80 FR 57664 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 185 (September 24, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 185 (September 24, 2015)
| Page Range | 57664-57688 | |
| FR Document | 2015-24048 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 185 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 57664-57688] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-24048] [[Page 57663]] Vol. 80 Thursday, No. 185 September 24, 2015 Part II Department of the Interior ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 57664]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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; Final Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) prescribes final late-season frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting seasons. These late seasons include most waterfowl seasons, the earliest of which commences on September 26, 2015. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the States' selection of hunting seasons and to further the annual establishment of the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. DATES: This rule takes effect on September 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: States should send their season selections to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. 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, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; (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 and that subsequent documents 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 appear discontinuous and incomplete. On June 11, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 33223) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 11 supplement also provided detailed information on the proposed 2015-16 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings. On June 24-25, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed recommendations for the 2015-16 regulations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2015-16 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 21, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 43266) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. 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. On August 21, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 51090) a final rule which contained final frameworks for early migratory bird hunting seasons from which wildlife conservation agency officials from the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits. Subsequently, on September 1, 2015, we published a final rule in the Federal Register (80 FR 52645) amending subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for early seasons. On August 25, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 51658) the proposed frameworks for the 2015-16 late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. This document establishes final frameworks for late-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2015-16 season. There are no substantive changes from the August 25 proposed rule. We will publish State selections in the Federal Register as amendments to Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20. Population Status and Harvest In the August 25 proposed rule we provided preliminary information on the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For more detailed information on methodologies and results, you may obtain complete copies of the various reports at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html. Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 13, 2015, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting regulations. The July 21, 2015, Federal Register, discussed the regulatory alternatives for the 2015-16 duck hunting season. Late-season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in the April 13 Federal Register. We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-season issues for which we received written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive numerical order. We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are summarized below. Wherever possible, they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items in the April 13, 2015, Federal Register documents. [[Page 57665]] General Written Comments: A commenter protested the entire migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and status and habitat data on which the migratory bird hunting regulations are based. Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided for herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information received as public comment. While there are problems inherent with any type of representative management of public-trust resources, we believe that the Flyway-Council system of migratory game bird management has been a longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative management since its establishment in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to streamline and improve the process. 1. Ducks Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Regulatory Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/ Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below. A. General Harvest Strategy Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended the adoption of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative. Service Response: We continue to use adaptive harvest management (AHM) protocols that allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in a manner that recognizes each Flyway's breeding-ground derivation of mallards. In 2008, we described and adopted a protocol for regulatory decision-making for the newly defined stock of western mallards (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008). For the 2015-16 hunting season, we continue to believe that the prescribed regulatory choice for the Pacific Flyway should be based on the status of this western mallard breeding stock, while the regulatory choice for the Mississippi and Central Flyways should depend on the status of the redefined mid-continent mallard stock. We also recommend that the regulatory choice for the Atlantic Flyway continue to depend on the status of eastern mallards. For the 2015-16 hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the ``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and ``liberal'' alternatives has remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended framework dates have been offered in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory alternatives since 2002 (67 FR 47224; July 17, 2002). Also, in 2003, we agreed to place a constraint on closed seasons in the Mississippi and Central Flyways whenever the mid-continent mallard breeding-population size (as defined prior to 2008; traditional survey area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) was5.5 million (68 FR 37362; June 23, 2003). This constraint subsequently was revised in 2008 to 4.75 million to account for the change in the definition of mid-continent mallards to exclude birds from Alaska and the Old Crow Flats area of the Yukon Territory (73 FR 43293; July 24, 2008). The optimal AHM strategies for mid-continent, eastern, and western mallards for the 2015-16 hunting season were calculated using: (1) Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard stock; (2) the 2015 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population models and associated weights. Based on this year's survey results of 11.79 million mid-continent mallards (traditional survey area minus Alaska and the Old Crow Flats area of the Yukon Territory, plus Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan) and 4.15 million ponds in Prairie Canada, 0.73 million eastern mallards (0.19 million and 0.54 million respectively in northeast Canada and the northeastern United States), and 0.73 million western mallards (0.26 million in California-Oregon and 0.47 million in Alaska), the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the ``liberal'' alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding selection of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative and will adopt the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative, as described in the July 21, 2015, Federal Register. D. Special Seasons/Species Management iii. Black Ducks Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils recommended that the Service follow the International Black Duck AHM Strategy for 2015-16. Service Response: In 2012, we adopted the International Black Duck AHM Strategy (77 FR 49868; August 17, 2012). The formal strategy is the result of 14 years of technical and policy decisions developed and agreed upon by both Canadian and U.S. agencies and waterfowl managers. The strategy clarifies what harvest levels each country will manage for and reduces conflicts over country-specific regulatory policies. Further, the strategy allows for attainment of fundamental objectives of black duck management: resource conservation, perpetuation of hunting tradition, and equitable access to the black duck resource between Canada and the United States while accommodating the fundamental sources of uncertainty, partial controllability and observability, structural uncertainty, and environmental variation. The underlying model performance is assessed annually, with a comprehensive evaluation of the entire strategy (objectives and model set) planned after 6 years. A copy of the strategy is available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html. For the 2015-16 season, the optimal country-specific regulatory strategies were calculated in September 2014 using: (1) The black duck harvest objective (98 percent of long-term cumulative harvest); (2) 2015-16 country-specific regulatory alternatives; (3) parameter estimates for mallard competition and additive mortality; and (4) 2014 estimates of 0.619 million breeding black ducks and 0.445 million breeding mallards in the core survey area. The optimal regulatory choices are the moderate package in Canada and the restrictive package in the United States. iv. Canvasbacks Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for canvasbacks with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Season lengths would be 60 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway. [[Page 57666]] Service Response: Since 1994, we have followed a canvasback harvest strategy whereby if canvasback population status and production are sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for the entire length of the regular duck season, while still attaining an objective of 500,000 birds the following spring, the season on canvasbacks should be opened. A partial season would be permitted if the estimated allowable harvest was below that associated with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the entire season. If neither of these conditions can be met, the harvest strategy calls for a closed season on canvasbacks nationwide. In 2008 (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008), we announced our decision to modify the canvasback harvest strategy to incorporate the option for a 2-bird daily bag limit for canvasbacks when the predicted breeding population the subsequent year exceeds 725,000 birds. This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 757,000 canvasbacks and 4.15 million Canadian ponds. The canvasback harvest strategy predicts a 2016 canvasback breeding population of 727,000 birds under a liberal duck season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Because the predicted 2016 spring canvasback population under a liberal 2-bird-bag season is greater than 725,000, and since the recommended duck season under AHM is liberal, the harvest strategy stipulates that there should be a full canvasback season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. v. Pintails Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended a full season for pintails, consisting of a 2-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 74-day season in the Central Flyway, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway. Service Response: The current derived pintail harvest strategy was adopted by the Service and Flyway Councils in 2010 (75 FR 44856; July 29, 2010). For this year, an optimal regulatory strategy for pintails was calculated with: (1) An objective of maximizing long-term cumulative harvest, including a closed-season constraint of 1.75 million birds; (2) the regulatory alternatives and associated predicted harvest; and (3) current population models and their relative weights. Based on this year's survey results of 3.04 million pintails observed at a mean latitude of 55.9 and a latitude-adjusted breeding population of 4.16 million birds, the optimal regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the ``liberal'' alternative with a 2-bird daily bag limit. vi. Scaup Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended use of the ``moderate'' regulation package, consisting of a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag in the Atlantic Flyway, a 60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Mississippi Flyway, 74-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Central Flyway, and an 86-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway. Service Response: In 2008, we adopted and implemented a new scaup harvest strategy (73 FR 43290 on July 24, 2008, and 73 FR 51124 on August 29, 2008) with initial ``restrictive,'' ``moderate,'' and ``liberal'' regulatory packages adopted for each Flyway. The 2015 breeding population estimate for scaup is 4.40 million, which is similar to the 2014 estimate. An optimal regulatory strategy for scaup was calculated with an objective of achieving 95 percent of maximum long-term cumulative harvest and updated model parameters and their relative weights. Based on this year's breeding population estimate of 4.40 million, the optimal regulatory choice for scaup is the ``moderate'' package in all four Flyways. ix. Youth Hunt Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended allowing the States to use their definitions of age for youth hunters as the age requirement for participation in youth hunting days. The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended changing the hunting age for the special season framework for youth waterfowl hunting days to include youth hunters 17 years of age or younger. The Central Flyway Council recommended that we allow States to use their established definitions of age for youth hunters as the age requirement for participation in youth hunting days, not to include anyone over the age of 17. Service Response: Given that these recommendations would not take effect until the 2016-17 season, our desire for unanimity between the Councils, and that at least one Flyway Council has yet to take action, we are deferring our decision on the Councils' recommendations until the October 2015 SRC meeting. x. Mallard Management Units Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended a minor change to the High Plains Mallard Management Unit (HPMMU) boundary in Kansas. Service Response: As we stated in 2011 (76 FR 54052, August 30, 2011), we do not support the modification of the boundary of the HPMMU in Kansas. We note that the boundary has been in place since the 1970s, and is sufficiently clear for enforcement of waterfowl hunting regulations. Further, we do not believe sufficient biological information is available to warrant changes to the boundary at the scales proposed. However, if the Flyway Council believes the demographics of ducks have changed and may warrant a change in the boundary, we suggest that an assessment of data should be conducted that could inform a change at the Management Unit level. We understand the Council's position that this is a small change; however, we do not believe that small, incremental changes to the boundary are the proper approach to the perceived changes in duck distribution or to provide hunter opportunity. 4. Canada Geese B. Regular Seasons Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that New Jersey be permitted to change the designation of their Coastal Zone from an Atlantic Population (AP) to an Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada goose zone for the next 3-year period (2015- 17). Frameworks for the AFRP Zone would be 80 days between the fourth Saturday in October and February 15, with daily bag and possession limits of 5 and 15 Canada geese, respectively. The season could be split into 3 segments. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the following changes to goose season frameworks for the Pacific Flyway: 1. In Oregon and Washington, modify frameworks to close the season for dusky Canada geese in Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone and Washington's Southwest Permit Zone, and restrict beginning goose shooting hours to no earlier than sunrise in Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone and Washington's Southwest Permit Zone. 2. In Oregon, expand the Northwest Permit Zone to include the Northwest Zone, and modify the Tillamook County Special Management Area by reducing the area from all of Tillamook County to only that area currently described as closed to goose hunting. 