# 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2020-06258 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Proposed Rule - **Published:** April 9, 2020 - **Citation:** 85 FR 20030 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Parts 32, 36, and 71 [Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-0013; FXRS12610900000-201-FF09R20000] RIN 1018-BE50 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to open, for the first time, eight National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we propose to open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 89 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2020-2021 season. We also propose to open hunting or sport fishing on nine units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHs). We also propose to add pertinent station-specific regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at these nine NFHs for the 2020-2021 season. Further, we propose to open 41 limited-interest easement NWRs in North Dakota for upland game and big game hunting, and sport fishing in accordance with State regulations. Access to these NWRs is controlled by the current landowners, and, therefore, they are not fully open to the public unless authorized by the landowner. We also propose to make regulatory changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on the public, increase access for hunters and anglers on Service lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain language standards. Lastly, we propose to prohibit domestic sheep, goat, and camelid pack animals on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. DATES: Written comments: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 8, 2020. Information Collection Requirements: If you wish to comment on the information collection requirements in this proposed rule, please note that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information contained in this proposed rule between 30 and 60 days after publication of this proposed rule in the Federal Register . Therefore, comments should be submitted to OMB, with a copy provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, by June 8, 2020. ADDRESSES: Written comments: 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-2020-0013, 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-2020-0013; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO); 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' or hatcheries' 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 Stations under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . Information collection requirements: Send your comments on the requested revision of the information collection request (ICR) to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at 202-395-5806 (fax) or oira_submission@omb.eop.gov (email). Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO), Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or Info_Coll@fws.gov (email). Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Harrigan, (703) 358-2440. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background 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 hunting and sport fishing programs to determine whether to include additional stations or whether individual station 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 station-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 station purposes or the Service'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), and on hatcheries in part 71 (50 CFR part 71). We regulate hunting and sport fishing to: • Ensure compatibility with refuge and hatchery purpose(s); • Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s); • Protect other values; • Ensure visitor safety; and • Provide opportunities for fish- and wildlife-dependent recreation. On many stations 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 stations, we must supplement State regulations with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined under Statutory Authority, below. We issue station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we open wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries 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. Statutory Authority The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Administration Act; 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement Act]) governs the administration and public use of refuges, and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) governs the administration and public use of refuges and hatcheries. Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act were 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 and Hatchery 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 or hatchery 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 station-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or hatchery and the Refuge and Hatchery System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land 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 parts 32 and 71. 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. Proposed Amendments to Existing Regulations Updates to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on NWRs and NFHs 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 (84 FR 47640; September 10, 2019) and that are applicable at Refuge System and Hatchery System units previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. We propose this to better inform the general public of the regulations at each station, 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 parts 32 and 71, visitors to our refuges and hatcheries may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each station or posted on signs. Table 1—Proposed Changes for 2020-2021 Hunting/Sport Fishing Season Station State Migratory bird hunting Upland game hunting Big game hunting Sport fishing Abernathy Fish Technology Center Washington Closed Closed Closed A. Alamosa Colorado D D Already Open B. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Florida D Closed C D. Assabet River Massachusetts C C C/D Already Open. Balcones Canyonlands Texas Already Open Already Open D Closed. Bamforth Wyoming Closed A A Closed. Banks Lake Georgia Closed Closed B Already Open. Berkshire NFH Massachusetts Closed Closed Closed A. Big Branch Marsh Louisiana E C/E Already Open Already Open. Bitter Lake New Mexico E Already Open D Closed. Black Bayou Lake Louisiana Already Open Already Open E Already Open. Blackwater Maryland D Closed D Already Open. Block Island Rhode Island B Closed D Already Open. Bogue Chitto Louisiana and Mississippi E E E Already Open. Bombay Hook Delaware C/D C/D D B. Bosque del Apache New Mexico C/D C/D C/D/E Already Open. Browns Park Colorado Already Open Already Open C Already Open. Buenos Aires Arizona C C C Closed. Buffalo Lake Texas B C/D Already Open Closed. Cabeza Prieta Arizona B B C Closed. Canaan Valley West Virginia D D D B. Carolina Sandhills South Carolina Already Open C Already Open Already Open. Catahoula Louisiana C Already Open Already Open Already Open. Cedar Island North Carolina E Closed Closed Closed. Cibola Arizona and California E C/D D Already Open. Clarks River Kentucky Already Open C Already Open Already Open. Cokeville Meadows Wyoming C Already Open Already Open B. Coldwater River Mississippi C C Already Open Already Open. Crab Orchard Illinois D/E Already Open D/E Already Open. Crescent Lake Nebraska C/D D C E. Dahomey Mississippi C C E Already Open. Deer Flat Idaho and Oregon Already Open Already Open Already Open D. Dwight D. Eisenhower NFH Vermont Closed Closed Closed A. Edwin B. Forsythe New Jersey Already Open Already Open Already Open D. Eufaula Georgia and Alabama E Already Open Already Open Already Open. Everglades Headwaters Florida A A A A. Fallon Nevada A A A Closed. Fish Springs Utah C B B Closed. Flint Hills Kansas Already Open C E Already Open. Fort Niobrara Nebraska B B C/E Already Open. Great Meadows Massachusetts D B C/D Already Open. Great River Illinois and Missouri C Already Open E Already Open. Hart Mountain Oregon B C/D Already Open Already Open. Horicon Wisconsin C C C Already Open. Hutton Lake Wyoming Already Open B B Closed. Iroquois New York D/E E E Already Open. John