State..................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 8 24 North Carolina............................. Sept. 1-Oct. 3 &................... 15 45 Oct. 23-Nov. 28.................... 15 45 Pennsylvania............................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 3 9 South Carolina............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 1 &.................. 15 45 Oct. 25-Dec. 27.................... 15 45 Virginia................................... Sept. 8-Nov. 16.................... 15 45 West Virginia.............................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama.................................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20 &................. 15 45 Nov. 28-Jan. 20.................... 15 45 Arkansas................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 15 45 Kentucky................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 3 9 Louisiana (2).............................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 15 45 Michigan................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 1 3 Minnesota.................................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. Mississippi................................ Sept. 12-Nov. 20................... 15 45 Ohio....................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 15 45 Tennessee.................................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. Wisconsin.................................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico: Zone 1................................. Sept. 26-Dec. 4.................... 1 3 Zone 2................................. Sept. 26-Dec. 4.................... 1 3 Oklahoma................................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 15 45 Texas...................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 &................ 15 45 Oct. 31-Dec. 23.................... 15 45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PACIFIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All States................................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The season applies to common moorhens only. (2) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections. (b) Sea Ducks (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic Flyway). Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks, singly or in the aggregate, of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag limits only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting areas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut (1)............................ Sept. 22-Jan. 20................... 5 15 Delaware................................... Sept. 29-Jan. 30................... 7 21 Georgia.................................... Deferred........................... .............. .............. Maine (2).................................. Oct. 1-Jan. 30..................... 7 21 Maryland................................... Deferred........................... .............. .............. Massachusetts.............................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. New Hampshire (3).......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15..................... 7 21 New Jersey................................. Sept. 29-Jan. 30................... 7 21 [[Page 52654]] New York................................... Deferred........................... .............. .............. North Carolina............................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. Rhode Island............................... Oct. 10-Jan. 24.................... 5 15 South Carolina............................. Deferred........................... .............. .............. Virginia................................... Deferred........................... .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas. (1) In Connecticut, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks. (2) In Maine, the daily bag limit for eiders is 4, and the possession limit is 12. (3) In New Hampshire, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks. (c) Early (September) Duck Seasons. Note: Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for teal only. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Delaware (1)............................... Sept. 11-Sept. 29.................. 6 18 Florida (2)................................ Sept. 19-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Georgia.................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Maryland (1)............................... Sept. 16-Sept. 30.................. 6 18 North Carolina (1)......................... Sept. 12-Sept. 30.................. 6 18 South Carolina (3)......................... Sept. 11-Sept. 26.................. 6 18 Virginia (1)............................... Sept. 17-Sept. 30.................. 6 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama.................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Arkansas (3)............................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Illinois (3)............................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20................... 6 18 Indiana (3)................................ Sept. 5-Sept. 20................... 6 18 Iowa (3)................................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20................... 6 18 Kentucky (2)............................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Louisiana.................................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Michigan................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 7.................... 6 18 Mississippi................................ Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Missouri (3)............................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Ohio (3)................................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20................... 6 18 Tennessee (2).............................. Sept. 12-Sept. 20.................. 6 18 Wisconsin.................................. Sept.1-Sept. 7..................... 6 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado (1)............................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20.................. 6 18 Kansas: Low Plains............................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 High Plains............................ Sept. 19-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Nebraska: (1) Low Plains............................. Sept. 5-Sept. 20................... 6 18 High Plains............................ Sept. 12-Sept. 20.................. 6 18 New Mexico................................. Sept. 12-Sept. 19.................. 6 18 Oklahoma................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Texas: High Plains............................ Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 Rest of State.......................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Area restrictions. See State regulations. (2) In Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the daily bag limit for the first 5 days of the season is 6 wood ducks and teal in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. During the last 4 days of the season, the daily bag limit is 6 teal only. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. (3) Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset. (d) Special Early Canada Goose Seasons. [[Page 52655]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut (1): North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 4 &.................. 15 45 Sept. 8-Sept. 30................... 15 45 South Zone............................. Sept. 15-Sept. 30.................. 15 45 Delaware................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 Florida.................................... Sept. 5-Sept. 27................... 5 15 Georgia.................................... Sept. 5-Sept. 27................... 5 15 Maine: Northern Zone.......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 6 18 Southern Zone.......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 10 30 Coastal Zone........................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 10 30 Maryland (1) (2): Eastern Unit........................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 8 24 Western Unit........................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 8 24 Massachusetts: Central Zone........................... Sept. 8-Sept. 25................... 7 21 Coastal Zone........................... Sept. 8-Sept. 25................... 7 21 1Western Zone.......................... Sept. 8-Sept. 25................... 7 21 New Hampshire:............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 5 15 New Jersey (1) (2) (3):.