80 FR 58166 - Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds
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 | 58166-58194 | |
| FR Document | 2015-24166 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 186 (Friday, September 25, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 58166-58194] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-24166] [[Page 58165]] Vol. 80 Friday, No. 186 September 25, 2015 Part VII Department of the Interior ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 58166]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for general waterfowl seasons and those early seasons for which States previously deferred selection. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2015-16 season. DATES: This rule is effective on September 26, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ- MB-2014-0064. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations Schedule for 2015 On April 13, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 19852) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2015-16 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the April 13 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings 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. We published final late-season frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency officials selected late-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits for 2015-16 in a late September 2015, Federal Register. The final rule described here is the final in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations for 2015-16 and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for species subject to late-season regulations and those for early seasons that States previously deferred. This final rule is the culmination of the rulemaking process for the migratory game bird hunting seasons, which started with the April 13 proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on June 11 and August 25, and published final late season frameworks in a late September Federal Register that provided the season selection criteria from which the States selected these seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird late hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to late season issues in that late September Federal Register. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed with the Environmental Protection 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. [[Page 58167]] Endangered Species Act Consideration Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final regulations reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available at the address indicated under ADDRESSES. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements. An updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This analysis was based on data from the newly released 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. For the 2015-16 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the 2012-13, and the 2014-15 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064. Regulatory Flexibility Act The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5- year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in 2013. Copies of the Analysis are available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1). Paperwork Reduction Act This final rule does not contain any new information collection that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB control numbers:1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey (expires 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, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property. [[Page 58168]] Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Thus, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 13 Federal Register, we solicited proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 4, 2015, proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes. Federalism Effects Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. Review of Public Comments The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 13 Federal Register) opened the public comment period for 2015-16 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to late season issues in a late September 2015, Federal Register. Regulations Promulgation The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that, when the comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. Dated: September 16, 2015. Michael J. Bean, Principal Assistant Deputy Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 20--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Public Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703. Note: The following annual regulations provided for by Sec. Sec. 20.104, 20.105, 20.106, 20.107, and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature. 0 2. Futher amend Sec. 20.104, as published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR 52645), by: 0 a. Revising the introductory paragraphs; 0 b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table; 0 c. Revising footnotes (1), (2), and (6) following the table; 0 d. Removing footnote (16) following the table; and 0 e. Adding footnotes (20), (21), and (22) following the table. The revisions and additions read as follows: Sec. 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and snipe. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015 (80 FR 51090) and August 25, 2015 (80 FR 51658), Federal Register. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). [[Page 58169]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sora & Virginia Clapper & King Rails Rails Woodcock Snipe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily bag limit................. 25 (1) 15 (2) 3 8 Possession limit................ 75 (1) 45 (2) 9 24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY * * * * * * * Massachusetts (6)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Closed............ Oct. 7-Oct. 24 & Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Oct. 26-Nov. 21. * * * * * * * MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * * * * * * * Louisiana West Zone................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 2[dash]Dec. 6 & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. & Dec. 19-Feb. 28 East Zone................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 2[dash]Dec. 6 & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. & Dec. 19-Feb. 28 Coastal Zone................ Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 2-Dec. 6 & & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. & Nov. 7-Dec. 30. Dec. 19-Feb. 28 * * * * * * ** * * * * * * Tennessee Reelfoot Zone............... Nov. 14-Nov. 15 & Closed............ Oct. 31-Dec. 14... Nov. 15-Feb. 29 Dec. 5-Jan. 31. State Zone.................. Nov. 28- Nov. 29 & Closed............ Oct. 31-Dec. 14... Nov. 15[dash]Feb. Dec. 5-Jan. 31. 29 Wisconsin (20) North Zone.................. Sept. 26-Nov. 24.. Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 26-Nov. 24 South Zone.................. Oct. 3-Oct. 11 & Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Oct. 3-Oct. 11 & Oct. 17-Dec. 6. Oct. 17-Dec. 6 Miss. River Zone............ Oct. 3-Oct. 9 & Closed............ Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Oct. 3-Oct. 9 & Oct. 17-Dec. 8. Oct. 17-Dec. 8 * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY Arizona (21) North Zone.................. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 2-Jan. 10 South Zone.................. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 16[dash]Jan. 24 * * * * * * * Idaho Zone 1...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 3-Jan. 15 Zone 2...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 17-Jan. 29 Zone 3...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 17-Jan. 29 Nevada Northeast Zone.............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 26-Oct. 25 & Oct. 28-Jan. 10 Northwest Zone.............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 10[dash]Oct. 25 & Oct. 28-Jan. 24 South Zone (22)............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 10[dash]Oct. 25 & Oct. 28-Jan. 24 * * * * * * * Utah Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 3-Jan. 16 Washington East Zone................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 17[dash]Oct. 21 & Oct. 24-Jan. 31 West Zone................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 17-Oct. 21 & Oct. 24-Jan. 31 * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \(1)\ The bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply singly or in the aggregate of these species. \(2)\ All bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species and, unless otherwise specified, the limits are in addition to the limits on sora and Virginia rails in all States. In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession. * * * * * \(6)\ In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10 daily and 30 in possession. * * * * * \(20)\ In Wisconsin, the possession limit for snipe is 16. \(21)\ In Arizona, Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to snipe hunting. \(22)\ In Nevada, the snipe season in that portion of the South Zone including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers is only open November 1 through January 25. [[Page 58170]] 0 3. Further amend Sec. 20.105, as published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR 52645), by: 0 a. Revising the introductory paragraphs; 0 b. In paragraph (a), revising the introductory text, adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, and revising footnote (2) following the table; 0 c. In paragraph (b), revising the introductory text, adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, revising the note following the table, and adding footnotes (4) and (5) following the table; 0 d. Revising paragraph (e); and 0 e. In paragraph (f), revising the introductory text, adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, revising footnotes (1) and (4) following the table, and adding footnotes (9), (10), (11), and (12) following the table. The revisions and additions read as follows: Sec. 20.105 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015 (80 FR 51090) and August 25, 2015 (80 FR 51658), Federal Register. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS. (a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules. (Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways) Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). The zones named in this paragraph are the same as those used for setting duck seasons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY * * * * * * * Georgia....................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 15 45 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 15 45 * * * * * * * West Virginia................................. Oct. 1-Oct. 10 &................ 15 30 Dec. 2-Jan. 30.................. 15 30 MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * * * * * * * Louisiana..................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 &............. 15 45 Nov. 7-Dec. 30.................. 15 45 * * * * * * * Minnesota (2)................................. North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Nov. 24................ 15 45 Central Zone.............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... 15 45 Oct. 10-Nov. 29................. 15 45 South Zone................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... 15 45 Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. 15 45 * * * * * * * Tennessee..................................... Reelfoot Zone............................. Nov. 14-Nov. 15 &............... 15 45 Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. 15 45 State Zone................................ Nov. 28-Nov. 29 &............... 15 45 Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. 15 45 Wisconsin..................................... North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Nov. 24................ 15 30 South Zone................................ Oct. 3-Oct. 11 &................ 15 30 Oct. 17-Dec. 6.................. 15 30 Mississippi River Zone.................... Oct. 3-Oct. 9 &................. 15 30 Oct. 17-Dec. 8.................. 15 30 * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY All States.................................... Seasons are in aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (e). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * (2) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and moorhens in the aggregate. (b) Sea Ducks (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic Flyway). Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks of which no more than [[Page 58171]] 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag limits only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting areas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * Georgia....................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 7 21 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 7 21 * * * * * * * Maryland...................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 30.................. 5 15 Massachusetts (4)............................. Oct. 3-Jan. 30.................. 7 21 * * * * * * * New York...................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 6 18 North Carolina................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 30.................. 7 21 * * * * * * * South Carolina................................ Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 7 21 Virginia...................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 7 21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas. * * * * * (4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders (only 1 of which may be a hen) and 4 long-tailed ducks. (5) In New York, during the Special Sea Duck Season, only scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks may be taken, with a daily limit of 6 and may include no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders, or 4 long-tailed ducks. Whenever the regular duck season is open, sea ducks count towards the total daily duck limit of 6 as described above regardless of waterfowl hunting zone. * * * * * (e) Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Common Moorhens. Definitions The Atlantic Flyway: Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide). The Pacific Flyway: Includes the States of Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin). Light Geese: Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese. Dark Geese: Includes Canada geese, white-fronted geese, emperor geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other geese except light geese. ATLANTIC FLYWAY Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards), 2 scaup, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 1 mottled duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 4 scoters, and 1 fulvous tree duck. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Harlequin Ducks: All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin duck hunting. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut Ducks and Mergansers.......................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 7-Oct. 17 & Nov. 13-Jan. 9.................. South Zone................................ Oct. 7-Oct. 10 & Nov. 17-Jan. 20................. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: [[Page 58172]] AFRP Unit................................. Oct. 13-Oct. 17 &............... 5 15 Nov. 19-Feb. 13................. 5 15 NAP H-Unit................................ Oct. 7-Oct. 17 &................ 3 9 Nov. 16-Jan. 23................. 3 9 AP Unit................................... Oct. 13-Oct. 17 &............... 3 9 Nov. 19-Jan. 9.................. 3 9 Special Season............................ Jan. 25-Feb. 13................. 5 15 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 15 &................ 