W. and Louise Seier Nebraska A A A Closed. John H. Chafee Rhode Island A A A A. Jordan River NFH Michigan A A A Closed. Kirwin Kansas C C/E D E. Kootenai Idaho C Already Open Already Open D. Lacreek South Dakota D C/D C/D Already Open. Laguna Atascosa Texas Closed Closed C Already Open. Lamar NFH Pennsylvania Closed Closed Closed A. Leavenworth NFH Washington B B B Already Open. Lee Metcalf Montana Already Open B D D. Leslie Canyon Arizona A A A Closed. Little White Salmon NFH Washington B B B Already Open. Lower Rio Grande Valley Texas D/E B C/D/E Closed. Marais des Cygnes Kansas C/E C/E E Already Open. Mattamuskeet North Carolina E Closed Already Open Already Open. Merced California C Closed Closed Closed. Middle Mississippi River Illinois and Missouri C C Already Open Already Open. Minidoka Idaho C/D C/D C/D/E Already Open. Monte Vista Colorado D D Already Open Closed. Montezuma New York C B E D. Muscatatuck Indiana B C E Already Open. Nestucca Bay Oregon C Closed Closed Already Open. Ninigret Rhode Island Closed B C/E Already Open. Northern Tallgrass Prairie Minnesota D D D D. North Platte Nebraska Closed C/E D/E Already Open. Ottawa Ohio D D D Already Open. Overflow Arkansas C Already Open Already Open Already Open. Oxbow Massachusetts D C/D/E C/D/E Already Open. Pahranagat Nevada Already Open D Closed Already Open. Pathfinder Wyoming C Already Open Already Open Closed. Patoka River Indiana C/D C/D D D. Quivira Kansas C C B Already Open. Rachel Carson Maine Already Open Already Open Already Open D. Rydell Minnesota B B E Already Open. Sachuest Point Rhode Island Closed B B Already Open. San Diego Bay California Closed Closed Closed A. San Luis California Already Open E Closed Already Open. Savannah South Carolina and Georgia Already Open C C Already Open. Seatuck New York Closed Closed B Already Open. Spring Creek NFH Washington B B B Already Open. Stewart B. McKinney Connecticut D/E Closed B Closed. Stillwater Nevada Already Open Already Open C Closed. St. Marks Florida Already Open D/E D/E Already Open. St. Vincent Florida Closed E E Already Open. Swan River Montana Already Open Closed C Already Open. Swanquarter North Carolina E Closed Closed Closed. Tallahatchie Mississippi C C E Already Open. Tennessee Tennessee C/D C/E E Already Open. Tensas River Louisiana Already Open C Already Open Already Open. Tishomingo Oklahoma Already Open Closed Already Open E. Trustom Pond Rhode Island C B B Already Open. Turnbull Washington E Closed Already Open Closed. Two Rivers Illinois and Missouri D D D Already Open. Umbagog New Hampshire and Maine Already Open Already Open Already Open B. Union Slough Iowa C C Already Open Already Open. Valentine Nebraska C/D C C Already Open. Wapato Lake Oregon A Closed Closed Closed. Wertheim New York Closed Closed C/E Already Open. Willapa Washington Already Open Already Open D Already Open. Willard NFH Washington Closed Closed Closed A. Key: A = New station opened (Opening). B = New activity on a station previously open to other activities (Opening). C = Station already open to activity but added new species to hunt (Opening). D = Station already open to activity, but added new lands/waters or modified areas open to hunting or fishing (Expansion). E = Station already open to activity, but existing opportunity expanded through season dates, method of take, bag limits, quota permits, youth hunt, etc. (Expansion). The changes for the 2020-2021 hunting/fishing season noted in the table above are each based on a complete administrative record which, among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a compatibility determination (for refuges), 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. Through these openings and expansions, we are proposing to open or expand hunting or sport fishing on 2,300,501 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System. Limited-Interest Openings in North Dakota We are also proposing to open limited-interest NWRs (easement refuges) to hunting and fishing in accordance with State regulations and with access controlled by the current landowners. These easement refuges in North Dakota