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 15 45 New York (4): Lake Champlain Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 8 24 Northeastern Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 East Central Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 Hudson Valley Zone..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 West Central Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 South Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 15 45 Western Long Island Zone............... Closed............................. Central Long Island Zone............... Sept. 8-Sept. 30................... 15 45 Eastern Long Island Zone............... Sept. 8-Sept. 30................... 15 45 North Carolina (5) (6):.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 15 45 Pennsylvania (7): SJBP Zone (8).......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 3 9 Rest of State (9)...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 8 24 Rhode Island (1):.......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 15 45 South Carolina: Early-Season Hunt Unit................. Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 15 45 Vermont: Lake Champlain Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 8 24 Interior Vermont Zone.................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 8 24 Connecticut River Zone (10)............ Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 5 15 Virginia (11).............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25................... 10 30 West Virginia.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 12................... 5 15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Arkansas: Northwest Zone......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Rest of State.......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Illinois: North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Central Zone........................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 South Central Zone..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 2 6 South Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 2 6 Indiana.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Iowa: South Goose Zone: Des Moines Goose Zone.............. Sept. 5-Sept. 13................... 5 15 Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone.. Sept. 5-Sept. 13................... 5 15 Remainder of South Zone............ Closed............................. North Goose Zone: Cedar Falls/Waterloo Zone.......... Sept. 5-Sept. 13................... 5 15 Remainder of North Zone............ Closed. Kentucky (12).............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Michigan: North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 10................... 5 15 Middle Zone............................ Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 South Zone: Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Sept. 1-Sept. 10................... 5 15 Counties. [[Page 52656]] Rest of South Zone................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Minnesota: Northwest Zone......................... Sept. 5-Sept. 22................... 5 15 Intensive Harvest Zone................. Sept. 5-Sept. 22................... 10 30 Remainder of State..................... Sept. 5-Sept. 22................... 5 15 Mississippi................................ Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Ohio....................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Tennessee.................................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Wisconsin.................................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Dakota: Missouri River Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 7.................... 15 45 Remainder of State..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 15 45 Oklahoma................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 21.................. 8 24 South Dakota (12).......................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30................... 15 45 Texas: East Zone.............................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 5 15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PACIFIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 9.................... 4 12 Idaho: Zone 4................................. Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15 Oregon: Northwest Permit Zone.................. Sept. 12-Sept. 20.................. 5 15 Southwest Zone......................... Sept. 12-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Eastern Zone........................... Sept. 12-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Klamath County Zone.................... Sept. 12-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Harney and Lake County Zone............ Sept. 12-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Malheur County Zone.................... Sept. 12-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Washington: Management Area 2B..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 15 45 Management Areas 1 & 3................. Sept. 10-Sept. 15.................. 5 15 Management Area 4 & 5.................. Sept. 13-Sept. 14.................. 3 9 Management Area 2A..................... Sept. 10-Sept. 15.................. 3 9 Wyoming: Teton County Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 8.................... 3 9 Balance of State Zone.................. Sept. 1-Sept. 8.................... 2 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. (2) The use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed. (3) The use of electronic calls is allowed. (4) In New York, in all areas except the Northeastern and Southeastern Goose Hunting Area, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, the use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed, and the use of electronic calls is allowed. In the Northeastern and Southeastern Goose Hunting Areas, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed, and electronic calls are allowed only from September 1 to September 18 and September 21 to September 25. On September 19 and September 20, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, shotguns must be capable of holding no more than 3 shotshells, and electronic calls are not allowed. (5) In North Carolina, the use of unplugged guns and electronic calls is allowed in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only. (6) In North Carolina, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only. (7) In Pennsylvania, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 18, September 20 to September 25. On September 19, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. (8) In Pennsylvania, in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to intersection of SR 18, SR 18 south to SR 618, SR 618 south to U.S. Route 6, U.S. Route 6 east to U.S. Route 322/SR 18, U.S. Route 322/SR 18 west to intersection of SR 3013, SR 3013 south to the Crawford/Mercer County line, not including the Pymatuning State Park Reservoir and an area to extend 100 yards inland from the shoreline of the reservoir, excluding the area east of SR 3011 (Hartstown Road), the daily bag limit is one goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. The season is closed on State Game Lands 214. However, during the youth waterfowl hunting day on September 19, regular season regulations apply. (9) In Pennsylvania, in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks County line, west of the Lebanon-Berks County line and the Lancaster-Berks County line to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, the daily bag limit is 1 goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. On State Game Lands No. 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area), the season is closed. However, during the youth waterfowl hunting day on September 19, regular season regulations apply. (10) In Vermont, the season in the Connecticut River Zone is the same as the New Hampshire Inland Zone season, set by New Hampshire. (11) In Virginia, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 16, and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset from September 17 to September 25 in the area east of I-95 where the September teal season is open. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 20, and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset from September 21 to September 25 in the area west of I-95. (12) See State regulations for additional information and restrictions. (e) Regular Goose Seasons. Note: Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season. Additional season dates occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections. [[Page 52657]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michigan: Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Dec. 11................ 2 6 Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Dec. 19................ 2 6 South Zone: Muskegon GMU...................