80 FR 58158 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Late Season
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 186 (September 25, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 186 (September 25, 2015)
| Page Range | 58158-58163 | |
| FR Document | 2015-24162 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 186 (Friday, September 25, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 58158-58163] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-24162] [[Page 58157]] Vol. 80 Friday, No. 186 September 25, 2015 Part VI Department of the Interior ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Late Season; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 58158]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Late Season AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special late-season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule responds to tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions. DATES: This rule takes effect on September 26, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the special hunting regulations and Tribal proposals during normal business hours at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, 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) 358-1967. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, having due regard for the zones of temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game birds, to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds or any part, nest, or egg thereof may be taken, hunted, captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried, exported, or transported. In the August 4, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 46218), we proposed special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2015-16 hunting season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations. The guidelines include possibilities for: (1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers, with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by the surrounding State(s); (2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and possession limits; and (3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added flexibility in daily bag and possession limits. In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must be consistent with the March 10-September 1 closed season mandated by the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada. In the April 13, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 19852), we requested that tribes desiring special hunting regulations in the 2015-16 hunting season submit a proposal including details on: (1) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations; (2) Methods that would be employed to measure or monitor harvest (such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.); (3) Steps that would be taken to limit level of harvest, where it could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely impact the migratory bird resource; and (4) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird hunting regulations. No action is required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which an Indian reservation is located. We have successfully used the guidelines since the 1985-86 hunting season. We finalized the guidelines beginning with the 1988-89 hunting season (August 18, 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]). Although the August 4 proposed rule included generalized regulations for both early- and late-season hunting, this rulemaking addresses only the late-season proposals. Early-season proposals were addressed in a final rule published in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52663). As a general rule, early seasons begin during September each year and have a primary emphasis on such species as mourning and white-winged dove. Late seasons begin about September 24 or later each year and have a primary emphasis on waterfowl. All the regulations contained in this final rule were either submitted by the tribes or approved by the tribes and follow our proposals in the August 4 proposed rule. Status of Populations Information on the status of waterfowl and information on the status and harvest of migratory shore and upland game birds, including detailed information on methodologies and results, is available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html. Comments and Issues Concerning Tribal Proposals For the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season, we proposed regulations for 31 tribes or Indian groups that followed the 1985 guidelines and were considered appropriate for final rulemaking. Some of the proposals submitted by the tribes had both early- and late- season elements. However, as noted earlier, only those with late-season proposals are included in this final rulemaking; 10 tribes have proposals with late seasons. We also noted in the August 4 proposed rule (80 FR 46218) that we were proposing seasons for seven Tribes who have submitted proposals in past years but from whom we had not yet received proposals this year. We did not receive proposals from five of those Tribes and, therefore, have not included them in this final rule. The comment period for the August 4 proposed rule closed on August 14, 2015. We received three comments on our August 4 proposed rule, which announced proposed seasons for migratory bird hunting by American Indian Tribes. We responded to all three comments in the September 1, 2015, final rule. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed with the Environmental Protection [[Page 58159]] 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 rule reflects 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 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/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs 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 requirements that require 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 [[Page 58160]] 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, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property. Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. 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, 2015, 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, Tribes would have insufficient time to publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to their hunters. We therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and this rule will, therefore, take effect less than 30 days after the date of publication. Accordingly, with each participating Tribe having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its reservation or ceded territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. Regulations Promulgation Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 20--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Public Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703. (Note: The following hunting regulations provided for by 50 CFR 20.110 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.) 0 2. Further amend Sec. 20.110, as published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR 52663), by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (f), (l), (o), (t), (x), (y), (aa), and (dd) to read as follows: Sec. 20.110 Seasons, limits, and other regulations for certain Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands. * * * * * (a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Colorado River Indian Reservation, Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Doves Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2015; then open November 7 through December 20, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For the early season, daily bag limit is 10 mourning or white-winged doves, singly, or in the aggregate. For the late season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits after the first day of the season. Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015, through January 25, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including two hen mallards, two redheads, two Mexican ducks, two goldeneye, two cinnamon teal, three scaup, one canvasback, and [[Page 58161]] one pintail. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots and Common Moorhens Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Geese Season Dates: Open October 18, 2015, through January 19, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three dark (Canada and white- fronted) geese and three white (snow, blue, Ross's) geese. The possession limit is six dark geese and six white geese. General Conditions: All persons 14 years and older must be in possession of a valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting permit before taking any wildlife on tribal lands. Any person transporting game birds off the Colorado River Indian Reservation must have a valid transport declaration form. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at the Fish and Game Office in Parker, Arizona. The early season will be open from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. For the late season, shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. (b) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Tribal Members Only Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through March 9, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The Tribe does not have specific bag and possession restrictions for Tribal members. The season on harlequin duck is closed. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks. Geese Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks. Nontribal Hunters Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Scaup Season Dates: September 26, 2015, through December 20, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, three scaup (when open), two canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 75, respectively. Geese Dark Geese Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12 geese, respectively. Light Geese Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 60 geese, respectively. General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, and each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (f) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New Mexico (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Open October 10 through November 30, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is seven, including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, two redheads, two canvasback, and three scaup. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open October 10 through November 30, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively. General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (l) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Tribal Members Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more five mallards (only two of which may be hens), three scaup, one mottled duck, two redheads, three wood ducks, two canvasback, and two pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, including no more than two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively. White-fronted Geese Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively. Light Geese Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag Limit: 20. Nontribal Hunters Ducks (Including Mergansers and Coots) Season Dates: Open October 10, 2015, through January 14, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including five mallards (no more of which can be two hen mallard), three scaup, two canvasback, two redheads, three wood ducks, one mottled duck, and two pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, including no more than two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open October 31, 2015, through February 14, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively. White-fronted Geese Season Dates: Open October 31, 2015, through January 26, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively. [[Page 58162]] Light Geese Season Dates: Open October 31, 2015, through February 14, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 and no possession limit. General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use of steel shot and shooting hours. Nontribal hunters must possess a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an official Conservation Code that hunters must adhere to when hunting in areas subject to control by the Tribe. * * * * * (o) Navajo Nation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Band-tailed Pigeons Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively. Mourning Doves Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively. Ducks (including Mergansers and Coots) Season Dates: Open September 27, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Scaup Season Dates: Open September 27 through December 20, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, one mottled duck, two canvasback, three scaup (when open), two redheads, and two pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 25. Merganser daily bag limit is seven. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open September 27, 2015, through January 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12, respectively. General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the face. Special regulations established by the Navajo Nation also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (t) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort Hall, Idaho (Nontribal Hunters). Ducks including Scaup Duck Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through January 19, 2016. Scaup Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through December 27, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks and mergansers, including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, three scaup, two canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Common Snipe Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 24 snipe, respectively. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through January 19, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12, respectively. White-fronted Geese Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through January 19, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 30, respectively. Light Geese Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through January 19, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 60, respectively General Conditions: Nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Other regulations established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (x) Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Arlington, Washington (Tribal Members Only). Common Snipe Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 30, respectively. Ducks Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Geese Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively. The season on brant is closed. Tribal members hunting on lands will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, which will be enforced by the Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement. Tribal members are required to use steel shot or a nontoxic shot as required by Federal regulations. (y) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal Members Only). Ceded Territory Ducks and Megansers Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 1, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Fourteen ducks and mergansers, including no more than four hen mallards, four pintail, six scaup, four canvasback, one harlequin per season, and four redheads. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit (except for harlequin). Canada Geese Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 1, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 24 geese, respectively. Brant Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through February 23, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12 brant, respectively. Coots Season Dates: Open September 21, 2015, through February 26, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 and 150 coots, respectively. Swinomish Reservation Ducks and Mergansers Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 9, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Fourteen ducks and mergansers, including no more than four hen mallards, four pintail, six scaup, four canvasback, one harlequin per season, [[Page 58163]] and four redheads. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit (except for harlequin). Canada Geese Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 9, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Eight geese. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Brant Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 9, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12 brant, respectively. Coots Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through March 9, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 and 150 coots, respectively. * * * * * (aa) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal Members Only). Mourning Doves Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 and 15 mourning doves, respectively. Ducks Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through February 28, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 20, respectively. Coots Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through February 15, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 30, respectively. Geese Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, through February 28, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 and 10 geese, respectively. Brant Season Dates: Open November 1 through 10, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and two, respectively. General Conditions: Tribal members must have the tribal identification and harvest report card on their person to hunt. Tribal members hunting on the Reservation will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, except shooting hours would be 15 minutes before official sunrise to 15 minutes after official sunset. * * * * * (dd) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters). Band-tailed Pigeons (Wildlife Management Unit 10 and Areas South of Y- 70 and Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, only) Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six pigeons, respectively. Mourning Doves (Wildlife Management Unit 10 and Areas South of Y-70 and Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, only) Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively. Ducks and Mergansers Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015, through January 24, 2016. Daily Bag Limits: Seven, including no more than two female mallards and two redhead. The season on scaup is closed. Possession Limits: Twice the daily bag limit. Pintail and Canvasback Season Dates: Open October 17 through November 29, 2015. Daily Bag Limits: Two pintail and one canvasback. Possession Limits: Twice the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015, through January 24, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50, respectively. Canada Geese Season Dates: Open October 18, 2015, through January 24, 2016. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six Canada geese, respectively. General Conditions: All nontribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves on Reservation lands shall have in their possession a valid White Mountain Apache Daily or Yearly Small Game Permit. In addition to a small game permit, all nontribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons must have in their possession a White Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon Permit. Other special regulations established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe apply on the reservation. Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. * * * * * Dated: September 4, 2015. Michael J. Bean, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2015-24162 Filed 9-24-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![58158 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR special migratory bird hunting published in the September 1, 2015,
regulations for the 2015–16 hunting Federal Register (80 FR 52663). As a
Fish and Wildlife Service season for certain Indian tribes, under general rule, early seasons begin during
the guidelines described in the June 4, September each year and have a primary
50 CFR Part 20 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). emphasis on such species as mourning
The guidelines respond to tribal and white-winged dove. Late seasons
[Docket No. FWS–HQ– MB–2014–0064;
FF09M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0] requests for Service recognition of their begin about September 24 or later each
reserved hunting rights, and for some year and have a primary emphasis on
RIN 1018–BA67 tribes, recognition of their authority to waterfowl. All the regulations contained
regulate hunting by both tribal members in this final rule were either submitted
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird and nonmembers on their reservations. by the tribes or approved by the tribes
Hunting Regulations on Certain The guidelines include possibilities for: and follow our proposals in the August
Federal Indian Reservations and (1) On-reservation hunting by both 4 proposed rule.
Ceded Lands for the 2015–16 Late tribal members and nonmembers, with
Season Status of Populations
hunting by nontribal members on some
reservations to take place within Federal Information on the status of waterfowl
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, and information on the status and
frameworks but on dates different from
Interior. harvest of migratory shore and upland
those selected by the surrounding
ACTION: Final rule. State(s); game birds, including detailed
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal information on methodologies and
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special
members only, outside of usual Federal results, is available at the address
late-season migratory bird hunting indicated under FOR FURTHER
frameworks for season dates and length,
regulations for certain tribes on Federal INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web
and for daily bag and possession limits;
Indian reservations, off-reservation trust site at http://www.fws.gov/
and
lands, and ceded lands. This rule migratorybirds/
(3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal
responds to tribal requests for U.S. Fish NewsPublicationsReports.html.
members on ceded lands, outside of
and Wildlife Service (hereinafter
usual framework dates and season Comments and Issues Concerning
Service or we) recognition of their
length, with some added flexibility in Tribal Proposals
authority to regulate hunting under
daily bag and possession limits.
