2018-2019 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 32

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2018-0020; FXRS12610900000-189-FF09R20000]

RIN 1018-BC07

2018-2019 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to open 3 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) to hunting, open 1 NWR to sport fishing, increase the hunting activities available at 26 NWRs, increase sport fishing activities at 4 NWRs, and add pertinent refuge-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2018-2019 season. Through these openings and expansions, we are proposing to open or expand an additional 248,000 acres to hunting and sport fishing within the Refuge System resulting in an estimated increase of 17,575 user days yielding approximately $711,000 in recreation-related expenditures. By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures yield a total economic impact of approximately $1.6 million. We also request public comments on the changes we made in our 2017-2018 season final rule concerning adding regulations for upland and big game hunting for Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois.

DATES:

We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 28, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

•

Electronically:

Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal:

http://www.regulations.gov.

In the Search box, type in FWS-HQ-NWRS-2018-0020, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then click on the Search button. On the resulting screen, find the correct document and submit a comment by clicking on “Comment Now!”

•

By hard copy:

Submit by U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2018-0020; Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

We will not accept email or faxes. We will post all comments on

http://www.regulations.gov.

This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Comments, below, for more information). For information on specific refuges' public use programs and the conditions that apply to them or for copies of compatibility determinations for any refuge(s), contact individual programs at the addresses/phone numbers given in Available Information for Specific Refuges under

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Katherine Harrigan, (703) 358-2440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 closes NWRs in all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the use is compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System mission. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

We annually review refuge hunting and sport fishing programs to determine whether to include additional refuges or whether individual refuge regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant modifications to refuge-specific regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of refuge purposes or the Refuge System's mission.

Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part 32). We regulate hunting and sport fishing on refuges to:

• Ensure compatibility with refuge purpose(s);

• Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s);

• Protect other refuge values;

• Ensure refuge visitor safety; and

• Provide opportunities for quality fish- and wildlife-dependent recreation.

On many refuges where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On other refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined in the Statutory Authority section, below. We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we open wildlife refuges to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations may list the wildlife species that you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or creel (container for carrying fish) limits, methods of hunting or sport fishing, descriptions of areas open to hunting or sport fishing, and other provisions as appropriate. You may find previously issued refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. In this rulemaking, we are also proposing to standardize and clarify the language of existing regulations.

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement Act]) (Administration Act), and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) govern the administration and public use of refuges.

Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act built upon the Administration Act in a manner that provides an “organic act” for the Refuge System, similar to organic acts that exist for other public Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System. The Improvement Act established as the policy of the United

States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the Refuge System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act requires that any recreational use of refuge lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.

The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.

We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and the Refuge System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.

Amendments to Existing Regulations

This document proposes to codify in the Code of Federal Regulations all of the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that we would update since the last time we published a rule amending these regulations (82 FR 51940; November 8, 2017) and that are applicable at Refuge System units previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. We propose this to better inform the general public of the regulations at each refuge, to increase understanding and compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these regulations in 50 CFR part 32, visitors to our refuges may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each refuge or posted on signs.

Table 1—Changes for 2018-2019 Hunting/Fishing Season

Refuge/region *

State

Migratory

bird

hunting

Upland

game

hunting

Big

game

hunting

Sport

fishing

Bear River (6)

Utah

C

C

Closed

Already Open.

Blackwater (5)

Maryland

C

Closed

C

Already Open.

Cedar Point (3)

Ohio

Closed

Closed

B

Already Open.

Charles M. Russell (6)

Montana

Already Open

Already Open

C

Already Open.

Cherry Valley (5)

Pennsylvania

C

C

C

Closed.

Cold Springs (1)

Oregon

Already Open

Already Open

B

Already Open.

Cypress Creek (3)

Illinois

C

C

C

Already Open.

Edwin B. Forsythe (5)

New Jersey

C

B

C/D

Already Open.

Felsenthal (4)

Arkansas

C

C

C

Already Open.

Glacial Ridge (3)

Minnesota

C

C/D

C

Closed.

Great River (3)

Illinois and Missouri

C

C

C

C.

Hackmatack (3)

Illinois and Wisconsin

A

A

A

Closed.

J Clark Salyer (6)

North Dakota

Already Open

Already Open

D

Already Open.

John Heinz (5)

Pennsylvania

Closed

Closed

B

Already Open.

Kankakee (3)

Illinois

Closed

Already Open

Already Open

Closed.

Lake Woodruff (4)

Florida

Closed

Closed

D

Already Open.

Lostwood (6)

North Dakota

Closed

Already Open

D

Closed.

Moosehorn (5)

Maine

C

C

C

Already Open.

Ottawa (3)

Ohio

C/D

B

C/D

Already Open.

Patoka River (3)

Indiana

C

C

C

C.

Patuxent (5)

Maryland

Already Open

Already Open

C

Already Open.

Rachel Carson (5)

Maine

Already Open

Already Open

C

Already Open.

San Pablo Bay (8)

California

C

Already Open

Closed

C.

Sevilleta (2)

New Mexico

C/D

B

Closed

Closed.

Shiawassee (3)

Michigan

C/D

B

C

Already Open.

Swan River (6)

Montana

Already Open

Closed

B

Already Open.

Trempealeau (3)

Wisconsin

C

B

C

Already Open.

Umbagog (5)

Maine and New Hampshire

Already Open

Already Open

C

Closed.

Upper Klamath (8)

Oregon

C

Closed

Closed

Already Open.

Wallkill (5)

New Jersey and New York

C

Already Open

Already Open

C.

William L. Finley (1)

Oregon

Closed

Closed

Already Open

C.

* Number in ( ) refers to the Region as defined in the preamble to this proposed rule under Available Information for Specific Refuges.

Key:

A = New refuge opened.

B = New activity on a refuge previously open to other activities.

C = Refuge already open to activity, but added new lands/waters or modified areas open to hunting or fishing.

D = Refuge already open to activity but added new species to hunt.

E = Activity is being closed on the refuge.

The changes for the 2018-2019 hunting/fishing season noted in the chart above are each based on a complete administrative record which, among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a compatibility determination, and the appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321

et seq.

) analysis, all of which were the subject of a public review and comment process. These documents are available upon request.

Fish Advisory

For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about current fish-consumption advisories on the internet at:

http://www.epa.gov/fish-tech.

Request for Comments

General Information

You may submit comments and materials on this proposed rule by any one of the methods listed in

ADDRESSES

. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax or to an address not listed in

ADDRESSES

. We will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in

DATES

.

We will post your entire comment on

http://www.regulations.gov.

Before including personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that we may make your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on

http://www.regulations.gov.

Kankakee NWR

In our November 8, 2017, final rule (82 FR 51940), we added changes to Kankakee NWR in Illinois that were not included in our August 10, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 37398). Specifically, we added regulations for upland and big game hunting for Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge to 50 CFR 32.32 (Illinois) based on a pre-acquisition compatibility determination. In this proposed rule, we request public comments on the changes we made to the regulations for Kankakee NWR in our November 8, 2017, final rule; please see that rule for more information.

Public Comment

Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. We open refuges through a series of stages, with the fundamental work being performed on the ground at the refuge and in the community where the program is administered. In these stages, we give the public other opportunities to comment, for example, on comprehensive conservation plans and compatibility determinations. The second stage is this document, when we publish the proposed rule in the

Federal Register

for additional comment, usually for a 30-day comment period.

There is nothing contained in this proposed rule outside the scope of the annual review process where we determine whether individual refuges need modifications, deletions, or additions made to them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from the refuges nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time available for public review. A 30-day comment period, through the broader publication following the earlier public involvement, gives the public sufficient time to comment and allows us to establish hunting and fishing programs in time for the upcoming seasons. Many of these rules would also relieve restrictions and allow the public to participate in recreational activities on a number of refuges. In addition, in order to continue to provide for previously authorized hunting opportunities while at the same time providing for adequate resource protection, we must be timely in providing modifications to certain hunting programs on some refuges.

We considered providing a 60-day, rather than a 30-day, comment period. However, we determined that an additional 30-day delay in processing these refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would hinder the effective planning and administration of our hunting and sport fishing programs. Such a delay would jeopardize enacting amendments to hunting and sport fishing programs in time for implementation this year and/or early next year, or shorten the duration of these programs.

Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept comments, suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate subsequent rulemaking.

When finalized, we will incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing on refuges.

Clarity of This Proposed Rule

Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, require us to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:

(a) Be logically organized;

(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

(c) Use clear language rather than jargon;

(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and

(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.

If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in

ADDRESSES

. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

Executive Order 13771—Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs

This proposed rule is not an Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 3, 2017) regulatory action because this proposed rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

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 determined that this rulemaking is not significant.

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.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small Business

Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.

), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (

i.e.,

small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a threshold for “significant impact” and a threshold for a “substantial number of small entities.” See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This proposed rule adds 4 NWRs to the list of refuges open to sport fishing and hunting and increases hunting or fishing activities on 26 additional national wildlife refuges. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on these NWRs will change. If the refuges establishing new programs were a pure addition to the current supply of those activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 17,575 user days (one person per day participating in a recreational opportunity, Table 2). Because the participation trend is flat in these activities since 1991, this increase in supply will most likely be offset by other sites losing participants. Therefore, this is likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation rates for the activity.

Table 2—Estimated Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2018/2019

[Dollars in thousands]

Refuge

Additional

hunting days

Additional

fishing days

Additional

expenditures

Bear River

0

$0

Blackwater

637

25.7

Charles M. Russell

500

20.1

Cherry Valley

240

9.7

Cold Springs

25

1.0

Cypress Creek

1,650

66.5

Edwin B. Forsythe

350

14.1

Felsenthal

206

8.3

Glacial Ridge

54

2.2

Great River

1,000

200

48.9

Hackmatack

100

30

5.3

J. Clark Salyer

100

4.0

John Heinz

10

0.4

Lake Woodruff

10

0.4

Lostwood

100

4.0

Moosehorn

25

1.0

Ottawa/Cedar Point

1,424

57.4

Patoka River

75

25

4.1

Rachel Carson

57

365

17.9

San Pablo Bay

100

365

19.7

Sevilleta

50

2.0

Shiawassee

1,675

67.5

Swan River

224

9.0

Trempealeau

218

8.8

Umbagog

5,950

239.7

Upper Klamath

900

36.3

Wallkill

180

365

22.9

William L. Finley

365

14.7

Total

16,200

1,350

711.5

To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the refuge that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national estimates from the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected additional participation of the Refuge System yields approximately $711,000 in recreation-related expenditures (Table 2). By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part of the economic impact of these recreational activities. Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.27) derived from the report “Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation” and for fishing activities (2.40) derived from the report “Sportfishing in America” yields a total economic impact of approximately $1.6 million (2017 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2012). Using a local impact multiplier would yield more accurate and smaller results. However, we employed the national impact multiplier due to the difficulty in developing local multipliers for each specific region.

Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most of this spending would be “new” money coming into a local economy; therefore, this spending would be offset with a decrease in some other sector of the local economy. The

net gain to the local economies would be no more than $1.6 million, and most likely considerably less. Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would be on the order of about $325,000 annually.

Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait-and-tackle shops, and similar businesses) may be affected by some increased or decreased refuge visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local communities around NWRs qualify as small businesses (Table 3). We expect that the incremental recreational changes will be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect approximately $711,000 to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The maximum increase would be less than two-tenths of 1 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 3).

Table 3—Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation for 2018/2019

[Thousands, 2017 dollars]

Refuge/county(ies)

Retail trade

in 2012

Estimated

maximum

addition

from new

activities

Addition as

% of total

Establishments

in 2012

Establ. with

< 10 emp

in 2012

Blackwater:

Dorchester, MD

$308,272

$25.7

<0.01

100

74

Charles M. Russell:

McCone, MT

24,790

20.1

0.08

10

7

Cherry Valley:

Monroe, PA

2,285,124

4.8

<0.01

633

424

Northampton, PA

3,872,709

4.8

<0.01

879

603

Cold Springs:

Umatilla, OR

857,045

1.0

<0.01

224

155

Cypress Creek:

Pulaski, IL

37,328

66.5

0.18

18

15

Edwin B. Forsythe:

Atlantic, NJ

4,583,003

4.7

<0.01

1,229

840

Burlington, NJ

7,333,114

4.7

<0.01

1,423

939

Ocean, NJ

8,215,768

4.7

<0.01

1,866

1,327

Felsenthal:

Ashley, AR

197,731

2.8

<0.01

86

67

Bradley, AR

105,539

2.8

<0.01

39

28

Union, AR

545,629

2.8

<0.01

209

155

Glacial Ridge:

Polk, MN

354,022

2.2

<0.01

110

74

Great River:

Pike, MO

203,871

48.9

0.02

64

45

Hackmatack:

McHenry, IL

3,912,156

2.7

<0.01

940

629

Walworth, WI

1,317,927

2.7

<0.01

359

264

J. Clark Salyer:

Bottineau, ND

101,939

2.0

<0.01

35

28

McHenry, ND

28,290

2.0

0.01

17

12

John Heinz:

Delaware, PA

6,906,244

0.2

<0.01

1,704

1,146

Philadelphia, PA

13,069,101

0.2

<0.01

4,524

3,448

Lake Woodruff:

Volusia, FL

6,585,374

0.4

<0.01

1,871

1,412

Lostwood:

Burke, ND

41,148

2.0

<0.01

10

6

Montrail, ND

292,497

2.0

<0.01

41

27

Moosehorn:

Washington, ME

462,433

1.0

<0.01

151

100

Ottawa/Cedar Point:

Lucas, OH

6,382,144

28.7

<0.01

1,452

965

Ottawa, OH

456,610

28.7

0.01

142

109

Patoka River:

Gibson, IN

595,275

2.0

<0.01

122

84

Pike, IN

77,438

2.0

<0.01

31

23

Patuxent Research Refuge:

Ann Arundel, MD

9,351,065

2,014

1,286

Prince George's, MD

9,990,887

2,221

1,439

Rachel Carson:

York, ME

2,614,299

17.9

<0.01

870

653

San Pablo Bay:

Napa, CA

1,813,897

6.6

<0.01

526

374

Solano, CA

5,451,956

6.6

<0.01

1,066

682

Sonoma, CA

6,423,178

6.6

<0.01

1,766

1,274

Sevilleta:

Socorro, NM

127,902

2.0

<0.01

39

31

Shiawassee:

Saginaw, MI

3,110,321

67.5

<0.01

871

590

Swan River:

Lake, MT

286,486

9.0

<0.01

120

89

Trempealeau:

Buffalo, WI,

83,043

4.4

0.01

47

38

Trempealeau, WI

344,603

4.4

<0.01

104

67

Umbagog:

Oxford, ME

652,741

119.9

0.02

222

163

Coos, NH

604,938

119.9

0.02

184

143

Upper Klamath:

Klamath, OR

808,680

36.3

<0.01

241

155

Wallkill River:

Sussex, NJ

1,942,879

11.4

<0.01

414

299

Orange, NY

6,641,744

11.4

<0.01

1,506

1,017

William L. Finley:

Linn, OR

1,261,501

14.7

<0.01

339

247

With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have more than a small impact from the spending change near the affected refuges. Therefore, we certify that, if adopted as proposed, this rule would not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.

). An initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small entity compliance guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no significant employment or small business effects. This rule:

a. Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The minimal impact would be scattered across the country and would most likely not be significant in any local area.

b. Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government agencies; or geographic regions. This proposed rule would have only a slight effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If the substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, then an increase in travel costs would occur. The Service does not have information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that, since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased travel cost would be small. We do not expect this proposed rule to affect the supply or demand for hunting opportunities in the United States, and, therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.

c. Would not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. This proposed rule represents only a small proportion of recreational spending at NWRs. Therefore, if adopted, this rule would have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Since this proposed rule would apply to public use of federally owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule would not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

) is not required.

Takings (E.O. 12630)

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule would not have significant takings implications. This rule would affect only visitors at NWRs and describe what they can do while they are on a refuge.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

As discussed in Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, above, this proposed rule would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement under E.O. 13132. In preparing this proposed rule, we worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior has determined that this proposed rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking

certain actions. Because this proposed rule would add 4 NWRs to the list of refuges open to hunting and sport fishing, increase hunting activities at 26 refuges, and increase fishing activities on 4 NWRs, it is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and we do not expect it to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action, and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. 13175)

In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on NWRs with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

This rule does not contain any new collections of information that require approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501

et seq.

). OMB has previously approved the information collection requirements associated with regulations implementing refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations and assigned the following OMB control numbers:

• 1018-0102, “National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36” (expires August 31, 2020),

• 1018-0140, “Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41, 25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72” (expires May 31, 2018, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10, an agency may continue to conduct or sponsor this collection of information while the submission is pending at OMB), and

• 1018-0153, “National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Check-In Permit and Use Report” (expires December 31, 2018).

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

), when developing comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans—which would include hunting and/or fishing plans—for public use of refuges, and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have completed section 7 consultation on each of the affected refuges.

National Environmental Policy Act

We analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), 43 CFR part 46, and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.

A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to publication of proposed amendments to refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations because they are technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis (43 CFR 46.210 and 516 DM 8). Concerning the actions that are the subject of this proposed rulemaking, we have complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each proposal. This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document (43 CFR 46.120).

Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge hunting and fishing activities in the refuge comprehensive conservation plan and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these comprehensive conservation plans and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, and the Department of Interior's NEPA regulations 43 CFR part 46. We invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the refuges at the addresses provided below.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

Individual refuge headquarters have information about public use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and maps of their respective areas. To find out how to contact a specific refuge, contact the appropriate Regional office listed below:

Region 1—Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.

Region 2—Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, 500 Gold Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87103; Telephone (505) 248-6937.

Region 3—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458; Telephone (612) 713-5360.

Region 4—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.

Region 5—Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8307.

Region 6—Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.

Region 7—Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.

Region 8—California and Nevada. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2606, Sacramento, CA 95825; Telephone (916) 414-6464.

Primary Author

Katherine Harrigan, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary author of this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend title 50, chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 32—HUNTING AND FISHING

1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i; Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.

§ 32.7

[Amended]

2. Amend § 32.7 by adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for “Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge” in the State of Illinois and in the State of Wisconsin.

3. Amend § 32.23 by:

a. Revising the entry Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising the entry Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising the entry Cache River National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising the entry Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Revising the entry Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising the entry Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge;

g. Revising the entry Overflow National Wildlife Refuge; and

h. Revising the entry Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.23

Arkansas.

Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge hunting permits (signed brochure). The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must possess a signed permit at all times.

2. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting on the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt.

3. With the exception of hunting for woodcock, we prohibit migratory game bird hunting after 12 p.m. (noon) during the regular State waterfowl hunting season.

4. We allow hunting for woodcock daily throughout the State season.

5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot shells for hunting while in the field (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or fewer. The possession limit includes shells located in or on vehicles and other personal equipment. The field possession limit for shells does not apply to goose hunting during the State Conservation Order.

6. We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 meters) to another hunter or hunting party.

7. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily by 1 p.m.

8. We open the refuge to daylight use only, 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset, with the exception that hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal shooting time ends.

9. Boats with the owner's name and address permanently displayed or displaying valid registration may be left on the refuge from March 1 through October 31. We prohibit the use of boats from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m. during duck season.

10. We allow use of dogs for migratory game bird hunting.

11. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Jet Ski, etc.).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A8, and A11 apply.

2. Hunters may use shotguns only with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.

3. We allow squirrel hunting September 1 through February 28, except for season closure of the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

4. We allow rabbit hunting in accordance with the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

5. We allow quail hunting in accordance with the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

6. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs. We require dogs for hunting raccoon/opossum at night, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise. We list annual season dates in the refuge hunting brochure/permit. We prohibit field trials and organized training events.

7. Hunters may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

8. We limit nighttime hunting to raccoon/opossum hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A8, and A11 apply.

2. We divide the refuge into two hunting units: Farm Unit and Mingo Creek Unit.

3. The archery/crossbow hunting season for deer begins on the opening day of the State season and continues throughout the State season in the Mingo Creek Unit and Farm Unit except for the season closure of the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We provide annual season dates and bag limits in the hunt brochure/permit (signature required).

4. Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.

5. The modern gun hunting season for deer will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided in the hunt brochure/permit.

6. We prohibit spring and fall gun hunting for turkey.

7. All harvested game must be checked according to State regulations. The Refuge zone to be reported is 002.

8. You may use only shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, and legal pistols for modern gun deer hunting on the Farm Unit.

9. We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries prior to November 15, except for stands used by Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit holders (fee/signature required), which you must remove by the last day of the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. You must remove all stands on the remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's name and address clearly written in a conspicuous location.

10. We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

11. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

12. Refuge lands are located in State-designated Flood Prone Region B, and

we will close them to all deer hunting when the White River Gauge at Augusta reaches 31 feet (9.3 meters (m)), as reported by the National Weather Service, and reopen them when the same gauge reading falls below 30 feet (9.1 m) and the White River Gauge at Georgetown falls to, or below, 19 feet (5.7 m).