25 Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 25 South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Nov. 28 &................ 25 Jan. 6-Mar. 10.................. 25 Brant: North Zone................................ Dec. 7-Jan. 9................... 1 3 South Zone................................ Dec. 17-Jan. 20................. 1 3 Delaware Ducks......................................... Oct. 23-Nov. 3 &................ 6 18 Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &................ 6 18 Dec. 18-Jan. 30................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &................ 2 6 Dec. 18-Jan. 30................. 2 6 Light Geese (1)............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 30.................. 25 Feb. 6.......................... 25 Brant......................................... Dec. 22-Jan. 2 &................ 1 3 Jan. 9-Jan. 30.................. 1 3 Florida Ducks......................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 5 15 Dec. 1-Jan. 30.................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 Georgia Ducks......................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Oct. 10-Oct. 25 &............... 5 15 Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 5 15 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 5 15 Brant......................................... Closed.......................... Maine Ducks (2)..................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Sept. 28-Dec. 5................. South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 17 & Oct. 31-Dec. 22................. Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 17 & Nov. 14-Jan. 5.................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Canada Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 1-Dec. 21.................. 3 9 South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 29 &................ 3 9 Nov. 14-Jan. 5.................. 3 9 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 29 &................ 3 9 Nov. 14-Jan. 5.................. 3 9 Light Geese................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 30.................. 25 Brant: North Zone................................ Oct. 1-Nov. 4................... 1 3 South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 17 &................ 1 3 Oct. 31-Nov. 17................. 1 3 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 17 &................ 1 3 Nov. 14-Dec. 1.................. 1 3 Maryland Ducks and Mergansers (3)...................... Oct. 10-Oct. 17 &............... 6 18 Nov. 14-Nov. 27 &............... 6 18 Dec. 15-Jan. 30................. 6 18 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 [[Page 58173]] Canada Geese: RP Zone................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 27 &............... 5 15 Dec. 15-Mar. 9.................. 5 15 AP Zone................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 27 &............... 2 6 Dec. 15-Feb. 3.................. 2 6 Light Geese................................... Oct. 3-Nov. 27 &................ 25 Dec. 14-Feb. 6.................. 25 Brant......................................... Dec. 28-Jan. 30................. 1 3 Massachusetts Ducks (4)..................................... ................................ 6 18 Western Zone.............................. Oct. 12-Nov. 28 & Dec. 7-Dec. 26.................. Central Zone.............................. Oct. 13-Nov. 28 & Dec. 14-Jan. 4.................. Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 16-Oct. 24 & Nov. 11-Jan. 9.................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: NAP Zone: Central Zone.......................... Oct. 13-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 14-Jan. 15................. 3 9 (Special season)...................... Jan. 16-Feb. 6.................. 5 15 Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 16-Oct. 24 &............... 3 9 Nov. 11-Jan. 21................. 3 9 (Special season) (5).................. Jan. 23-Feb. 13................. 5 15 AP Zone................................... Oct. 12-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 7-Dec. 15.................. 3 9 Light Geese: Western Zone.............................. Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Central Zone.............................. Oct. 13-Nov. 28 &............... 15 45 Dec. 7-Dec. 26 &................ 15 45 Jan. 16-Feb. 6.................. 15 45 Coastal Zone (5).......................... Same as for Ducks &............. 15 45 Jan. 23-Feb. 13................. 15 45 Brant: Western & Central Zone.................... Closed.......................... Coastal Zone.............................. Dec. 28-Jan. 30................. 1 3 New Hampshire Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 Northern Zone............................. Oct. 2-Nov. 30.................. Inland Zone............................... Oct. 6-Nov. 5 & Nov. 15-Dec. 13................. Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 7-Oct. 16 & Nov. 15-Jan. 3.................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Northern Zone............................. Oct. 2-Dec. 10.................. 3 9 Inland Zone............................... Oct. 6-Nov. 5 &................. 3 9 Nov. 15-Dec. 23................. 3 9 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 7-Oct. 26 &................ 3 9 Nov. 15-Jan. 3.................. 3 9 Light Geese: Northern Zone............................. Oct. 2-Dec. 23.................. 25 Inland Zone............................... Oct. 6-Dec. 27.................. 25 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 7-Jan. 3................... 25 Brant: Northern Zone............................. Oct. 2-Oct. 31.................. 1 3 Inland Zone............................... Oct. 6-Nov. 4................... 1 3 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 7-Nov. 5................... 1 3 New Jersey Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 10-Oct. 22 & Nov. 14-Jan. 9.................. South Zone................................ Oct. 17-Oct. 24 & Nov. 14-Jan. 14................. Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 31-Nov. 3 & Nov. 28-Jan. 30................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada and White-fronted Geese: [[Page 58174]] North Zone Nov. 14-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 12-Jan. 23 &............... 3 9 South Zone................................ Nov. 14-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 12-Jan. 23 &............... 3 9 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 31-Nov. 3 &................ 5 15 Nov. 26-Feb. 15................. 5 15 Special Season Zone....................... Jan. 25-Feb. 15................. 5 15 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 South Zone................................ Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 Coastal Zone.............................. Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 Brant: North Zone................................ Nov. 14-Nov. 28 &............... 1 3 Dec. 22-Jan. 9.................. 1 3 South Zone................................ Oct. 17-Oct. 24 &............... 1 3 Nov. 14-Dec. 10................. 1 3 Coastal Zone.............................. Nov. 26-Dec. 5 &................ 1 3 Dec. 19-Jan. 12................. 1 3 New York Ducks and Mergansers (6)...................... ................................ 6 18 Long Island Zone.......................... Nov. 26-Nov. 29 & Dec. 7-Jan. 31.................. Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 10-Oct. 14 & Oct. 24-Dec. 17................. Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 3-Oct. 11 & Oct. 24--Dec. 13................ Southeastern Zone......................... Oct. 10-Oct. 18 & Nov. 7-Dec. 27.................. Western Zone.............................. Oct. 24-Dec. 6 & Dec. 26-Jan. 10................. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Western Long Island (AFRP)................ Oct. 10-Oct. 25 &............... 8 24 Nov. 26-Nov. 29 &............... 8 24 Dec. 7-Feb. 29.................. 8 24 Central Long Island (NAP-L)............... Nov. 26-Nov. 29 &............... 3 9 Dec. 7-Feb. 10.................. 3 9 Special season........................ Feb. 11-Feb. 15................. 5 15 Eastern Long Island (NAP-H)............... Nov. 26-Feb. 3.................. 3 9 Lake Champlain (AP) Zone.................. Oct. 10-Nov. 28................. 3 9 Northeast (AP) Zone....................... Oct. 24-Nov. 15 &............... 3 9 Nov. 17-Dec. 13................. 3 9 East Central (AP) Zone.................... Oct. 24-Nov. 20 &............... 3 9 Nov. 28-Dec. 19................. 3 9 Hudson Valley (AP) Zone Oct. 31-Nov. 15 &............... 3 9 Nov. 28-Dec. 31................. 3 9 West Central (AP) Zone.................... Oct. 24-Nov. 26 &............... 3 9 Dec. 26-Jan. 10................. 3 9 South (AFRP).............................. Oct. 24-Dec. 20 &............... 5 15 Dec. 26-Jan. 10 &............... 5 15 Mar. 5-Mar. 10.................. 5 15 Light Geese (7): Long Island Zone.......................... Nov. 25-Mar. 10................. 25 Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 Southeastern Zone......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 Western Zone.............................. Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 Brant: Long Island Zone.......................... Nov. 26-Nov. 29 &............... 1 3 Jan. 6-Jan. 31.................. 1 3 Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 10-Nov. 8.................. 1 3 Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 3-Nov. 1................... 1 3 Southeastern Zone......................... Oct. 10-Nov. 8.................. 1 3 Western Zone.............................. Oct. 10-Nov. 8.................. 1 3 North Carolina Ducks (8)..................................... Oct. 7-Oct. 10 &................ 6 18 Nov. 14-Dec. 5 &................ 6 18 Dec. 19-Jan. 30................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: RP Hunt Zone.............................. Oct. 7-Oct. 17 &................ 5 15 [[Page 58175]] Nov. 14-Dec. 5 &................ 5 15 Dec. 19-Feb. 13................. 5 15 SJBP Hunt Zone............................ Oct. 7-Nov. 9 &................. 5 15 Nov. 14-Dec. 31................. 5 15 Northeast Hunt Zone (9)................... Jan. 15-Jan. 30................. 1 3 Light Geese................................... Oct. 13-Feb. 13................. 25 Brant......................................... Dec. 28-Jan. 30................. 1 3 Pennsylvania Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 10-Nov. 28 & Dec. 19-Jan. 7.................. South Zone................................ Oct. 17-Oct. 24 & Nov. 14-Jan. 14................. Northwest Zone............................ Oct. 10-Dec. 12................. Dec. 29-Jan. 2.................. Lake Erie Zone............................ Oct. 26-Jan. 2.................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone......................... Nov. 14-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 19-Jan. 30................. 3 9 SJBP Zone................................. Oct. 10-Nov. 28 &............... 3 9 Dec. 14-Jan. 22................. 3 9 Resident (RP) Zone........................ Oct. 24-Nov. 28 &............... 5 15 Dec. 18-Jan. 14 &............... 5 15 Feb. 1-Feb. 29.................. 5 15 Light Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 30.................. 25 SJBP Zone................................. Oct. 1-Jan. 22.................. 25 Resident (RP) Zone........................ Oct. 28-Feb. 29................. 25 Brant......................................... Oct. 17-Nov. 20................. 1 3 Rhode Island Ducks......................................... Oct. 9-Oct. 12 &................ 6 18 Nov. 25-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 5-Jan. 24.................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 3 9 Dec. 5-Feb. 1................... 3 9 Special season............................ Feb. 8-Feb. 14.................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Oct. 10-Jan. 24................. 25 Brant......................................... Dec. 26-Jan. 24................. 1 3 South Carolina Ducks (10)(11)................................ Nov. 14 &....................... 6 18 Nov. 21-Nov. 28 &............... 6 18 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 6 18 Mergansers (12)............................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada and White-fronted Geese (13)........... Nov. 21-Nov. 28 &............... 5 15 Dec. 12-Jan. 31 &............... 5 15 Feb. 14-Feb. 29................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 28 &............... 25 Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 25 Brant......................................... Jan. 2-Jan. 31.................. 1 3 Vermont Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 10-Oct 14 & Oct. 24-Dec. 17................. Interior Zone............................. Oct. 10-Dec. 8.................. Connecticut River Zone Oct. 6-Nov. 5 & Nov. 15-Dec. 13................. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Lake Champlain Zone Oct. 10-Nov. 28................. 3 9 Interior Zone............................. Oct. 10-Nov. 28................. 3 9 Connecticut River Zone.................... Oct. 6-Nov. 5 &................. 3 9 Nov. 15-Dec. 23................. 3 9 Light Geese: Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 Interior Zone............................. Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 Connecticut River Zone.................... Oct. 6-Dec. 27.................. 25 [[Page 58176]] Brant: Lake Champlain Zone....................... Oct. 10-Nov. 8.................. 1 3 Interior Zone............................. Oct. 10-Nov. 8.................. 1 3 Connecticut River Zone.................... Oct. 6-Nov. 4................... 1 3 Virginia Ducks (14).................................... Oct. 9-Oct. 12 &................ 6 18 Nov. 18-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone......................... Nov. 24-Nov. 29 &............... 2 6 Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. 2 6 Western (SJBP) Zone....................... Nov. 18-Nov. 29 &............... 3 9 Dec. 19-Jan. 14 &............... 3 9 (Special season)...................... Jan. 15-Feb. 15................. 5 15 Western (RP) Zone......................... Nov. 18-Nov. 29 &............... 5 15 Dec. 19-Feb. 24................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 25 Brant......................................... Jan. 2-Jan. 31.................. 1 3 West Virginia Ducks (15).................................... Oct. 1-Oct. 10 &................ 6 18 Nov. 9-Nov. 14 &................ 6 18 Dec. 18-Jan. 30................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.................................. Oct. 1-Oct. 17 &................ 5 15 Nov. 9-Nov. 14 &................ 5 15 Dec. 5-Jan. 30.................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 5 15 Brant......................................... Jan. 1-Jan. 30.................. 