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Allegan Co. GMU................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 2 6 Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 2 6 Remainder of Zone................. Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 2 6 White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Sept. 26............... 1 3 Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Sept. 26............... 1 3 South Zone: Muskegon GMU...................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Allegan Co. GMU................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 1 3 Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 1 3 Remainder of Zone................. Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 1 3 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Dec. 11................ 20 60 Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Dec. 19................ 20 60 South Zone: Muskegon GMU...................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Allegan Co. GMU................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 20 60 Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept. 27............... 20 60 Remainder of Zone................. Deferred........................ .............. .............. Brant: North Zone............................ Same as for Light Geese......... 1 3 Middle Zone........................... Same as for Light Geese......... 1 3 South Zone............................ Same as for Light Geese......... 1 3 Wisconsin: Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... 2 6 South Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... 2 6 Mississippi River Zone................ Deferred........................ .............. .............. ------------------------------- Horicon Zone.......................... Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... Tag System ------------------------------- White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... 1 3 South Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... 1 3 Mississippi River Zone................ Deferred........................ .............. .............. Horicon Zone.......................... Sept. 16-Sept. 30............... 1 3 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 20 .............. Brant..................................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 1 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (f) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth hunters must be accompanied into the field by an adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons. Definitions Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger. The 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. The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all Counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide). The Pacific Flyway: Includes Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin). Note: In States where zones are not identified, seasons are statewide. Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season unless there is a special season already open (e.g., September Canada goose season), [[Page 52658]] in which case, that season's daily bag limit will prevail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Season dates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIC FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connecticut.............................. Deferred. Delaware: Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, and Oct. 17 & Feb. 6. coots. Florida.................................. Deferred. Georgia: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Nov. 14 & 15. moorhens, and gallinules. Maine: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: North Zone....................... Sept. 19 & Dec. 12. South Zone....................... Sept. 26 & Oct. 24. Coastal Zone..................... Sept. 26 & Nov. 7. Maryland (1)............................. Deferred. Massachusetts............................ Deferred. New Hampshire: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots:. Sept. 26 & 27. New Jersey............................... Deferred. New York (2): Ducks, mergansers, coots, brant, and Canada geese: Long Island Zone................. Nov. 14 & 15. Lake Champlain Zone.............. Sept. 26 & 27. Northeastern Zone................ Sept. 19 & 20. Southeastern Zone................ Sept. 19 & 20. Western Zone..................... Oct. 3 & 4. North Carolina........................... Deferred. Pennsylvania: Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese, Sept. 19. coots, and moorhens. Rhode Island: Ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots.. Oct. 24 & 25. South Carolina........................... Deferred. Vermont: Ducks, geese, mergansers and coots... Sept. 26 & 27. Virginia................................. Deferred. West Virginia (3): Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and Sept. 19 & Nov. 7. gallinules. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alabama: Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, Nov. 21 & Feb. 6. moorhens, and gallinules. Arkansas................................. Deferred. Illinois................................. Deferred. Indiana.................................. Deferred. Iowa..................................... Deferred. Kentucky: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: West Zone........................ Feb. 6 & 7. East Zone........................ Nov. 7 & 8. Louisiana................................ Deferred. Michigan: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 12 & 13. moorhens, and gallinules. Minnesota: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 12. moorhens, and gallinules. Mississippi.............................. Deferred. Missouri................................. Deferred. Ohio..................................... Deferred. Tennessee................................ Deferred. Wisconsin: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 19 & 20. moorhens, and gallinules. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CENTRAL FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Colorado: Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots: Mountain/Foothills Zone.......... Sept. 26 & 27. Northeast Zone................... Oct. 3 & 4. Southeast Zone................... Oct. 17 & 18. Kansas (4)............................... Deferred. Montana: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 26 & 27. [[Page 52659]] Nebraska (5): Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Deferred. New Mexico: Ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: North Zone....................... Sept. 26 & 27. South Zone....................... Oct. 10 & 11. North Dakota: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 19 & 20. Oklahoma................................. Deferred. South Dakota: Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20. coots. Texas.................................... Deferred. Wyoming: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: Zone C1.......................... Sept. 26 & 27. Zone C2.......................... Sept. 19 & 20. Zone C3.......................... Sept. 19 & 20. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PACIFIC FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arizona.................................. Deferred. California: Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: Northeastern Zone................ Sept. 26 & 27. Colorado River Zone.............. Jan. 30 & 31. Southern Zone.................... Feb. 6 & 7. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone. Feb. 6 & 7. Balance of State Zone............ Feb. 6 & 7. Colorado: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Oct. 17 & 18. Idaho: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Zone 1........................... Sept. 26 & 27. Zones 2 & 3...................... Deferred. Montana: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots. Sept. 26 & 27. Nevada: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: Northeast Zone................... Sept. 12 & 13. South Zone....................... Deferred. New Mexico: Ducks, mergansers, coots, and Oct. 3 & 4. moorhens. Oregon: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 26 & 27. Utah: Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19. coots. Washington (6): Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20. coots. Wyoming: Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20. coots. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) In Maryland, the accompanying adult must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Maryland hunting license (or be exempt from the license requirement). This accompanying adult may not shoot or possess a firearm. (2) In New York, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 3. (3) In West Virginia, the accompanying adult must be at least 18 years of age. (4) In Kansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt waterfowl. (5) In Nebraska, see State regulations for additional information on the daily bag limit. (6) In Washington, the Canada goose season is closed in Goose Areas 2A and 2B. 0 7. Section 20.106 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.106 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). 