established guidelines. This rule allows In all cases, the regulations For the 2015–16 migratory bird
the establishment of season bag limits established under the guidelines must hunting season, we proposed
and, thus, harvest at levels compatible be consistent with the March 10– regulations for 31 tribes or Indian
with populations and habitat September 1 closed season mandated by groups that followed the 1985
conditions. the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with guidelines and were considered
DATES: This rule takes effect on Canada. appropriate for final rulemaking. Some
September 26, 2015. In the April 13, 2015, Federal of the proposals submitted by the tribes
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments Register (80 FR 19852), we requested had both early- and late-season
received on the special hunting that tribes desiring special hunting elements. However, as noted earlier,
regulations and Tribal proposals during regulations in the 2015–16 hunting only those with late-season proposals
normal business hours at U.S. Fish and season submit a proposal including are included in this final rulemaking; 10
Wildlife Headquarters, 5275 Leesburg details on: tribes have proposals with late seasons.
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803, or (1) Harvest anticipated under the We also noted in the August 4 proposed
at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket requested regulations; rule (80 FR 46218) that we were
No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. (2) Methods that would be employed proposing seasons for seven Tribes who
to measure or monitor harvest (such as have submitted proposals in past years
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron
bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.); but from whom we had not yet received
W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife (3) Steps that would be taken to limit proposals this year. We did not receive
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: level of harvest, where it could be proposals from five of those Tribes and,
MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, shown that failure to limit such harvest therefore, have not included them in
VA 22041–3803; (703) 358–1967. would adversely impact the migratory this final rule.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: bird resource; and The comment period for the August 4
(4) Tribal capabilities to establish and proposed rule closed on August 14,
Background
enforce migratory bird hunting 2015. We received three comments on
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July regulations. our August 4 proposed rule, which
3, 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), No action is required if a tribe wishes announced proposed seasons for
authorizes and directs the Secretary of to observe the hunting regulations migratory bird hunting by American
the Department of the Interior, having established by the State(s) in which an Indian Tribes. We responded to all three
due regard for the zones of temperature Indian reservation is located. We have comments in the September 1, 2015,
and for the distribution, abundance, successfully used the guidelines since final rule.
economic value, breeding habits, and the 1985–86 hunting season. We
times and lines of flight of migratory finalized the guidelines beginning with National Environmental Policy Act
game birds, to determine when, to what the 1988–89 hunting season (August 18, (NEPA)
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extent, and by what means such birds or 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]). The programmatic document,
any part, nest, or egg thereof may be Although the August 4 proposed rule ‘‘Second Final Supplemental
taken, hunted, captured, killed, included generalized regulations for Environmental Impact Statement:
possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, both early- and late-season hunting, this Issuance of Annual Regulations
carried, exported, or transported. rulemaking addresses only the late- Permitting the Sport Hunting of
In the August 4, 2015, Federal season proposals. Early-season Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),’’ filed
Register (80 FR 46218), we proposed proposals were addressed in a final rule with the Environmental Protection
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58159
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
Service for issuance of the annual Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the primary source of information about
framework regulations for hunting of principles of E.O. 12866 while calling hunter expenditures for migratory game
migratory game bird species. We for improvements in the nation’s bird hunting is the National Hunting
published a notice of availability in the regulatory system to promote and Fishing Survey, which is conducted
Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 predictability, to reduce uncertainty, at 5-year intervals. The 2013 Analysis
FR 32686), and our Record of Decision and to use the best, most innovative, was based on the 2011 National Hunting
on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also and least burdensome tools for and Fishing Survey and the U.S.