13. We allow only Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit holders on the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt and only for the purposes of deer hunting. We close the refuge to all other entry and public use during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt.

14. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entry and hunting from November 15 to February 28, except for Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit holders who may hunt in the sanctuary when the season overlaps with these dates.

15. You may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and remain until 1 hour after legal shooting time.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A8 and B8 apply.

2. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entry from November 15 to February 28. We also close the refuge to all entry and fishing during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt.

3. We prohibit commercial fishing.

4. We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

5. We prohibit mooring houseboats to the refuge bank on the Little Red River.

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

[Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, nutria, coyote, beaver, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge hunt permits. The permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit—signature required) are nontransferable and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.

2. We provide annual season dates for squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum hunting in the refuge hunting brochure/permit.

3. We allow take of nutria, beaver, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the device allowed for that hunt subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

4. You may take opossum when hunting raccoon.

5. We require dogs for night hunting of raccoon and opossum. We prohibit field trials and organized training events.

6. When hunting, you may only use shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.

7. We prohibit boats from November 1 through February 28, except on that portion of the refuge open for public fishing with electric motors and Ditch 28.

8. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or gravel road rights-of-way.

9. We limit nighttime use, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise, to fishing, frogging, and/or raccoon/opossum hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B1, B3, and B6 through B9 apply.

2. We allow archery/crossbow hunting for white-tailed deer. We provide annual season dates in the hunt brochure/permit.

3. Hunters may use only bows or crossbows.

4. Hunters may use only biodegradable materials to mark trails.

5. All harvested game must be checked according to State regulations. The Refuge zone to be reported is 030.

6. We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them 7 days after the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must leave one hour after legal sunset.

8. We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition B7 applies.

2. Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.

3. We prohibit airboats, personal watercraft, Jet Skis, and hovercraft (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

4. We allow frogging from the beginning of the State frogging season through October 31.

5. We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge hunting permits. These permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit—signature required) are nontransferable, and anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.

2. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting on the refuge during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt.

3. With the exception of hunting for woodcock, we prohibit migratory game bird hunting after 12 p.m. (noon) during the regular State waterfowl hunting season.

4. We allow hunting for woodcock daily throughout the State seasons.

5. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily by 1 p.m.

6. Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and hunt until 12 p.m. (noon).

7. Boats with the owner's name and address permanently displayed or displaying valid registration may be left on the refuge from March 1 through October 31. We prohibit boats on the refuge from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m. during duck season.

8. We allow use of dogs for migratory game bird hunting.

9. We allow waterfowl hunting on flooded refuge roads.

10. We close all other hunts during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow only Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit (fee/signature required) holders to enter the refuge during this hunt and only for the purpose of deer hunting.

11. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Jet Ski, etc.) (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A10, and A11 apply.

2. We allow squirrel hunting September 1 through February 28, except for refuge-wide season closure during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

3. Rabbit season corresponds with the State season, except for refuge-wide season closure during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

4. Quail season corresponds with the State season, except for refuge-wide season closure during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.

5. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs. We require dogs for

hunting of raccoon/opossum at night, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise. We provide annual season dates in the refuge hunting brochure/permit. We prohibit field trials and organized training events.

6. You may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

7. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled refuge roads except by waterfowl hunters during flooded conditions.

8. You may use only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges when hunting.

9. We limit nighttime use, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise, to fishing, frogging, and/or raccoon/opossum hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A10, A11, B6, B7, and B9 apply.

2. Archery/crossbow hunting season for deer begins on the opening day of the State season and continues throughout the State season, except for refuge-wide season closure during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We provide annual season dates and bag limits in the refuge hunting brochure/permit.

3. Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 9 days with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.

4. Modern gun deer hunting will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 11 days with annual season dates and bag limits provided in the refuge hunt brochure/permit.

5. You may take feral hog with weapons legal during those hunts and according to applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations.

6. The spring gun hunt for turkey will begin on the opening day of the State season and continue throughout the State season on all refuge lands located south of Interstate 40. The remainder of the refuge is closed with the exception of those refuge lands included in the combined Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area/Cache River National Wildlife Refuge quota permit hunts administered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

7. Hunters may only use shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, or legal pistols for modern gun deer hunting on the Dixie Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary, adjacent waterfowl hunt area, and Plunkett Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary.

8. We allow only portable stands. Hunters may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries prior to November 15, and from the rest of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's name and address clearly written in a conspicuous location.

9. We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

10. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

11. We will close refuge lands located in State-designated Flood Prone Region B to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at Augusta reaches 31 feet (9.3 meters (m)), as reported by the National Weather Service, and reopen them when the same gauge reading falls below 30 feet (9.1 m) and the White River gauge at Georgetown falls to, or below, 19 feet (5.7 m).

12. We will close refuge lands located in State-designated Flood Prone Region C to all deer hunting when the Cache River gauge at Patterson exceeds 10 feet (3 m), as reported by the National Weather Service, and reopen them when the same gauge reading falls below 8.5 feet (2.6 m).

13. We will close refuge lands located in Flood Prone Region D to all deer and turkey hunting when the White River gauge at Clarendon reaches 28 feet (8.4 m), as reported by the National Weather Service, and reopen them when the same gauge reading falls to, or below, 27 feet (8.1 m).

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A10 and B9 apply.

2. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entrance and fishing/frogging from November 15 to February 28. We prohibit refuge-wide entry and fishing during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt.

3. We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit the mooring of houseboats to refuge property.

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require all refuge users to sign and possess a refuge user brochure/permit (signature required).

2. We allow duck hunting from legal shooting hours until 12 p.m. (noon).

3. We allow retriever dogs for migratory game bird hunting.

4. You must remove blinds, blind material, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. each day.

5. Waterfowl hunters may enter and access the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.

6. We prohibit boating November 1 through January 31 in the South Unit Waterfowl Hunt Areas, except from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on designated waterfowl hunt days.

7. We prohibit waterfowl hunting on Kansas Lake Area (indicated in refuge user brochure/permit).

8. We allow duck hunting on specific scattered tracts of land, in accordance with the North Unit regulations. Consult the refuge office for further information.

9. We only allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for wildlife-dependent hunting and fishing activities. We restrict ATVs to designated yellow-marked trails throughout the refuge, unless marked otherwise. We prohibit the use of ATVs after December 15 each year in designated South Unit areas as shown in refuge user brochure/permit. We define ATVs as an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: A maximum dry weight of 1,550 pounds (697.5 kilograms), tires having a centerline lug depth of 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) or less and a maximum tire pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer. We allow only those vehicles originally designed by their manufacturer to be ATVs; we prohibit mini trucks or other modified off-road vehicles.

10. We prohibit the use of decoys that contain moving parts or electrical components, except that you may use manually operated ‘jerk strings' to simulate decoy movement.

11. You may not utilize a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, organization, or any other person who provides equipment, services, or assistance on the refuge for compensation.

12. We allow camping only in designated sites and areas identified in the refuge user brochure/permit (signed brochure), and we restrict camping to individuals involved in wildlife-dependent activities. We limit camping on the refuge to no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period. Campers must occupy camps daily. We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m.

13. We allow refuge users to leave boats 16 feet (4.8 m) or less in length unattended overnight from March 1 to October 31, as long as the owner clearly and prominently displays his or her complete name and physical address.

14. We prohibit all access in the Demonstration and Dry Lake Waterfowl Rest Areas as indicated in the refuge brochure/permit.

15. We prohibit hovercraft, personal watercraft (

e.g.,

jet skis, etc.), and airboats.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, beaver, coyote, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A1 applies.

2. We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on the North Unit from September 1 until January 31.

3. We allow dogs for hunting of rabbit and squirrel from December 1 through January 31 on the North Unit.

4. You may hunt rabbit and squirrel on the South Unit from September 1 until November 30.

5. We prohibit dogs on the South Unit for the purpose of squirrel or rabbit hunting.

6. We close all upland game hunts during quota Gun Deer Hunt and quota Muzzleloader Deer Hunt.

7. We allow furbearer (as defined by State law) hunting in accordance with season dates posted in the refuge user brochure/permit (signed brochure). We allow furbearer hunting only with rimfire weapons and shotguns.

8. We allow the use of dogs for hunting furbearers from legal sunset to legal sunrise. Hunters must tether or pen all dogs used for furbearer hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset and any time they are not involved in actual hunting.

9. We allow upland game hunting on specific scattered tracts of land, in accordance with Statewide regulations.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A1 applies.

2. Archery deer seasons on the North Unit are from the beginning of October until the end of January except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts, when the archery season is closed. We provide annual season dates and bag limits in the refuge user brochure/permit (signed brochure).

3. Archery deer seasons on the South Unit are from the beginning of October until the end of December except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts, when the archery season is closed. We provide annual season dates and bag limits in the refuge user brochure/permit (signed brochure).

4. Muzzleloader season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 3 days of quota hunting and 4 days of non-quota hunting in the North Unit. We provide annual season dates and bag limits in the refuge user brochure/permit (signed brochure).

5. The gun deer hunt will begin in November and will continue for a period of 3 days of quota hunting in the North and South Units, and 2 days of non-quota hunting in the North Unit. We provide annual season dates, bag limits, and areas in the refuge user brochure/permit.

6. We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit. The permits are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in April.

7. We do not open for the bear season on all refuge-owned lands, including outlying and refuge lands in the Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area.

8. If you harvest deer or turkey on the refuge, you must immediately record the zone number (Zone 145 for the South Unit or Zone 146 for the North Unit) on your hunting license and later check deer and/or turkey through the State checking system. Outlying tracts use the same zone number as the surrounding State zone.

9. We close the refuge to all non-quota hunting during refuge-wide quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts. 10. You must follow refuge guidance regarding flood-zone closures during the deer hunt. Guidance is found in the refuge brochure, which you must carry at all times.

11. We prohibit the use of dogs other than those specified in the user permit.

12. We prohibit all forms of organized deer drives.

13. We prohibit firearm hunting from or across roads, ATV trails, levees, and maintained utility rights-of-way for deer only.

14. You may only use portable deer stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You may erect stands up to 7 days before each hunt, but you must remove them within 7 days after each hunt. All unattended deer stands on the refuge must have the owner's complete name and physical address clearly displayed.

15. We close the Kansas Lake Area to all entry on December 1 and reopen it on March 1.

16. We prohibit the possession of buckshot on the refuge.

17. We prohibit the possession and/or use of toxic shot by hunters using shotguns (see § 32.2(k) of this chapter) when hunting.