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 sandhill cranes at the level allowed by 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 transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If [[Page 52660]] the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Note: States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season Dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kentucky (1).................................. Dec. 12-Jan. 10................. 2 2 Minnesota: (1) NW Goose Zone............................. Sept. 12-Oct. 18................ 1 3 Tennessee (1)................................. Deferred........................ .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado (1).................................. Oct. 3-Nov. 29.................. 3 9 Kansas (1)(2)(3).............................. Nov. 11-Jan. 7.................. 3 9 Montana: Regular Season Area (1)................... Oct. 3-Nov. 29.................. 3 9 per season ------------------------------- Special Season Area (4)................... Sept. 12-Oct. 4................. 2 per season ------------------------------- New Mexico: Regular Season Area (1)................... Oct. 31-Jan. 31................. 3 6 ------------------------------- Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (4)(5)...... Oct. 24-Oct. 25 &............... Nov. 14-Nov. 15 &............... 2 per season Nov. 7 &........................ 2 per season Nov. 28-Nov. 29 &............... 2 per season Jan. 9-Jan. 10.................. 2 per season Southwest Area (4)........................ Oct. 24-Nov. 1 &................ 2 per season Jan. 2-Jan. 3................... 2 per season ------------------------------- Estancia Valley (4)....................... Oct. 24-Nov. 1.................. 3 6 North Dakota: (1) Area 1.................................... Sept. 19-Nov. 15................ 3 9 Area 2.................................... Sept. 19-Nov. 15................ 2 6 Oklahoma (1).................................. Deferred........................ .............. .............. South Dakota (1).............................. Sept. 26-Nov. 22................ 3 9 Texas (1)..................................... Deferred........................ .............. .............. Wyoming: Regular Season (Area 7) (1)............... Sept. 19-Nov. 15................ 3 9 ------------------------------- Riverton-Boysen Unit (Area 4) (4)......... Sept. 19-Oct. 11................ 1 per season Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Sept. 19-Oct. 11................ 1 per season Counties (Area 6) (4). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PACIFIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona: (4).................................. Special Season Area....................... Nov. 13-Nov. 15 &............... 3 per season Nov. 17-Nov. 19 &............... 3 per season Nov. 21-Nov. 23 &............... 3 per season Nov. 25-Nov. 27 &............... 3 per season Nov. 29-Dec. 1 &................ 3 per season Dec. 4-Dec. 6................... 3 per season Idaho: (4) Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15................ 2 per season ------------------------------- Montana: (4)(6) Zone 1.................................... Sept. 12-Oct. 4................. 1 1 Zone 2.................................... Sept. 12-Oct. 4................. 2 2 Zone 3.................................... Sept. 12-Oct. 4................. 2 2 Zone 4.................................... Sept. 12-Oct. 4................. 1 1 ------------------------------- Utah: (4) Rich County............................... Sept. 5-Sept. 13................ 1 per season Cache County.............................. Sept. 5-Sept. 13................ 1 per season East Box Elder County..................... Sept. 5-Sept. 13................ 1 per season Uintah County............................. Sept. 19-Oct. 18................ 1 per season Wyoming: (4) Area 1.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 8................. 1 per season Area 2.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 8................. 1 per season [[Page 52661]] Area 3.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 8................. 1 per season Area 5.................................... Sept. 1-Sept. 8................. 1 per season ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting. (2) In Kansas, shooting hours are from sunrise until sunset. (3) In Kansas, each person desiring to hunt sandhill cranes is required to pass an annual, online sandhill crane identification examination. (4) Hunting is by State permit only. See State regulations for further information. (5) In New Mexico, in the Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (Bernardo WMA and Casa Colorado WMA), the season is only open for youth hunters on November 7. See State regulations for further details. (6) In Montana, the possession limit is 2 per season. 0 8. Section 20.109 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.109 Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). For those extended seasons for ducks, mergansers, and coots, area descriptions were published in an August 25, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51658) and will be published again in a late-September 2015, Federal Register. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Daily bag limit........................... 3 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate. Possession limit.......................... 9 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate. These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons--unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks within the special sea duck areas. Only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Many States permit falconry during the gun seasons. Please consult State regulations for details. For ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and some moorhen seasons; additional season days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections. Some States have deferred selections. Consult late-season regulations for further information. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Extended falconry dates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIC FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Delaware: Doves................................. Jan. 14-Jan. 30. Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Woodcock.............................. Oct. 21-Oct. 24 & Jan. 13- Mar. 10. Florida: Doves................................. Jan. 16-Feb. 1. Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Woodcock.............................. Nov. 24-Dec. 17 & Feb. 1- Mar. 9. Common moorhens....................... Nov. 10-Dec. 14. Georgia: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Nov. 30-Dec. 7. moorhens, gallinules, and sea ducks. Maryland: Doves................................. Jan. 16-Feb. 1. Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Woodcock.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 29 & Feb. 7-Mar. 10. North Carolina: Doves................................. Oct. 15-Oct. 31. Rails, moorhens, and gallinules....... Dec. 5-Jan. 9. Woodcock.............................. Nov. 7-Dec. 5 & Feb. 1-Feb. 27. Pennsylvania: Doves................................. Oct. 12-Oct. 16 & Nov. 30- Dec. 11. Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Woodcock and snipe.................... Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Nov. 30- Dec. 17. Moorhens and gallinules............... Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Virginia: Doves................................. Dec. 23 & Jan. 16-Jan. 31. Woodcock.............................. Oct. 17-Nov. 22 & Dec. 6- Dec. 14 & Jan. 16-Jan. 31. Rails, moorhens, and gallinules....... Nov. 17-Dec. 23. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Illinois: Doves................................. Nov. 15-Dec. 1. Rails................................. Sept. 1-Sept. 4 & Nov. 14- Dec. 16. Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Dec. 1- Dec. 16. [[Page 52662]] Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Feb. 10-Mar. 10. Indiana: Doves................................. Oct. 19-Oct. 31 & Jan. 11- Jan. 17. Woodcock.............................. Sept. 20-Oct. 14 & Nov. 29- Jan. 4. Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) North Zone........................ Sept. 27-Sept. 30. Louisiana: Doves................................. Sept. 13-Sept. 29. Woodcock.............................. Oct. 28-Dec. 17 & Feb. 1- Feb. 11. Minnesota: Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Nov. 3- Dec. 16. Rails and snipe....................... Nov. 3-Dec. 16. Doves................