3. In Washington, modify frameworks to eliminate the special late season and extend the regular season to March 10 [[Page 57667]] in Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone), eliminate the Aleutian goose bag-limit restriction in Area 2B, and expand the Southwest Permit Zone to include all of Clark County (2A) and Grays Harbour County (2B). 4. In Idaho, modify the frameworks to create a new zone by removing Bear Lake County and Caribou County, except that portion within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, from Zone 2 and renaming these counties Zone 4. Service Response: The Atlantic Flyway Council revised criteria used to delineate new AFRP Canada goose harvest areas and evaluate AFRP seasons for the 2015-17 seasons. We agree with the Council that the Coastal Zone in New Jersey meets the new criteria as an AFRP zone. The additional days and increased bag limit will allow for the harvest of additional AFRP Canada geese. We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendations to close the dusky Canada goose season and restrict shooting hours for geese in the Permit Zones of Oregon and Washington, and expand Permit Zone boundaries. Seven subspecies of Canada geese winter in the Pacific Flyway and are managed as separate populations. Most Canada goose populations are abundant and at or above population objectives; however, the dusky Canada goose population has generally remained at <20,000 geese. Dusky Canada geese have a small breeding range including the Copper River Delta and adjacent islands in Alaska. Since 1985, the dusky Canada goose breeding population has varied between 7,000 and 18,000 geese. The most recent (2015) estimate of the breeding population size is 17,873 geese, and the recent 3-year (2012-2015, no estimate was available in 2013) average is 15,574 geese. In addition to the small population size, the dusky goose population has low harvest potential (low survival and reproductive capacity), and these birds are especially vulnerable to harvest. Consequently, the take of dusky geese must be limited to a greater extent than other Canada goose populations in the Pacific Flyway. A permit and quota system with mandatory hunter reporting at check stations was implemented in 1985, in the primary dusky Canada goose wintering area of Oregon and Washington (Permit Zones). Once the quota was exceeded, the goose season in the Permit Zones was closed to protect against additional take of dusky geese. Check stations cost about $335,000 annually to operate in Oregon and Washington. Due to budgetary constraints, Oregon and Washington prefer to close the dusky Canada goose season rather than operate a quota system with mandatory hunter reporting at check stations. Secondary purposes were to increase the number of days goose hunting can be used as a tool to help alleviate goose depredation complaints and help reduce overabundant goose populations, and to minimize burden on hunters to comply with regulations intended to minimize the take of dusky geese. Regular Canada goose seasons in the Permit Zones of Oregon and Washington will remain subject to a memorandum of understanding entered into with the Service regarding monitoring the impacts of take during the regular Canada goose season on the dusky Canada goose population. Existing monitoring programs of dusky Canada geese provide total abundance, productivity, and apparent adult annual survival rates. Abundance data can be used to evaluate current population status, while productivity and survival rate data can be used in a population model to predict population growth and consequences of changes in demographic parameters. This information will be collected and evaluated annually to help determine the effectiveness of regulations intended to minimize take of dusky Canada geese. Additional protection against the take of dusky Canada geese will be provided by expanding the Permit Zone boundaries in Oregon and Washington to include a larger portion of the population's winter range, and restricting shooting hours to no earlier than sunrise will increase light for hunter identification of Canada goose subspecies. We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for minor changes to the existing Canada goose hunting seasons in Oregon and Washington. The bag limit restriction of 1 Aleutian Canada goose in Pacific County, Washington (Area 2B) (within the overall Canada goose daily bag limit) was first implemented when hunting of Aleutian Canada geese resumed in Oregon and Washington after the subspecies was removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) in 2001 (66 FR 15643; March 20, 2001). The bag limit restriction was intended to minimize potential harvest of the Semidi Islands population segment of Aleutian Canada geese. These geese use Pacific County sporadically during migration and use areas are not consistent. The total population of Aleutian Canada geese continues to increase and currently exceeds the population objective identified in the Flyway management plan. The most recent 3-year (2013-2015) average estimated number of Aleutian Canada geese is 165,952, well above the population objective of 60,000 geese. Also, the 1-Aleutian daily bag limit restriction regulation is difficult for hunters to comply with and to enforce. We agree that removal of the Aleutian Canada goose bag limit restriction within the overall Canada goose daily bag limit (currently proposed at 4 geese) will simplify regulations. Further, we do not expect that removing the special Aleutian bag limit restriction within the overall Canada goose bag limit to increase harvest of Aleutian Canada geese appreciably. In Washington, a special late Canada goose season has been offered in Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone). The special late goose season could be held between the Saturday following the close of the general goose season, which was the last Sunday in January, and March 10. Eliminating the special late season and extending the regular season to March 10 in Areas 2A and 2B for Canada geese has no consequence in season length or outside dates, but reduces the number of splits allowed in the Canada goose season from 4 to 3. The change will simplify regulations and is expected to have no biological impact to the Canada goose population. Also, regular season outside dates for white-fronted geese and light geese in Washington extend through March 10. Lastly, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for minor changes to the existing goose hunting zones in Idaho. The modifications to the Idaho goose zones are intended to provide additional flexibility to Idaho in addressing resident Canada goose over abundance. Breeding population indices for Pacific and Rocky Mountain populations of Canada geese currently exceed management objectives in Flyway management plans. The 3-year (2013-2015) average population estimate for the Pacific Population of western Canada geese is 214,603, and is well above the objective of 126,650 geese. The 3- year (2013-2015) average population estimate for the Rocky Mountain Population of western Canada geese is 158,038, and above the objective of 88,000 to 146,000 geese. In order to accommodate an early Canada goose season in Bear Lake County and Caribou County, except that portion within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, it is necessary to create a new goose zone in Idaho. C. Special Late Seasons Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Ohio be allowed a [[Page 57668]] 92-day Canada goose season with a 3-bird daily bag limit, which may extend no later than February 15. Service Response: We note that the management plan for the Southern James Bay Population of Canada geese requires consultation with the Atlantic Flyway on regulatory changes that potentially affect both Flyways. Although the Ohio proposal was sent to the Atlantic Flyway during their recent summer meeting, the proposal was not received in a timely manner that provided for adequate review by the Atlantic Flyway. Thus, the Atlantic Flyway Council could not support the Ohio proposal at this time. Due to the lack of concurrence by the Atlantic Flyway, we do not support the Mississippi Flyway recommendation for the 2015-16 season. We urge the two Flyway Councils to initiate consultations prior to this fall for a similar proposal for the 2016-17 hunting season. 5. White-Fronted Geese Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that frameworks for white-fronted geese in the Mississippi Flyway be revised to allow for a season length of 107 days and daily bag limit of 5 geese for Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin (low harvest States). The daily bag limit would be an aggregate daily bag limit with dark geese. For Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee (non-low harvest States), the Council recommended a season length of 88 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit, or a 74-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit, or a 107-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit. The Central Flyway Council recommended that frameworks for white- fronted geese in the east-tier States of the Central Flyway be revised to the Saturday nearest September 24 until the Sunday nearest February 15 with a season length of 74 days and a daily bag of 3 birds, an 88- day season with a daily bag of 2 birds, or a 107-day season with a daily bag limit of 1 bird. The Council recommended an increase of 1 bird in the daily bag limit in the Western Goose Zone of Texas, but no change in the bag limit for other west-tier States. All the recommended revisions are consistent with the newly revised white-fronted goose management plan. Service Response: We support the revisions to the white-fronted goose frameworks recommended by the Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils. The Councils' recommendations are consistent with the newly revised 2015 management plan for the mid-continent greater white- fronted goose population. 6. Brant Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended adoption of revised harvest packages (strategies) for Atlantic brant beginning with the 2015 hunting season as follows: If the mid-winter waterfowl survey (MWS) count is < 100,000 Atlantic brant, the season would be closed. If the MWS count is between 100,000 and 115,000 brant, States could select a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit. If the MWS count is between 115,000 and 130,000 brant, States could select a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. If the MWS count is between 130,000 and 150,000 brant, States could select a 50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. If the MWS count is between 150,000 and 200,000 brant, States could select a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit. If the MWS count is > 200,000 brant, States could select a 60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Under all the above open season alternatives, seasons would be between the Saturday nearest September 24 and January 31. Further, States could split their seasons into 2 segments. Utilizing the newly revised brant hunt plan, the Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the 2015-16 hunting season. The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended revising the brant frameworks in the Mississippi Flyway to allow States the option of including brant in an aggregate bag limit with white-fronted and/or Canada geese. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the brant season length in California from 30 to 37 days. Service Response: The Atlantic Flyway's changes to the current Atlantic brant hunt plan strategies incorporate additional conservatism in the brant hunt plan. More specifically, the newly amended packages prescribe a more restrictive season in 2015 than that prescribed by the pre-2015 hunt plan. The Atlantic Flyway estimates that a reduction from a 2-bird to a 1-bird daily bag limit will result in a harvest reduction of 33 percent. The Atlantic Flyway notes that there have been 3 consecutive years of poor Atlantic brant production, and 2015 may also be poor. Further, the population has been below management plan goals for the last 6 years. The 2015 mid-winter index (MWI) for Atlantic brant was 111,434. The Council's revised brant hunt plan allows for a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit when the MWI estimate falls between 100,000 and 115,000 brant. Recognizing the Council's continuing concerns about the status of Atlantic brant, we support the Atlantic Flyway Council's revisions to the brant hunt plan and the recommendation for the 2015-16 season. Regarding the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation to allow States the option of including brant in an aggregate bag limit with white-fronted and/or Canada geese, we concur. Very few brant are harvested in the Mississippi Flyway (none during the most recent five years), so this simplification of the regulations will have no biological impact to the population. Lastly, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for increasing the season length from 30 days to 37 days in California. The Flyway management plan for Pacific brant allows harvest to increase by two times the current level if the 3-year average population index exceeds 135,000 brant based on the mid-winter waterfowl survey. The 3- year (2013-2015) average is 157,700 brant. Increasing the season length by 7 days will allow additional hunting opportunity while maintaining the 2-bird daily bag limit for brant, and is not expected to increase harvest appreciably from that during a 30-day season. 7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the light goose daily bag limit from 4 to 6 in the Northwest Permit Zone of Oregon. Service Response: We support the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for increasing the daily bag limit of light geese from 4 to 6 in the Northwest Permit Zone of Oregon. Three populations of light geese occur in the Pacific Flyway, and all are above Flyway management plan objectives based on the most recent breeding population indices. The population estimate for the Western Arctic Population (WAP) of lesser snow geese was 451,000 in 2013, which is above the objective of 200,000 geese. Ross's geese were estimated at 659,600 in 2014, and are above the objective of 100,000 geese. The population estimate for Wrangel Island snow geese was 240,000 in 2015, which is above the objective of 120,000 [[Page 57669]] geese. Current evidence suggests most light geese in Oregon during fall and early winter are primarily Wrangel Island snow geese, but an influx of WAP lesser snow and Ross's geese occurs during late winter as birds begin to move north toward breeding areas. The current 4-bird daily bag limit for light geese in Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone was intended to minimize harvest of Wrangel Island snow geese in this primary use area in Oregon when Wrangel Island geese were below the population objective. A bag limit for light geese in the Northwest Permit Zone of 6 per day will simplify regulations by matching the 6-bird bag limit currently allowed for light geese in the balance of Oregon on or before the last Sunday in January. 16. Doves Council Recommendations: During the early season regulations process, the Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service, beginning with the 2016-17 hunting season, adopt a new ``standard'' season package framework comprised of a 90-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit for doves for States within the Central Management Unit. Subsequently, the Mississippi Flyway Council concurred with the previous recommendation from the Central Flyway Council. Service Response: In the July 21 Federal Register, we stated that we did not support the recommendation by the Central Flyway to increase the length of the dove season to 90 days for the 2016-17 season because the Mississippi Flyway had not agreed to the change involving this shared resource. However, we understood that the Central Flyway would continue to work with the Mississippi Flyway to develop a joint recommendation to increase the season length, and that we would consider such a recommendation if such an agreement were reached. Given the Mississippi Flyway Council's concurrence with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation, we now agree with the proposed revision to the ``standard'' season package framework beginning with the 2016-17 hunting season. 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 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 frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) 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 [[Page 57670]] 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 upon request from the Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds or 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 5/31/2018). 1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey. 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. 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, reduce 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. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), 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 affected 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. 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 therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication. Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which State conservation agency officials will select [[Page 57671]] hunting season dates and other options. Upon receipt of season selections from these officials, we will publish a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the conterminous United States for the 2015-16 seasons. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2015-16 hunting seasons are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j. Dated: September 11, 2015. Karen Hyun, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. Final Regulations Frameworks for 2015-16 Late Hunting Seasons on Certain Migratory Game Birds Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 2015, and March 10, 2016. These frameworks are summarized below. General Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive. Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily. Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take by sport hunters, or both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans, some sandhill crane populations), the Service determines the amount of harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations. These Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid. Flyways and Management Units Waterfowl Flyways Atlantic Flyway--includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Central Flyway--includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide). Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway. Management Units High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian. Definitions For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following species: Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese. Light geese: Snow (including blue) geese and Ross's geese. Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this document. Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are listed below by Flyway. Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, where Sunday hunting is prohibited Statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots). Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Outside Dates: States may select 2 days per duck-hunting zone, designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' in addition to their regular duck seasons. The days must be held outside any regular duck season on a weekend, holidays, or other non-school days when youth hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any other open season on migratory birds. Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, tundra swans, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area restrictions would remain in effect. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth day. Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing applicable tundra swan permits. Atlantic Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can be females), 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, and 4 scoters. Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed. Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular duck [[Page 57672]] season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Lake Champlain Zone of Vermont. Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours should be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone of New Hampshire. Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone. Canada Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons also include white-fronted geese. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. Connecticut North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. South Zone: A special season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Resident Population (RP) Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Delaware: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Florida: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Georgia: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Maine: A 70-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Maryland RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Massachusetts NAP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. New Hampshire: A 70-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. New Jersey AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. New York NAP Zone: Between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in both the High Harvest and Low Harvest areas. Special Late Goose Season Area: A special season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in designated areas of Suffolk County. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the opening date is October 10, and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Western Long Island RP Zone: A 107-day season may be held between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10, with an 8-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. North Carolina SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and December 31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Northeast Hunt Unit: A 14-day season may be held between the Saturday prior to December 25 (December 19) and January 31, with a 1- bird daily bag limit. Pennsylvania SJBP Zone: A 78-day season may be held between the first Saturday in October (October 3) and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 24) and February 5, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Rhode Island: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. A special late season may be held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5- bird daily bag limit. South Carolina: In designated areas, an 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. Vermont Lake Champlain Zone and Interior Zone: A 50-day season may be held between October 10 and February 5 with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Connecticut River Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Virginia SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special late season may be held between January 15 and [[Page 57673]] February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 50-day season may be held between November 15 and February 5, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments. West Virginia: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments in each zone. Light Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107- day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 25-bird daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into three segments. Brant Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 30- day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit. States may split their seasons into two segments. Mississippi Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: The season may not exceed 60 days, with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. In addition to the daily limits listed above, the States of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin may include an additional 2 blue- winged teal in the daily bag limit in lieu of selecting an experimental September teal season during the first 16 days of the regular duck season in each respective duck hunting zone. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones. In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in each zone. In Arkansas and Mississippi, the season may be split into three segments. Geese Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. There is no possession limit for light geese. Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee may select a season for white-fronted geese not to exceed 74 days with 3 geese daily, or 88 days with 2 geese daily, or 107 days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 14); Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin may select a season for white-fronted geese not to exceed 107 days with 5 geese daily, in aggregate with dark geese. States may select a season for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily, or 107 days with 1 brant daily with outside dates the same as Canada geese; alternately, States may include brant in an aggregate goose bag limit with either Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or dark geese. States may select seasons for Canada geese not to exceed 92 days with 2 geese daily or 78 days with 3 geese daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and January 31 with the following exceptions listed by State: Arkansas: The season may extend to February 15. Indiana: Late Canada Goose Season Area: A special Canada goose season of up to 15 days may be held during February 1-15 in the Late Canada Goose Season Zone. During this special season, the daily bag limit cannot exceed 5 Canada geese. Iowa: The season for Canada geese may extend for 107 days. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese. Michigan: The framework opening date for all geese is September 11 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and September 16 in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Southern Michigan Late Canada Goose Season Zone: A 30-day special Canada goose season may be held between December 31 and February 15. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese. Minnesota: The season for Canada geese may extend for 107 days. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese. Missouri: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese. Tennessee: Northwest Goose Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend to February 15. Wisconsin: Horizon Zone: The framework opening date for all geese is September 16. Exterior Zone: The framework opening date for all geese is September 16. Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits. Central Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). Hunting Seasons High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 97 days. The last 23 days must run consecutively and may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 12). Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days. Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 scaup, 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintails, and 2 canvasbacks. In Texas, the daily bag limit on mottled ducks is 1, except that no mottled ducks may be taken during the first 5 days of the season. In addition to the daily limits listed above, the States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, in lieu of selecting an experimental September teal season, may include an additional daily bag and possession limit of 2 and 6 blue-winged teal, respectively, during the first 16 days of the regular duck season in each respective duck hunting zone. These extra limits are in addition to the regular duck bag and possession limits. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck bag limit, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. [[Page 57674]] Zoning and Split Seasons: Colorado, Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. In Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into two segments. Geese Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 14). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions that are consistent with the late-winter snow goose hunting strategy cooperatively developed by the Central Flyway Council and the Service are required. Season Lengths and Limits Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 50 with no possession limit. Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) not to exceed 107 days with a daily bag limit of 8. For white- fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 74 days with a bag limit of 3, or an 88-day season with a bag limit of 2, or a season of 107 days with a bag limit of 1. In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming, States may select seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate. In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is 2. Pacific Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). Hunting Seasons and Duck and Merganser Limits: Concurrent 107 days. The daily bag limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female mallards, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. For scaup, the season length is 86 days, which may be split according to applicable zones and split duck hunting configurations approved for each State. In States or zones with a split duck and merganser season, the season on coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules may remain open during the closed portion of the duck and merganser season splits, but not to exceed 107 days. Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag limit of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules are 25, singly or in the aggregate. Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may split their seasons into two segments. Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico may split their seasons into three segments. Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits should be the same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone). Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits Canada geese and brant: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese and brant in the aggregate. In New Mexico and Wyoming, the daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese and brant in the aggregate. In California, Oregon, and Washington, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese. For brant, Oregon and Washington may select a 16-day season and California a 37-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and California may select hunting seasons for up to two zones. The daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to other goose limits. In Oregon and California, the brant season must end no later than December 15. White-fronted geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 10. Light geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 20. Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. California: The daily bag limit for Canada geese is 10. Balance of State Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, the season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 28, and the daily bag limit is 3 white-fronted geese. In the North Coast Special Management Area, hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January should be concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone. Idaho Zone 2: Idaho will continue to monitor the snow goose hunt that occurs after the last Sunday in January in the American Falls Reservoir/Fort Hall Bottoms and surrounding areas at 3-year intervals. Oregon: The daily bag limit for light geese is 6 on or before the last Sunday in January. Harney and Lake County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily white- fronted goose bag limit is 1. Northwest Permit Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit of light geese is 6. In the Tillamook County Management Area, the hunting season is closed on geese. South Coast Zone: A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. The daily bag limit of Canada geese is 6. Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January should be concurrent with California's North Coast [[Page 57675]] Special Management Area. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. Utah: A Canada goose and brant season may be selected in the Wasatch Front and Washington County Zones with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the first Sunday in February (February 7). Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese. Area 1: Goose season outside dates are between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and the last Sunday in January (January 31). Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): A Canada goose season may be selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 26) and March 10. Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. Area 4: Goose seasons may be split into 3 segments. Permit Zones In Oregon and Washington permit zones, the hunting season is closed on dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters. Hunting of geese will only be by hunters possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. Shooting hours for geese may begin no earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada goose seasons in the permit zones of Oregon and Washington remain subject to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Service regarding monitoring the impacts of take during the regular Canada goose season on the dusky Canada goose population. Swans In portions of the Pacific Flyway (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the State and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season with each permit. Nevada may issue up to 2 permits per hunter. Montana and Utah may only issue 1 permit per hunter. Each State's season may open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 3). These seasons are also subject to the following conditions: Montana: No more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must end no later than December 1. The State must implement a harvest- monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan harvest and should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in reporting bill measurement and color information. Utah: No more than 2,000 permits may be issued. During the swan season, no more than 10 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 13) or upon attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August 2003, regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan season. Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 3) or upon attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. In addition, the States of Utah and Nevada must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan harvest. The harvest-monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal biologists for the purpose of species classification. The States should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing bagged swans for examination. Further, the States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must achieve at least an 80- percent compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be reduced by 10 percent. All three States must provide to the Service by June 30, 2016, a report detailing harvest, hunter participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt areas. Tundra Swans In portions of the Atlantic Flyway (North Carolina and Virginia) and the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota [east of the Missouri River], and that portion of Montana in the Central Flyway), an open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the States that authorize the take of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second permit may be issued to hunters from unused permits remaining after the first drawing. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons are also subject to the following conditions: In the Atlantic Flyway: --The season may be 90 days, between October 1 and January 31. --In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued. --In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued. In the Central Flyway: --The season may be 107 days, between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 3) and January 31. --In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. --In North Dakota, no more than 2,200 permits may be issued. --In South Dakota, no more than 1,300 permits may be issued. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots Atlantic Flyway Connecticut North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Maine North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire-Maine State line to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of I-95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the United States border. Coastal Zone: That portion south of a line extending east from the Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at the Route 1 Bridge; then south along Route 1 to the Maine-New Hampshire border in Kittery. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Massachusetts Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Vermont State line on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut State line. Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line on I-95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west to the Rhode Island State line; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the [[Page 57676]] Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone. Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the Central Zone. New Hampshire Northern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of the Inland Zone beginning at the Jct. of Rte. 10 and Rte. 25A in Orford, east on Rte. 25A to Rte. 25 in Wentworth, southeast on Rte. 25 to Exit 26 of Rte. I-93 in Plymouth, south on Rte. I-93 to Rte. 3 at Exit 24 of Rte. I-93 in Ashland, northeast on Rte. 3 to Rte. 113 in Holderness, north on Rte. 113 to Rte. 113-A in Sandwich, north on Rte. 113-A to Rte. 113 in Tamworth, east on Rte. 113 to Rte. 16 in Chocorua, north on Rte. 16 to Rte. 302 in Conway, east on Rte. 302 to the Maine-New Hampshire border. Inland Zone: That portion of the State south and west of the Northern Zone, west of the Coastal Zone, and includes the area of Vermont and New Hampshire as described for hunting reciprocity. A person holding a New Hampshire hunting license which allows the taking of migratory waterfowl or a person holding a Vermont resident hunting license which allows the taking of migratory waterfowl may take migratory waterfowl and coots from the following designated area of the Inland Zone: the State of Vermont east of Rte. I-91 at the Massachusetts border, north on Rte. I-91 to Rte. 2, north on Rte. 2 to Rte. 102, north on Rte. 102 to Rte. 253, and north on Rte. 253 to the border with Canada and the area of NH west of Rte. 63 at the MA border, north on Rte. 63 to Rte. 12, north on Rte. 12 to Rte. 12-A, north on Rte. 12A to Rte 10, north on Rte. 10 to Rte. 135, north on Rte. 135 to Rte. 3, north on Rte. 3 to the intersection with the Connecticut River. Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line beginning at the Maine-New Hampshire border in Rollinsford, then extending to Rte. 4 west to the city of Dover, south to the intersection of Rte. 108, south along Rte. 108 through Madbury, Durham, and Newmarket to the junction of Rte. 85 in Newfields, south to Rte. 101 in Exeter, east to Interstate 95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) in Hampton, and south to the Massachusetts border. New Jersey Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware State line in Delaware Bay. North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State line in the Delaware River. South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or the Coastal Zone. New York Lake Champlain Zone: That area east and north of a continuous line extending along U.S. 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont State line. Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their tidal waters. Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along I-81 to the Pennsylvania State line. Northeastern Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I- 81, south along I-81 to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along NY 13 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to NY 22, north along NY 22 to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-- Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York. Pennsylvania Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle Peninsula. Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80. North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I- 180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River. South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania. Vermont Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area north and west of the line extending from the New York border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; U.S. 7 to VT 78 at Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to Maquam Bay on Lake Champlain; along and around the shoreline of Maquam Bay and Hog Island to VT 78 at the West Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in Alburg; VT 2 to the Richelieu River in Alburg; along the east shore of the Richelieu River to the Canadian border. Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain Zone and west of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2; east along U.S. 2 to VT 102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the Canadian border. Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of the Interior Zone. Mississippi Flyway Alabama South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties. North Zone: The remainder of Alabama. Illinois North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Peotone-Beecher Road to Illinois Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road, west along Wilmington-Peotone Road to Illinois Route 53, north along Illinois Route 53 to New River Road, northwest along New River Road to Interstate Highway 55, south along I-55 to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road, west along Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road to Illinois Route 47, north along Illinois Route 47 to I-80, west along I-80 to I-39, south along I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across the Mississippi River to the Iowa border. Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Duck Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70 to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south [[Page 57677]] and west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's Road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along U.S. Highway 45, to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Greenbriar Road, north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on Sycamore Road to N. Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, south along Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west along State Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 3 to the south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank of the Big Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Central Zone: The remainder of the State between the south border of the Central Zone and the North border of the South Zone. Indiana North Zone: That part of Indiana north of a line extending east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 31; north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east along U.S. 24 to Huntington; southeast along U.S. 224; south along State Road 5; and east along State Road 124 to the Ohio border. Central Zone: That part of Indiana south of the North Zone boundary and north of the South Zone boundary. South Zone: That part of Indiana south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along U.S. 40; south along U.S. 41; east along State Road 58; south along State Road 37 to Bedford; and east along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border. Iowa North Zone: That portion of Iowa north of a line beginning on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, east along State Highway 175 to State Highway 37, southeast along State Highway 37 to State Highway 183, northeast along State Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east along State Highway 141 to U.S. Highway 30, and along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois border. Missouri River Zone: That portion of Iowa west of a line beginning on the South Dakota-Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along Interstate 29 to State Highway 175, and west along State Highway 175 to the Iowa-Nebraska border. South Zone: The remainder of Iowa. Kentucky West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties. East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky. Louisiana West: That portion of the State west and north of a line beginning at the Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3; south on LA 3 to Bossier City; then east along I-20 to Minden; then south along LA 7 to Ringgold; then east along LA 4 to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy 167 to its junction with LA 106; west on LA 106 to Oakdale; then south on U.S. Hwy 165 to junction with U.S. Hwy 190 at Kinder; then west on U.S. Hwy 190/LA 12 to the Texas State border. East: That portion of the State east and north of a line beginning at the Arkansas-Louisiana border on LA 3; south on LA 3 to Bossier City; then east along I-20 to Minden; then south along LA 7 to Ringgold; then east along LA 4 to Jonesboro; then south along U.S. Hwy 167 to Lafayette; then southeast along U.S. Hwy 90 to the Mississippi State line. Coastal: Remainder of the State. Michigan North Zone: The Upper Peninsula. Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line beginning at the Wisconsin State line in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly and southerly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to the Canadian border. South Zone: The remainder of Michigan. Minnesota North Duck Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the North Dakota State line along State Highway 210 to State Highway 23 and east to State Highway 39 and east to the Wisconsin State line at the Oliver Bridge. South Duck Zone: The portion of the State south of a line extending east from the South Dakota State line along U.S. Highway 212 to Interstate 494 and east to Interstate 94 and east to the Wisconsin State line. Central Duck Zone: The remainder of the State. Missouri North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west from the Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; west on Lincoln County Hwy. N to Mo. Hwy. 79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 to Mo. Hwy. 47; west on Mo. Hwy. 47 to I-70; west on I-70 to the Kansas border. Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri not included in other zones. South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west from the Illinois border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo. Hwy. 25; south on Mo. Hwy. 25 to U.S. Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo. Hwy. 53; north on Mo. Hwy. 53 to Mo. Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 to U.S. Hwy. 60; west on U.S. Hwy. 60 to Mo. Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. 21 to Mo. Hwy. 72; west on Mo. Hwy. 72 to Mo. Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. 32 to U.S. Hwy. 65; north on U.S. Hwy. 65 to U.S. Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. 54 to U.S. Hwy. 71; south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line Blvd.); west on Jasper County Hwy. M (Base Line Blvd.) to CRD 40 (Base Line Blvd.); west on CRD 40 (Base Line Blvd.) to the Kansas border. Ohio Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all land and water within the boundaries of the area bordered by Interstate 75 from the Ohio-Michigan line to Interstate 280 to Interstate 80 to the Erie-Lorain County line extending to a line measuring two hundred (200) yards from the shoreline into the waters of Lake Erie and including the waters of Sandusky Bay and Maumee Bay. North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line beginning at the Ohio-Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the Ohio-West Virginia border. South Zone: The remainder of Ohio. [[Page 57678]] Tennessee Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties. Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the Reelfoot Zone. Wisconsin North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Minnesota State line along U.S. Highway 10 into Portage County to County Highway HH, east on County Highway HH to State Highway 66 and then east on State Highway 66 to U.S. Highway 10, continuing east on U.S. Highway 10 to U.S. Highway 41, then north on U.S. Highway 41 to the Michigan State line. Mississippi River Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending northerly along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to the Minnesota State line. South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin. Central Flyway Colorado (Central Flyway Portion) Northeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70. Southeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and south of Interstate 70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas west of Interstate 25 and east of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. Kansas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283. Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Nebraska-Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with U.S.-36, then east on U.S.-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to its junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 30 Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction with Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with U.S.- 24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with K-4, then east on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then south on I-135 to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to McPherson County 14th Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on Arapaho Rd to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to its junction with K-96, then northwest on K-96 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then east on K-19 to its junction with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with U.S.-183, then north on U.S.- 183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with U.S.-400, then northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction with U.S.-283, then north on U.S.-283 to its junction with the Nebraska-Kansas State line, then east along the Nebraska-Kansas State line to its junction with K-128. Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Nebraska- Kansas State line south on K-128 to its junction with U.S.-36, then east on U.S.-36 to its junction with K-199, then south on K-199 to its junction with Republic County 30 Rd, then south on Republic County 30 Rd to its junction with K-148, then east on K-148 to its junction with Republic County 50 Rd, then south on Republic County 50 Rd to its junction with Cloud County 40th Rd, then south on Cloud County 40th Rd to its junction with K-9, then west on K-9 to its junction with U.S.- 24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with U.S.-281, then north on U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-36, then west on U.S.