18. We provide information on feral hog hunting in the refuge brochure/permit (signed brochure).

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing for personal use on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A1 applies.

2. We allow fishing year-round in LaGrue, Essex, Prairie, Scrubgrass and Brooks Bayous, Big Island Chute, Moon and Belknap Lakes next to Arkansas Highway 1, Indian Bay, the Arkansas Post Canal and adjacent drainage ditches; borrow ditches located adjacent to the west bank of that portion of the White River Levee north of the Graham Burke pumping station; and all refuge-owned North Unit and scattered tract waters. We open all other South Unit refuge waters to sport fishing from March 1 through November 30 unless posted otherwise.

3. We allow frogging on all refuge-owned waters open for sport fishing as follows: We allow frogging on the South Unit from the beginning of the State season through November 30; we allow frogging on the North Unit for the entire State season.

4. We prohibit all commercial and recreational harvest of turtle on all property administered by Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

5. We prohibit take or possession of any freshwater mussel, and we do not open to mussel shelling.

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot during the State waterfowl season except during scheduled quota refuge Gun Deer Hunts.

2. Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

3. We allow only portable blinds. You must remove all duck hunting equipment (portable blinds, boats, guns, and decoys) (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day.

4. We close areas of the refuge posted with “Area Closed” signs and identify them on the refuge hunt brochure map as a waterfowl sanctuary. Waterfowl sanctuaries are closed to all public entry and public use during waterfowl hunting season.

5. Hunters must possess and carry a signed Refuge Public Use Regulations Brochure/Access Permit (signed brochure) while hunting.

6. We prohibit possession and/or use of herbicides (see § 27.51 of this chapter).

7. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

8. We allow only all-terrain vehicles/utility-type vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) for hunting and fishing activities. We restrict ATVs/UTVs to designated times and designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs and paint. We identify these trails and the dates they are open for use in the refuge hunt brochure. We limit ATVs/UTVs to those having an engine displacement size not exceeding 700cc. We limit ATV/UTV tires to those having a centerline lug depth not exceeding 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). You may use horses on roads and ATV/UTV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic, respectively) as a mode of transportation for hunting and fishing activities on the refuge.

9. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters (m)) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV trails).

10. We allow camping only at designated primitive campground sites identified in the refuge hunt brochure, and we restrict camping to individuals involved in wildlife-dependent refuge activities. Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period in any campground and must occupy camps daily. We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m. You must unload all hunting weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) within 100 yards (90 m) of a campground.

11. You may take beaver, nutria, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit.

12. We allow the use of retriever dogs.

13. We prohibit the use or possession of any electronic call or other electronic device used for producing or projecting vocal sounds of any wildlife species.

14. We prohibit leaving any boat on the refuge.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as defined by State law) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A4 through A10, and A12 apply.

2. We allow hunting for quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as defined by State law) on the refuge during State seasons through January 31. We list specific hunting season dates annually in the refuge hunt brochure. We close upland game hunting during refuge quota deer hunts. We annually publish dates for these quota deer hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.

3. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting season, summer/early fall raccoon hunting season, or spring bobcat hunting season.

4. We prohibit possession of lead ammunition except that you may possess rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber for upland game hunting. We prohibit possession of shot larger than that legal for waterfowl hunting. During the deer and turkey hunts, hunters may possess lead ammunition legal for taking deer and turkey. We prohibit buckshot for gun deer hunting.

5. You may use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from December 1 through January 31. You may also use dogs for quail hunting and for raccoon/opossum hunting during open season on the refuge for these species.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A5 through A10 apply.

2. We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening of the State season through January 31.

3. We close archery deer hunting during the quota gun deer hunts.

4. The refuge will conduct no more than two muzzleloader deer hunts and no more than four quota modern gun deer hunts.

5. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the October State Muzzleloader season for this deer management zone. The refuge will conduct one 4-day quota modern gun hunt for deer, typically in November. The refuge also may conduct one mobility-impaired hunt for deer typically in early November.

6. Total deer harvested refuge-wide is two deer (two does or one buck and one doe as defined by State law) regardless of method. See refuge brochure for specific bag limit information.

7. Hunters must check all harvested deer during quota hunts at refuge deer check stations on the same day of the kill. We identify the check station locations in the refuge hunt brochure. Carcasses of deer taken must remain intact (except you may field dress) until checked.

8. You may only use portable deer stands erected no earlier than the opening day of Archery Season and you must remove them no later than January 31 each year (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

9. We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).

10. We prohibit horses and mules during refuge quota deer hunts.

11. We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State spring turkey season. We do not open for fall archery turkey season.

12. We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota gun hunts.

13. The refuge will conduct no more than three quota permit spring turkey gun hunts and no more than two 3-day quota spring turkey hunts (typically in April). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany the youth hunter age 15 and younger.

14. An adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and younger. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

15. We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's name and address clearly written in a conspicuous location. Game cameras must be removed from the refuge daily and are prohibited from being left overnight.

16. We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit (Quota Deer Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2354). These permits are nontransferable and permit fees are nonrefundable. If conditions prevent the hunts from taking place, there will be no refunds or permits carried over from year to year. Hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in July for deer and January for turkey.

17. The incidental taking of feral hogs will be in accordance with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations concerning the taking of feral hogs on State WMAs. If allowed on State WMAs, feral hogs may be taken incidental to daytime refuge hunts (without the use of dogs) with legal hunting equipment and ammunition allowed for that hunt. No bag limit. Live hogs may not be transported or possessed.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing, frogging, and crawfishing for personal

use on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A5, A6, A7, A10, and A14 apply.

2. We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl sanctuary area when the sanctuary is closed, with the exception of the main channel of the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and the borrow pits along Highway 82. We post the waterfowl sanctuary area with “Area Closed” signs and identify those areas in refuge hunt brochures.

3. We allow fishing only in areas accessible from the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and Eagle, Jones, and Pereogeethe Lakes during the refuge quota gun hunts.

4. You must reset trotlines when receding water levels expose them.

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

[Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, armadillo, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge hunting permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit—signature required). The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permits at all times. Your hunt permit will also act as your entrance pass to the refuge.

2. During the refuge archery season, you may take only squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, armadillo, coyote, or bobcat.

3. We allow gun hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until legal sunrise during the month of February. We prohibit field trials and organized training events (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

4. We only allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for hunters and anglers with disabilities. We require a refuge ATV permit (Special Use Permit; FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.

5. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.

6. You must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads and parking areas. We prohibit accessing refuge waters and land from the Arkansas River. We prohibit boating over the dam at the Old River Channel from either direction.

7. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters) of roads open to motor vehicle use and nature trails.

8. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats during the refuge fishing/boating season (March 1 to October 31), but we prohibit hunters leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting

. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B1 and B4 through B8 apply.

2. We allow archery/crossbow hunting for white-tailed deer and turkey. We provide annual season dates in the public use regulations brochure/permit (signature required).

3. The refuge will conduct one youth-only (between ages 6 and 15 at the beginning of the gun deer season in Zone 7) quota gun deer hunt. Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in July. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

4. We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State turkey season.

5. We close the refuge to all entry and public use during scheduled youth quota gun hunts, except for those allowed to participate in the youth quota gun hunt.

6. The refuge will conduct two youth-only (age 6 to 15 at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring gun turkey hunts, each 2 days in length. Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit (name, address, phone number required), except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

7. We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days before the start of the season and must remove the stands from the refuge within 7 days after the season ends (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

8. You must permanently affix the owner's name, address, and phone number to all tree stands, ground blinds, or game cameras on the refuge.

9. We prohibit hunting from paved, graveled, and mowed roads and mowed trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

10. We prohibit all forms of organized game drives.

11. You must check all game at the refuge check station.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow sport fishing and frogging in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B4, B6, and C5 apply.

2. Waters of the refuge are only open for fishing March 1 through October 31 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

3. We prohibit anglers from leaving their boats unattended overnight on any portion of the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit the take and possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

5. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.) (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

Overflow National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a Refuge Public Use Regulations Brochure/Access Permit (signed brochure) while hunting.

2. Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

3. We allow only portable blinds. Hunters must remove portable blinds, boats, and decoys from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. You may only possess shotshells in quantities of 25 or fewer per day during waterfowl hunting season; hunters may not discharge more than 25 shells per day.

5. Hunters under age 16 do not need to have a hunter education card if they are under the direct supervision (within arm's reach) of a holder of a valid hunting license who is at least age 21.

6. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

7. We allow only all-terrain vehicles/utility-type vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) for hunting activities. We restrict ATVs/UTVs to designated times and designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs and paint. We identify those trails and the dates that they are open for use in the refuge hunt brochure. We limit ATVs/UTVs to those having an engine displacement size not exceeding 700cc. We limit ATV/UTV tires to those having a centerline lug depth not exceeding 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). You may use horses on roads and ATV/UTV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic respectively) as a mode of transportation for hunting activities on the refuge.

8. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of roads and trails open

to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV trails).

9. You may take beaver, nutria, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition legal for that hunt. There is no bag limit. We prohibit transportation or possession of live hog.

10. All boats are prohibited on the refuge between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. during waterfowl season.

11. All boat motors (including surface drive motors, mud motors, etc.) larger than 25 horsepower (HP) are prohibited.

12. Hunters may not enter the refuge until 4 a.m., with the exception of designated parking areas. Hunting ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as defined by State law) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A4 through A9, and A11 apply.

2. We allow hunting during State seasons (see State regulations for the appropriate zone) for quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as defined by State law) through January 31. We list specific hunting season dates annually in the refuge hunt brochure.

3. We do not open for the spring squirrel hunting season, summer/fall raccoon hunting season, or the spring bobcat hunting season.

4. When upland game hunting, we prohibit possession of lead ammunition except that you may possess rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber. We prohibit possession of shot larger than that legal for waterfowl hunting.

5. You may use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from December 1 through January 31. You may also use dogs for quail hunting and for raccoon/opossum hunting during open season on the refuge for these species.

6. We allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A5 through A9, and A11 apply.

2. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the first State muzzleloader season for this zone (see State regulations for appropriate zone).

3. We prohibit buckshot for gun deer hunting.

4. Bag limit for the muzzleloader deer hunt is two deer, with no more than one buck.

5. You may only use portable deer stands erected no earlier than the opening day of Archery Season and you must remove them no later than January 31 each year (see § 27.93 of this chapter). Limit is one deer stand, blind, etc., per person.

6. We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).

7. The refuge will conduct no more than one quota permit youth spring turkey gun hunt. Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants on these hunts to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older and possessing a valid hunting license must accompany a youth hunter age 15 or younger.