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Missouri: Doves................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Sept. 12-Sept. 27. Tennessee: Doves................................. Sept. 29-Oct. 9 & Nov. 2- Nov. 7. Ducks (1)............................. Sept. 15-Oct. 20. Wisconsin: Rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules Sept. 1-Sept. 25. (1). Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 18. Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Sept. 19-Sept. 20. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CENTRAL FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Montana: (2) Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)...... Sept. 23-Sept. 30. Nebraska: Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Zone 1............................ Sept. 5-Sept. 20. Zone 2: Low Plains.................... Sept.-Sept. 20. High Plains................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20. Zone 3: Low Plains.................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20. High Plains................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20. Zone 4............................ Sept. 5-Sept. 20. New Mexico: Doves: North Zone........................ Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28- Dec. 31. South Zone........................ Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28- Dec. 4. Ducks and coots....................... Sept. 12-Sept. 19. Sandhill cranes: Regular Season Area............... Oct. 17-Oct. 30. Estancia Valley Area (3).......... Nov. 2-Dec. 22. Common moorhens....................... Dec. 5-Jan. 10. Sora and Virginia rails............... Nov. 21-Dec. 27. North Dakota: Ducks, mergansers, coots, and snipe... Sept. 7-Sept. 11 & Sept. 14- Sept. 18. South Dakota: Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) High Plains....................... Oct. 2-Oct. 9. Low Plains: North Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25. Middle Zone................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25. South Zone.................... Sept. 15-Oct. 9. Texas: Doves................................. Nov. 7-Dec. 13. Rails, gallinules, and woodcock....... Feb. 1-Feb. 14. Wyoming: Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Ducks, mergansers, and coots Zone C1........................... Sept. 26-Sept. 27 & Oct. 22- Oct. 29. Zone C2 & C3...................... Sept. 19-Sept. 25 & Dec. 7- Dec. 9. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PACIFIC FLYWAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arizona: Doves................................. Sept. 16-Nov. 1. New Mexico: Doves: North Zone........................ Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28- Dec. 31. South Zone........................ Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28- Dec. 4. [[Page 52663]] Oregon: Doves:................................ Oct. 31-Dec. 16. Band-tailed pigeons (4)............... Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 24- Dec. 16. Utah: Doves................................. Nov. 1-Dec. 16. Band-tailed pigeons................... Oct. 1-Dec. 16. Washington: Doves................................. Oct. 31-Dec. 16. Wyoming: Sora and Virginia rails............... Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)...... Sept. 19-Sept. 20. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections. (2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6. (3) In New Mexico, the bag limit for sandhill cranes in the Estancia Valley Area is 2 per day and the possession limit is 2 per season. (4) In Oregon, no more than 1 pigeon daily in bag or possession. [FR Doc. 2015-21596 Filed 8-31-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 169 / Tuesday, September 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 52645
facility closure to include denial of access to DATES: This rule is effective on duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway;
the NASA facility. The dismissal of NASA September 1, 2015. and extended falconry seasons. In
employees in accordance with statute and addition, we reviewed and discussed
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments
regulations providing for such dismissals preliminary information on the status of
shall not, in itself, equate to a NASA facility received on the migratory bird hunting
closure in which contractor employees are regulations during normal business waterfowl. We published the proposed
denied access. Moreover, the leave status of hours at the Service’s office at 5275 frameworks for early-season regulations
NASA employees shall not be conveyed or Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. in a July 21, 2015, Federal Register (80
imputed to contractor personnel. You may obtain copies of referenced FR 43266) and final frameworks in an
Accordingly, unless a NASA facility is closed reports from the street address above, or August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80
and the contractor is denied access to the from the Division of Migratory Bird FR 51090).
facility, the contractor shall continue Management’s Web site at http:// On July 29–30, 2015, we held open
performance in accordance with the contract. meetings with the Flyway Council
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at
(2) NASA’s Emergency Notification System Consultants at which the participants
(ENS). ENS is a NASA-wide Emergency http://www.regulations.gov at Docket
No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. reviewed the status of waterfowl and
Notification and Accountability System that developed recommendations for the
provides NASA the ability to send messages, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron
both Agency-related and/or Center-related, in
2015–16 regulations for these species.
W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird
the event of an emergency or emerging Proposed hunting regulations were
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
situation at a NASA facility. Notification is discussed for late seasons. We
Service, (703) 358–1714. published the proposed frameworks for
provided via multiple communication
devices, e.g. Email, text, cellular, home/office SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: late-season regulations (primarily
numbers. The ENS provides the capability to Regulations Schedule for 2015 hunting seasons that start after October
respond to notifications and provide the 1 and most waterfowl seasons) in an
safety status. Contractor employees may On April 13, 2015, we published in August 25, 2015, Federal Register (80
register for these notifications at the ENS the Federal Register (80 FR 19852) a FR 51658).
Web site: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/ops/ proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The The final rule described here is the
nasaonly/ENSinformation.html. proposal provided a background and sixth in the series of proposed,
overview of the migratory bird hunting supplemental, and final rulemaking
(End of clause)
[FR Doc. 2015–21584 Filed 8–31–15; 8:45 am]
regulations process, and addressed the documents for migratory game bird
establishment of seasons, limits, and hunting regulations and deals
BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
other regulations for hunting migratory specifically with amending subpart K of
game birds under §§ 20.101 through 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons,
20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. hours, areas, and limits for mourning,
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Major steps in the 2015–16 regulatory white-winged, and white-tipped doves;
cycle relating to open public meetings band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens
Fish and Wildlife Service
and Federal Register notifications were and gallinules; woodcock; common
also identified in the April 13 proposed snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early
50 CFR Part 20
rule. Further, we explained that all (September) waterfowl seasons;
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064: FF09 sections of subsequent documents migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii,
M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0] outlining hunting frameworks and Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands;
guidelines were organized under youth waterfowl hunting day; and some
RIN 1018–BA67
numbered headings. Subsequent extended falconry seasons. This final
Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons documents will refer only to numbered rule is the culmination of the
and Bag and Possession Limits for items requiring attention. Therefore, it is rulemaking process for the migratory
Certain Migratory Game Birds in the important to note that we omit those game bird early hunting seasons, which
Contiguous United States, Alaska, items requiring no attention, and started with the April 13 proposed rule.