1 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Delaware, the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. (2) In Maine, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 12 of any one species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed. (3) In Maryland, the black duck season is closed October 10 through October 17. (4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the flyway-wide bag restrictions. (5) In Massachusetts, the January 23 to February 13 portion of the season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone north of the Cape Cod Canal. (6) In New York, in addition to Flyway-wide bag restrictions, the daily bag and possession limits may include no more than 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks and 12 eiders or 12 long-tailed ducks, respectively. (7) In New York, the use of electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed for hunting of light geese on any day when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. (8) In North Carolina, the season is closed for black ducks October 7 through October 10 and November 14 through November 20. The daily bag limit for black and mottled ducks is combined with no more than 1 allowed in the daily bag. (9) In North Carolina, a permit is required to hunt Canada geese in the Northeast Hunt Zone. (10) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling duck, and either 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck in the aggregate. (11) In South Carolina, on November 14, only hunters 17 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, coots, and mergansers. The youth must be accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is properly licensed, including State and Federal waterfowl stamps. Youth who are 16 or 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to have a State license or State waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal waterfowl stamp and migratory bird permit. (12) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit for mergansers may include no more than 1 hooded merganser. (13) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese. (14) In Virginia, the season is closed for black ducks October 9 through October 12. (17) In West Virginia, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks, and the season is closed for eiders, whistling ducks, and mottled ducks. MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Nov. 27-Nov. 28 &............... .............. .............. [[Page 58177]] Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Same as North Zone.............. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese (1): North Zone: SJBP Zone............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 13 &.............. 5 15 Nov. 27-Nov. 28 &............... 5 15 Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. 5 15 Rest of North Zone.................... Same as SJBP Zone............... 5 15 South Zone................................ Same as Rest of North Zone...... 5 15 Light Geese: North Zone: Monroe and Escambia Counties.......... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 15 SJBP Zone............................. Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 15 Rest of North Zone.................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 15 South Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 15 Arkansas Ducks......................................... Nov. 21-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 10-Dec. 23 &............... 6 18 Dec. 26-Jan. 31................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Canada Geese: Northwest Zone............................ Sept. 19-Sept. 28 &............. 3 9 Nov. 18-Dec. 4 &................ 3 9 Dec. 6-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Remainder of State........................ Nov. 18-Dec. 4 &................ 3 9 Dec. 6-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 White[dash]fronted Geese...................... ................................ 3 9 Northwest Zone............................ Nov. 18-Dec. 4 &................ 3 9 Dec. 6-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Remainder of State........................ Same as the Northwest Zone...... 3 9 Brant......................................... Closed.......................... .............. .............. Light Geese................................... Same as for White-fronted Geese. 20 .............. Illinois Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 17-Dec. 15................. .............. .............. Central Zone.............................. Oct. 24-Dec. 22................. .............. .............. South Central Zone........................ Nov. 14-Jan. 12................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Nov. 26-Jan. 24................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 17-Jan. 14................. 2 6 Central Zone.............................. Oct. 24-Nov. 15 &............... 2 6 Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 2 6 South Central Zone........................ Nov. 14-Jan. 31................. 2 6 South Zone................................ Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 2 6 White[dash]fronted Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 19-Jan. 14................. 2 6 Central Zone.............................. Nov. 5-Jan. 31.................. 2 6 South Central Zone........................ Nov. 14-Jan. 31................. 2 6 South Zone................................ Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 2 6 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 17-Jan. 14................. 20 .............. Central Zone.............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. South Central Zone........................ Nov. 14-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. South Zone................................ Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Brant......................................... Same as for Light Geese......... 1 3 Indiana Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 24-Dec. 13 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 19-Dec. 27................. .............. .............. Central Zone.............................. Oct. 31-Nov. 8 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 21-Jan. 10................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 31-Nov. 8 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 28-Jan. 17................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese (1): North Zone................................ Oct. 24-Nov. 22 &............... 5 15 [[Page 58178]] Dec. 12-Jan. 24................. 5 15 Central Zone.............................. Oct. 31-Nov. 8 &................ 5 15 Nov. 21-Jan. 24................. 5 15 South Zone................................ Oct. 31-Nov. 8 &................ 5 15 Nov. 28-Jan. 31................. 5 15 Late Season Zone (2)...................... Feb. 1-Feb. 15.................. 5 15 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 .............. Central Zone.............................. Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 .............. South Zone................................ Same as for Dark geese.......... 20 .............. Iowa Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 3[dash]Oct. 18 &........... .............. .............. Oct. 24-Dec. 6.................. .............. .............. Missouri River Zone....................... Oct. 3-Oct. 7 &................. .............. .............. Oct. 24-Dec 17.................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 3-Oct. 7 &................. .............. .............. Oct. 17-Dec 10.................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese (3): North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 31 &.............. 5 15 Nov. 1-Jan. 1................... 5 15 Missouri River Zone....................... Oct. 10-Oct. 31 &............... 5 15 Nov. 1-Jan. 15.................. 5 15 South Zone................................ Oct. 3-Oct. 31 &................ 5 15 Nov. 1-Jan. 8................... 5 15 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Jan. 10................ 20 .............. Missouri River Zone....................... Oct. 10-Jan. 15................. 20 .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 20 .............. Kentucky Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 West Zone................................. Nov. 26-Nov. 29 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 7-Jan. 31.................. .............. .............. East Zone................................. Same as West Zone............... .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 3 9 White[dash]fronted Geese...................... Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 2 6 Brant......................................... Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 1 3 Light Geese................................... Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 20 60 Louisiana Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 West Zone................................. Nov. 14-Dec. 6 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 19-Jan. 24................. .............. .............. East Zone (including Catahoula Lake)...... Nov. 21-Dec. 6 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. .............. .............. Coastal Zone.............................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. .............. .............. Dec. 19-Jan. 17................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: West Zone................................. Nov. 14-Dec. 6 &................ 1 3 Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. 1 3 East Zone................................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. 1 3 Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. 1 3 Coastal Zone.............................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. 1 3 Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. 1 3 White[dash]fronted: West Zone................................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. 2 6 Dec. 19-Feb. 7.................. 2 6 East Zone................................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. 2 6 Dec. 19-Feb. 7.................. 2 6 Coastal Zone.............................. Nov. 7-Dec. 6 &................. 2 6 Dec. 19-Feb. 7.................. 2 6 Brant......................................... Closed.......................... .............. .............. Light Geese: West Zone................................. Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. East Zone................................. Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. Coastal Zone.............................. Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. Michigan [[Page 58179]] Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Nov. 22 &.............. .............. .............. Nov. 28-Nov. 29................. .............. .............. Middle Zone............................... Oct. 3-Nov. 29 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 12-Dec. 13................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 26-Dec. 27................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: North Zone................................ Sept. 11-Dec. 11................ 2 6 Middle Zone............................... Sept. 19-Dec. 19................ 2 6 South Zone: Muskegon Waste- water GMU............. Oct. 17-Nov. 14 &............... 2 6 Dec. 1-Dec. 22.................. 2 6 Allegan County GMU.................... Oct. 31-Jan. 30................. 2 6 Saginaw County GMU.................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27 &............. 2 6 Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 2 6 Dec. 26-Jan. 19................. 2 6 Tuscola/Huron GMU..................... Sept. 19-Sept. 27 &............. 2 6 Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 2 6 Dec. 26-Jan. 19................. 2 6 Remainder of South Zone............... Sept. 19-Sept. 27 &............. 2 6 Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 2 6 Dec. 26-Dec. 27................. 2 6 Southern MI Late Season (4)........... Jan. 23-Feb. 14................. 5 15 White[dash]fronted Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Middle Zone............................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 South Zone: Muskegon Wastewater GMU............... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Allegan County GMU.................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Saginaw County GMU.................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Tuscola/Huron GMU..................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Remainder of South Zone............... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Middle Zone............................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. South Zone: Muskegon Wastewater GMU............... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Allegan County GMU.................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Saginaw County GMU.................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Tuscola/Huron GMU..................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Remainder of South Zone............... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 20 .............. Dec. 26-Dec. 27 &............... 20 .............. Jan. 23-Feb. 14................. 20 .............. Brant: North Zone................................ Same as for White-fronted Geese. 1 3 Middle Zone............................... Same as for White-fronted geese. 1 3 South Zone................................ Same as for White-fronted geese. 1 3 Minnesota Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Nov. 24................ .............. .............. Central Zone.............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... .............. .............. Oct. 10-Nov. 29................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... .............. .............. Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots (5)..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese: North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Dec. 23................ 3 9 Central Zone.............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... 3 9 Oct. 10-Dec. 28................. 3 9 South Zone................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 4 &............... 3 9 Oct. 15-Jan. 2.................. 3 9 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 Central Zone.............................. Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 South Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 Mississippi Ducks......................................... Nov. 27-Nov. 29 &............... 6 18 Dec. 4-Dec. 6 &................. 6 18 [[Page 58180]] Dec. 9-Jan. 31.................. 6 18 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 19-Jan. 31................. 3 9 White-fronted................................. Nov. 19-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Missouri Ducks and Mergansers.......................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 31-Dec. 29................. .............. .............. Middle Zone............................... Nov. 7-Jan. 5................... .............. .............. South Zone................................ Nov. 26-Jan. 24................. .............. .............. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese and Brant: North Zone................................ Oct. 3-Oct. 11 &................ 3 9 Nov. 26-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Middle Zone............................... Same as North Zone.............. 3 9 South Zone................................ Same as North Zone.............. 3 9 White-fronted Geese: North Zone................................ Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 2 6 Middle Zone............................... Same as North Zone.............. 2 6 South Zone................................ Same as North Zone.............. 2 6 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 31-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Middle Zone............................... Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. South Zone................................ Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. Ohio Ducks (6)..................................... ................................ 