are a unique mix of government-owned and private property that were established during the 1930s in response to drought and economic depression in North Dakota. The Easement Refuge Program began in 1935 and executed agreements that granted the Federal Government migratory bird and flowage easements, many of them perpetual, for the purposes of water conservation, drought relief, and migratory bird and wildlife conservation. The overarching purpose of the program is management of migratory birds, with these easements serving as breeding grounds for many migratory waterfowl. The easements thus established were later formally designated NWRs and became the 41 easement refuges that the Service now administers (and which the Service retains the right to close to hunting/fishing, and later open, these easement refuges for wildlife, safety, or other reasons). We propose to open all 41 of these easement refuges to upland game and big game hunting, with migratory bird hunting prohibited due to the migratory bird management purpose of these refuges. It would also open 38 of the easement refuges to sport fishing, as the remaining 3 are already open to sport fishing. This would open a total of 47,419 acres to hunting and fishing, subject to the permission of current landowners. Other Updates to the Regulations for NWRs We propose one change to 50 CFR part 36, the regulations concerning Alaska NWRs. Specifically, we propose to prohibit domestic sheep, goats, and camelids on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose of this prohibition is to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites to native wildlife populations, including mountain goats, musk oxen, and especially Dall's sheep. Dall's sheep in Alaska, including on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, are free of domestic livestock diseases and are believed to have very low immunity to many of these diseases. Domestic sheep, goats, and camelids ( e.g., llamas and alpacas) are recognized as being at high risk for carrying disease organisms, often asymptomatically, that are highly contagious and cause severe illness or death in Dall's sheep. 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 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. Required Determinations 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. 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 (E.O.) 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. 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 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 will 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 will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As a preface to this analysis, note that this proposed rule would open 41 easement refuges to hunting and/or sport fishing, but because these openings are subject to landowner permission, there is no direct economic impact of the regulatory action and the indirect effects are not reasonably foreseeable as they depend on the non-economic decisions of private individuals. This proposed rule would open or expand hunting and sport fishing on 97 NWRs and 9 NFHs. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on these stations will change. If the stations establishing new programs were a pure addition to the current supply of those activities, it would mean an estimated maximum increase of 24,763 user days (one person per day participating in a recreational opportunity; see 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 Maximum Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2020-2021 [Dollars in thousands] Station Additional hunting days Additional fishing days Additional expenditures Abernathy Fish Technology Center (FTC) Alamosa 75 200 $9.4 Arthur R. Marshall (ARM) Loxahatchee 57 242 10.3 Assabet River 195 6.5 Balcones Canyonlands 30 1.0 Bamforth 25 0.8 Banks Lake 6 0.2 Berkshire NFH 365 12.6 Big Branch Marsh 38 1.3 Bitter Lake 16 0.5 Black Bayou Lake Blackwater Block Island 67 2.2 Bogue Chitto 75 2.5 Bombay Hook 50 365 14.3 Bosque del Apache 1,796 59.8 Browns Park 40 1.3 Buenos Aires 100 3.3 Buffalo Lake 12 0.4 