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin remaining numbered items might be As discussed elsewhere in this
Islands discontinuous or appear incomplete. document, we supplemented that
On June 11, 2015, we published in the proposal on June 11 and July 21, and
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Register (80 FR 33223) a second published final early-season frameworks
Interior. document providing supplemental in an August 21, 2015, Federal Register
ACTION: Final rule. proposals for early- and late-season that provided the season selection
migratory bird hunting regulations. The criteria from which the States selected
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the June 11 supplement also provided these seasons. This final rule sets the
hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily detailed information on the 2015–16 migratory game bird early hunting
bag and possession limits of mourning, regulatory schedule and announced the seasons based on that input from the
white-winged, and white-tipped doves; Service Regulations Committee (SRC) States. We previously addressed all
band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and Flyway Council meetings. comments pertaining to early season
and gallinules; woodcock; common On June 24–25, 2015, we held open issues in that August 21 Federal
snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early meetings with the Flyway Council Register.
(September) waterfowl seasons; Consultants at which participants
migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, reviewed information on the current National Environmental Policy Act
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; status of migratory shore and upland (NEPA)
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
youth waterfowl day; and some game birds and developed 2015–16 The programmatic document,
extended falconry seasons. Taking of migratory game bird regulations ‘‘Second Final Supplemental
migratory birds is prohibited unless recommendations for these species plus Environmental Impact Statement:
specifically provided for by annual regulations for migratory game birds in Issuance of Annual Regulations
regulations. This rule permits taking of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Permitting the Sport Hunting of
designated species during the 2015–16 Islands; special September waterfowl Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),’’ filed
season. seasons in designated States; special sea with the Environmental Protection
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:50 Aug 31, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01SER1.SGM 01SER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_52814/page/1.svg)
![52646 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 169 / Tuesday, September 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, annual effect of $100 million or more on 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The
addresses NEPA compliance by the the economy. Executive Order 13563 primary source of information about
Service for issuance of the annual reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 hunter expenditures for migratory game
framework regulations for hunting of while calling for improvements in the bird hunting is the National Hunting
migratory game bird species. We nation’s regulatory system to promote and Fishing Survey, which is conducted
published a notice of availability in the predictability, to reduce uncertainty, at 5-year intervals. The 2013 Analysis
Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 and to use the best, most innovative, was based on the 2011 National Hunting
FR 32686), and our Record of Decision and least burdensome tools for and Fishing Survey and the U.S.
on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also achieving regulatory ends. The Department of Commerce’s County
address NEPA compliance for waterfowl executive order directs agencies to Business Patterns, from which it was
hunting frameworks through the annual consider regulatory approaches that estimated that migratory bird hunters
preparation of separate environmental reduce burdens and maintain flexibility would spend approximately $1.5 billion
assessments, the most recent being and freedom of choice for the public at small businesses in 2013. Copies of
‘‘Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015– where these approaches are relevant, the Analysis are available at http://
16,’’ with its corresponding August 2015 feasible, and consistent with regulatory www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
finding of no significant impact. In objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064.
addition, an August 1985 environmental further that regulations must be based
assessment entitled ‘‘Guidelines for on the best available science and that Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on the rulemaking process must allow for Fairness Act
Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded public participation and an open
Lands’’ is available from the person exchange of ideas. We have developed This rule is a major rule under 5
indicated under the caption FOR this rule in a manner consistent with U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. these requirements. Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
An updated economic analysis was For the reasons outlined above, this rule
Endangered Species Act Consideration prepared for the 2013–14 season. This will have an annual effect on the
Section 7 of the Endangered Species analysis was based on data from the economy of $100 million or more.
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 newly released 2011 National Hunting However, because this rule establishes
et seq.), provides that, ‘‘The Secretary and Fishing Survey, the most recent hunting seasons, we are not deferring
shall review other programs year for which data are available (see the effective date under the exemption
administered by him and utilize such discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
programs in furtherance of the purposes section below). This analysis estimated
of this Act’’ (and) shall ‘‘insure that any consumer surplus for three alternatives Paperwork Reduction Act
action authorized, funded, or carried out for duck hunting (estimates for other This final rule does not contain any
* * * is not likely to jeopardize the species are not quantified due to lack of new information collection that requires
continued existence of any endangered data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue approval under the Paperwork
species or threatened species or result in restrictive regulations allowing fewer Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
the destruction or adverse modification days than those issued during the 2012– et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor
of [critical] habitat. * * *.’’ 13 season, (2) issue moderate
Consequently, we conducted formal and you are not required to respond to
regulations allowing more days than
consultations to ensure that actions a collection of information unless it
those in alternative 1, and (3) issue
resulting from these regulations would displays a currently valid Office of
liberal regulations identical to the
not likely jeopardize the continued Management and Budget (OMB) control
regulations in the 2012–13 season. For
existence of endangered or threatened number. OMB has reviewed and
the 2013–14 season, we chose
species or result in the destruction or Alternative 3, with an estimated approved the information collection
adverse modification of their critical consumer surplus across all flyways of requirements associated with migratory
habitat. Findings from these $317.8–$416.8 million. For the 2015–16 bird surveys and assigned the following
consultations are included in a season, we have also chosen alternative OMB control numbers:
biological opinion, which concluded 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the • 1018–0019—North American
that the regulations are not likely to 2009–10, the 2010–11, the 2011–12, the Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
jeopardize the continued existence of 2012–13, and the 2014–15 seasons. The (expires 4/30/2015).