6 18 Lake Erie Marsh Zone...................... Oct. 17-Nov. 1 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 14-Dec. 27................. .............. .............. North Zone................................ Oct. 24-Nov. 8 &................ .............. Nov. 21-Jan. 3.................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 24-Nov. 8 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 19-Jan. 31................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Lake Erie Goose Zone...................... Oct. 17-Nov. 1 &................ 3 9 Nov. 14-Dec. 27 &............... 3 9 Jan. 14-Jan. 31................. 3 9 North Zone................................ Oct. 24-Nov. 8 &................ 3 9 Nov. 21-Jan. 3 &................ 3 9 Jan. 14-Jan. 31................. 3 9 South Zone................................ Oct. 24-Nov. 8 &................ 3 9 Dec. 1-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 White-fronted Geese........................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 10 30 Tennessee Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 Reelfoot Zone............................. Nov. 14-Nov. 15 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. .............. .............. State Zone................................ Nov. 28-Nov. 29 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Northwest Zone............................ Oct. 10-Oct. 14 &............... 3 9 Nov. 14-Nov. 15 &............... 3 9 Dec. 5-Feb. 13.................. 3 9 Rest of State............................. Oct. 10-Oct. 27 &............... 3 9 Nov. 28-Nov. 29 &............... 3 9 Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 White-fronted Geese: Northwest Zone............................ Nov. 28-Nov. 29 &............... 2 6 Dec. 5-Feb. 13.................. 2 6 Rest of State............................. Same as Northwest Zone.......... 2 6 Brant: Northwest Zone............................ Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 6 Rest of State............................. Same as Northwest Zone.......... 2 6 Light Geese................................... Same as White-fronted Geese..... 20 .............. Wisconsin [[Page 58181]] Ducks (6)..................................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Nov. 24................ .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 3-Oct. 11 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 17-Dec. 6.................. .............. .............. Mississippi River Zone.................... Oct. 3-Oct. 9 &................. .............. .............. Oct. 17-Dec. 8.................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: North Zone................................ Sept. 16-Dec. 16................ 2 6 South Zone................................ Sept. 16-Oct. 11 &.............. 2 6 Oct. 17-Dec. 21................. 2 6 Horicon Zone.............................. Sept. 16-Dec. 16................ 2 6 Mississippi River Zone.................... Oct. 3-Oct. 9 &................. 2 6 Oct. 17-Jan. 7.................. 2 6 White-fronted Geese........................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 3 Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Alabama and Indiana, the dark goose daily bag limit is an aggregate daily bag limit for Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and brant. The daily bag limit may not include more than 3 Canada geese and 1 brant. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. (2) In Indiana, in the Late Season Zone for dark geese, the daily bag limit may only include Canada geese. (3) In Iowa, the dark goose daily bag limit is an aggregate daily bag limit for Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and brant. In the North Zone during September 26 through October 31, in the Missouri River Zone during October 10 through October 31, and in the South Zone during October 3 through 31, the daily bag limit may not include more than 2 Canada geese. During all other open season segments, the daily bag limit may not include more than 3 Canada geese. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. (4) In Michigan, the Southern Michigan Late Canada goose season excludes the Goose Management Units (GMUs). (5) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and moorhens in the aggregate. (6) In Ohio and Wisconsin, the daily bag limit may include no more than one hen mallard. CENTRAL FLYWAY Flyway-wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 mottled duck, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 Southeast Zone............................ Oct. 21-Jan. 24................. .............. .............. Northeast Zone............................ Oct. 10-Nov. 30 & Dec. 12-Jan. .............. .............. 24. Mountain/Foothills Zone................... Oct. 3-Nov. 30 & Dec. 19-Jan. 24 .............. .............. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Dark Geese: Northern Front Range Unit................. Oct. 3-Oct. 21 &................ 5 15 Nov. 21-Feb. 14................. 5 15 South Park/San Luis Valley Unit........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 5 15 North Park Unit........................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 5 15 Rest of State in Central Flyway........... Nov. 2-Feb. 14.................. 5 15 Light Geese: Northern Front Range Unit................. Oct. 31-Feb. 14................. 50 .............. South Park/San Luis Valley Unit........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 50 .............. North Park Unit........................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 50 .............. Rest of State in Central Flyway........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 50 .............. Kansas Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 High Plains............................... Oct. 10-Jan. 4 & Jan. 23-Jan. 31 .............. .............. Low Plains: Early Zone............................ Oct. 10-Dec. 6 & Dec. 19-Jan. 3. .............. Late Zone............................. Oct. 31-Jan. 3 & Jan. 23-Jan. 31 .............. .............. Southeast Zone........................ Nov. 14-Jan. 3 & Jan. 9-Jan. 31. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese (1)................................ Oct. 31-Nov. 1 &................ 6 18 Nov. 4-Feb. 14.................. 6 18 White-fronted Geese........................... Oct. 31-Jan. 3 &................ 2 6 [[Page 58182]] Jan. 23-Feb. 14................. 2 6 Light Geese................................... Oct. 31-Nov. 1 &................ 50 .............. Nov. 4-Feb. 14.................. 50 .............. Montana Ducks and Mergansers (2)...................... ................................ 6 18 Zone 1.................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 7................... .............. .............. Zone 2.................................... Oct. 3-Oct. 11 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 24-Jan. 19................. .............. .............. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese: Zone N.................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 10 &................ 5 15 Jan. 16-Jan. 20................. 5 15 Zone S.................................... Oct. 3-Oct. 11 &................ 5 15 Oct. 24-Jan. 27................. 5 15 Light Geese: Zone N.................................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 Zone S.................................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 Nebraska Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 Zone 1.................................... Oct. 10-Dec. 22................. .............. .............. Zone 2: Low Plains............................ Oct. 3-Dec. 15.................. .............. .............. High Plains........................... Oct. 3-Dec. 15 & Jan. 6-Jan. 27. .............. .............. Zone 3: Low Plains............................ Oct. 24-Jan. 5.................. .............. .............. High Plains........................... Oct. 24-Jan. 5 & Jan. 6-Jan. 27. .............. .............. Zone 4.................................... Oct. 3-Dec. 15.................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Niobrara Unit............................. Oct. 28-Feb. 9.................. 5 15 East Unit................................. Oct. 28-Feb. 9.................. 5 15 North Central Unit........................ Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 5 15 Platte River Unit......................... Oct. 28-Feb. 9.................. 5 15 Panhandle Unit............................ Oct. 28-Feb. 9.................. 5 15 White-fronted Geese........................... Oct. 3-Dec. 4 &................. 3 9 Jan. 30-Feb. 9.................. 3 9 Light Geese................................... Oct. 3-Dec. 28 &................ 50 .............. Jan. 23-Feb. 9.................. 50 .............. New Mexico Ducks and Mergansers (3)...................... ................................ 6 18 North Zone................................ Oct. 27-Jan. 31................. .............. .............. South Zone................................ Oct. 27-Jan. 31................. .............. .............. Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese (4): Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit (4)......... Dec. 26-Jan. 19................. 2 2 Rest of State............................. Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 50 .............. North Dakota Ducks (2)..................................... ................................ 6 18 High Plains............................... Sept. 26-Dec. 6 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 12-Jan. 3.................. .............. .............. Remainder of State........................ Sept. 26-Dec. 6................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese (5): Missouri River Zone....................... Sept. 26-Jan. 1................. 5 15 Rest of State............................. Sept. 26-Dec. 24................ 8 24 White-fronted Geese........................... Sept. 26-Dec. 6................. 3 9 Light Geese................................... Sept. 26-Jan. 3................. 50 .............. Oklahoma Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 18 High Plains............................... Oct. 17-Jan. 13................. .............. .............. Low Plains: Zone 1................................ Oct. 31-Nov. 29 & Dec. 12-Jan. .............. .............. 24. Zone 2................................ Nov. 7-Nov. 29 & Dec. 12-Jan. 31 .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese.................................. Oct. 31-Nov. 29 &............... 8 24 Dec. 12-Feb. 14................. 8 24 White-fronted Geese........................... Oct. 31-Nov. 29 &............... 2 6 Dec. 12-Feb. 7.................. 2 6 [[Page 58183]] Light Geese................................... Oct. 31-Nov. 29 &............... 50 .............. Dec. 12-Feb. 14................. 50 .............. South Dakota Ducks (2)..................................... ................................ 6 18 High Plains............................... Oct. 10-Dec. 22 & Dec. 23-Jan. .............. .............. 14. Low Plains: North Zone............................ Sept. 26-Dec. 8................. .............. .............. Middle Zone........................... Same as for North Zone.......... .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 10-Dec. 22................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Canada Geese: Unit 1.................................... Oct. 1-Dec. 16.................. 8 24 Unit 2.................................... Nov. 2-Feb. 14.................. 4 12 Unit 3.................................... Oct. 17-Dec. 20 &............... 4 12 Jan. 9-Jan. 17.................. 4 12 White-fronted Geese........................... Sept. 26-Dec. 20................ 2 6 Light Geese................................... Sept. 26-Dec. 20................ 50 .............. Texas Ducks (6)..................................... ................................ 6 18 High Plains............................... Oct. 31-Nov. 1 & Nov. 6-Jan. 31. .............. .............. Low Plains: North Zone............................ Nov. 7-Nov. 29 & Dec. 12-Jan. 31 .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 31-Nov. 29 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 12-Jan. 24................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese: East Tier: South Zone............................ Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 5 15 North Zone............................ Same as South Zone.............. 5 15 West Tier (7)............................. Oct. 31-Jan. 31................. 5 15 Light Geese: East Tier: South Zone............................ Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 20 .............. North Zone............................ Same as South Zone.............. 20 .............. West Tier................................. Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 .............. Wyoming Ducks (2)(8).................................. ................................ 6 18 Zone C1................................... Oct. 3-Oct. 21 & Oct. 31-Jan. 16 .............. .............. Zone C2................................... Sept. 26-Dec. 6 & Dec. 12-Jan. 5 .............. .............. Zone C3................................... Same as Zone C2................. .............. .............. Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 15 Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 45 Dark Geese: Zone G1A (8).............................. Oct. 3-Oct. 21 &................ 2 6 Nov. 21-Feb. 14................. 4 12 Zone G1................................... Oct. 3-Oct. 21 &................ 5 15 Oct. 31-Nov. 29 &............... 5 15 Dec. 5-Jan. 29.................. 5 15 Zone G2................................... Sept. 26-Dec. 6 &............... 5 15 Dec. 12-Jan. 13................. 5 15 Zone G3................................... Same as Zone G2................. 5 15 Light Geese................................... Oct. 3-Dec. 31 &................ 10 30 Jan. 31-Feb. 14................. 10 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Kansas, dark geese includes Canada geese, brant, and all other geese except white-fronted geese and light geese. (2) In Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, during the first 16 days of the duck season, the daily bag and possession limit may include 2 and 6 additional blue-winged teal, respectively. (3) In New Mexico, Mexican-like ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards. (4) In New Mexico, the season for dark geese is closed in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Sierra, and Valencia Counties. In the Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit, a limited season is established. See State regulations for additional information. (5) In North Dakota, see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions. (6) In Texas, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 3 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 2 pintails, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, Mexican- like duck, black duck and their hybrids). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season in all zones. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. (7) In Texas, the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate and may include no more than 2 white- fronted geese. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits. (8) See State regulations for additional restrictions. [[Page 58184]] PACIFIC FLYWAY Flyway-wide Restrictions Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 7 ducks (including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 2 pintails, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 canvasbacks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona Ducks (1)..................................... ................................ 