Cabeza Prieta 1,525 50.7 Canaan Valley 365 12.6 Carolina Sandhills Catahoula Cedar Island 150 5.0 Cibola 800 26.6 Clarks River 760 25.3 Cokeville Meadows 5 30 1.2 Coldwater River Crab Orchard 21 0.7 Crescent Lake 200 600 27.4 Dahomey 15 0.5 Deer Flat 120 4.2 Dwight D. Eisenhower NFH 365 12.6 Edwin B. Forsythe Eufaula 1 Everglades Headwater 140 365 17.3 Fallon 3,883 129.2 Fish Springs 21 0.7 Flint Hills 50 1.7 Fort Niobrara 60 2.0 Great Meadows 178 5.9 Great River 55 1.8 Hart Mountain 100 3.3 Horicon 110 3.7 Hutton Lake 100 3.3 Iroquois 160 5.3 John W. and Louise Seier 200 6.7 John H. Chafee 178 365 18.6 Jordan NFH 17 0.6 Kirwin 245 8.2 Kootenai 50 1.7 Lacreek 275 9.1 Laguna Atascosa 75 3.2 Lamar NFH 365 12.6 Leavenworth NFH Lee Metcalf 200 6.7 Leslie Canyon 116 3.9 Little White Salmon NFH 50 1.7 Lower Rio Grande Valley 48 1.6 Marais des Cygnes 25 0.8 Mattamuskeet 64 2.1 Merced 50 1.7 Middle Mississippi River 35 1.2 Minidoka 100 3.3 Monte Vista 25 0.8 Montezuma 211 7.0 Muscatatuck 53 1.8 Nestucca Bay 32 1.1 Ninigret 46 1.5 North Platte 27 0.9 Northern Tallgrass Prairie 82 7 3.0 Ottawa 20 0.7 Overflow Oxbow 207 6.9 Pahranagat 99 3.3 Pathfinder 20 0.7 Patoka River 89 15 3.5 Quivira 425 14.1 Rachel Carson Rydell 110 3.7 Sachuest Point 30 1.0 San Diego Bay 365 12.6 San Luis 50 1.7 Savannah 1,245 Seatuck 90 3.0 Spring Creek NFH 20 0.7 St. Marks 520 17.3 St. Vincent 300 10.0 Stewart B. McKinney 262 8.7 Stillwater 63 2.1 Swan River 15 0.5 Swanquarter 75 2.5 Tallahatchie 15 0.5 Tennessee 265 8.8 Tensas Tishomingo 525 18.2 Trustom Pond Turnbull 120 4.0 Two Rivers 162 5.4 Umbagog 365 12.6 Union Slough 15 0.5 Valentine 750 25.0 Wapato Lake 2,304 76.7 Wertheim 81 2.7 Willapa 492 16.4 Willard NFH Total 19,689 5,074 830.8 To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the station 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 2016 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 and the Hatchery System yields approximately $830,800 in recreation-related expenditures (see Table 2, above). 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 (2.51) derived from the report “Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation” and for fishing activities (2.51) derived from the report “Sportfishing in America” yields a total maximum economic impact of approximately $3.3 million (2019 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2018). 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 will be “new” money coming into a local economy; therefore, this spending will be offset with a decrease in some other sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies will be no more than $3.3 million, and likely less. Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns will not add new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact will be on the order of about $654,000 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 station visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local communities around NWRs and NFHs qualify as small businesses (see Table 3, below). 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 at most $830,800 to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The maximum increase will be less than two-tenths of 1 percent for local retail trade spending (see Table 3, below). Table 3 does not include entries for those NWRs and NFHs for which we project no changes in recreation opportunities in 2020-2021; see Table 2, above. Table 3—Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Station Visitation for 2020-2021 [Thousands, 2019 dollars] Station/county(ies) Retail trade in 2012 1 Estimated maximum addition from new activities Addition as % of total Establishments in 2012 1 Establishments with fewer than 10 employees in 2012 1 Alamosa: Alamosa, CO $312,549 $4.7 <0.01% 85 62 Conejos, CO 40,009 4.7 0.01 18 12 ARM Loxahatchee: Palm Beach, FL 21,936,473 10.3 <0.01 5,236 3,925 Assabet River: Middlesex, MA 23,767,638 6.5 <0.01 5,156 3,594 Balcones Canyonlands: Travis, TX 17,352,705 0.3 <0.01 3,469 2,432 Burnet, TX 687,767 0.3 <0.01 182 148 Williamson, TX 9,559,523 0.3 <0.01 1,277 840 Bamforth: Albany, WY 