any endangered or threatened species. 2013–14 analysis is part of the record • 1018–0023—Migratory Bird
Additionally, these findings may have for this rule and is available at http:// Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes
caused modification of some regulatory www.regulations.gov at Docket No. Migratory Bird Harvest Information
measures previously proposed, and the FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. Program, Migratory Bird Hunter
final regulations reflect any such Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and
Regulatory Flexibility Act
modifications. Our biological opinions Parts Collection Survey.
resulting from this section 7 The annual migratory bird hunting
consultation are public documents regulations have a significant economic Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
available at the address indicated under impact on substantial numbers of small
ADDRESSES. entities under the Regulatory Flexibility We have determined and certify, in
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed compliance with the requirements of the
Regulatory Planning and Review the economic impacts of the annual Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
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(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) hunting regulations on small business U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking
Executive Order 12866 provides that entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost- will not impose a cost of $100 million
the Office of Information and Regulatory benefit analysis. This analysis was or more in any given year on local or
Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995, State government or private entities.
rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and the Service issued a Small Entity Therefore, this rule is not a ‘‘significant
has determined that this rule is Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which regulatory action’’ under the Unfunded
significant because it would have an was subsequently updated in 1996, Mandates Reform Act.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 169 / Tuesday, September 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 52647
Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order prescribe frameworks from which the Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16
12988 States make selections regarding the U.S.C. 703–711), these regulations will
The Department, in promulgating this hunting of migratory birds, and we take effect less than 30 days after
rule, has determined that this rule will employ guidelines to establish special publication. Accordingly, with each
not unduly burden the judicial system regulations on Federal Indian conservation agency having had an
and that it meets the requirements of reservations and ceded lands. This opportunity to participate in selecting
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive process preserves the ability of the the hunting seasons desired for its State
Order 12988. States and tribes to determine which or Territory on those species of
seasons meet their individual needs. migratory birds for which open seasons
Takings Implication Assessment Any State or Indian tribe may be more are now prescribed, and consideration
In accordance with Executive Order restrictive than the Federal frameworks having been given to all other relevant
12630, this rule, authorized by the at any time. The frameworks are matters presented, certain sections of
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. developed in a cooperative process with title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20,
703–711), does not have significant the States and the Flyway Councils. subpart K, are hereby amended as set
takings implications and does not affect This process allows States to participate forth below.
any constitutionally protected property in the development of frameworks from
which they will make selections, List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
rights. This rule will not result in the
physical occupancy of property, the thereby having an influence on their Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting
physical invasion of property, or the own regulations. These rules do not and recordkeeping requirements,
regulatory taking of any property. In have a substantial direct effect on fiscal Transportation, Wildlife.
fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise capacity, change the roles or
Dated: August 26, 2015.
otherwise unavailable privileges and, responsibilities of Federal or State
governments, or intrude on State policy Karen Hyun,
therefore, reduces restrictions on the use
or administration. Therefore, in Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
of private and public property.
accordance with Executive Order 13132, for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211 these regulations do not have significant For the reasons set out in the
Executive Order 13211 requires federalism effects and do not have preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter
agencies to prepare Statements of sufficient federalism implications to B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain warrant the preparation of a federalism Federal Regulations is amended as
actions. While this rule is a significant summary impact statement. follows:
regulatory action under Executive Order
Review of Public Comments
12866, it is not expected to adversely PART 20—[AMENDED]
affect energy supplies, distribution, or The preliminary proposed rulemaking
use. Thus, this action is not a significant (April 13 Federal Register) opened the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 20
energy action and no Statement of public comment period for 2015–16 continues to read as follows:
Energy Effects is required. migratory game bird hunting
Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40
regulations. We previously addressed all Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703–712; Fish and
Government-to-Government comments pertaining to early season Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j;
Relationship With Tribes issues in the August 21, 2015, Federal Public Law 106–108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note
In accordance with the President’s Register. Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
memorandum of April 29, 1994, Note: The following annual hunting
Regulations Promulgation
‘‘Government-to-Government Relations regulations provided for by §§ 20.101 through
with Native American Tribal The rulemaking process for migratory 20.106 and 20.109 of 50 CFR 20 will not
Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive game bird hunting must, by its nature, appear in the Code of Federal Regulations
Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have operate under severe time constraints. because of their seasonal nature.
evaluated possible effects on Federally- However, we intend that the public be
recognized Indian tribes and have given the greatest possible opportunity ■ 2. Section 20.101 is revised to read as
determined that there are no effects on to comment. Thus, when the follows:
Indian trust resources. However, in the preliminary proposed rulemaking was
§ 20.101 Seasons, limits, and shooting
April 13 Federal Register, we solicited published, we established what we hours for Puerto Rico and the Virgin
proposals for special migratory bird believed were the longest periods Islands.
hunting regulations for certain Tribes on possible for public comment. In doing
this, we recognized that, when the Subject to the applicable provisions of
Federal Indian reservations, off- the preceding sections of this part, areas
reservation trust lands, and ceded lands comment period closed, time would be
of the essence. That is, if there were a open to hunting, respective open
for the 2015–16 migratory bird hunting seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and
season. The resulting proposals were delay in the effective date of these
regulations after this final rulemaking, hawking hours, and daily bag and
contained in a separate August 4, 2015, possession limits for the species
proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue States would have insufficient time to
select season dates and limits; to designated in this section are prescribed
of these actions, we have consulted with as follows:
Tribes. communicate those selections to us; and
to establish and publicize the necessary Shooting and hawking hours are one-
Federalism Effects regulations and procedures to half hour before sunrise until sunset.