address NEPA compliance for waterfowl achieving regulatory ends. The Department of Commerce’s County
hunting frameworks through the annual executive order directs agencies to Business Patterns, from which it was
preparation of separate environmental consider regulatory approaches that estimated that migratory bird hunters
assessments, the most recent being reduce burdens and maintain flexibility would spend approximately $1.5 billion
‘‘Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015– and freedom of choice for the public at small businesses in 2013. Copies of
16,’’ with its corresponding August 2015 where these approaches are relevant, the Analysis are available upon request
finding of no significant impact. In feasible, and consistent with regulatory from the Division of Migratory Bird
addition, an August 1985 environmental objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes Management (see FOR FURTHER
assessment entitled ‘‘Guidelines for further that regulations must be based INFORMATION CONTACT) or from our Web
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on on the best available science and that site at http://www.fws.gov/
Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded the rulemaking process must allow for migratorybirds/
Lands’’ is available from the person public participation and an open NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/
indicated under the caption FOR exchange of ideas. We have developed SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. this rule in a manner consistent with http://www.regulations.gov at Docket
these requirements. No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064.
Endangered Species Act Consideration An updated economic analysis was
Section 7 of the Endangered Species prepared for the 2013–14 season. This Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 analysis was based on data from the Fairness Act
et seq.), provides that, ‘‘The Secretary newly released 2011 National Hunting This rule is a major rule under 5
shall review other programs and Fishing Survey, the most recent U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
administered by him and utilize such year for which data are available (see Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
programs in furtherance of the purposes discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act For the reasons outlined above, this rule
of this Act’’ (and) shall ‘‘insure that any section, below). This analysis estimated will have an annual effect on the
action authorized, funded, or carried out consumer surplus for three alternatives economy of $100 million or more.
. . . is not likely to jeopardize the for duck hunting (estimates for other However, because this rule establishes
continued existence of any endangered species are not quantified due to lack of hunting seasons, we are not deferring
species or threatened species or result in data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue the effective date under the exemption
the destruction or adverse modification restrictive regulations allowing fewer contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
of [critical] habitat. . . . .’’ days than those issued during the 2012–
Consequently, we conducted formal 13 season, (2) issue moderate Paperwork Reduction Act
consultations to ensure that actions regulations allowing more days than This final rule does not contain any
resulting from these regulations would those in alternative 1, and (3) issue new information collection
not likely jeopardize the continued liberal regulations identical to the requirements that require approval
existence of endangered or threatened regulations in the 2012–13 season. For under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
species or result in the destruction or the 2013–14 season, we chose 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may
adverse modification of their critical Alternative 3, with an estimated not conduct or sponsor and you are not
habitat. Findings from these consumer surplus across all flyways of required to respond to a collection of
consultations are included in a $317.8–$416.8 million. For the 2015–16 information unless it displays a
biological opinion, which concluded season, we have also chosen alternative currently valid Office of Management
that the regulations are not likely to 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the and Budget (OMB) control number.
jeopardize the continued existence of 2009–10, the 2010–11, the 2011–12, the OMB has reviewed and approved the
any endangered or threatened species. 2012–13, and the 2014–15 seasons. The information collection requirements
Additionally, these findings may have 2013–14 analysis is part of the record associated with migratory bird surveys
caused modification of some regulatory for this rule and is available at http:// and assigned the following OMB control
measures previously proposed, and the www.regulations.gov at Docket No. numbers:
final rule reflects any such FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. • 1018–0019—North American
modifications. Our biological opinions Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
Regulatory Flexibility Act
resulting from this section 7 (expires 5/31/2018).
consultation are public documents The annual migratory bird hunting • 1018–0023—Migratory Bird
available for public inspection at the regulations have a significant economic Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes
address indicated under ADDRESSES. impact on substantial numbers of small Migratory Bird Harvest Information
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Program, Migratory Bird Hunter
Regulatory Planning and Review Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and
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(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) the economic impacts of the annual Parts Collection Survey.
Executive Order 12866 provides that hunting regulations on small business
the Office of Information and Regulatory entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost- Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant benefit analysis. This analysis was We have determined and certify, in
rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995, compliance with the requirements of the
has determined that this rule is the Service issued a Small Entity Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
significant because it would have an Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking
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![58160 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
will not impose a cost of $100 million Federalism Effects are now prescribed, and consideration
or more in any given year on local or Due to the migratory nature of certain having been given to all other relevant
State government or private entities. species of birds, the Federal matters presented, certain sections of
Therefore, this rule is not a ‘‘significant Government has been given title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20,
regulatory action’’ under the Unfunded responsibility over these species by the subpart K, are hereby amended as set
Mandates Reform Act. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually forth below.
Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order prescribe frameworks from which the List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
12988 States make selections regarding the
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting
hunting of migratory birds, and we
The Department, in promulgating this and recordkeeping requirements,
employ guidelines to establish special
rule, has determined that this rule will Transportation, Wildlife.
regulations on Federal Indian
not unduly burden the judicial system reservations and ceded lands. This Regulations Promulgation
and that it meets the requirements of process preserves the ability of the Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B,
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive States and tribes to determine which chapter I of title 50 of the Code of
Order 12988. seasons meet their individual needs. Federal Regulations is amended as
Any State or Indian tribe may be more follows:
Takings Implication Assessment
restrictive than the Federal frameworks
In accordance with Executive Order at any time. The frameworks are PART 20—[AMENDED]
12630, this rule, authorized by the developed in a cooperative process with
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. the States and the Flyway Councils. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 20
703–711), does not have significant This process allows States to participate continues to read as follows:
takings implications and does not affect in the development of frameworks from
any constitutionally protected property which they will make selections, Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40
rights. This rule will not result in the thereby having an influence on their Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703–712; Fish and
physical occupancy of property, the own regulations. These rules do not Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a–j; Public
physical invasion of property, or the have a substantial direct effect on fiscal Law 106–108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following
regulatory taking of any property. In capacity, change the roles or 16 U.S.C. 703.
fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise responsibilities of Federal or State (Note: The following hunting regulations
otherwise unavailable privileges and, governments, or intrude on State policy provided for by 50 CFR 20.110 will not
therefore, reduces restrictions on the use or administration. Therefore, in appear in the Code of Federal Regulations
of private and public property. accordance with Executive Order 13132, because of their seasonal nature.)
these regulations do not have significant
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211 ■ 2. Further amend § 20.110, as
federalism effects and do not have
published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR
sufficient federalism implications to
Executive Order 13211 requires 52663), by revising paragraphs (a), (b),
warrant the preparation of a federalism
agencies to prepare Statements of (f), (l), (o), (t), (x), (y), (aa), and (dd) to
summary impact statement.
Energy Effects when undertaking certain read as follows:
actions. While this rule is a significant Regulations Promulgation
regulatory action under Executive Order § 20.110 Seasons, limits, and other
The rulemaking process for migratory regulations for certain Federal Indian
12866, it is not expected to adversely game bird hunting must, by its nature, reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded
affect energy supplies, distribution, or operate under severe time constraints. lands.
use. Therefore, this action is not a However, we intend that the public be * * * * *
significant energy action and no given the greatest possible opportunity (a) Colorado River Indian Tribes,
Statement of Energy Effects is required. to comment. Thus, when the Colorado River Indian Reservation,
Government-to-Government preliminary proposed rulemaking was Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and
Relationship With Tribes published, we established what we Nontribal Hunters).
believed were the longest periods
In accordance with the President’s possible for public comment. In doing Doves
memorandum of April 29, 1994, this, we recognized that when the Season Dates: Open September 1
‘‘Government-to-Government Relations comment period closed, time would be through 15, 2015; then open November
with Native American Tribal of the essence. That is, if there were a 7 through December 20, 2015.
Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive delay in the effective date of these Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For
Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have regulations after this final rulemaking, the early season, daily bag limit is 10
evaluated possible effects on Federally Tribes would have insufficient time to mourning or white-winged doves,
recognized Indian tribes and have publicize the necessary regulations and singly, or in the aggregate. For the late
determined that there are no effects on procedures to their hunters. We season, the daily bag limit is 15
Indian trust resources. However, in the therefore find that ‘‘good cause’’ exists, mourning doves. Possession limits are
April 13, 2015, Federal Register, we within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of twice the daily bag limits after the first
solicited proposals for special migratory the Administrative Procedure Act, and day of the season.
bird hunting regulations for certain this rule will, therefore, take effect less
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, than 30 days after the date of Ducks (Including Mergansers)
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off-reservation trust lands, and ceded publication. Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015,
lands for the 2015–16 migratory bird Accordingly, with each participating through January 25, 2016.
hunting season. The resulting proposals Tribe having had an opportunity to Daily Bag and Possession Limits:
were contained in a separate August 4, participate in selecting the hunting Seven ducks, including two hen
2015, proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By seasons desired for its reservation or mallards, two redheads, two Mexican
virtue of these actions, we have ceded territory on those species of ducks, two goldeneye, two cinnamon
consulted with affected Tribes. migratory birds for which open seasons teal, three scaup, one canvasback, and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58163
and four redheads. Possession limit is Brant Pintail and Canvasback
three times the daily bag limit (except
Season Dates: Open November 1 Season Dates: Open October 17
for harlequin).
through 10, 2015. through November 29, 2015.
Canada Geese Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two Daily Bag Limits: Two pintail and one
Season Dates: Open September 26, and two, respectively. canvasback.
2015, through March 9, 2016. General Conditions: Tribal members
Possession Limits: Twice the daily
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: must have the tribal identification and
bag limit.
Eight geese. Possession limit is three harvest report card on their person to
times the daily bag limit. hunt. Tribal members hunting on the Coots
Reservation will observe all basic
Brant Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015,
Federal migratory bird hunting
Season Dates: Open September 26, regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, through January 24, 2016.
2015, through March 9, 2016. except shooting hours would be 15 Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 minutes before official sunrise to 15 and 50, respectively.
and 12 brant, respectively. minutes after official sunset. Canada Geese
Coots * * * * *
(dd) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Season Dates: Open October 18, 2015,
Season Dates: Open September 26,
Fort Apache Indian Reservation, through January 24, 2016.
2015, through March 9, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members Daily Bag and Possession Limits:
and 150 coots, respectively. and Nontribal Hunters). Three and six Canada geese,
* * * * * Band-tailed Pigeons (Wildlife respectively.
(aa) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Management Unit 10 and Areas South of General Conditions: All nontribal
Woolley, Washington (Tribal Members Y–70 and Y–10 in Wildlife Management hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons
Only). Unit 7, only) and mourning doves on Reservation
Mourning Doves lands shall have in their possession a
Season Dates: Open September 1 valid White Mountain Apache Daily or
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2015. Yearly Small Game Permit. In addition
through December 31, 2015. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: to a small game permit, all nontribal
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 Three and six pigeons, respectively. hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons
and 15 mourning doves, respectively. must have in their possession a White
Mourning Doves (Wildlife Management
Ducks Unit 10 and Areas South of Y–70 and Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon
Y–10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, Permit. Other special regulations
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015,
through February 28, 2016. only) established by the White Mountain
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 Apache Tribe apply on the reservation.
Season Dates: Open September 1 Tribal and nontribal hunters will
and 20, respectively. through 15, 2015. comply with all basic Federal migratory
Coots Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, and 20 doves, respectively. 20 regarding shooting hours and manner
through February 15, 2016. Ducks and Mergansers of taking.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 * * * * *
and 30, respectively. Season Dates: Open October 17, 2015,
through January 24, 2016. Dated: September 4, 2015.
Geese Daily Bag Limits: Seven, including no Michael J. Bean,
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2015, more than two female mallards and two Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish
through February 28, 2016. redhead. The season on scaup is closed. and Wildlife and Parks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 Possession Limits: Twice the daily [FR Doc. 2015–24162 Filed 9–24–15; 8:45 am]
and 10 geese, respectively. bag limit. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:19:27
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:19:27
| 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 26, 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) 358-1967. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 58158 | |
| RIN Number | 1018-BA67 | |
| CFR Associated | Exports; Hunting; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Transportation and Wildlife |
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