8. An adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany and be within sight or normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and younger. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

9. The incidental taking of feral hogs will be in accordance with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations concerning the taking of feral hogs on State WMAs. If allowed on State WMAs, feral hogs may be taken incidental to daytime refuge hunts (without the use of dogs) with legal hunting equipment and ammunition allowed for that hunt. No bag limit. Live hogs may not be transported or possessed.

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of snow geese on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge hunting permits. The permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit—signature required) are nontransferable and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry them at all times.

2. We provide annual season dates on the hunt brochure/permit.

3. Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must leave the refuge by legal sunset.

4. Roundpond and Pigmon Units are closed to all migratory bird hunting.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, nutria, beaver, coyote, feral hog, and opossum in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A4 apply.

2. You may use only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges when hunting.

3. We provide annual season dates for squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum hunting on the hunt brochure/permit. We allow dogs.

4. You may take nutria, beaver, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

5. You may take feral hog only during the refuge Quota Gun Deer Hunt and according to State WMA regulations.

6. We limit nighttime hunting to raccoon/opossum hunting.

7. We close all other hunts during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. We allow only Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit (fee/signature required) holders to enter the refuge during this hunt and only for deer hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A4, and B4 through B7 apply.

2. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

3. We specify annual season dates, bag limits, and hunting methods on the annual hunting brochure/permit.

4. We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries by December 1. You must remove all stands on the remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

5. We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

6. We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly written in a conspicuous location.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow fishing from March 1 through October 31 from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset.

2. We prohibit the possession or use of live carp, shad, buffalo, or goldfish for bait.

3. We prohibit the possession or use of yo-yos, jugs, or other floating containers; drops or limb lines; trotlines; and commercial fishing tackle.

4. We allow bank fishing.

5. We prohibit the take or possession of frogs, mollusks, and/or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

6. Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.

7. Anglers must remove all boats daily from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit airboats, personal watercraft, and hovercraft.

4. Amend § 32.24 by:

a. Revising the entry Kern National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising the entry Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising the entry Merced National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising the entry Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Revising the entry San Luis National Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising the entry San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge; and

g. Revising the entry Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.24

California.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, and moorhens on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of the numbered steel post (blind site) except when pursuing cripples, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the parking area.

2. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.

3. We allow only nonmotorized boats.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: We allow pheasant hunting only in the free roam unit.

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass must accompany hunters age 17 and younger who are hunting in the controlled area.

2. We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. Reservations are obtained through the Waterfowl Lottery each year.

3. Entry hours begin at 4:30 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

4. Shooting hours end at 1 p.m. on all California portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:

i. The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth, ladies, veteran, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season.

ii. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.

5. You may not set decoys in retrieving zones.

6. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.

7. You may use only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on designated motorless units from the start of the hunting season through November 30. You may use motorized boats on designated motorless units from December 1 through the end of hunting season.

8. Pit style hunting blinds located in the Stearns units and unit 9D are first-come, first-served. We require you to hunt within a 200-foot (61-meter) radius of the blind.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following condition: In the controlled pheasant hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass must accompany hunters age 17 or younger who are hunting in the controlled area.

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may possess only 25 or fewer shotshells per day after leaving the parking lot.

2. Each hunter must remain inside his or her assigned blind, except for placing decoys, retrieving downed birds, and traveling to and from the parking area. We prohibit shooting from outside the blind.

3. We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the Lonetree Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or shooting to retrieve crippled birds.

4. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Access to the hunt area on all units open to public hunting is by boat only, except on designated units, which are accessible by foot traffic or boat. We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances. We prohibit waterfowl hunting on the Mooney and Codora Units.

2. On the Codora Unit, we prohibit hunting except for junior hunters on weekends only. Junior hunters must possess a valid junior hunting license and be accompanied by a nonhunting adult.

3. We allow only shotgun hunting.

4. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 meters (m)) of any landward boundary adjacent to private property.

5. We prohibit hunting within 150 yards (45 m) of any occupied dwelling, house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith.

6. We prohibit fires on the refuge, except we allow portable gas stoves on gravel bars (see § 27.95(a) of this chapter).

7. We open the refuge for day-use access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset. We allow access during other hours on gravel bars only.

8. We require dogs to be kept on a leash, except for hunting dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities, and under the immediate control of a licensed hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasant, turkey, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow only shotgun and archery hunting.

2. Conditions A1, A2, and A4 through A8 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of black-tailed deer and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A2, A4 through A8, and B1 apply.

2. Feral hogs may be hunted September 1 through March 15.

3. We prohibit the use of dogs while hunting black-tailed deer and feral hogs.

4. We allow the use of only shotguns not capable of holding more than three rounds and firing single non-lead shotgun slugs, and archery equipment. We prohibit the use or possession of rifles and pistols on the refuge for hunting.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A6 through A8 apply.

2. On Packer Lake and Drumheller North, due to primitive access, we only allow boats up to 14 feet (4.2 m) and canoes. Electric motors only.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may only hunt snipe within the free-roaming portion of the San Luis Unit waterfowl hunting area.

2. You may only possess shotshells in quantities of 25 or fewer after leaving your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

3. We prohibit dropping of passengers or equipment, and stopping between designated parking areas. You must return your permits to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.

4. We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing cripples.

5. We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.

6. Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only with a maximum of 5 miles per hour (mph). Prohibited boats include air-thrust and/or inboard water-thrust types.

7. We prohibit the use of motorized boats in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit.

8. We do not allow vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any location on the refuge.

9. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasants on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may only possess shotshells in quantities of 25 or fewer while in the field.

2. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow fishing during normal refuge visitation hours in designated areas as posted.

2. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take fish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow hunting in the open waters of San Pablo Bay and navigable sloughs, the Cullinan Ranch Unit, and the Sears Point Dickson Ranch Unit.

2. You may only hunt from a boat. We prohibit walk-in hunting on the refuge.

3. You may possess shotshells only in quantities of 25 or fewer while in the field.

4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during waterfowl season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.

5. We allow foot access through the refuge to the State's Tolay Creek Unit (Midshipman Slough) for waterfowl hunting.

6. We allow waterfowl hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

7. Hunters may enter closed areas of the refuge (tidal marshes) only to retrieve downed birds, but all weapons must be left in the designated hunting areas.

8. We prohibit launching of boats and access to the Bay or sloughs from refuge property except from designated boat launch sites (Cullinan Ranch Unit and Dickson Ranch Unit).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasant only in areas of the Tolay Creek Unit designated by posted signs in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may only hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or fewer while in the field.

3. You may only access the Tolay Creek Unit by foot or bicycle.

4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during pheasant season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. The refuge is only open to fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

2. We only allow fishing in the open waters of San Pablo Bay and navigable sloughs, the Cullinan Ranch Unit, and the Dickson Ranch Unit.

3. We prohibit walking through or over marsh vegetation.

4. We prohibit launching of boats and access to the Bay or sloughs from refuge property except from designated boat launch sites. We allow only nonmotorized crafts at the Cullinan Ranch Unit and Dickson Ranch Unit launch sites.

5. We only allow fishing from the shore at designated areas along the west side of Cullinan Ranch Unit in addition to the fishing and wildlife observation pier and canoe/kayak dock.

6. We allow fishing only with a pole and line or rod and reel. We prohibit bow fishing and gigging.

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass must accompany hunters age 17 or younger who are hunting in the controlled area.

2. We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. You may obtain a reservation through the Waterfowl Lottery each year.

3. Entry hours begin at 4:30 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

4. Shooting hours end at 1 p.m. on all portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:

i. The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth, ladies, veteran, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season.

ii. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon

waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.

5. You select blind sites by lottery at the beginning of each hunt day. You may shoot only from within your assigned blind site.

6. We prohibit the setting of decoys in retrieving zones.

7. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.

8. We prohibit the use of all-terrain amphibious or utility-type vehicles (UTVs) in wetland units.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations, and subject to the following condition: In the controlled pheasant hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass must accompany hunters age 17 or younger who are hunting in the controlled area.

C. Big Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

5. Amend § 32.25 by:

a. Under the entry Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs A.2 and A.4;

ii. Redesignating paragraph A.3 as A.2; and

iii. Revising paragraphs B and C;

b. Revising the entry Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising the entry Baca National Wildlife Refuge; and

d. Revising the entry Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.25

Colorado.

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed and whitetailed jackrabbit, on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: Condition A2 applies.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, coot, merganser, Canada goose, snipe, Virginia and Sora rail, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. All migratory bird hunting closes annually on December 31.

2. We allow access to the refuge one hour prior to legal shooting time.

3. We allow use of only portable stands and blinds that the hunter must remove following each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit hunting 200 feet (60 meters) from any public use road, designated parking area, or designated public use facility located within the hunt area.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, and sage grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. All upland game hunting closes annually on December 31.

2. Condition A2 applies.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of antelope and elk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A2 and A3 apply.

2. Elk hunters:

i. Must possess a refuge-specific permit to hunt elk; and

ii. Must attend a scheduled pre-hunt information meeting prior to hunting.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge on the Illinois River in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit fishing between June 1 and July 31 each year.

2. We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

3. We prohibit ice fishing on the refuge.

4. Fishing is closed in Unit C when the refuge is open to big game rifle hunting.

5. We prohibit lead sinkers and live bait for fishing.

Baca National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of Eurasian collared-doves and mourning doves only in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow Eurasian collared-dove hunting only during the mourning dove season.

2. The only acceptable methods of take are shotguns, hand-held bows, and hawking/falconry.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit, on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: Shotguns, rifles firing rimfire cartridges less than .23 caliber, hand-held bows, pellet guns, slingshots, and hawking/falconry are the only acceptable methods of take.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: You must possess a valid State license and a refuge-specific permit from the State, or a valid State license issued specifically for the refuge, to hunt elk. State license selection will be made via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunt selection process.

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, snipe, Eurasian collared-doves, and mourning doves on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow Eurasian collared-dove hunting only during the mourning dove season.

2. The only acceptable methods of take are shotguns, hand-held bows, and hawking/falconry.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit, on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: Condition A2 applies.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: You must possess a valid State license and a refuge-specific permit from the State, or a valid State license issued specifically for the refuge, to hunt elk. State license selection will be made via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunt selection process.

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

§ 32.26

[Amended]

6. Amend § 32.26, the entry Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, by:

a. Removing paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.5, A.6, A.7, A.8, A.9, A.12, A.13, and A.14; and

b. Redesignating paragraphs A.4, A.10, and A.11 as paragraphs A.2, A.3, and A.4, respectively.