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Due to the migratory nature of certain implement their decisions. We find that CHECK COMMONWEALTH
species of birds, the Federal ‘‘good cause’’ exists, within the terms of REGULATIONS FOR AREA
Government has been given 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY
responsibility over these species by the Procedure Act, and therefore, under ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty (a) Puerto Rico.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 169 / Tuesday, September 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 52663
Extended falconry dates
Oregon:
Doves: ................................................................................................................ Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons (4) ...................................................................................... Sept. 1–Sept. 14 & Sept. 24–Dec. 16.
Utah:
Doves ................................................................................................................. Nov. 1–Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons ........................................................................................... Oct. 1–Dec. 16.
Washington:
Doves ................................................................................................................. Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Wyoming:
Sora and Virginia rails ....................................................................................... Nov. 10–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) .................................................................... Sept. 19–Sept. 20.
(1) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections.
(2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
(3) In New Mexico, the bag limit for sandhill cranes in the Estancia Valley Area is 2 per day and the possession limit is 2 per season.
(4) In Oregon, no more than 1 pigeon daily in bag or possession.
[FR Doc. 2015–21596 Filed 8–31–15; 8:45 am] MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, be consistent with the March 10–
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–1967. September 1 closed season mandated by
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of Canada. We have successfully used the
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 guidelines since the 1985–86 hunting
et seq.), authorizes and directs the season. We finalized the guidelines
Fish and Wildlife Service Secretary of the Department of the beginning with the 1988–89 hunting
Interior, having due regard for the zones season (August 18, 1988, Federal
50 CFR Part 20 of temperature and for the distribution, Register [53 FR 31612]). In the April 13,
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064; abundance, economic value, breeding 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 19852),
FF09M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0] habits, and times and lines of flight of we requested that Tribes desiring
migratory game birds, to determine special hunting regulations in the 2015–
RIN 1018–BA67
when, to what extent, and by what 16 hunting season submit a proposal for
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird means such birds or any part, nest, or our review.
Hunting Regulations on Certain egg thereof may be taken, hunted, No action is required if a Tribe wishes
Federal Indian Reservations and captured, killed, possessed, sold, to observe the hunting regulations
Ceded Lands for the 2015–16 Early purchased, shipped, carried, exported, established by the State(s) in which an
Season or transported. Indian reservation is located. On August
In the August 4, 2015, Federal 4, 2015, we published a proposed rule
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Register (80 FR 46218), we proposed (80 FR 46218) that included special
Interior. special migratory bird hunting migratory bird hunting regulations for
ACTION: Final rule. regulations for the 2015–16 hunting 31 Indian Tribes, based on the input we
season for certain Indian Tribes, under received in response to the April 13,
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special the guidelines described in the June 4, 2015, proposed rule and previous rules.
early-season migratory bird hunting 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). All the regulations contained in this
regulations for certain Tribes on Federal The guidelines respond to Tribal final rule were either submitted by the
Indian reservations, off-reservation trust requests for Service recognition of their Tribes or approved by the Tribes and
lands, and ceded lands. This rule reserved hunting rights, and for some follow our proposals in the August 4
responds to Tribal requests for U.S. Fish Tribes, recognition of their authority to proposed rule.
and Wildlife Service (hereinafter regulate hunting by both tribal members
Service or we) recognition of Tribal and nonmembers on their reservations. Although the August 4 proposed rule
authority to regulate hunting under The guidelines include possibilities for: included generalized regulations for
established guidelines. This rule allows (1) On-reservation hunting by both both early- and late-season hunting, this
the establishment of season bag limits tribal members and nonmembers, with rulemaking addresses only the early-
and, thus, harvest, at levels compatible hunting by nontribal members on some season proposals. Therefore, it includes
with populations and habitat reservations to take place within Federal information for only 23 Tribes. The
conditions. frameworks but on dates different from letter designations for the paragraphs
those selected by the surrounding pertaining to each Tribe in this rule are
DATES: This rule takes effect on discontinuous because they follow the
September 1, 2015. State(s);
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal letter designations for the 31 Tribes
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments members only, outside of usual Federal discussed in the August 4 proposed
received on the special hunting frameworks for season dates and length, rule, which set forth paragraphs (a)
regulations and Tribal proposals during and for daily bag and possession limits; through (ee). Late-season hunting will
normal business hours U.S. Fish and and be addressed in late September. As a
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Wildlife Headquarters, 5275 Leesburg (3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal general rule, early seasons begin during
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803, or members on ceded lands, outside of September each year and have a primary
at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket usual framework dates and season emphasis on such species as mourning
No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. length, with some added flexibility in and white-winged doves. Late seasons
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron daily bag and possession limits. begin about October 1 or later each year
W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife In all cases, the regulations and have a primary emphasis on
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: established under the guidelines must waterfowl.
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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:04:36
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:04:36
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective on September 1, 2015. | |
| Contact | Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 52645 | |
| RIN Number | 1018-BA67 | |
| CFR Associated | Exports; Hunting; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Transportation and Wildlife |
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