533,993 0.8 <0.01 141 103 Banks Lake: Lanier, GA D 0.2 D 21 17 Berkshire NFH: Berkshire, MA 2,134,074 12.6 <0.01 711 508 Big Branch Marsh: St. Tammany, LA 3,953,819 1.3 <0.01 915 656 Bitter Lake: Chaves, NM 996,707 0.5 <0.01 233 153 Block Island: Washington, RI 1,865,967 2.2 <0.01 548 394 Bogue Chitto: St. Tammany, LA 3,953,819 0.8 <0.01 915 656 Washington, LA 330,750 0.8 <0.01 138 104 Pearl River, MS 531,519 0.8 <0.01 172 128 Bombay Hook: Kent, DE 2,996,217 14.3 <0.01 561 368 Bosque del Apache: Socorro, NM 133,401 59.8 0.04 39 31 Browns Park: Moffat, CO 224,866 1.3 <0.01 72 58 Buenos Aires: Pima, AZ 12,668,688 3.3 <0.01 2,770 1,857 Buffalo Lake: Randall, TX 2,009,993 0.4 <0.01 352 247 Cabeza Prieta: Yuma, AZ 2,222,557 25.4 <0.01 449 302 Pima, AZ 12,668,688 25.4 <0.01 2,770 1,857 Canaan Valley: Tucker, WV 55,811 12.6 0.02 28 18 Cedar Island: Carteret, NC 1,083,228 5.0 <0.01 363 276 Cibola: La Paz, AZ 485,448 13.3 <0.01 81 57 Imperial, CA 1,867,209 13.3 <0.01 446 297 Clarks River: Marshall, KY 436,873 8.4 <0.01 103 54 Graves, KY 449,527 8.4 <0.01 123 90 McCracken, KY 1,824,502 8.4 <0.01 411 256 Cokeville Meadows: Lincoln, WY 201,089 1.2 <0.01 79 54 Crab Orchard: Williamson, IL 1,243,002 0.2 <0.01 271 185 Union, IL 186,073 0.2 <0.01 64 47 Jackson, IL 1,122,791 0.2 <0.01 225 143 Crescent Lake: Garden, NE 13,232 27.4 0.21 12 8 Dahomey: Bolivar, MS 413,290 0.5 <0.01 161 120 Deer Flat: Canyon, ID 2,393,412 2.1 <0.01 485 351 Malheur, OR 595,184 2.1 <0.01 120 78 Dwight D. Eisenhower NFH: Rutland, VT 1,205,694 12.6 <0.01 411 303 Eufaula: Quitman, GA 13,494 <0.1 <0.01 10 10 Stewart, GA 19,042 <0.1 <0.01 15 15 Barbour, AL 229,916 <0.1 <0.01 94 77 Russell, AL 556,440 <0.1 <0.01 155 120 Everglades Headwater: Polk, FL 7,232,622 8.7 <0.01 1,756 1,317 Okeechobee, FL 565,749 8.7 <0.01 157 120 Fallon: Churchill, NV 261,819 129.2 0.05 69 50 Fish Springs: Juab, UT 127,530 0.7 <0.01 33 23 Flint Hills: Coffey, KS 123,995 0.8 <0.01 50 35 Lyon, KS 549,988 0.8 <0.01 162 121 Fort Niobrara: Cherry, NE 97,237 2.0 <0.01 38 27 Great Meadows: Middlesex, MA 23,767,638 5.9 <0.01 5,156 3,594 Great River: Pike, IL 194,031 0.6 <0.01 53 36 Clark, MO 130,470 0.6 <0.01 36 28 Shelby, MO 65,630 0.6 <0.01 35 25 Hart Mountain: Lake, OR 83,366 3.3 <0.01 30 22 Horicon: Dodge, WI 927,521 1.8 <0.01 234 159 Fond du Lac, WI 1,561,559 1.8 <0.01 354 225 Hutton Lake: Albany, WY 533,993 3.3 <0.01 141 103 Iroquois: Genesee, NY 874,965 2.7 <0.01 219 163 Orleans, NY 281,049 2.7 <0.01 95 65 John W. and Louise Seier: Rock, NE 7,556 6.7 0.09 7 5 John H. Chafee: Washington, RI 1,865,967 18.6 <0.01 548 394 Jordan River NFH: Antrim, MI 188,903 0.6 <0.01 88 77 Kirwin: Phillips, KS 57,317 8.2 0.01 35 27 Kootenai: Boundary, ID 111,427 1.7 <0.01 47 37 Lacreek: Bennett, SD 36,017 9.1 0.03 15 9 Laguna Atascosa: Cameron, TX 4,593,067 3.2 <0.01 1,119 758 Lamar NFH: Clinton, PA 648,726 12.6 <0.01 121 82 Lee Metcalf: Ravalli, MT 368,170 6.7 <0.01 166 124 Leslie Canyon: Cochise, AZ 1,411,126 3.9 <0.01 408 301 Little White Salmon NFH: Skamania, WA 28,090 1.7 0.01 21 18 Lower Rio Grande Valley: Willacy, TX 131,872 0.5 <0.01 32 24 Hildalgo, TX 175,611 0.5 <0.01 26 20 Starr, TX 484,809 0.5 <0.01 135 98 Marais des Cygnes: Linn, KS 59,571 0.8 <0.01 35 25 Mattamuskeet: Hyde, NC 33,868 2.1 0.01 36 35 Merced: Merced, CA 2,181,912 1.7 <0.01 528 348 Middle Mississippi River: Monroe, IL 536,378 0.4 <0.01 96 72 Randolph, IL 415,738 0.4 <0.01 100 62 Jefferson, MO 435,265 0.4 <0.01 128 92 Minidoka: Power, ID 32,991 0.8 <0.01 16 13 Cassia, ID 360,659 0.8 <0.01 116 89 Blaine, ID 332,491 0.8 <0.01 183 153 Minidoka, ID 175,875 0.8 <0.01 62 47 Monte Vista: Alamosa, CO 312,549 0.4 <0.01 85 64 Rio Grande, CO 111,147 0.4 <0.01 48 41 Montezuma: Cayuga, NY 973,987 2.3 <0.01 260 195 Seneca, NY 545,489 2.3 <0.01 183 114 Wayne, NY 915,984 2.3 <0.01 267 181 Muscatatuck: Jackson, IN 660,019 0.9 <0.01 183 140 Jennings, IN 219,265 0.9 <0.01 66 58 Nestucca Bay: Lincoln, OR 646,693 1.1 <0.01 307 251 Ninigret: Washington, RI 1,865,967 1.5 <0.01 548 394 North Platte: Scotts Bluff, NE D 0.9 D 178 128 Northern Tallgrass Prairie: Pipestone, MN 150,875 1.0 <0.01 52 40 