7. Amend § 32.27 by:

a. Under the entry Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraphs A and B, and introductory paragraph C; and

ii. Removing paragraphs C.3 and C.4; and

b. Revising the entry Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.27

Delaware.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: We require a permit for waterfowl hunting except on the South Upland Hunting Area.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of grey squirrel, cottontail rabbit, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, raccoon, opossum, red fox, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of turkey and deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow the hunting of waterfowl, coot, mourning dove, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge during designated seasons in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Refuge permits are required for waterfowl hunting except in “walk-in” areas as defined in the refuge brochure. You must obtain and possess a refuge permit from the refuge office or website.

2. You must complete and return a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361), available at the refuge administration office or on the refuge's website, within 15 days of the close of the season.

3. You may access the Lottery Waterfowl hunt area by boat. The maximum horsepower allowed for boat motors is 30 horsepower (HP). You must abide by the slow, no-wake zones on designated portions of refuge waterways as depicted in maps or within the brochure.

4. Disabled Waterfowl Draw Area

i. All disabled hunters must possess and carry a State of Delaware Certified Hunter with Disabilities Card while hunting in disabled areas. We will not accept photocopies or electronic copies of these forms.

ii. Disabled hunters may have a nonhunting assistant who is age 18 or older. The assistant must remain within sight and normal voice contact, must not be engaged in hunting, and must possess a valid refuge hunt brochure signed in ink and a valid government-issued photo identification. Any assistant engaged in hunting must possess and carry all pertinent State and Federal licenses and stamps.

iii. We do not allow assistants to enter a designated disabled hunting area unless they are accompanied by a certified disabled hunter.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of rabbit, quail, pheasant, and red fox on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We do not allow squirrel hunting due to the similarity of gray squirrels and the State endangered Delmarva fox squirrel.

2. You must obtain and possess a refuge permit from the refuge office or website.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit organized deer drives.

2. Hunting on the headquarters deer hunt area will be by lottery. You must obtain and possess a refuge permit from the refuge office or website.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Turkle and Fleetwood ponds are restricted to electric trolling motors only.

2. All crabbing and fishing gear must be attended at all times. No gear may be left overnight.

8. Amend § 32.28 by:

a. Revising the entry Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Under the entry J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising the introductory paragraph D and D.1;

ii. Removing paragraphs D.2, D.3, D.4, D.5, D.14, D.17, and D.21;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs D.6 through D.10, D.12, D.13, D.15, D.16, and D.18 through D.20 as paragraphs D.2 through D.6, D.7, D.8, D.9, D.10, and D.12 through D.14, respectively; and

iv. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs D.6 and D.10, paragraph D.11, and newly redesignated paragraph D.13; and

c. Under the entry Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising introductory paragraph C, C.1, and C.2;

ii. Removing paragraphs C.3, C.4, C.7, C.10, C.16, and C.17;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs C.5, C.8, C.9, C.11 through C.15, and C.18 as paragraphs C.3, C.4, C.5, C.7 through C.11, and C.12, respectively;

iv. Revising newly redesignated paragraph C.5, paragraph C.6, and newly redesignated paragraphs C.8 and C.12;

v. Removing paragraph D.1; and

vi. Redesignating paragraphs D.2 through D.5 as paragraphs D.1 through D.4, respectively.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.28

Florida.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting. These brochures are available at the refuge visitor center and on the refuge's website (

http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee

).

2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14 (SEE PERMIT MAP). We prohibit hunting from canals or levees and those areas posted as closed.

3. We do not open to hunting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Christmas Day.

4. We allow hunting on the refuge from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to 1 p.m. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must be off the refuge by 3 p.m.

5. Hunters may only enter and leave the refuge at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach) and the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton).

6. We allow only temporary blinds of native vegetation.

7. Hunters must remove decoys and other personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunting area at the end of each hunt day.

8. Hunters must complete a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361) and place it in an entrance fee canister each day prior to exiting the refuge.

9. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult age 21 or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. Youth hunters must have completed a hunter education course.

10. We allow only boats equipped with factory-manufactured-water-cooled outboard motors, boats with electric motors, and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit boats with air-cooled engines, airboats, fan boats, hovercraft, and

personal watercraft (Jet Skis, Jet Boats, Wave Runners, etc.).

11. There is a 35 mph speed limit in all waters of the refuge. A 500-foot (150-meter) Idle Speed Zone is at each of the refuge's three boat ramps.

12. We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area to fly a 12-inch by 12-inch (30-cm by 30-cm) orange flag 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

[Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of alligators on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with Federal and State regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge alligator hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting. These brochures are available at the refuge visitor center and on the refuge's website (

http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/

).

2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14, including the canals south of that line (SEE PERMIT MAP). We prohibit hunting from levees and those areas posted as closed.

3. We allow hunting on the refuge 1 hour before sunset on Friday night through 1 hour after sunrise Saturday morning, and 1 hour before sunset on Saturday night through 1 hour after sunrise Sunday morning. We allow alligator hunting the first 2 weekends during Harvest Period 1 (August) and the first 2 weekends during Harvest Period 2 (September). Following the close of Harvest Period 2, the remaining weekends in October will be open for alligator harvest permittees who possess unused CITES tags. Specific dates for the alligator hunt will be provided on the harvest permit.

4. Hunters age 18 and older must be in possession of all necessary State and Federal licenses, permits, and CITES tags, as well as a refuge hunt permit (signed hunt brochure) while hunting on the refuge. They must possess an Alligator Trapping License with CITES tags or an Alligator Trapping Agent License, if applicable.

5. Hunters age 17 and younger may not hunt, but may only accompany an adult age 21 or older who possesses an Alligator Trapping Agent License.

6. Hunters may only enter and leave the refuge at the Hillsboro Area (Loxahatchee Road, Boca Raton).

7. You may take alligators using hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, artificial lures, manually operated spears, spear guns, and crossbows. We prohibit the taking of alligators using baited hooks, baited wooden pegs, or firearms. We allow the use of bang sticks (a hand-held pole with a pistol or shotgun cartridge on the end in a very short barrel) with nontoxic ammunition only for taking alligators attached to a restraining line (see § 32.2(k)). Once an alligator is captured, it must be killed immediately. We prohibit catch and release of alligators. Once the alligator is dead, you must lock a CITES tag through the skin of the carcass within 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) of the tip of the tail. The tag must remain attached to the alligator at all times.

8. Hunters must remove all personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunting area at the end of each hunt day.

9. We allow only one vessel per hunting group or party.

10. Conditions A9 and A10 apply.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with Federal and State regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow fishing south of a line of latitude of 26.27.130 and in the rim canal in the rest of the refuge. We prohibit fishing in those areas posted as closed to fishing or to the public.

2. We only allow the use of rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times.

3. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

4. We allow 12 fishing tournaments a year by Special Use Permit only (General Activities—Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G). Contact the Refuge Office at 561-735-6029 for more information.

5. We prohibit the possession or use of cast nets, seines, trot lines, jugs, gigs, and other fishing devices.

6. Anglers may only launch boats at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach), the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton), and 20 Mile Bend (West Palm Beach).

7. Conditions A9 and A10 apply.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing and crabbing in refuge waters in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow the take of crabs with the use of dip nets only.

6. We allow launching of canoes and kayaks anywhere on the right (north) side of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit launching motorized vessels over 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length from Wildlife Drive. Motorized vessels less than 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length may only be launched from designated site #2.

10. We prohibit the use of cast nets from the left (south) side of Wildlife Drive or any water control structure, bridge, boardwalk, or rip rap affixed to Wildlife Drive.

11. All fish must remain in whole condition until removed from refuge lands and waters.

13. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and “Go-Devil”-style outboard motors.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a valid Lake Woodruff Quota Hunt Permit, which can be purchased through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and a valid Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge hunt permit (signed annual hunt brochure), which is free and nontransferable.

2. All hunters must be on stands or in blinds during deer hunts.

5. You may set up stands or blinds 2 days prior to the hunt for which you are permitted, and you must remove them on or before the last day of your permitted hunt. You must clearly mark stands with the hunter's name and address or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permit number found on your hunting license. No more than one stand or blind per person may be on the refuge at any time, unless a permitted hunter is accompanied by a youth hunter. Stands and/or blinds for youth hunters must be placed within sight and normal voice contact of the permitted hunter's stand and marked with the adult permitted hunter's name and address or the FWC permit number and the word “YOUTH.”

6. If you use flagging or other trail marking material, you must print your name or FWC permit number on each piece or marker. You may set up flagging and trail markers 2 days prior to the permitted hunt, and you must

remove them on or before the last day of the permitted hunt.

8. The Western Unit is only accessible by boat.

12. We prohibit shotgun loads larger than number two shot and slugs during turkey hunts.

9. Amend § 32.29 by:

a. Under the entry Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs C.7, C.8, C.10, C.13, C.14, and C.21;

ii. Redesignating paragraphs C.9, C.11, C.12, and C.15 through C.20 as paragraphs C.7, C.8, C.9, and C.10 through C.15, respectively;

iii. Revising newly redesignated paragraph C.12; and

iv. Removing paragraph D.3;

b. Under the entry Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs C.3, C.4, C.8, C.13, C.14, C.16, and C.20;

ii. Redesignating paragraphs C.5, C.6, C.7, C.9 through C.12, C.15, C.17, C.18, and C.19 as paragraphs C.3, C.4, C.5, C.6 through C.9, C.10, C.11, C.12, and C.13, respectively;

iii. Revising newly redesignated paragraph C.12;

iv. Removing paragraphs D.3 and D.5; and

v. Redesignating paragraph D.4 as D.3;

c. Revising the entry Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Under the entry Savannah National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraphs A.2 and A.3;

ii. Removing paragraphs A.4, A.5, and A.8;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs A.6 and A.7 as A.4 and A.5, respectively;

iv. Revising paragraph B.1;

v. Removing paragraphs B.2, B.4, and B.5;

vi. Redesignating paragraphs B.3 and B.6 as paragraphs B.2 and B.3, respectively;

vii. Revising newly redesignated paragraph B.3, and paragraphs C.1 and C.2;

viii. Removing paragraphs C.3, C.6, and C.11;

ix. Redesignating paragraphs C.4, C.5, and C.7 through C.10 as paragraphs C.3, C.4, and C.5 through C.8, respectively;

x. Revising newly redesignated paragraph C.8, and paragraph D.3;

xi. Removing paragraphs D.5 and D.7; and

xii. Redesignating paragraph D.6 as D.5; and

e. Under the entry Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs C.2, C.3, C.6, C.7, C.14, and C.22;

ii. Redesignating paragraphs C.4, C.5, C.8 through C.13, and C.15 through C.21 as paragraphs C.2, C.3, C.4 through C.9, and C.10 through C.16, respectively;

iii. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs C.5, C.8, and C.14; and

iv. Removing paragraph D.4.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.29

Georgia.