7 21 North Zone: Scaup................................. Oct. 17-Jan. 10................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 2-Jan. 10.................. 7 21 South Zone: Scaup................................. Oct. 31-Jan. 24................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 7 21 Coots and Moorhens............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Dark Geese: North Zone................................ Oct. 2[dash]Jan. 10............. 4 12 South Zone................................ Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 4 12 Light Geese................................... Same as for Dark geese.......... 10 30 California Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Northeastern Zone: Scaup................................. Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 3 9 Dec. 26-Jan. 22................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 10-Jan. 22................. 7 21 Colorado River Zone: Scaup................................. Oct. 31-Jan. 24................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 7 21 Southern Zone: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 7 21 Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 7 21 Balance of State Zone: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 7 21 Coots and Moorhens............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25 Canada Geese (2)(3): Northeastern Zone (4)..................... Oct. 10-Jan. 17................. 10 30 Colorado River Zone....................... Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 4 12 Southern Zone............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Balance of State Zone..................... Oct. 3-Oct. 7 &................. 10 30 Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 10 30 North Coast Special Management Area....... Nov. 8-Jan. 31 &................ 10 30 Feb. 20-Mar. 10................. 10 30 White-fronted Geese (2): Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 10-Jan. 17 &............... 10 30 Mar. 6-Mar.10................... 10 30 Colorado River Zone....................... Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 4 12 Southern Zone............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Balance of State Zone..................... Oct. 24-Jan. 31 &............... 10 30 Feb. 13-Feb. 17................. 10 30 Sacramento Valley Special Management Area. Oct. 24-Dec. 21................. 3 9 Light Geese: Northeastern Zone......................... Nov. 7-Jan. 17 &................ 15 45 Feb. 7-Mar.10................... 15 45 Colorado River Zone....................... Oct. 16-Jan. 24................. 10 30 Southern Zone............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 15 45 Imperial County Special Management Area... Nov. 7-Jan. 31 &................ 15 45 Feb. 6-Feb. 21.................. 15 45 Balance of State Zone..................... Oct. 24-Jan. 31 &............... 15 45 Feb. 13-Feb. 17................. 15 45 Brant: Northern Zone............................. Nov. 8-Dec. 14.................. 2 6 Balance of State Zone..................... Nov. 9-Dec. 15.................. 2 6 Colorado Ducks: 7 21 Scaup..................................... Sept. 26-Oct. 14 &.............. 3 9 Oct. 31-Jan. 5.................. 3 9 Other Ducks............................... Sept. 26-Oct. 14 &.............. 7 21 Oct. 31-Jan. 24................. 7 21 [[Page 58185]] Coots..................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Dark Geese................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 5 &............... 4 12 Oct. 31-Jan. 24................. 4 12 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Idaho Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Zone 1: Scaup................................. Oct. 24-Jan. 15................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 7 21 Zone 2: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 29.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. 7 21 Zone 3: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 29.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. 7 21 Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese and Brant: Zone 1.................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 4 12 Zone 2.................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. 4 12 Zone 3.................................... Same as Zone 2.................. 4 12 Zone 4.................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 14................. 4 12 White-fronted Geese: Zone 1.................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 10 30 Zone 2.................................... Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. 10 30 Zone 3.................................... Nov. 9-Feb. 21.................. 10 30 Light Geese: Zone 1.................................... Oct. 3-Jan. 15.................. 20 60 Zone 2.................................... Oct. 30-Jan. 15 &............... 20 60 Feb. 13-Mar. 10................. 20 60 Zone 3.................................... Nov. 27-Mar. 10................. 20 60 Zone 4 (5)................................ Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. 20 60 Montana Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Scaup..................................... Oct. 3-Dec. 27.................. 3 9 Other Ducks............................... Oct. 3-Jan. 10 &................ 7 21 Jan. 16-Jan. 20................. 7 21 Coots..................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25 Dark Geese (6)............................ Oct. 3-Jan. 10 &................ 4 12 Jan. 16-Jan. 20................. 4 12 Light Geese (6)........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 20 60 Nevada Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Northeast Zone: Scaup................................. Sept. 26-Oct. 25 &.............. 3 9 Oct. 28-Dec. 22................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Sept. 26-Oct. 25 &.............. 7 21 Oct. 28-Jan. 10................. 7 21 Northwest Zone: Scaup................................. Oct. 31-Jan. 24................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 10-Oct. 25 &............... 7 21 Oct. 28-Jan. 24................. 7 21 South Zone (7):........................... Same as Northwest Zone.......... 7 21 Coots and Moorhens........................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese and Brant: Northeast Zone............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 4 12 Northwest Zone............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 4 12 South Zone (7)............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 4 12 White-fronted Geese: Northeast Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Northwest Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 South Zone (7)............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Light Geese (8): Northeast Zone............................ Oct. 31-Jan. 24 &............... 20 60 Feb. 20-Mar. 9.................. 20 60 Northwest Zone............................ Oct. 31-Jan. 24 &............... 20 60 Feb. 20-Mar. 9.................. 20 60 South Zone (7)............................ Oct. 10-Oct. 25 &............... 20 60 Oct. 28-Jan. 24................. 20 60 New Mexico Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Scaup..................................... Oct. 10-Jan. 3.................. 3 9 Other Ducks............................... Oct. 10-Jan. 22................. 7 21 [[Page 58186]] Coots and Moorhens........................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese and Brant: North Zone................................ Sept. 26-Oct. 11 &.............. 3 9 Oct. 24-Jan. 22................. 3 9 South Zone................................ Oct. 10-Jan. 24................. 3 9 White-fronted Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 South Zone................................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Light Geese: North Zone................................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 20 60 South Zone................................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 20 60 Oregon Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Zone 1: Columbia Basin Unit: Scaup............................. Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Other Ducks....................... Oct. 17-Nov. 1 &................ 7 21 Nov. 4-Jan. 31.................. 7 21 Rest of Zone 1........................ Same as Columbia Basin Unit..... Zone 2: Scaup................................. Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 3 9 Dec. 9-Jan. 5................... 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 7 21 Dec. 9-Jan. 24.................. 7 21 Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese: Northwest Permit Zone (9) (10)............ Oct. 24-Nov. 1 &................ 4 12 Nov. 21-Jan. 12 &............... 4 12 Feb. 6-Mar. 10.................. 4 12 Tillamook County Management Area.......... Closed.......................... -- -- Southwest Zone............................ Oct. 17-Nov. 1 &................ 4 12 Nov. 8-Jan. 31.................. 4 12 South Coast Zone.......................... Oct. 3-Nov. 29 & Dec. 19-Jan. 14 6 18 & Feb. 20-Mar. 10. Eastern Zone.............................. Oct. 17-Nov. 1 &................ 4 12 Nov. 8-Jan. 31.................. 4 12 Klamath County Zone....................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 4 12 Dec. 20-Jan. 31................. 4 12 Harney and Lake County Zone............... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 4 12 Dec. 20-Jan. 31................. 4 12 Malheur County Zone....................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 4 12 Dec. 20-Jan. 31................. 4 12 White-fronted Geese: Northwest Permit Zone (9)................. Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Tillamook County Management Area.......... Closed.......................... .............. .............. Southwest Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 South Coast Zone.......................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Eastern Zone.............................. Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Klamath County Zone....................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 10 30 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 10 30 Harney and Lake County Zone: Lake County........................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 1 3 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 1 3 Harney County......................... Same as for Lake County......... 10 30 Malheur County Zone....................... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 10 30 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 10 30 Light Geese: Northwest Permit Zone (9)................. Same as for Canada Geese........ 6 18 Tillamook County Management Area.......... Closed.......................... -- -- Southwest Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 6 18 South Coast Zone.......................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 6 18 Eastern Zone.............................. Same as for Canada Geese........ 6 18 Klamath County Zone (11).................. Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 6 18 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 6 18 Harney and Lake County Zone (11).......... Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 6 18 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 6 18 Malheur County Zone (11).................. Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &................ 6 18 Jan. 24-Mar. 10................. 6 18 Brant......................................... Nov. 28-Dec. 13................. 2 6 Utah Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Zone 1: [[Page 58187]] Scaup................................. Oct. 3-Dec. 27.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 3-Jan. 16.................. 7 21 Zone 2: Scaup................................. Same as Zone 1.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Same as Zone 1.................. 7 21 Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese and Brant: Northern Zone............................. Oct. 3-Jan. 16.................. 4 12 Wasatch Front Zone........................ Oct. 3-Oct. 15 &................ 4 12 Nov. 7-Feb. 7................... 4 12 Washington County Zone.................... Oct. 3-Oct. 15 &................ 4 12 Nov. 7-Feb. 7................... 4 12 Balance of State Zone..................... Oct. 3-Oct. 15 &................ 4 12 Oct. 24-Jan. 24................. 4 12 White-fronted Geese: Northern Zone............................. Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Wasatch Front Zone........................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Washington County Zone.................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Balance of State Zone..................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 10 30 Light Geese: Northern Zone............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 16 &............... 20 60 Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 20 60 Wasatch Front Zone........................ Nov. 3- Feb. 7 &................ 20 60 Mar. 1-Mar. 10.................. 20 60 Washington County Zone.................... Same as for Wasatch County Zone. 20 60 Balance of State Zone..................... Same as for Wasatch County Zone. 20 60 Washington Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 East Zone: Scaup................................. Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Oct. 17-Oct 21 & Oct. 24-Jan. 31 7 21 7 21 West Zone (12)............................ Same as East Zone............... Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 75 Canada Geese (13): Management Area 1 (14).................... Oct. 17-Oct. 29 &............... 4 12 Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 4 12 Management Area 2A (15) (16).............. Nov. 14-Dec. 6 &................ 4 12 Dec. 16-Jan. 31 &............... 4 12 Feb. 10-Mar. 9.................. 4 12 Management Area 2B (15) (16).............. Oct. 17-Oct. 25 &............... 4 12 Nov. 14-Jan. 10 &............... 4 12 Feb. 14-Mar. 9.................. 4 12 Management Area 3 (14).................... Oct. 17-Oct. 29 &............... 4 12 Nov. 7-Jan. 31.................. 4 12 Management Area 4 (14).................... Oct. 17-Oct. 18 &............... 4 12 Oct. 21 &....................... 4 12 Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 4 12 Management Area 5 (14).................... Oct. 17-Oct. 19 &............... 4 12 Oct. 24-Jan. 31................. 4 12 White-fronted Geese (13): Management Area 1 (14).................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 4 12 Management Area 2A (15)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 2B (15)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Areas 3 (14)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 4 (14).................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 5 (14).................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Light Geese (13): Management Area 1 (14).................... Oct. 17-Jan. 31................. 4 12 Management Area 2A (15)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 2B (15)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Areas 3 (14)................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 4 (14).................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Management Area 5 (14).................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 4 12 Brant (17): Skagit County............................. Jan. 9-Jan. 24.................. 2 6 Pacific County............................ Jan. 2-Jan. 17.................. 2 6 Wyoming Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 21 Snake River Zone: Scaup................................. Sept. 26-Dec. 20................ 