-36 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-24, then west on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-18, then southeast on K-18 to its junction with U.S.-183, then south on U.S.-183 to its junction with K-4, then east on K-4 to its junction with I-135, then south on I-135 to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K-61 to 14th Avenue, then south on 14th Avenue to its junction with Arapaho Rd, then west on Arapaho Rd to its junction with K-61, then southwest on K- 61 to its junction with K-96, then northwest on K-96 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-19, then east on K-19 to its junction with U.S.-281, then south on U.S.-281 to its junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its junction with U.S.-183, then north on U.S.-183 to its junction with U.S.-56, then southwest on U.S.-56 to its junction with Ford County Rd 126, then south on Ford County Rd 126 to its junction with U.S.-400, then northwest on U.S.-400 to its junction with U.S.-283, then south on U.S.-283 to its junction with the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along the Oklahoma-Kansas State line to its junction with U.S.-77, then north on U.S.-77 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, then east on Butler County, NE 150th Street to its junction with U.S.- 35, then northeast on U.S.-35 to its junction with K-68, then east on K-68 to the Kansas-Missouri State line, then north along the Kansas- Missouri State line to its junction with the Nebraska State line, then west along the Kansas-Nebraska State line to its junction with K-128. Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the Missouri-Kansas State line west on K-68 to its junction with U.S.-35, then southwest on U.S.-35 to its junction with Butler County, NE 150th Street, then west on NE 150th Street until its junction with K-77, then south on K-77 to the Oklahoma-Kansas State line, then east along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its junction with the Missouri State line, then north along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction with K-68. Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Ferus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, and Treasure. Nebraska High Plains: That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy. 183; south on U.S. Hwy. 183 to U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to NE Hwy. 7; south on NE Hwy. 7 to NE Hwy. 91; southwest on NE Hwy. 91 to NE Hwy. 2; southeast on NE Hwy. 2 to NE Hwy. 92; west on NE Hwy. 92 to NE Hwy. 40; south on NE Hwy. 40 to NE Hwy. 47; south on NE Hwy. 47 to NE Hwy. 23; east on NE Hwy. 23 to U.S. Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283 to the Kansas-Nebraska border. Zone 1: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways and political boundaries beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border west of [[Page 57679]] NE Hwy. 26E Spur and north of NE Hwy. 12; those portions of Dixon, Cedar and Knox Counties north of NE Hwy. 12; that portion of Keya Paha County east of U.S. Hwy. 183; and all of Boyd County. Both banks of the Niobrara River in Keya Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. Hwy. 183 shall be included in Zone 1. Zone 2: The area south of Zone 1 and north of Zone 3. Zone 3: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways, County Roads, and political boundaries beginning at the Wyoming- Nebraska border at the intersection of the Interstate Canal; east along northern borders of Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties to Broadwater Road; south to Morrill County Rd 94; east to County Rd 135; south to County Rd 88; southeast to County Rd 151; south to County Rd 80; east to County Rd 161; south to County Rd 76; east to County Rd 165; south to Country Rd 167; south to U.S. Hwy. 26; east to County Rd 171; north to County Rd 68; east to County Rd 183; south to County Rd 64; east to County Rd 189; north to County Rd 70; east to County Rd 201; south to County Rd 60A; east to County Rd 203; south to County Rd 52; east to Keith County Line; east along the northern boundaries of Keith and Lincoln Counties to NE Hwy. 97; south to U.S. Hwy 83; south to E Hall School Rd; east to N Airport Road; south to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to Merrick County Rd 13; north to County Rd O; east to NE Hwy. 14; north to NE Hwy. 52; west and north to NE Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to NE Hwy. 22; west to NE Hwy. 11; northwest to NE Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 183; south to Round Valley Rd; west to Sargent River Rd; west to Sargent Rd; west to Milburn Rd; north to Blaine County Line; east to Loup County Line; north to NE Hwy. 91; west to North Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup River Rd; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth Rd; east to Loup County Line; north to Loup-Brown county line; east along northern boundaries of Loup and Garfield Counties to Cedar River Road; south to NE Hwy. 70; east to U.S. Hwy. 281; north to NE Hwy. 70; east to NE Hwy. 14; south to NE Hwy. 39; southeast to NE Hwy. 22; east to U.S. Hwy. 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to U.S. Hwy. 75; north to the Washington County line; east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south to the Missouri-Nebraska border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west along Kansas-Nebraska border to Colorado-Nebraska border; north and west to Wyoming-Nebraska border; north to intersection of Interstate Canal; and excluding that area in Zone 4. Zone 4: Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways and County Roads beginning at the intersection of NE Hwy. 8 and U.S. Hwy. 75; north to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to the intersection with Federal Levee R-562; north along Federal Levee R-562 to the intersection with the Trace; north along the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to NE Hwy. 2; west to U.S. Hwy. 75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE Hwy. 43; north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east to NE Hwy. 63; north to NE Hwy. 66; north and west to U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to NE Hwy. Spur 12F; south to Butler County Rd 30; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 27; west to County Rd W; south to County Rd 26; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 21 (Seward County Line); west to NE Hwy. 15; north to County Rd 34; west to County Rd J; south to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 81; south to NE Hwy. 66; west to Polk County Rd C; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 30; west to Merrick County Rd 17; south to Hordlake Road; southeast to Prairie Island Road; southeast to Hamilton County Rd T; south to NE Hwy. 66; west to NE Hwy. 14; south to County Rd 22; west to County Rd M; south to County Rd 21; west to County Rd K; south to U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; south to U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrel Rd (Hall/ Hamilton county line); south to Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE Hwy. 10; north to Kearney County Rd R and Phelps County Rd 742; west to U.S. Hwy. 283; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to U.S. Hwy. 183; north to NE Hwy. 4; east to NE Hwy. 10; south to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to NE Hwy. 14; south to NE Hwy. 8; east to U.S. Hwy. 81; north to NE Hwy. 4; east to NE Hwy. 15; south to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to NE Hwy. 103; south to NE Hwy. 8; east to U.S. Hwy. 75. New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54. South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico. North Dakota High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a line from the South Dakota State line along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north along the County line to the Canadian border. Low Plains Unit: The remainder of North Dakota. Oklahoma High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas. Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north along OK 18 to OK 51, west along OK 51 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along U.S. 412 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State line. Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma. South Dakota High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east on U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the Blunt-Canning Rd to SD 34, east and south on SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee's Corner, south on SD 50 to I-90, east on I-90 to SD 50, south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD 44 across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD 47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18, east on U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the Nebraska State line. North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along U.S. 212 to the Minnesota State line. South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47 and south of SD 44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line; south on SD 50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes Highway to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on SD 50 to the Bon Homme County line; the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50; and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I-29. Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota. Texas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border. Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending [[Page 57680]] east on U.S. 90 to San Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana State line at Orange, Texas. Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas. Wyoming (Central Flyway portion) Zone C1: Big Horn, Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Platte, and Washakie Counties; and Fremont County excluding the portions west or south of the Continental Divide. Zone C2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties. Zone C3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon County east of the Continental Divide. Pacific Flyway Arizona Game Management Units (GMU) as follows: South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and GMUs 10 and 12B-45. North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A. California Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California- Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines; west along the California-Oregon State line to the point of origin. Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada State line south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada State line. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone. Idaho Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County, except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Nevada Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties. Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties. South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties. Moapa Valley Special Management Area: That portion of Clark County including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin Rivers. Oregon Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and Umatilla Counties. Zone 2: The remainder of Oregon not included in Zone 1. Utah Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and that part of Toole County north of I-80. Zone 2: The remainder of Utah not included in Zone 1. Washington East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County. Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone. West Zone: The remainder of Washington not included in the East Zone. Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion) Snake River Zone: Beginning at the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park and the Continental Divide; south along the Continental Divide to Union Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S. Road 600); west and south along the Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605; south along U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary; along the national forest boundary to the Idaho State line; north along the Idaho State line to the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park; east along the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Continental Divide. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of Wyoming not included in the Snake River Zone. [[Page 57681]] Geese Atlantic Flyway Connecticut AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection with the Hartford/Middlesex County line. AFRP Unit: Starting at the intersection of I-95 and the Quinnipiac River, north on the Quinnipiac River to its intersection with I-91, north on I-91 to I-691, west on I-691 to the Hartford County line, and encompassing the rest of New Haven County and Fairfield County in its entirety. NAP H-Unit: All of the rest of the State not included in the AP or AFRP descriptions above. South Zone: Same as for ducks. North Zone: Same as for ducks. Maine Same zones as for ducks. Maryland Resident Population (RP) Zone: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties; that portion of Prince George's County west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. Massachusetts NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones). AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones). Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal, north to the New Hampshire line. New Hampshire Same zones as for ducks. New Jersey AP Zone: North and South Zones (see duck zones). RP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck zones). Special Late Season Area: In northern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning point. In southern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70; then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route 47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548 to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point. New York Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York- Vermont boundary. Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 at Altamont, west along Route 146 to Albany County Route 252, northwest along Route 252 to Schenectady County Route 131, north along Route 131 to Route 7, west along Route 7 to Route 10 at Richmondville, south on Route 10 to Route 23 at Stamford, west along Route 23 to Route 7 in Oneonta, southwest along Route 7 to Route 79 to Interstate Route 88 near Harpursville, west along Route 88 to Interstate Route 81, north along Route 81 to the point of beginning. West Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a continuous line beginning at the point where the northerly extension of Route 269 (County Line Road on the Niagara-Orleans County boundary) meets the International boundary with Canada, south to the shore of Lake Ontario at the eastern boundary of Golden Hill State Park, south along the extension of Route 269 and Route 269 to Route 104 at Jeddo, west along Route 104 to Niagara County Route 271, south along Route 271 to Route 31E at Middleport, south along Route 31E to Route 31, west along Route 31 to Griswold Street, south along Griswold Street to Ditch Road, south along Ditch Road to Foot Road, south along Foot Road to the north bank of Tonawanda Creek, west along the north bank of Tonawanda Creek to Route 93, [[Page 57682]] south along Route 93 to Route 5, east along Route 5 to Crittenden- Murrays Corners Road, south on Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road to the NYS Thruway, east along the Thruway 90 to Route 98 (at Thruway Exit 48) in Batavia, south along Route 98 to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 19 in Pavilion Center, south along Route 19 to Route 63, southeast along Route 63 to Route 246, south along Route 246 to Route 39 in Perry, northeast along Route 39 to Route 20A, northeast along Route 20A to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 364 (near Canandaigua), south and east along Route 364 to Yates County Route 18 (Italy Valley Road), southwest along Route 18 to Yates County Route 34, east along Route 34 to Yates County Route 32, south along Route 32 to Steuben County Route 122, south along Route 122 to Route 53, south along Route 53 to Steuben County Route 74, east along Route 74 to Route 54A (near Pulteney), south along Route 54A to Steuben County Route 87, east along Route 87 to Steuben County Route 96, east along Route 96 to Steuben County Route 114, east along Route 114 to Schuyler County Route 23, east and southeast along Route 23 to Schuyler County Route 28, southeast along Route 28 to Route 409 at Watkins Glen, south along Route 409 to Route 14, south along Route 14 to Route 224 at Montour Falls, east along Route 224 to Route 228 in Odessa, north along Route 228 to Route 79 in Mecklenburg, east along Route 79 to Route 366 in Ithaca, northeast along Route 366 to Route 13, northeast along Route 13 to Interstate Route 81 in Cortland, north along Route 81 to the north shore of the Salmon River to shore of Lake Ontario, extending generally northwest in a straight line to the nearest point of the International boundary with Canada, south and west along the International boundary to the point of beginning. Hudson Valley Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a