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

C.

* * *

12. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

C.

* * *

12. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

[Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow the hunting of rabbit, squirrel, bobwhite quail, and turkey on the Cowhouse Unit of the refuge. The season will be consistent with the adjacent Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area and in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow foot and bicycle traffic on the refuge portion of Cowhouse Island.

2. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve during quail hunts.

3. Feral hogs can only be taken during small game dates after October 31.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of turkey only on the Cowhouse Island Unit of the refuge. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog, as an incidental take, at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, the Pocket Unit, and Cowhouse Island Unit in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. In the Pocket Unit:

i. We only allow archery hunting and foot traffic.

ii. You must sign in and out daily.

iii. We prohibit possessing a cocked crossbow in a motor vehicle.

iv. We allow nonmotorized scouting 7 days prior to scheduled hunt.

2. In the Suwannee Canal Unit:

i. We only allow two half-day hunts reserved for 30 hunters and 10 mobility-impaired/youth hunters.

ii. We allow only shotguns with slugs or muzzleloaders.

iii. We require a refuge permit (Big/Upland Game Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2356) obtained through refuge lottery.

iv. You must sign in and sign out daily.

v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags.

vi. There is a limit of two deer of either sex per day.

vii. We zone Chesser Island Hunt area to accommodate mobility-impaired and youth hunters. Only mobility-impaired hunters may use ATVs and vehicles on firebreaks and unpaved roads.

viii. We allow nonmotorized scouting 7 days prior to scheduled hunt.

ix. Condition C.1.iii applies.

3. In the Cowhouse Island Unit:

i. Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area rules, regulations, dates, and times apply.

ii. Conditions B.1, C.1.iii, and C.1.iv apply.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may use only 10 horsepower motors or less on the refuge.

2. We prohibit possession of live bait fish.

3. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel.

4. We prohibit paddleboarding, air boats, swimming, and wading.

5. All boats must be off the water by posted time.

6. In the Suwannee Canal Unit, we prohibit fishing in ponds and canals along Swamp Island Drive.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

A.

* * *

2. To participate in the quota youth waterfowl hunt, youth hunters must submit the Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2355). You must pay an application fee to enter the hunt drawing.

3. Youth hunters, defined as those age 15 and younger, must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

B.

* * *

1. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.

3. Youth hunters, defined as those age 15 and younger, must remain within

sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

C.

* * *

1. Conditions A1, A4, and B3 apply.

2. To participate in the quota gun hunt for wheelchair-dependent hunters, hunters must submit the Quota Deer Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2354). To participate in the quota Youth Turkey Hunt & Learn Weekend, youth hunters must submit the Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). You must pay an application fee to enter these hunt drawings.

8. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.

D.

* * *

3. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

C.

* * *

5. We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger; slug only), center-fire rifles, center-fire pistols, bows, and primitive weapons, in accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during the gun hunt.

8. We only allow camping at the designated camping area.

14. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

10. Amend § 32.32 by:

a. Revising the entry Great River National Wildlife Refuge; and

b. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

The addition and revision read as follows:

§ 32.32

Illinois.

Great River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of waterfowl and coot on the Long Island and Slim Island Divisions of the refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and subject to the following conditions:

1. On the Long Island Division, we allow hunting only from blinds constructed on sites posted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

2. For hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of small game, furbearers, and game birds on the Long Island, Fox Island, and Slim Island Divisions, and Cherry Box and Hickory Creek Units of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A2 applies.

2. We open refuge divisions for upland game hunting from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset. On the Cherry Box and Hickory Creek Units, we allow hunting with shotgun only during the Statewide upland game season.

3. We close Fox Island Division to all upland game hunting from October 16 through December 31.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A2 applies, except for when hunting for white-tailed deer.

2. We only allow portable tree stands from September 1 through January 31 of each year. The hunter's full name, address, and State-generated hunter identification number must be permanently attached in a visible location on the stand. Limit one stand per hunter.

3. On the Fox Island and Slim Island Divisions, we only allow deer hunting during the Statewide archery deer season and special State-managed hunts.

4. On the Cherry Box and Hickory Creek Units, we allow deer hunting during the Statewide archery deer season only.

5. On the Delair Division, we only allow deer hunting during special managed hunts and subject to the following conditions:

i. You must possess and carry a refuge permit (hunt letter) when hunting.

ii. You must register at the hunter sign-in/out station and record the sex and age of deer harvested on the Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359). Shooting hours end at 3 p.m. each day.

6. On the Long Island Division, we allow deer and turkey hunting in accordance with State seasons and regulations.

7. On the Slim Island Division, we allow turkey hunting in accordance with State seasons and regulations.

8. On the Fox Island Division, Cherry Box Unit, and Hickory Creek Unit, we allow turkey hunting during the State spring season, youth season, and fall archery season.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing on the Long Island, Fox Island, and Slim Island Divisions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

2. On the Fox Island Division, we only allow bank fishing along any portion of the Fox River from January 1 through October 15.

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with Federal and State regulations, and subject to the following condition: We allow the use of only portable or temporary blinds.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow the use of only portable or temporary blinds.

2. For hunting, you may possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: Condition B.2 applies.

D. Sport Fishing.

[Reserved]

11. Amend § 32.35 by:

a. Under the entry Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraph A.5;

ii. Removing paragraphs A.6, A.7, A.8, and A.10.iii;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs A.9 and A.10 as paragraphs A.6 and A.7, respectively;

iv. Revising paragraph B.1;

v. Removing paragraph B.2;

vi. Redesignating paragraphs B.3 and B.4 as paragraphs B.2 and B.3, respectively;

vii. Removing paragraphs C.4 and C.7;

viii. Revising paragraph C.5;

ix. Redesignating paragraph C.6 as paragraph C.4; and

x. Revising paragraph D.2;

b. Under the entry Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraph A;

ii. Removing paragraphs B.3, B.4, and B.5;

iii. Revising paragraphs C.2 and C.4;

iv. Removing paragraphs C.3, C.6, C.7, C.8, and C.9;

v. Redesignating paragraph C.5 as paragraph C.3;

vi. Removing paragraphs D.2, D.5, D.8, and D.9; and

vii. Redesignating paragraphs D.3, D.4, D.6, and D.7 as paragraphs D.2, D.3, D.4, and D.5, respectively;

c. Under the entry Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraph A.5;

ii. Revising introductory paragraph B and B.1;

iii. Removing paragraph B.4;

iv. Revising paragraph C.1;

v. Removing paragraph C.3; and

vi. Redesignating paragraphs C.4 and C.5 as paragraphs C.3 and C.4, respectively; and

d. Under the entry Quivira National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs A.2, A.5, A.6, and A.7;

ii. Redesignating paragraphs A.3, A.4, A.8, and A.9 as paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.4, and A.5, respectively;

iii. Revising paragraphs B.1, D.1, and D.7; and

iv. Removing paragraph D.8.

The revisions read as follows:

§ 32.35

Kansas.

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

A.

* * *

5. You may leave temporary blinds (other than portable blinds) constructed of natural vegetation found on site overnight. We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.

B.

* * *

1. Conditions A1 and A3 apply.

C.

* * *

5. Conditions A1, A3, and B2 apply.

D.

* * *

2. We prohibit the take of reptiles and amphibians.

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, coot, mourning dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may use natural vegetation to construct a temporary blind.

2. You may use portable hunting blinds.

3. We only allow waterfowl hunting by boat in Bow Creek. You may not create a wake while in Bow Creek.

C.

* * *

2. You must obtain a refuge-issued permit to hunt deer on the refuge.

4. We prohibit retrieving deer or turkey from an area closed to deer or turkey hunting.

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and upland birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 and A3 apply.

C.

* * *

1. Conditions A1, A3, A4, and B2 apply.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

B.

* * *

1. Conditions A1 through A3 apply.

D.

* * *

1. We prohibit taking of frog, snake, or any other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

7. Condition A2 applies.

12. Amend § 32.37 by:

a. Under the entry Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraphs A.1, A.3, and A.8;

ii. Removing paragraphs A.9, A.11, A.12, A.14, A.15, A.16, A.17, A.18, and A.19;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs A.10, A.13, and A.20 as paragraphs A.9, A.10, and A.11, respectively;

iv. Revising paragraph D.6; and

v. Removing paragraphs D.7, D.8, and D.9;

b. Revising the entry Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising the entry Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising the entry Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Under the entry Delta National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Revising paragraph A.3;

ii. Removing paragraphs A.4, A.7, A.12, A.14, A.15, and A.16;

iii. Redesignating paragraphs A.5, A.6, A.8 through A.11, and A.13 as paragraphs A.4, A.5, A.6 through A.9, and A.10, respectively;

iv. Revising newly redesignated paragraph A.9, and paragraphs B.4, C.1, C.3, and C.5;

v. Removing paragraphs C.6 and C.7;

vi. Redesignating paragraphs C.8 and C.9 as paragraphs C.6 and C.7, respectively;

vii. Removing paragraph D.2;

viii. Redesignating paragraphs D.3 through D.5 as paragraphs D.2 through D.4, respectively; and

ix. Revising newly redesignated paragraph D.3;

f. Under the entry Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge:

i. Removing paragraphs A.6, A.8, A.9, A.10, A.11, and A.12;

ii. Redesignating paragraphs A.3 through A.5 as paragraphs A.4 through A.6, respectively;

iii. Adding new paragraph A.3;

iv. Revising newly redesignated paragraph A.4;

v. Revising paragraphs C.7 and C.8;

vi. Removing paragraph D.1;

vii. Redesignating paragraphs D.2 through D.6 as D.1 through D.5, respectively; and

viii. Revising newly redesignated paragraph D.4; and

g. Revising the entry Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge.

The addition and revisions read as follows:

§ 32.37

Louisiana.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

A.

* * *

1. We consider all waterfowl and coot hunting to be youth hunts. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters during hunts. State regulations define youth hunter age and hunter-educations requirements. The youth must be capable of and must actively participate in such hunt by the possession and/or firing of a legal weapon during such hunt for the express purpose of harvesting game.

3. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from one half hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including early teal season, youth waterfowl hunt season, or other such special seasons that may be promulgated by law or statute. We will close the refuge to waterfowl and coot hunting during any segment of goose season that extends beyond the regular duck season.

8. When hunting migratory game birds, we only allow the use of dogs to locate, point, and retrieve.

D.

* * *

6. Condition A10 applies.

Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of migratory game birds and waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions.