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Sept. 26-Jan. 8................. 7 21 [[Page 58188]] Balance of State Zone: Scaup................................. Sept. 26-Dec. 20................ 3 9 Other Ducks........................... Sept. 26-Jan. 8................. 7 21 Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 15 45 Dark Geese.................................... Sept. 26-Dec. 31................ 3 9 Light Geese................................... Closed.......................... .............. .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Arizona, the daily bag limit may include no more than either 2 hen mallards or 2 Mexican-like ducks, or 1 of each; and not more than 6 hen mallards and Mexican-like ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession. (2) In California, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate. (3) In California, small Canada geese are Cackling and Aleutian Canada geese, and large Canada geese are Western and Lesser Canada geese. (4) In California, in the Northeastern Zone, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 large Canada geese. (5) In Idaho, the season on light geese is closed in Fremont and Teton Counties. (6) In Montana, check State regulations for special seasons and exceptions in Freezeout Lake WMA; Canyon Ferry; Flathead; and Deer Lodge County. (7) In Nevada, the seasons for all ducks, geese, coots, and moorhens in that portion of the South Zone including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers are only open October 31 through January 24. In addition, youth 15 years of age or younger are allowed to hunt on October 17 on the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area. Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age. (8) In Nevada, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties. In addition, the season is closed in Kirch WMA, Mason Valley WMA, and Scripps WMA and Washoe State Park from February 20 to March 9. (9) In Oregon, in the Northwest Permit Zone, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures. (10) In Oregon, in the Northwest Permit Zone, the season for Dusky Canada geese is closed. (11) In Oregon, in the Klamath County, the Harney and Lake County, and the Malhuer County Zones, during February 1 through March 10, the daily bag limit for light geese is 20. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. (12) In Washington, the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit three times the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession limit, and the season limit, for harlequins is 1. (13) In Washington, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or light geese, singly or in the aggregate. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. (14) In Washington, in State Management Area 4, hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain holidays. In State Management Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is allowed everyday. See State regulations for details, including shooting hours. (15) In Washington, in Management Areas 2A and 2B, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures. (16) In Washington, in Management Areas 2A and 2B, the season for Dusky Canada geese is closed. (17) In Washington, brant may be hunted in Skagit and Pacific Counties only; see State regulations for specific dates. (f) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth hunters must be accompanied into the field by an adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons. Definition Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season dates ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY Connecticut.................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots...... Oct. 3 & Oct. 31. * * * * * * * Florida........................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and Feb. 6 & 7. geese. * * * * * * * Maryland (1)(9)................ Ducks, coots, light geese, Canada geese, Nov. 7 & Feb. 6. sea ducks, and brant. Massachusetts.................. Ducks, mergansers, coots, and geese...... Sept. 26 & Oct. 10. * * * * * * * New Jersey..................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, ................................ moorhens, and gallinules North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 3 & Oct. 31. South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 10 & Nov. 7. Coastal Zone............... ......................................... Nov. 7 & Feb. 13. * * * * * * * North Carolina................. Ducks, mergansers, geese (10), brant, Feb. 6 & Feb. 13. tundra swans (11), and coots. Pennsylvania................... Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese, coots, ................................ and moorhens North Zone................. ......................................... Sept. 19 & 26. South Zone................. ......................................... Sept. 19 & Nov. 7. Northwest Zone............. ......................................... Sept. 19 & 26. Lake Erie Zone............. ......................................... Sept. 19 & Oct. 17. * * * * * * * South Carolina................. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots...... Feb. 6 & 13. [[Page 58189]] * * * * * * * Virginia....................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, tundra swans Oct. 24 & Feb. 6. (11), and Canada geese (12). * * * * * * * MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY ......................................... * * * * * * * Arkansas....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Dec. 5 & Feb. 6. moorhens, and gallinules. Illinois....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots ................................ North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 10 & 11. Central Zone............... ......................................... Oct. 17 & 18. South Central Zone......... ......................................... Nov. 7 & 8. South Zone................. ......................................... Nov. 14 & 15. Indiana........................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and geese North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 17 & 18. Central Zone............... ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. Iowa........................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots ................................ North Zone......................... ......................................... Sept. 26 & 27. Missouri River Zone........ ......................................... Oct. 17 & 18. South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 10 & 11. * * * * * * * Louisiana...................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and geese West Zone.................. ......................................... Nov. 7 & Jan. 30. East Zone.................. ......................................... Nov. 14 & Feb. 6. Coastal Zone............... ......................................... Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. * * * * * * * Mississippi.................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Nov. 21 & Feb. 6. gallinules, and geese. Missouri....................... Ducks, coots, mergansers, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and geese North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. Middle Zone................ ......................................... Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. South Zone................. ......................................... Nov. 21 & 22. Ohio........................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and geese Lake Erie Marsh............ ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. South Zone..................... ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. Tennessee...................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and geese Reelfoot Zone.............. ......................................... Feb. 6 & 13. Remainder of State......... ......................................... Feb. 6 & 13. * * * * * * * CENTRAL FLYWAY * * * * * * * Kansas (4)..................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots ................................ High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. Low Plains: Early Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. Late Zone.............. ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. Southeast Zone......... ......................................... Nov. 7 & 8. * * * * * * * Nebraska....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots ................................ Zone 1..................... ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. Zone 2..................... ......................................... Sept. 26 & 27. Zone 3..................... ......................................... Oct. 17 & 18. Zone 4..................... ......................................... Sept. 26 & 27. * * * * * * * Oklahoma....................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, and geese: ................................ High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 10 & 11. Low Plains: Zone 1................. ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. Zone 2................. ......................................... Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. * * * * * * * Texas.......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, moorhens, ................................ gallinules, and coots High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. Low Plains: North Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. South Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 24 & 25. [[Page 58190]] * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY ......................................... Arizona........................ Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and ................................ moorhens North Zone................. ......................................... Sept. 26 & 27. South Zone................. ......................................... Jan. 30 & 31. * * * * * * * Idaho.......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots ................................ Zone 1..................... ......................................... Sept. 26 & 27. Zones 2 & 3................ ......................................... Oct. 3 & 4. * * * * * * * Nevada......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and ................................ moorhens Northeast Zone............. ......................................... Sept. 12 & 13. Northwest Zone............. ......................................... Sept. 26 & Feb. 6. South Zone................. ......................................... Feb. 6 & 7. * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) InMaryland, youth hunter(s) must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old and who possesses a current Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirement. The adult accompanying the youth hunter(s) may not possess a hunting weapon and may not participate in other seasons that are open on the youth days. * * * * * * * (4) InKansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt waterfowl. * * * * * * * (9) InMaryland, the bag limit for Canada geese is 2 in the AP Zone and 5 in the RP Zone. (10) InNorth Carolina, the daily bag limit in the Northeast Hunt Zone may not include dark geese except by permit. (11) InNorth Carolina and Virginia, the daily bag limit may not include tundra swans except by permit. (12) InVirginia, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 2. 0 4. Further amend Sec. 20.106, as published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR 52645), by: 0 a. Revising the introductory paragraphs; 0 b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table; 0 c. Revising footnote (1) following the table; and 0 d. Adding footnote (7) following the table. The revisions and additions read as follows: Sec. 20.106 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 28, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51402). Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * * * * * * * Tennessee (1)(7).......................... Nov. 28-Jan. 1.................. 3 3 CENTRAL FLYWAY * * * * * * * Oklahoma (1).............................. Oct. 24-Jan. 24................. 3 9 * * * * * * * Texas (1): Zone A................................ Oct. 31-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Zone B................................ Nov. 20-Jan. 31................. 3 9 Zone C................................ Dec. 19-Jan. 24................. 2 6 [[Page 58191]] * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting. * * * * * * * (7) In Tennessee, the shooting hours are from sunrise to 3 p.m. * * * * * 0 5. Section 20.107 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.107 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for swans. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Hunting is by State permit only. 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 swans at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS. Note: Successful permittees must immediately validate their harvest by that method required in State regulations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season dates Limits ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY ....................... ................................................ North Carolina................... Nov. 7-Jan. 30......... 1 tundra swan per season. Virginia......................... Nov. 18-Jan 31......... 1 tundra swan per season. CENTRAL FLYWAY (1) Montana.......................... Oct. 3-Jan. 7.......... 1 tundra swan per season. North Dakota..................... Oct. 3-Jan. 3.......... 1 tundra swan per season. South Dakota..................... Oct. 3-Dec. 20......... 1 tundra swan per permit. PACIFIC FLYWAY (1) Montana (2)...................... Oct. 10-Dec. 1......... 1 swan per season. Nevada (3)(4).................... Oct. 10-Jan. 3......... 2 swans per season. Utah (4)(5)...................... Oct. 3-Dec. 13......... 1 swan per season. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting. (2) In Montana, all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest. (3) In Nevada, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 5 days of harvest. (4) Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 5 in Nevada and 10 in Utah. When it has been determined that the quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah will have been filled, the season for taking of any swan species in the respective State will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary. (5) In Utah, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest. 0 6. Further amend Sec. 20.109, as published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR 52645), by: 0 a. Revising the introductory paragraphs; 0 b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table; 0 c. Revising footnote (2) following the table; and 0 d. Adding footnotes (5), (6), and (7) following the table. The revisions and additions read as follows: Sec. 20.109 Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015 (80 FR 51090) and August 25, 2015 (80 FR 51658) Federal Register. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS. Limits: The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory game birds, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons, unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks within the special sea duck areas. Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State regulations for details. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 52645). [[Page 58192]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extended falconry dates ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY Delaware * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Feb. 1-Mar. 5. Brant............................... Nov. 23-Dec. 21 & Feb. 1-Mar. 5. Florida * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, light geese, and Nov. 3-Nov. 12 & Feb. 8-Mar. 4. coots. * * * * * * * Maine Ducks, mergansers, and coots (5): North Zone...................... Dec. 15-Feb. 4. South & Coastal Zones........... Jan. 8-Feb. 29. Maryland * * * * * * * Ducks............................... Feb. 2-Mar. 10. Brant............................... Feb. 1-Mar. 10. Light Geese......................... Feb. 25-Mar. 10. Massachusetts Ducks, mergansers, sea ducks, and Feb. 1-Feb. 4. coots New Hampshire Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Northern Zone................... Dec. 11-Jan. 24. Inland Zone..................... Nov. 2-Nov. 14 & Dec. 24-Jan. 24. Coastal Zone.................... Jan. 26-Mar. 10. New Jersey Woodcock: North Zone...................... Oct. 1-Oct. 16 & Nov. 22-Jan. 15. South Zone...................... Oct. 1-Nov. 6 & Nov. 29-Dec. 18 & Jan. 2-Jan. 15. Ducks, mergansers, coots, and brant: North Zone...................... Jan. 19-Mar. 10. South Zone...................... Jan. 19-Mar. 10. Coastal Zone.................... Jan. 31-Mar. 10. New York .................................................................. Ducks, mergansers and coots: Long Island Zone................ Nov. 1-Nov. 25 & Nov. 30-Dec. 6 & Feb. 1-Feb. 13. Northeastern Zone............... Oct. 1-Oct. 2 & Oct. 12-Oct. 23 & Dec. 14-Jan. 13. Southeastern Zone............... Oct. 1-Oct. 9 & Oct. 19-Nov. 6 & Dec. 28-Jan. 13. Western Zone.................... Oct. 1-Oct. 23 & Dec. 7-Dec. 25 & Jan. 11-Jan. 13. North Carolina * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers and coots......... Oct. 26-Nov. 7 & Feb. 1-Feb. 20. Pennsylvania * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots: North Zone...................... Nov. 30-Dec. 18 & Feb. 8-Mar. 10. South Zone...................... Oct. 26-Nov. 13 & Feb. 8-Mar. 10. Northwest Zone Dec. 14-Dec. 28 & Feb. 3-Mar. 10. Lake Erie Zone Jan. 19-Mar. 10. Canada Geese: SJBP Zone....................... Mar. 4-Mar. 10. AP Zone......................... Feb. 1-Mar. 10. RP Zone......................... Mar. 7-Mar. 10. South Carolina Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Nov. 1-Nov. 20 & Feb. 1-Feb. 11. Virginia * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Nov. 30-Dec. 18 & Feb. 1-Feb. 12. Canada Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone............... Nov. 18-Nov. 23 & Feb. 1-Feb. 24. Western (SJBP) Zone............. Feb. 16-Feb. 24. Brant............................... Oct. 17-Jan. 1. [[Page 58193]] MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY Arkansas Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Feb. 1-Feb. 15. Illinois * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Feb. 10-Mar. 10. Indiana * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots: North Zone...................... Sept. 27-Sept. 30 & Feb. 15-Mar. 10. Central Zone.................... Oct. 24-Oct. 30 & Feb. 18-Mar. 10. South Zone...................... Oct. 24-Oct. 30 & Feb. 18-Mar. 10. Iowa Ducks, mergansers, and coots: North Zone...................... Dec. 15-Jan. 12. Missouri River Zone............. Dec. 19-Jan. 16. South Zone...................... Dec. 15-Jan. 12. Kentucky Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Nov. 5-Nov. 25 & Nov. 30-Dec. 6. Canada geese, white-fronted geese, Nov. 5-Nov. 25. light geese, and brant. Louisiana * * * * * * * Rails and moorhens.................. Nov. 4-Nov. 6 & Dec. 31-Jan. 31. Ducks: West Zone....................... Nov. 4-Nov. 13 & Dec. 7-Dec. 18 & Jan. 25-Jan. 31. East Zone....................... Nov. 4-Nov. 20 & Dec. 7-Dec. 18. Coastal Zone.................... Nov. 4-Nov. 6 & Dec. 7-Dec. 18 & Jan. 18-Jan. 31. Michigan Ducks, mergansers, coots, and Dec. 28-Jan. 21 & Mar. 1-Mar. 10. moorhens. Minnesota * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Dec. 12-Jan. 26. and gallinules. Mississippi Doves............................... Nov. 16-Nov. 24 & Jan. 16-Jan. 23. Ducks, mergansers and coots......... Feb. 7-Mar. 6. Missouri * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 12-Sept. 27 & Feb. 11-Mar. 10. Ohio Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Feb. 20-Mar. 5. Geese............................... Feb. 20-Mar. 5. * * * * * * * Wisconsin Rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules: North Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25 & Nov. 25-Dec. 16. South Zone...................... Sept. 1-Oct. 2 & Oct. 12-Oct. 16 & Dec. 7-Dec. 16. Mississippi River Zone.......... Sept. 1-Oct. 2 & Oct. 10-Oct. 16 & Dec. 9-Dec. 16. Woodcock............................ Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Nov. 3-Dec. 16. Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 19-Sept. 20 & Jan. 8-Feb. 21. CENTRAL FLYWAY Kansas Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Low Plains...................... Feb. 25-Mar. 10. Montana (2) Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 23-Oct. 2. Nebraska Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Zone 1.......................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10. Zone 2: Low Plains.................. Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10. High Plains................. Sept. 12-Sept. 20. Zone 3: Low Plains.................. Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10. High Plains................. Sept. 12-Sept. 20. [[Page 58194]] Zone 4 Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10. * * * * * * * Oklahoma Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Low Plains...................... Feb. 15-Feb. 29. South Dakota Ducks, mergansers, and coots: High Plains..................... Oct. 2-Oct. 9. Low Plains: North Zone.................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25 & Dec. 9-Dec. 16. Middle Zone................. Sept. 1-Sept. 25 & Dec. 9-Dec. 16. South Zone.................. Sept. 15-Oct. 9 & Dec. 23-Dec. 30. Texas * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Low Plains...................... Feb. 1-Feb. 14. * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY Arizona * * * * * * * Ducks and mergansers: North Zone...................... Jan. 24-Jan. 27. South Zone...................... Sept. 27-Sept. 30. California Ducks, mergansers, and coots: Colorado River Zone............. Jan. 25-Jan. 28. Southern Zone................... Feb. 1-Feb. 5. Canada Geese and White-fronted Geese: Northeastern Zone (6)........... Jan. 18-Jan. 22. Colorado River Zone............. Jan. 25-Jan. 28. Southern Zone (7)............... Feb. 1-Feb. 5. Light Geese: Colorado River Zone............. Jan. 25-Jan. 28. Southern Zone (7)............... Feb. 1-Feb. 4. * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * (2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6. * * * * * * * (5) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limits for black ducks are 1 and 3, respectively. (6) In California, in the Northeastern Zone, there is no extended falconry season for white-fronted geese. (7) In California, in the Imperial County Special Management Area, there is no extended falconry season. [FR Doc. 2015-24166 Filed 9-24-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![58166 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR requiring attention. Therefore, it is officials selected late-season hunting
important to note that we omit those dates, hours, areas, and limits for 2015–
Fish and Wildlife Service items requiring no attention, and 16 in a late September 2015, Federal
remaining numbered items appear Register.
50 CFR Part 20 discontinuous and incomplete. The final rule described here is the
On June 11, 2015, we published in the
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064; final in the series of proposed,
FF09M21200–156–FXMB1231099BPP0] Federal Register (80 FR 33223) a second
document providing supplemental supplemental, and final rulemaking
RIN 1018–BA67 proposals for early- and late-season documents for migratory game bird
migratory bird hunting regulations. The hunting regulations for 2015–16 and
Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons June 11 supplement also provided deals specifically with amending
and Bag and Possession Limits for detailed information on the proposed subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets
Certain Migratory Game Birds 2015–16 regulatory schedule and hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, announced the Service Regulations for species subject to late-season
Interior. Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council regulations and those for early seasons
meetings. that States previously deferred.
ACTION: Final rule.
On June 24–25, 2015, we held open This final rule is the culmination of
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the meetings with the Flyway Council the rulemaking process for the migratory
hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily Consultants, at which the participants game bird hunting seasons, which
bag and possession limits for general reviewed information on the current started with the April 13 proposed rule.
waterfowl seasons and those early status of migratory shore and upland As discussed elsewhere in this
seasons for which States previously game birds and developed document, we supplemented that
deferred selection. Taking of migratory recommendations for the 2015–16 proposal on June 11 and August 25, and
birds is prohibited unless specifically regulations for these species plus
published final late season frameworks
provided for by annual regulations. This regulations for migratory game birds in
in a late September Federal Register
rule permits the taking of designated Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
that provided the season selection
species during the 2015–16 season. Islands; special September waterfowl
seasons in designated States; special sea criteria from which the States selected
DATES: This rule is effective on these seasons. This final rule sets the
September 26, 2015. duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway;
and extended falconry seasons. In migratory game bird late hunting
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments seasons based on that input from the
addition, we reviewed and discussed
received on the migratory bird hunting States. We previously addressed all
preliminary information on the status of
regulations during normal business comments pertaining to late season
waterfowl as it relates to the
hours at the Service’s office at 5275 development and selection of the issues in that late September Federal
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. regulatory packages for the 2015–16 Register.
You may obtain copies of referenced regular waterfowl seasons. On July 21,
reports from the street address above, or National Environmental Policy Act
2015, we published in the Federal (NEPA)
from the Division of Migratory Bird Register (80 FR 43266) a third document
Management’s Web site at http:// specifically dealing with the proposed The programmatic document,
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at frameworks for early-season regulations.
http://www.regulations.gov at Docket ‘‘Second Final Supplemental
On July 29–30, 2015, we held open Environmental Impact Statement:
No. FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. meetings with the Flyway Council Issuance of Annual Regulations
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Consultants, at which the participants Permitting the Sport Hunting of
W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird reviewed the status of waterfowl and Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),’’ filed
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife developed recommendations for the with the Environmental Protection
Service, (703) 358–1714. 2015–16 regulations for these species. Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 21, 2015, we published in
addresses NEPA compliance by the
the Federal Register (80 FR 51090) a
Regulations Schedule for 2015 Service for issuance of the annual
final rule which contained final
On April 13, 2015, we published in framework regulations for hunting of
frameworks for early migratory bird
the Federal Register (80 FR 19852) a hunting seasons from which wildlife migratory game bird species. We
proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The conservation agency officials from the published a notice of availability in the
proposal provided a background and States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78
overview of the migratory bird hunting Islands selected early-season hunting FR 32686), and our Record of Decision
regulations process, and addressed the dates, hours, areas, and limits. on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also
establishment of seasons, limits, and Subsequently, on September 1, 2015, we address NEPA compliance for waterfowl
other regulations for hunting migratory published a final rule in the Federal hunting frameworks through the annual
game birds under §§ 20.101 through Register (80 FR 52645) amending preparation of separate environmental
20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set assessments, the most recent being
Major steps in the 2015–16 regulatory hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits ‘‘Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015–
cycle relating to open public meetings for early seasons. 16,’’ with its corresponding August 2015
and Federal Register notifications were On August 25, 2015, we published in finding of no significant impact. In
also identified in the April 13 proposed the Federal Register (80 FR 51658) the addition, an August 1985 environmental
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rule. Further, we explained that all proposed frameworks for the 2015–16 assessment entitled ‘‘Guidelines for
sections of subsequent documents late-season migratory bird hunting Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on
outlining hunting frameworks and regulations. We published final late- Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded
guidelines were organized under season frameworks for migratory game Lands’’ is available from the person
numbered headings and that subsequent bird hunting regulations, from which indicated under the caption FOR
documents refer only to numbered items State wildlife conservation agency FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58167
Endangered Species Act Consideration An updated economic analysis was will have an annual effect on the
Section 7 of the Endangered Species prepared for the 2013–14 season. This economy of $100 million or more.
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 analysis was based on data from the However, because this rule establishes
et seq.), provides that, ‘‘The Secretary newly released 2011 National Hunting hunting seasons, we are not deferring
shall review other programs and Fishing Survey, the most recent the effective date under the exemption
administered by him and utilize such year for which data are available (see contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
programs in furtherance of the purposes discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act
section below). This analysis estimated Paperwork Reduction Act
of this Act’’ (and) shall ‘‘insure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out consumer surplus for three alternatives This final rule does not contain any
* * * is not likely to jeopardize the for duck hunting (estimates for other new information collection that requires
species are not quantified due to lack of approval under the Paperwork
continued existence of any endangered
data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
species or threatened species or result in
restrictive regulations allowing fewer et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor
the destruction or adverse modification
days than those issued during the 2012– and you are not required to respond to
of [critical] habitat. * * *.’’