continuous line extending from Route 4 at the New York-Vermont boundary, west and south along Route 4 to Route 149 at Fort Ann, west on Route 149 to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Interstate Route 87 (at Exit 20 in Glens Falls), south along Route 87 to Route 29, west along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 at Altamont, southeast along Route 146 to Main Street in Altamont, west along Main Street to Route 156, southeast along Route 156 to Albany County Route 307, southeast along Route 307 to Route 85A, southwest along Route 85A to Route 85, south along Route 85 to Route 443, southeast along Route 443 to Albany County Route 301 at Clarksville, southeast along Route 301 to Route 32, south along Route 32 to Route 23 at Cairo, west along Route 23 to Joseph Chadderdon Road, southeast along Joseph Chadderdon Road to Hearts Content Road (Greene County Route 31), southeast along Route 31 to Route 32, south along Route 32 to Greene County Route 23A, east along Route 23A to Interstate Route 87 (the NYS Thruway), south along Route 87 to Route 28 (Exit 19) near Kingston, northwest on Route 28 to Route 209, southwest on Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary, southeast along the New York-Pennsylvania boundary to the New York-New Jersey boundary, southeast along the New York-New Jersey boundary to Route 210 near Greenwood Lake, northeast along Route 210 to Orange County Route 5, northeast along Orange County Route 5 to Route 105 in the Village of Monroe, east and north along Route 105 to Route 32, northeast along Route 32 to Orange County Route 107 (Quaker Avenue), east along Route 107 to Route 9W, north along Route 9W to the south bank of Moodna Creek, southeast along the south bank of Moodna Creek to the New Windsor-Cornwall town boundary, northeast along the New Windsor- Cornwall town boundary to the Orange-Dutchess County boundary (middle of the Hudson River), north along the county boundary to Interstate Route 84, east along Route 84 to the Dutchess-Putnam County boundary, east along the county boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary, north along the New York-Connecticut boundary to the New York- Massachusetts boundary, north along the New York-Massachusetts boundary to the New York-Vermont boundary, north to the point of beginning. Eastern Long Island Goose Area (NAP High Harvest Area): That area of Suffolk County lying east of a continuous line extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of Roanoke Avenue in the Town of Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue (which becomes County Route 73) to State Route 25; then west on Route 25 to Peconic Avenue; then south on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR) 104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead Road); then south on CR 31 to Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to Potunk Lane; then west on Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in Westhampton Beach) to Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to international waters. Western Long Island Goose Area (RP Area): That area of Westchester County and its tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of the Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then south on the Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then south on the Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert Moses State Parkway; then south on the Robert Moses Parkway to its southernmost end; then due south to international waters. Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area): That area of Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose Areas, as defined above. South Goose Area: The remainder of New York State, excluding New York City. Special Late Canada Goose Area: That area of the Central Long Island Goose Area lying north of State Route 25A and west of a continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, then east to Sound Road and then north to Long Island Sound and then due north to the New York- Connecticut boundary. North Carolina SJBP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Halifax (that portion east of NC 903), Montgomery (that portion west of NC 109), Northampton, Richmond (that portion south of NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 and north of U.S. 74), Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Wake. RP Hunt Zone: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: Alamance, Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie (that portion south and west of a line formed by NC 45 at the Washington Co. line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. [[Page 57683]] 13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Bladen, Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax (that portion west of NC 903), Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery (that portion that is east of NC 109), Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, Richmond (all of the county with exception of that portion that is south of NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 and north of U.S. 74), Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Vance, Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, and Yancey. Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: Bertie (that portion north and east of a line formed by NC 45 at the Washington County line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington. Pennsylvania Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for SJBP Zone and the area east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, and south of I-80 to the New Jersey State line. SJBP Zone: The area north of I-80 and west of I-79 including in the city of Erie west of Bay Front Parkway to and including the Lake Erie Duck zone (Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of the Lake Erie Shoreline). AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey State line. Rhode Island Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions). South Carolina Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for the following area: East of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded to the North by S-14-25, to the East by Hwy 260, and to the South by the markers delineating the channel of the Santee River. West of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded on the North by S-14-26 extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg County bordered by Hwy 6. Vermont Same zones as for ducks. Virginia AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the North Carolina line. SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of the following line: The ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West Virginia-Virginia Border (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) south to Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line. RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone. Mississippi Flyway Alabama Same zones as for ducks, but in addition: SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road. Arkansas Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell Counties. Illinois North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I-39, south along I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across the Mississippi River to the Iowa border. Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Goose Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70 to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's road to Modoc Road, west along Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. South Zone: Same zones as for ducks. South Central Zone: Same zones as for ducks. Indiana Same zones as for ducks but in addition: Special Canada Goose Seasons Late Canada Goose Season Zone: That part of the State encompassed by the following Counties: Steuben, Lagrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph, La Porte, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, De Kalb, Allen, Whitley, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson, Shelby, Vermillion, Parke, Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, and Greene. Iowa Same zones as for ducks. Kentucky Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the Tennessee State line at Fulton and extending north along the Purchase Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641, north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the Henderson County line to the Indiana State line. Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the Western Goose Zone. [[Page 57684]] Louisiana Same zones as for ducks. Michigan North Zone--Same as North duck zone. Middle Zone--Same as Middle duck zone. South Zone--Same as South duck zone. Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the north boundary. Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-196 to the point of beginning. Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east. Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 25, T10N R15W, as posted. Special Canada Goose Seasons Southern Michigan Late Season Canada Goose Zone: Same as the South Duck Zone excluding Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU), Allegan County GMU, Saginaw County GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU. Minnesota Same zones as for ducks but in addition: Rochester Goose Zone: That part of the State within the following described boundary: Beginning at the intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 247 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 4, Wabasha County; thence along CSAH 4 to CSAH 10, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 10 to CSAH 9, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 9 to CSAH 22, Winona County; thence along CSAH 22 to STH 74; thence along STH 74 to STH 30; thence along STH 30 to CSAH 13, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway 14; thence along U.S. Highway 14 to STH 57; thence along STH 57 to CSAH 24, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 24 to CSAH 13, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 13 to U.S. Highway 52; thence along U.S. Highway 52 to CSAH 12, Olmsted County; thence along CSAH 12 to STH 247; thence along STH 247 to the point of beginning. Missouri Same zones as for ducks. Ohio Lake Erie Goose Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line beginning at the Michigan border and extending south along Interstate 75 to Interstate 280, south on Interstate 280 to Interstate 80, and east on Interstate 80 to the Pennsylvania border. North Zone: That portion of Ohio north of a line beginning at the Indiana border and extending east along Interstate 70 to the West Virginia border excluding the portion of Ohio within the Lake Erie Goose Zone. South Zone: The remainder of Ohio. Tennessee Northwest Goose Zone: Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties and those portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties north of State Highways 20 and 104 and east of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W. Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the Northwest Goose Zone. Wisconsin Same zones as for ducks but in addition: Horicon Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a boundary beginning at the intersection of State 23 and State 73 and moves south along State 73 until the intersection of State 73 and State 60, then moves east along State 60 until the intersection of State 60 and State 83, and then moves north along State 83 until the intersection of State 83 and State 33 at which point it moves east until the intersection of State 33 and U.S. 45, then moves north along U.S. 45 until the intersection of U.S. 45 and State 23, at which point it moves west along State 23 until the intersection of State 23 and State 73. Central Flyway Colorado (Central Flyway Portion) Northern Front Range Area: All areas in Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties from the Continental Divide east along the Wyoming border to U.S. 85, south on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line, and all lands in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson Counties. North Park Area: Jackson County. South Park and San Luis Valley Area: All of Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Rio Grande and Teller Counties, and those portions of Saguache, Mineral and Hinsdale Counties east of the Continental Divide. Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado. Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25. Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Zone N: The Counties of Blaine, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux. Zone S: The Counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, and Yellowstone. Nebraska Dark Geese Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the intersection of the South Dakota State line and the eastern Cherry County line, south along the Cherry County line to the Niobrara River, east to the Norden Road, south on the Norden Road to U.S. Hwy 20, east along U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59 and County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County Line, north along the Knox County Line to the South Dakota State line. Where the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river are included in the Niobrara Unit. East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 81 at the Kansas- Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, east to U.S. 275, south to U.S. 77, south to NE 91, east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State line. Platte River Unit: That area north and west of U.S. 81 at the Kansas-Nebraska State line, north to NE Hwy 91, west along NE 91 to NE 11, north to the Holt County line, west along the northern border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, south along the Thomas-Hooker [[Page 57685]] County lines to the McPherson County line, east along the south border of Thomas County to the western line of Custer County, south along the Custer-Logan County line to NE 92, west to U.S. 83, north to NE 92, west to NE 61, south along NE 61 to NE 92, west along NE 92 to U.S. Hwy 26, south along U.S. Hwy 26 to Keith County Line, south along Keith County Line to the Colorado State line. Panhandle Unit: That area north and west of Keith-Deuel County Line at the Nebraska-Colorado State line, north along the Keith County Line to U.S. Hwy 26, west to NE Hwy 92, east to NE Hwy 61, north along NE Hwy 61 to NE Hwy 2, west along NE 2 to the corner formed by Garden- Grant-Sheridan Counties, west along the north border of Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the intersection of the Interstate Canal, west to the Wyoming State line. North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State. Light Geese Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area: The area bounded by the junction of NE Hwy. 92 and NE Hwy. 15, south along NE Hwy. 15 to NE Hwy. 4, west along NE Hwy. 4 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west along U.S. Hwy. 34 to U.S. Hwy. 283, north along U.S. Hwy. 283 to U.S. Hwy. 30, east along U.S. Hwy. 30 to NE Hwy. 92, east along NE Hwy. 92 to the beginning. Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska. New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) Dark Geese Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia Counties. Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New Mexico. North Dakota Missouri River Canada Goose Zone: The area within and bounded by a line starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the South Dakota border; thence north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; thence west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; thence north on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; thence north on Mercer County Rd. 21 to the section line between sections 8 and 9 (T146N-R87W); thence north on that section line to the southern shoreline to Lake Sakakawea; thence east along the southern shoreline (including Mallard Island) of Lake Sakakawea to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; thence east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; thence south on ND Hwy 41 to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to I-94; thence east on I- 94 to U.S. Hwy 83; thence south on U.S. Hwy 83 to the South Dakota border; thence west along the South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6. Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota. South Dakota Canada Geese Unit 1: The Counties of Campbell, Marshall, Roberts, Day, Clark, Codington, Grant, Hamlin, Deuel, Walworth, that portion of Dewey County north of Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8, Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 9, and the section of U.S. Highway 212 east of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 8 junction, that portion of Potter County east of U.S. Highway 83, that portion of Sully County east of U.S. Highway 83, portions of Hyde, Buffalo, Brule, and Charles Mix and Bon Homme Counties north and east of a line beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County line on State Highway 34, east to Lees Boulevard, southeast to the State Highway 34, east 7 miles to 350th Avenue, south to Interstate 90 on 350thAvenue, south and east on State Highway 50 to Geddes, east on 285th Street to U.S. Highway 281, north on U.S. Highway 281 to the Charles Mix-Douglas County boundary, that portion of Bon Homme County north of State Highway 50, that portion of Perkins County west of State Highway 75 and south of State Highway 20; McPherson, Edmunds, Kingsbury, Brookings, Lake, Moody, Miner, Faulk, Hand, Jerauld, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Union, Clay, Yankton, Aurora, Beadle, Davison, Hanson, Sanborn, Spink, Brown, Harding, Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Oglala Lakota (formerly Shannon), Jackson, Mellette, Todd, Jones, Haakon, Corson, Ziebach, and McCook Counties; and those portions of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties outside of an area bounded by a line beginning at the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota state line and Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street) west to its junction with Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue), south on Minnehaha County Highway 149 (464th Avenue) to Hartford, then south on Minnehaha County Highway 151 (463rd Avenue) to State Highway 42, east on State Highway 42 to State Highway 17, south on State Highway 17 to its junction with Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road), and east on Lincoln County Highway 116 (Klondike Road) to the South Dakota-Iowa state line, then north along the South Dakota-Iowa and South Dakota-Minnesota border to the junction of the South Dakota-Minnesota state line and Minnehaha County Highway 122 (254th Street). Unit 2: Remainder of South Dakota. Unit 3: Bennett County. Texas Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and north of a line beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border at U.S. 81, then continuing south to Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S. 81 and U.S. 287 to I-35W and I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San Antonio, then east on I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border. Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and south of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, then continuing north following I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San Antonio, then easterly along I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border. West Goose Zone: The remainder of the State. Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion) Dark Geese Zone G1: Big Horn, Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, and Washakie Counties; and Fremont County excluding those portions south or west of the Continental Divide. Zone G1A: Goshen and Platte Counties. Zone G2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties. Zone G3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon County east of the Continental Divide. Pacific Flyway Arizona North Zone: Game Management Units 1-5, those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game Management Units 7, 9, and 12A. South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-45. California Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to main street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south to its [[Page 57686]] junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the junction of the California-Nevada- Oregon State lines west along the California-Oregon State line to the point of origin. Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada border. Imperial County Special Management Area: The area bounded by a line beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones. North Coast Special Management Area: The Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt. Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows. Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion) West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties west of the Continental Divide. State Area: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of Colorado not included in the West Central Area. Idaho Canada Geese and Brant Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Zone 4: Bear Lake County; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Caribou County, except that portion within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. White-Fronted Geese Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County east of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 2: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County, except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39. Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Light Geese Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private in-holdings; Bannock County; Bingham County east of the west bank of the Snake River, west of the McTucker boat ramp access road, and east of the American Falls Reservoir bluff, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Caribou County within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; and Power County below the American Falls Reservoir bluff, and within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 2: Bingham County west of the west bank of the Snake River, east of the McTucker boat ramp access road, and west of the American Falls Reservoir bluff; Power County, except below the American Falls Reservoir bluff and those lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Zone 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties. Zone 4: Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Madison, Nez Perce, Oneida, Shoshone, Teton, and Valley Counties; Caribou County, except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage. Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion) East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of Montana located east of the Continental Divide. [[Page 57687]] West of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of Montana located west of the Continental Divide. Nevada Northeast Zone: All of Elko and White Pine Counties. Northwest Zone: All of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties. South Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties. New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion) North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north of I-40. South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south of I-40. Oregon Northwest Permit Zone: Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Clackamas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley Management Area: Those portions of Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties within the Northwest Special Permit Zone. Tillamook County Management Area: That portion of Tillamook County beginning at the point where Old Woods Rd crosses the south shores of Horn Creek, north on Old Woods Rd to Sand Lake Rd at Woods, north on Sand Lake Rd to the intersection with McPhillips Dr, due west (~200 yards) from the intersection to the Pacific coastline, south on the Pacific coastline to Neskowin Creek, east along the north shores of Neskowin Creek and then Hawk Creek to Salem Ave, east on Salem Ave in Neskowin to Hawk Ave, east on Hawk Ave to Hwy 101, north on Hwy 101 to Resort Dr, north on Resort Dr to a point due west of the south shores of Horn Creek at its confluence with the Nestucca River, due east (~80 yards) across the Nestucca River to the south shores of Horn Creek, east along the south shores of Horn Creek to the point of beginning. Southwest Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties east of Highway 101, and Josephine and Jackson Counties. South Coast Zone: Those portions of Douglas, Coos, and Curry Counties west of Highway 101. Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties. Klamath County Zone: All of Klamath County. Harney and Lake County Zone: All of Harney and Lake Counties. Malheur County Zone: All of Malheur County. Utah Northern Zone: That portion of Box Elder County beginning the Weber-Box Elder county line, north along the Box Elder county line to the Utah-Idaho State line; west on this line to Stone, Idaho-Snowville, Utah road; southwest on this road to the Locomotive Springs Wildlife Management Area boundary; west, south, east, and then north along this boundary to the county road; east on the county road, past Monument Point and across Salt Wells Flat, to the intersection with Promontory Road; south on Promontory Road to a point directly west of the northwest corner of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge boundary; east along a line to the northwest corner of the Refuge boundary; south and east along the Refuge boundary to the southeast corner of the boundary; northeast along the boundary to the Perry access road; east on the Perry access road to I-15; south on I-15 to the Weber-Box Elder County line. Wasatch Front Zone: Boundary begins at the Weber-Box Elder county line at I-15; east along Weber county line to U.S.-89; south on U.S.-89 to I-84; east and south and along I-84 to I-80; south along I-80 to U.S.-189; south and west along U.S.-189 to the Utah County line; southeast and then west along this line to I-15; north on I-15 to U.S.- 6; west on U.S.-6 to SR-36; north on SR-36 to I-80; north along a line from this intersection to the southern tip of Promontory Point and Promontory Road; east and north along this road to the causeway separating Bear River Bay from Ogden Bay; east on this causeway to the southwest corner of Great Salt Lake Mineral Corporations (GSLMC) west impoundment; north and east along GSLMC's west impoundment to the northwest corner of the impoundment; directly north from this point along an imaginary line to the southern boundary of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; east along this southern boundary to the Perry access road; northeast along this road to I-15; south along I-15 to the Weber-Box Elder county line. Washington County Zone: All of Washington County. Balance of State Zone: The remainder of Utah. Washington Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties. Area 2A (Southwest Permit Zone): Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties. Area 2B (Southwest Permit Zone): Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. Area 3: All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B. Area 4: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties. Area 5: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River that are not included in Area 4. Brant Pacific Flyway California Northern Zone: Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. Balance of State Zone: Balance of the State. Washington Puget Sound Zone: Skagit County. Coastal Zone: Pacific County. Swans Central Flyway South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Deuel, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties. Pacific Flyway Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion) Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89. Nevada Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties. [[Page 57688]] Utah Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Toole Counties lying west of I-15, north of I-80, and south of a line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge boundary; then north and west along the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the Refuge; then west along a line to Promontory Road; then north on Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I- 84; then north and west on I-84 to State Hwy 30; then west on State Hwy 30 to the Nevada-Utah State line; then south on the Nevada-Utah State line to I-80. [FR Doc. 2015-24048 Filed 9-23-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![57664 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set
Major steps in the 2015–16 regulatory hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits
Fish and Wildlife Service cycle relating to open public meetings for early seasons.
and Federal Register notifications were On August 25, 2015, we published in
50 CFR Part 20 also identified in the April 13 proposed the Federal Register (80 FR 51658) the
rule. Further, we explained that all proposed frameworks for the 2015–16
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064;
FF09M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0]
sections of subsequent documents late-season migratory bird hunting
outlining hunting frameworks and regulations. This document establishes
RIN 1018–BA67 guidelines were organized under final frameworks for late-season
numbered headings and that subsequent migratory bird hunting regulations for
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final documents refer only to numbered items the 2015–16 season. There are no
Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory requiring attention. Therefore, it is substantive changes from the August 25
Bird Hunting Regulations important to note that we omit those proposed rule. We will publish State
items requiring no attention, and selections in the Federal Register as
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
remaining numbered items appear amendments to §§ 20.101 through
Interior.
discontinuous and incomplete. 20.107, and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part
ACTION: Final rule. On June 11, 2015, we published in the 20.
Federal Register (80 FR 33223) a second
SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service document providing supplemental Population Status and Harvest
(Service or we) prescribes final late- proposals for early- and late-season
season frameworks from which States In the August 25 proposed rule we
migratory bird hunting regulations. The provided preliminary information on
may select season dates, limits, and June 11 supplement also provided
other options for the 2015–16 migratory the status and harvest of waterfowl
detailed information on the proposed excerpted from various reports. For
bird hunting seasons. These late seasons 2015–16 regulatory schedule and
include most waterfowl seasons, the more detailed information on
announced the Service Regulations methodologies and results, you may
earliest of which commences on Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council
September 26, 2015. The effect of this obtain complete copies of the various
meetings. reports at the address indicated under
final rule is to facilitate the States’ On June 24–25, 2015, we held open
selection of hunting seasons and to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or
meetings with the Flyway Council
further the annual establishment of the from our Web site at http://
Consultants, at which the participants
late-season migratory bird hunting www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/
reviewed information on the current
regulations. status of migratory shore and upland NewsPublicationsReports.html.
DATES: This rule takes effect on game birds and developed Review of Public Comments and
September 24, 2015. recommendations for the 2015–16 Flyway Council Recommendations
ADDRESSES: States should send their
regulations for these species plus
regulations for migratory game birds in The preliminary proposed
season selections to: Chief, Division of rulemaking, which appeared in the
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands; special September waterfowl April 13, 2015, Federal Register,
and Wildlife Service, MS: MB, 5275 opened the public comment period for
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041– seasons in designated States; special sea
duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; migratory game bird hunting
3803. You may inspect comments regulations. The July 21, 2015, Federal
received on the migratory bird hunting and extended falconry seasons. In
addition, we reviewed and discussed Register, discussed the regulatory
regulations during normal business alternatives for the 2015–16 duck
preliminary information on the status of
hours at the Service’s office at 5275 hunting season. Late-season comments
waterfowl as it relates to the
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041– are summarized below and numbered in
development and selection of the
3803. You may obtain copies of the order used in the April 13 Federal
regulatory packages for the 2015–16
referenced reports from the street Register. We have included only the
regular waterfowl seasons. On July 21,
address above, or from the Division of numbered items pertaining to late-
2015, we published in the Federal
Migratory Bird Management’s Web site season issues for which we received
Register (80 FR 43266) a third document
at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, written comments. Consequently, the
specifically dealing with the proposed
or at http://www.regulations.gov at issues do not follow in successive
frameworks for early-season regulations.
Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. On July 29–30, 2015, we held open numerical order.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron meetings with the Flyway Council We received recommendations from
W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Consultants, at which the participants all four Flyway Councils. Some
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: reviewed the status of waterfowl and recommendations supported
MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, developed recommendations for the continuation of last year’s frameworks.
VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–1714. 2015–16 regulations for these species. Due to the comprehensive nature of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 21, 2015, we published in annual review of the frameworks
the Federal Register (80 FR 51090) a performed by the Councils, support for
Regulations Schedule for 2015 final rule which contained final continuation of last year’s frameworks is
On April 13, 2015, we published in frameworks for early migratory bird assumed for items for which no
the Federal Register (80 FR 19852) a hunting seasons from which wildlife recommendations were received.
proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The conservation agency officials from the Council recommendations for changes
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proposal provided a background and States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin in the frameworks are summarized
overview of the migratory bird hunting Islands selected early-season hunting below. Wherever possible, they are
regulations process, and addressed the dates, hours, areas, and limits. discussed under headings
establishment of seasons, limits, and Subsequently, on September 1, 2015, we corresponding to the numbered items in
other regulations for hunting migratory published a final rule in the Federal the April 13, 2015, Federal Register
game birds under §§ 20.101 through Register (80 FR 52645) amending documents.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 57669
geese. Current evidence suggests most Service for issuance of the annual Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
light geese in Oregon during fall and framework regulations for hunting of principles of E.O. 12866 while calling
early winter are primarily Wrangel migratory game bird species. We for improvements in the nation’s
Island snow geese, but an influx of WAP published a notice of availability in the regulatory system to promote
lesser snow and Ross’s geese occurs Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
during late winter as birds begin to FR 32686), and our Record of Decision and to use the best, most innovative,
move north toward breeding areas. The on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also and least burdensome tools for
current 4-bird daily bag limit for light address NEPA compliance for waterfowl achieving regulatory ends. The
geese in Oregon’s Northwest Permit hunting frameworks through the annual executive order directs agencies to
Zone was intended to minimize harvest preparation of separate environmental consider regulatory approaches that
of Wrangel Island snow geese in this assessments, the most recent being reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
primary use area in Oregon when ‘‘Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015– and freedom of choice for the public
Wrangel Island geese were below the 16,’’ with its corresponding August where these approaches are relevant,
population objective. A bag limit for 2015, finding of no significant impact. feasible, and consistent with regulatory
light geese in the Northwest Permit In addition, an August 1985 objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
Zone of 6 per day will simplify environmental assessment entitled further that regulations must be based
regulations by matching the 6-bird bag ‘‘Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting on the best available science and that
limit currently allowed for light geese in Regulations on Federal Indian the rulemaking process must allow for
the balance of Oregon on or before the Reservations and Ceded Lands’’ is public participation and an open
last Sunday in January. available from the person indicated exchange of ideas. We have developed
under the caption FOR FURTHER this rule in a manner consistent with
16. Doves
INFORMATION CONTACT. these requirements.
Council Recommendations: During An updated economic analysis was
the early season regulations process, the Endangered Species Act Consideration prepared for the 2013–14 season. This
Central Flyway Council recommended Section 7 of the Endangered Species analysis was based on data from the
that the Service, beginning with the Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 newly released 2011 National Hunting
2016–17 hunting season, adopt a new et seq.), provides that, ‘‘The Secretary and Fishing Survey, the most recent
‘‘standard’’ season package framework shall review other programs year for which data are available (see
comprised of a 90-day season and 15- administered by him and utilize such discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act
bird daily bag limit for doves for States programs in furtherance of the purposes section below). This analysis estimated
within the Central Management Unit. of this Act’’ (and) shall ‘‘insure that any consumer surplus for three alternatives
Subsequently, the Mississippi Flyway action authorized, funded, or carried out for duck hunting (estimates for other
Council concurred with the previous . . . is not likely to jeopardize the species are not quantified due to lack of
recommendation from the Central continued existence of any endangered data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue
Flyway Council. species or threatened species or result in restrictive regulations allowing fewer
Service Response: In the July 21 the destruction or adverse modification days than those issued during the 2012–
Federal Register, we stated that we did of [critical] habitat. . . .’’ Consequently, 13 season, (2) issue moderate
not support the recommendation by the we conducted formal consultations to regulations allowing more days than
Central Flyway to increase the length of ensure that actions resulting from these those in alternative 1, and (3) issue
the dove season to 90 days for the 2016– regulations would not likely jeopardize liberal regulations identical to the
17 season because the Mississippi the continued existence of endangered regulations in the 2012–13 season. For
Flyway had not agreed to the change or threatened species or result in the the 2013–14 season, we chose
involving this shared resource. destruction or adverse modification of Alternative 3, with an estimated
However, we understood that the their critical habitat. Findings from consumer surplus across all flyways of
Central Flyway would continue to work these consultations are included in a $317.8–$416.8 million. For the 2015–16
with the Mississippi Flyway to develop biological opinion, which concluded season, we have also chosen alternative
a joint recommendation to increase the that the regulations are not likely to 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the
season length, and that we would jeopardize the continued existence of 2009–10, the 2010–11, the 2011–12, the
consider such a recommendation if such any endangered or threatened species. 2012–13, and the 2014–15 seasons. The
an agreement were reached. Given the Additionally, these findings may have 2013–14 analysis is part of the record
Mississippi Flyway Council’s caused modification of some regulatory for this rule and is available at http://
concurrence with the Central Flyway measures previously proposed, and the www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
Council’s recommendation, we now final frameworks reflect any such FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064.
agree with the proposed revision to the modifications. Our biological opinions
Regulatory Flexibility Act
‘‘standard’’ season package framework resulting from this section 7
beginning with the 2016–17 hunting consultation are public documents The annual migratory bird hunting
season. available for public inspection at the regulations have a significant economic
address indicated under ADDRESSES. impact on substantial numbers of small
National Environmental Policy Act entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
(NEPA) Regulatory Planning and Review Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed
The programmatic document, (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) the economic impacts of the annual
‘‘Second Final Supplemental Executive Order 12866 provides that hunting regulations on small business
Environmental Impact Statement: the Office of Information and Regulatory entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-
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Issuance of Annual Regulations Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant benefit analysis. This analysis was
Permitting the Sport Hunting of rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995,
Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),’’ filed has determined that this rule is the Service issued a Small Entity
with the Environmental Protection significant because it would have an Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which
Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, annual effect of $100 million or more on was subsequently updated in 1996,
addresses NEPA compliance by the the economy. 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 57675
Special Management Area. Goose Utah: No more than 2,000 permits —In North Carolina, no more than 5,000
seasons may be split into 3 segments. may be issued. During the swan season, permits may be issued.
Utah: A Canada goose and brant no more than 10 trumpeter swans may —In Virginia, no more than 600 permits
season may be selected in the Wasatch be taken. The season must end no later may be issued.
Front and Washington County Zones than the second Sunday in December In the Central Flyway:
with outside dates between the Saturday (December 13) or upon attainment of 10 —The season may be 107 days, between
nearest September 24 (September 26) trumpeter swans in the harvest, the Saturday nearest October 1
and the first Sunday in February whichever occurs earliest. The Utah (October 3) and January 31.
(February 7). season remains subject to the terms of —In the Central Flyway portion of
Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 the Memorandum of Agreement entered Montana, no more than 500 permits
geese. into with the Service in August 2003, may be issued.
Area 1: Goose season outside dates are regarding harvest monitoring, season —In North Dakota, no more than 2,200
between the Saturday nearest September closure procedures, and education permits may be issued.
24 (September 26) and the last Sunday requirements to minimize the take of —In South Dakota, no more than 1,300
in January (January 31). trumpeter swans during the swan permits may be issued.
Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Permit season.
Zone): A Canada goose season may be Nevada: No more than 650 permits Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
selected with outside dates between the may be issued. During the swan season, Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots
Saturday nearest September 24 no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be
(September 26) and March 10. Goose taken. The season must end no later Atlantic Flyway
seasons may be split into 3 segments. than the Sunday following January 1 Connecticut
Area 4: Goose seasons may be split (January 3) or upon attainment of 5
into 3 segments. North Zone: That portion of the State
trumpeter swans in the harvest,
north of I–95.
Permit Zones whichever occurs earliest.
South Zone: Remainder of the State.
In Oregon and Washington permit In addition, the States of Utah and
zones, the hunting season is closed on Nevada must implement a harvest- Maine
dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada monitoring program to measure the North Zone: That portion north of the
goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose species composition of the swan line extending east along Maine State
(Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) harvest. The harvest-monitoring Highway 110 from the New Hampshire-
with a bill length between 40 and 50 program must require that all harvested Maine State line to the intersection of
millimeters. Hunting of geese will only swans or their species-determinant parts Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield;
be by hunters possessing a State-issued be examined by either State or Federal then north and east along Route 11 to
permit authorizing them to do so. biologists for the purpose of species the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in
Shooting hours for geese may begin no classification. The States should use Auburn; then north and east on Route
earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada appropriate measures to maximize 202 to the intersection of I–95 in
goose seasons in the permit zones of hunter compliance in providing bagged Augusta; then north and east along I–95
Oregon and Washington remain subject swans for examination. Further, the to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along
to the Memorandum of Understanding States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah Route 15 to Route 9; then east along
entered into with the Service regarding must achieve at least an 80-percent Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville;
monitoring the impacts of take during compliance rate, or subsequent permits then east along Stony Brook to the
the regular Canada goose season on the will be reduced by 10 percent. All three United States border.
dusky Canada goose population. States must provide to the Service by Coastal Zone: That portion south of a
June 30, 2016, a report detailing harvest, line extending east from the Maine-New
Swans hunter participation, reporting Brunswick border in Calais at the Route
In portions of the Pacific Flyway compliance, and monitoring of swan 1 Bridge; then south along Route 1 to
(Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an open populations in the designated hunt the Maine-New Hampshire border in
season for taking a limited number of areas. Kittery.
swans may be selected. Permits will be Tundra Swans South Zone: Remainder of the State.
issued by the State and will authorize
each permittee to take no more than 1 In portions of the Atlantic Flyway Massachusetts
swan per season with each permit. (North Carolina and Virginia) and the Western Zone: That portion of the
Nevada may issue up to 2 permits per Central Flyway (North Dakota, South State west of a line extending south
hunter. Montana and Utah may only Dakota [east of the Missouri River], and from the Vermont State line on I–91 to
issue 1 permit per hunter. Each State’s that portion of Montana in the Central MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south
season may open no earlier than the Flyway), an open season for taking a on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 3). limited number of tundra swans may be to the Connecticut State line.
These seasons are also subject to the selected. Permits will be issued by the Central Zone: That portion of the
following conditions: States that authorize the take of no more State east of the Berkshire Zone and
Montana: No more than 500 permits than 1 tundra swan per permit. A west of a line extending south from the
may be issued. The season must end no second permit may be issued to hunters New Hampshire State line on I–95 to
later than December 1. The State must from unused permits remaining after the U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I–93, south on
implement a harvest-monitoring first drawing. The States must obtain I–93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2
program to measure the species harvest and hunter participation data. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA
composition of the swan harvest and These seasons are also subject to the 28 to I–195, west to the Rhode Island
should use appropriate measures to following conditions: State line; except the waters, and the
maximize hunter compliance in In the Atlantic Flyway: lands 150 yards inland from the high-
reporting bill measurement and color —The season may be 90 days, between water mark, of the Assonet River
information. October 1 and January 31. upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the
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![57688 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Utah boundary; then north and west along the north and west on I–84 to State Hwy 30;
Open Area: Those portions of Box Bear River National Wildlife Refuge then west on State Hwy 30 to the
Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and boundary to the farthest west boundary Nevada-Utah State line; then south on
Toole Counties lying west of I–15, north of the Refuge; then west along a line to the Nevada-Utah State line to I–80.
of I–80, and south of a line beginning Promontory Road; then north on [FR Doc. 2015–24048 Filed 9–23–15; 8:45 am]
from the Forest Street exit to the Bear Promontory Road to the intersection of BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
River National Wildlife Refuge SR 83; then north on SR 83 to I–84; then
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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:18:17
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:18:17
| 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 takes effect on September 24, 2015. | |
| Contact | Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; (703) 358-1714. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 57664 | |
| RIN Number | 1018-BA67 | |
| CFR Associated | Exports; Hunting; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Transportation and Wildlife |
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