1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt permit while hunting on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge brochure.

2. We prohibit hunting in and/or shooting into or across any agricultural field, roadway, or canal.

3. An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth hunters during all hunts. State regulations define youth hunter age and hunter-educations requirements. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory game bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth(s) must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.

4. We require waterfowl hunters to remove all portable blinds, boats, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.

5. All hunters must check-in prior to hunting and check out after hunting at a refuge self-clearing check station. You must report all game taken on the refuge when checking out by using the check card.

6. We prohibit airboats and marsh buggies (tracked vehicles) on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, ponds, and from areas marked as nonmotorized areas only.

7. We prohibit parking, walking, or hunting within 150 feet (45 meters (m)) of any active oil well site, production facility, or equipment. We also prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, building, residence, or designated public facility.

8. We allow hunting until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m.

9. We allow waterfowl hunting in Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend East, and North Bend West Units during the State waterfowl season. We open no other units to migratory waterfowl hunting.

10. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.

11. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except reflective tacks.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow hunting from the start of the State squirrel and rabbit seasons until the last day of State waterfowl season in the Coastal Zone, except that the Centerville Unit will be open until the last day of the State waterfowl season in the East Zone.

2. We prohibit squirrel and rabbit hunting in the Franklin Unit.

3. We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with refuge deer gun hunts.

4. We allow hunters to enter the refuge after 4 a.m., but they must leave the refuge 1 hour after legal sunset.

5. We allow hunting 7 days per week beginning with the opening of the State season through the last day of the State waterfowl season in the Coastal Zone in the following refuge units: Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West Units. The Centerville Unit is in the East Zone. We open no other units to the hunting of upland game.

6. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A7, and A11 apply, except we allow the use of .17 and .22 caliber rimfire or smaller while hunting small game.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow hunting of deer only with firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) during 5 specific days during October and November. A youth gun hunt will occur during the last weekend of October. The general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November. The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday. The general gun hunt includes the Friday immediately before the weekend.

2. We allow archery deer hunting from the start of the State archery season until January 31. Hunters may take deer of either sex in accordance with State-approved archery equipment and regulations. The State season limits apply. The following units are open to archery deer hunting: Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, North Bend—West, and Garden City. The Centerville Unit is open until February 15. We close refuge archery hunting on those days that the refuge deer gun hunts occur.

3. We do not allow hunting within 500 feet (152.4 meters) of the Garden City parking area and boardwalk.

4. The Bayou Sale Unit is not open for big game firearm hunts.

5. We allow each hunter to possess only one deer per day; the deer may be a buck or a doe. State season limits apply.

6. You may take feral hogs only as incidental take with archery equipment while participating in the refuge deer archery hunt.

7. Hunters may use only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect deer stands one day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

8. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A7, A11, and B3 apply.

9. We prohibit the use of trail cameras.

10. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.

11. We prohibit organized deer drives.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing in all refuge waters in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, jug, bush, etc.).

2. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless stated otherwise.

3. The Franklin Unit canals (birdfoot canals) will be open for motorized boats between April 15 and August 31. This unit is open to nonmotorized boats all year.

4. Condition A6 applies.

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, coot, goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge during the State season for these species in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.

2. We do not open the refuge to goose hunting for that part of the season that extends beyond the regular duck season.

3. We allow only temporary blinds, and hunters must remove the blinds and decoys by 1 p.m. (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit (signed brochure).

5. We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

6. An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth hunters during all hunts. State regulations define youth hunter age and hunter-education requirements. One adult may supervise two youths during small game hunts and migratory bird hunts, but is only allowed to supervise one youth during big game hunts. Youths must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.

7. We prohibit hunting or discharge of firearm (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 150 feet (45 meters (m)) of any residence or structure adjacent to the refuge, from the centerline of any road, railroad, designated public use maintained trails, designated parking area, or other designated public use facilities. We prohibit hunting in refuge-designated closed areas, which we post on the refuge and identify in the refuge hunt permits (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

8. We open the refuge to public entry from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset with the exception that hunters may enter the refuge earlier, but not before 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.

9. We only allow reflective tacks to be left on the refuge as trail markers.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow upland game hunting during the open State season. When hunting, you must possess only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k) of this chapter), shot size 4 or smaller, or 0.22 caliber rim-fire rifles or smaller.

2. We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel and rabbit only after the close of the State archery deer season.

3. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for quail.

4. Conditions A4 through A9 apply.

5. All hunters, including archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters must wear a hunter orange cap or hat during the dog season for squirrel and rabbit that is hunter orange, blaze pink, or other such color that meets State hunter safety requirements.

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We are open only during the State season for archery hunting of deer.

2. We prohibit organized deer drives.

3. We allow the take of either-sex deer in accordance with State-approved archery equipment and regulations. The State season limits apply. Archery equipment, which State regulations define as legal gear for archery season, will be a legal means of take during the deer archery season.

4. We allow placement of temporary deer stands 1 day prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 1 day after the archery deer season closes. Hunters are allowed to place only one deer stand on the refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. We prohibit hunting stands on trees painted with white bands.

5. We allow take of feral hogs only as incidental take with archery equipment while participating in the refuge deer archery hunt.

6. Conditions A4 through A9 apply.

7. We prohibit the use of trail cameras.

8. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow fishing in designated waters of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. You may fish only from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise until

1/2

hour after legal sunset, except we allow night fishing from the bank and pier on Lake Road.

2. You must only use rods and reel or pole and lines while fishing.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets, or alligator lines on the refuge. We allow take of bait with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 meters) in diameter or less.

4. We allow recreational crabbing.

5. Condition A5 applies.

6. You must attend to any fishing, crabbing, and crawfishing equipment at all times.

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.

We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow hunting from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt. You must remove blinds and decoys by 1 p.m. (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We do not open the refuge to goose hunting for that part of the season that extends beyond the regular duck season.

2. We allow woodcock hunting in accordance with State regulations using only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) size #4 or smaller.

3. We allow public hunting on designated areas during the open State season for duck, goose, coot, and woodcock. We designate areas where public use is restricted in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) or by designated signage.

4. When hunting for migratory game birds, we only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve.

5. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit (signed refuge brochure).

6. An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth hunters during all hunts. State regulations define youth hunter age and hunter-education requirements. One adult is allowed to supervise two youths during small game hunts and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youths must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.

7. We prohibit hunting or discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 150 feet (45.7 meters) from the centerline of any public road, refuge road, designated or maintained trail, building, residence, designated camping area, designated public facility, or from or across aboveground oil, gas, or electric facilities. We prohibit hunting in refuge-designated closed areas, which we post on the refuge and identify in the refuge hunt permits (signed brochure).

8. For the purpose of hunting, we prohibit possession of slugs, buckshot, rifle, or pistol ammunition unless otherwise specified.

9. We allow primitive camping within 100 feet (30 meters) of designated streams. These include either bank of the Boque Chitto River, Wilson Slough, and West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough; refuge lands along the East Pearl River; and Holmes Bayou. Campers must mark their campsite with the owner's name, address, phone number, and dates of occupancy placed in a conspicuous location in the center of camp.

10. We prohibit horses, trail cameras, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs), except UTVs are allowed on designated physically challenged hunt trails and are restricted to physically challenged State-issued permit holders and persons 60 years or

older with proof of age for all refuge designated hunts. Those users may utilize Physically Challenged UTV trails as indicated on the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) map. Physically Challenged UTV users must not deviate from the designated UTV trails on the area map. Vehicles must park in designated parking areas. We prohibit blocking gates, trails, or roads with a vehicle or UTV.

11. We only allow reflective tacks to be left on the refuge as trail markers.

12. We allow State-licensed physically challenged hunters and persons 60 years or older with proof of age exclusive use of designated physically challenged hunt trails for any open hunt seasons on the refuge. Specific hunt trails are designated on the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure). An assistant may accompany the physically challenged or person 60 years or older while hunting, but the assistant may not hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow the use of dogs for rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opossum on specific dates listed in the refuge hunt brochure.

2. We will close the refuge to hunting (except waterfowl) and camping when the Pearl River reaches 15.5 feet (4.65 meters) on the Pearl River Gauge at Pearl River, Louisiana.

3. We prohibit the take of feral hog during any upland game hunts.

4. All hunters, except waterfowl hunters and nighttime raccoon and opossum hunters, must abide by State WMA hunter-orange or blaze pink (or other approved colors by the State) regulations during any open deer firearm or primitive firearm season on the refuge. During the dog season for squirrels and rabbits, all hunters, including archery hunters (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters, must wear a hunter-orange (or blaze pink in Louisiana, or other approved color by the State) hat or cap. Deer hunters hunting from concealed blinds must display State WMA hunter-orange or blaze-pink (as required by State regulations) above or around their blinds; this must be visible from 360 degrees.

5. Conditions A5 through A12 apply, except you may use .22- caliber rifles or smaller, and the nontoxic shot in your possession while hunting must be size 4 or smaller (see § 32.2(k)).

C. Big Game Hunting.

We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A5 through A7, A9 through A10, A12, B2, and B4 apply.

2. Hunters may erect deer stands one day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after this season closes. We allow only one deer stand per hunter on the refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand.

3. We allow take of hog as incidental game while participating in the refuge archery, primitive weapon, and general gun deer hunts and where otherwise specified using legal methods of take for the hunt. We list specific dates for the special hog hunt in February in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure). During the special hog hunt in February, you must use trained hog-hunting dogs to aid in the take of hog. During the special hog hunt, we allow take of hog from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise until

1/2

hour after legal sunset. You must possess only approved nontoxic shot or pistol or rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber rim-fire to take the hog after it has been caught by dogs. Condition A8 applies during special hog hunt in February.

4. You must kill all hogs prior to removal from the refuge.

5. We prohibit the use of deer and turkey gobbler decoys.

6. We prohibit using shot larger than BB lead or T steel while hunting during turkey season.

D. Sport Fishing.

We allow recreational fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow cotton limb lines.

2. Conditions A8 and A10 apply.

3. We close the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround to fishing from April through the first full week of June and to boating during the months of April, May, June, and July.

4. When the Pearl River Turnaround area is open, we allow boats that do not have gasoline-powered engines attached in the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround. Anglers must hand-launch these boats into the ponds. When open, we only allow hook and line as a legal method of take in the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround.

5. We allow trotlines, but the last 5 feet of trotline must be 100% cotton.

6. The Pearl River Turnaround area, when open, is open

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset.

Delta National Wildlife Refuge

A.

* * *

3. When hunting for migratory game birds, we only allow the

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