13 season, (2) issue moderate a collection of information unless it
Consequently, we conducted formal
regulations allowing more days than displays a currently valid Office of
consultations to ensure that actions
those in alternative 1, and (3) issue Management and Budget (OMB) control
resulting from these regulations would
liberal regulations identical to the number. OMB has reviewed and
not likely jeopardize the continued
regulations in the 2012–13 season. For approved the information collection
existence of endangered or threatened
the 2013–14 season, we chose requirements associated with migratory
species or result in the destruction or Alternative 3, with an estimated
adverse modification of their critical bird surveys and assigned the following
consumer surplus across all flyways of OMB control numbers:
habitat. Findings from these $317.8–$416.8 million. For the 2015–16
consultations are included in a • 1018–0019—North American
season, we have also chosen alternative Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
biological opinion, which concluded 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the
that the regulations are not likely to (expires 5/31/2018).
2009–10, the 2010–11, the 2011–12, the • 1018–0023—Migratory Bird
jeopardize the continued existence of 2012–13, and the 2014–15 seasons. The
any endangered or threatened species. Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes
2013–14 analysis is part of the record
Additionally, these findings may have Migratory Bird Harvest Information
for this rule and is available at http://
caused modification of some regulatory Program, Migratory Bird Hunter
www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
measures previously proposed, and the Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and
FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064.
final regulations reflect any such Parts Collection Survey.
modifications. Our biological opinions Regulatory Flexibility Act
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
resulting from this section 7 The annual migratory bird hunting
consultation are public documents regulations have a significant economic We have determined and certify, in
available at the address indicated under impact on substantial numbers of small compliance with the requirements of the
ADDRESSES. entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking
Regulatory Planning and Review will not impose a cost of $100 million
(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) the economic impacts of the annual
hunting regulations on small business or more in any given year on local or
Executive Order 12866 provides that entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost- State government or private entities.
the Office of Information and Regulatory benefit analysis. This analysis was Therefore, this rule is not a ‘‘significant
Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant revised annually from 1990–95. In 1995, regulatory action’’ under the Unfunded
rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and the Service issued a Small Entity Mandates Reform Act.
has determined that this rule is Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order
significant because it would have an was subsequently updated in 1996, 12988
annual effect of $100 million or more on 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The
the economy. Executive Order 13563 primary source of information about The Department, in promulgating this
reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 hunter expenditures for migratory game rule, has determined that this rule will
while calling for improvements in the bird hunting is the National Hunting not unduly burden the judicial system
nation’s regulatory system to promote and Fishing Survey, which is conducted and that it meets the requirements of
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, at 5-year intervals. The 2013 Analysis sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive
and to use the best, most innovative, was based on the 2011 National Hunting Order 12988.
and least burdensome tools for and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Takings Implication Assessment
achieving regulatory ends. The Department of Commerce’s County
executive order directs agencies to Business Patterns, from which it was In accordance with Executive Order
consider regulatory approaches that estimated that migratory bird hunters 12630, this rule, authorized by the
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility would spend approximately $1.5 billion Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C.
and freedom of choice for the public at small businesses in 2013. Copies of 703–711), does not have significant
where these approaches are relevant, the Analysis are available at http:// takings implications and does not affect
feasible, and consistent with regulatory www.regulations.gov at Docket No. any constitutionally protected property
objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes FWS–HQ–MB–2014–0064. rights. This rule will not result in the
further that regulations must be based physical occupancy of property, the
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on the best available science and that Small Business Regulatory Enforcement physical invasion of property, or the
the rulemaking process must allow for Fairness Act regulatory taking of any property. In
public participation and an open This rule is a major rule under 5 fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise
exchange of ideas. We have developed U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business otherwise unavailable privileges and,
this rule in a manner consistent with Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. therefore, reduces restrictions on the use
these requirements. For the reasons outlined above, this rule of private and public property.
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![58168 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211 these regulations do not have significant B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of
Executive Order 13211 requires federalism effects and do not have Federal Regulations is amended as
agencies to prepare Statements of sufficient federalism implications to follows:
Energy Effects when undertaking certain warrant the preparation of a federalism
summary impact statement. PART 20—[AMENDED]
actions. While this rule is a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order Review of Public Comments
12866, it is not expected to adversely ■ 1. The authority citation for part 20
The preliminary proposed rulemaking continues to read as follows:
affect energy supplies, distribution, or (April 13 Federal Register) opened the
use. Thus, this action is not a significant public comment period for 2015–16 Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40
energy action and no Statement of migratory game bird hunting Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703–712; Fish and
Energy Effects is required. regulations. We previously addressed all Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Public
comments pertaining to late season Law 106–108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following
Government-to-Government 16 U.S.C. 703.
Relationship With Tribes issues in a late September 2015, Federal
Register. Note: The following annual regulations
In accordance with the President’s provided for by §§ 20.104, 20.105, 20.106,
memorandum of April 29, 1994, Regulations Promulgation
20.107, and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not
‘‘Government-to-Government Relations The rulemaking process for migratory appear in the Code of Federal Regulations
with Native American Tribal game bird hunting must, by its nature, because of their seasonal nature.
Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive operate under severe time constraints.
Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have However, we intend that the public be ■ 2. Futher amend § 20.104, as
evaluated possible effects on Federally- given the greatest possible opportunity published on September 1, 2015 (80 FR
recognized Indian tribes and have to comment. Thus, when the 52645), by:
determined that there are no effects on preliminary proposed rulemaking was ■ a. Revising the introductory
Indian trust resources. However, in the published, we established what we paragraphs;
April 13 Federal Register, we solicited believed were the longest periods
proposals for special migratory bird possible for public comment. In doing ■ b. Adding entries for the following
hunting regulations for certain Tribes on this, we recognized that, when the States in alphabetical order to the table;
Federal Indian reservations, off- comment period closed, time would be ■ c. Revising footnotes (1), (2), and (6)
reservation trust lands, and ceded lands of the essence. That is, if there were a following the table;
for the 2015–16 migratory bird hunting delay in the effective date of these ■ d. Removing footnote (16) following
season. The resulting proposals were regulations after this final rulemaking,
the table; and
contained in a separate August 4, 2015, States would have insufficient time to
proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue select season dates and limits; to ■ e. Adding footnotes (20), (21), and (22)
of these actions, we have consulted with communicate those selections to us; and following the table.
Tribes. to establish and publicize the necessary The revisions and additions read as
regulations and procedures to follows:
Federalism Effects
implement their decisions. We find that
Due to the migratory nature of certain ‘‘good cause’’ exists, within the terms of § 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting
species of birds, the Federal 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative hours for rails, woodcock, and snipe.
Government has been given Procedure Act, and therefore, under Subject to the applicable provisions of
responsibility over these species by the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty the preceding sections of this part, areas
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 open to hunting, respective open
prescribe frameworks from which the U.S.C. 703–711), these regulations will seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and
States make selections regarding the take effect less than 30 days after hawking hours, and daily bag and
hunting of migratory birds, and we publication. Accordingly, with each possession limits for the species
employ guidelines to establish special conservation agency having had an designated in this section are prescribed
regulations on Federal Indian opportunity to participate in selecting as follows:
reservations and ceded lands. This the hunting seasons desired for its State
process preserves the ability of the or Territory on those species of Shooting and hawking hours are one–
States and tribes to determine which migratory birds for which open seasons half hour before sunrise until sunset,
seasons meet their individual needs. are now prescribed, and consideration except as otherwise restricted by State
Any State or Indian tribe may be more having been given to all other relevant regulations. Area descriptions were
restrictive than the Federal frameworks matters presented, certain sections of published in the August 21, 2015 (80 FR
at any time. The frameworks are title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, 51090) and August 25, 2015 (80 FR
developed in a cooperative process with subpart K, are hereby amended as set 51658), Federal Register.
the States and the Flyway Councils. forth below. CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR
This process allows States to participate List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND
in the development of frameworks from DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL
which they will make selections, Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY
thereby having an influence on their APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE
own regulations. These rules do not Transportation, Wildlife.
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND
have a substantial direct effect on fiscal Dated: September 16, 2015.
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FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
capacity, change the roles or Michael J. Bean,
responsibilities of Federal or State Principal Assistant Deputy Secretary for Fish Note: The following seasons are in addition
governments, or intrude on State policy and Wildlife and Parks. to the seasons published previously in the
or administration. Therefore, in For the reasons set out in the September 1, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR
accordance with Executive Order 13132, preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter 52645).
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![58194 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 186 / Friday, September 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Extended falconry dates
Zone 4 Sept. 5–Sept. 20 & Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
* * * * * * *
Oklahoma
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains .......................................................................................................................... Feb. 15–Feb. 29.
South Dakota
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
High Plains .......................................................................................................................... Oct. 2–Oct. 9.
Low Plains:
North Zone ................................................................................................................... Sept. 1–Sept. 25 & Dec. 9–Dec. 16.
Middle Zone ................................................................................................................. Sept. 1–Sept. 25 & Dec. 9–Dec. 16.
South Zone .................................................................................................................. Sept. 15–Oct. 9 & Dec. 23–Dec. 30.
Texas
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains .......................................................................................................................... Feb. 1–Feb. 14.
* * * * * * *
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona
* * * * * * *
Ducks and mergansers:
North Zone .......................................................................................................................... Jan. 24–Jan. 27.
South Zone ......................................................................................................................... Sept. 27–Sept. 30.
California
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Colorado River Zone .......................................................................................................... Jan. 25–Jan. 28.
Southern Zone .................................................................................................................... Feb. 1–Feb. 5.
Canada Geese and White-fronted Geese:
Northeastern Zone (6) ........................................................................................................ Jan. 18–Jan. 22.
Colorado River Zone .......................................................................................................... Jan. 25–Jan. 28.
Southern Zone (7) .............................................................................................................. Feb. 1–Feb. 5.
Light Geese:
Colorado River Zone .......................................................................................................... Jan. 25–Jan. 28.
Southern Zone (7) .............................................................................................................. Feb. 1–Feb. 4.
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
(2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
* * * * * * *
(5) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limits for black ducks are 1 and 3, respectively.
(6) In California, in the Northeastern Zone, there is no extended falconry season for white-fronted geese.
(7) In California, in the Imperial County Special Management Area, there is no extended falconry season.
[FR Doc. 2015–24166 Filed 9–24–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-26 10:19:59
Document Modified: 2018-02-26 10:19:59
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective on September 26, 2015. | |
| Contact | Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 58166 | |
| RIN Number | 1018-BA67 | |
| CFR Associated | Exports; Hunting; Imports; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Transportation and Wildlife |
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