Pope, MN 154,224 1.0 <0.01 41 32 Swift, MN 104,292 1.0 <0.01 45 32 Ottawa: Ottawa, OH 476,239 0.7 <0.01 144 109 Oxbow: Middlesex, MA 23,767,638 3.4 <0.01 5,156 3,594 Worcester, MA 12,155,780 3.4 <0.01 2,572 1,788 Pahranagat: Lincoln, NV D 3.3 D 16 6 Pathfinder: Natrona, WY 1,656,388 0.3 <0.01 363 262 Carbon, WY 340,129 0.3 <0.01 86 73 Patoka River: Pike, IN 80,767 1.7 <0.01 31 23 Gibson, IN 620,865 1.7 <0.01 120 84 Quivira: Stafford, KS 38,722 4.7 0.01 17 13 Rice, KS 55,698 4.7 0.01 39 31 Reno, KS 911,013 4.7 <0.01 265 194 Rydell: Polk, MN 369,241 3.7 <0.01 109 74 Sachuest Point: Newport, RI 1,243,192 1.0 <0.01 430 332 San Diego Bay: San Diego, CA 44,302,582 12.6 <0.01 9,219 6,314 San Luis: Merced, CA 2,181,912 1.7 <0.01 528 348 Seatuck: Suffolk, NY 26,383,026 3.0 <0.01 6,524 3,904 Spring Creek NFH: Skamania, WA 28,090 0.3 <0.01 21 18 Klickitat, WA 71,785 0.3 <0.01 47 36 St. Marks: Wakulla, FL 186,734 5.8 <0.01 62 49 Jefferson, FL 98,784 5.8 0.01 43 35 Taylor, FL 230,580 5.8 <0.01 86 67 St. Vincent: Franklin, FL 108,995 10.0 0.01 67 52 Stewart B. McKinney: Fairfield, CT 16,888,208 2.9 <0.01 3,459 2,453 New Haven, CT 12,880,670 2.9 <0.01 2,901 2,015 Middlesex, CT 2,452,586 2.9 <0.01 659 455 Stillwater: Churchill, NV 261,819 2.1 <0.01 69 50 Swan River: Lake, MT 66,984 0.5 <0.01 30 23 Swanquarter: Hyde, NC 33,868 2.5 0.01 36 35 Tallahatchie: Tallahatchie, MS 60,260 0.2 <0.01 40 36 Grenada, MS 462,248 0.2 <0.01 120 90 Tennessee: Henry, TN 545,041 2.2 <0.01 139 98 Benton, TN 167,976 2.2 <0.01 59 47 Decator, TN 85,132 2.2 <0.01 45 35 Hunphreys, TN 206,806 2.2 <0.01 65 54 Tishomingo: Johnston, OK 68,010 9.1 0.01 35 31 Marshall, OK 177,989 9.1 0.01 53 42 Turnbull: Spokane, WA 7,305,612 4.0 <0.01 1,617 1,108 Two Rivers: Jersey, IL 256,816 1.3 <0.01 69 49 Calhoun, IL 30,438 1.3 <0.01 15 9 Greene, IL 139,806 1.3 <0.01 49 32 St. Charlies, MO 5,536,064 1.3 <0.01 1,085 695 Umbagog: Oxford, ME 680,802 6.3 <0.01 222 163 Coos, NH 630,944 6.3 <0.01 184 143 Union Slough: Kossuth, IA 274,837 0.5 <0.01 93 69 Valentine: Cherry, NE 97,237 25.0 0.03 38 27 Wapato Lake: Washington, OR 9,342,147 38.3 <0.01 1,573 1,002 Yamhill, OR 987,290 38.3 <0.01 283 201 Wertheim: Suffolk, NY 26,383,026 2.7 <0.01 6,524 3,904 Willapa: Pacific, WA 120,098 16.4 0.01 89 68 1 U.S. Census Bureau. “D” denotes sample size too small to report data. 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 stations. Therefore, we certify that this rule, as proposed, will 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. ). A 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed rule would affect only visitors at NWRs and NFHs, and would describe what they can do while they are on a Service station. Federalism (E.O. 13132) As discussed under 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 8 NWRs to the list of refuges open to hunting and sport fishing, open or expand hunting or sport fishing at 89 other NWRs, and open 9 NFHs to hunting and/or sport fishing, 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 and NFHs with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) This proposed rule does not contain any new collections of information that require approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). All information collections require approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with hunting and sport fishing activities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and assigned the following OMB control numbers: • 1018-0140, “Hunting and Sport 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 07/30/2021), • 1018-0153, “National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Check-In Permit and Use Report” (Expires 04/30/2022), • 1018-0102, “National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36” (Expires 08/31/2020), • 1018-0135, “Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program” (Expires 01/31/2023), • 1018-0093, “Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Management Authority; 50 CFR 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23” (Expires 08/31/2020), and • 1024-0252, “The Interagency Access Pass and Senior Pass Application Processes” (Expires 08/31/2020). In accordance with the PRA and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on our proposal to renew OMB control number 1018-0140. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. The Service's proposed rule (RIN 1018-BE50) would open, for the first time, eight National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we propose to open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 89 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2020-2021 season. We also propose to open hunting or sport fishing on nine units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHs). We also propose to add pertinent station-specific regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at these nine NFHs for the 2020-2021 season. Further, we propose to open 41 limited-interest easement NWRs in North Dakota for upland game and big game hunting in accordance with State regulations. Access to these NWRs is controlled by the current landowners, and, therefore, they are not fully open to the public unless authorized by the landowner. The additional burden of information collection through the opening of these NWRs to hunting and/or sport fishing will also be included in this application to OMB to revise OMB Control No. 1018-0140. Many refuges offer hunting and sport fishing activities without collecting any information. Those refuges that do collect hunter and angler information do so seasonally, usually once a year at the beginning of the hunting or sport fishing season. Some refuges may elect to collect the identical information via a non-form format (letter, email, or through discussions in person or over the phone). Some refuges provide the form electronically over the internet. In some cases, because of high demand and limited resources, we often provide hunt opportunities by lottery, based on dates, locations, or type of hunt. Hunting Applications/Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) Form 3-2439 collects the following information from individuals seeking hunting experiences on the National Wildlife Refuge System: • Lottery Application: Refuges who administer hunting via a lottery system will use Form 3-2439 as the lottery application. If the applicant is successful, the completed Form 3-2439 also serves as their permit application, avoiding a duplication of burden on the public filling out two separate forms. • Date of application: We often have application deadlines and this information helps staff determine the order in which we received the applications. It also ensures that the information is current. • Methods: Some refuges hold multiple types of hunts, i.e., archery, shotgun, primitive weapons, etc. We ask for this information to identify which opportunity(ies) a hunter is applying for. • Species Permit Type: Some refuges allow only certain species, such as moose, elk, or bighorn sheep to be hunted. We ask hunters to identify which species hunt they are applying for. • Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either during the application process, when the applicant is successful in a lottery drawing, or after receiving a permit. • Party Members: Some refuges allow the permit applicant to include additional hunters in their group. We collect the names of all additional hunters, when allowed by the refuge. • Parent/Guardian Contact Information: We collect name, relationship, address, phone number(s), and email for a parent/guardian of youth hunters. We ask for this information in the event of an emergency. • Date: We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt dates. • Hunt/Blind Location: We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt units, areas, or blinds. • Special hunts: Some refuges hold special hunts for youth, hunters who are disabled, or other underserved populations. We ask hunters to identify if they are applying for these special hunts. For youth hunts, we ask for the age of the hunter at the time of the hunt. • Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and conditions of the permit. Sport Fishing Application/Permit (FWS Form 3-2358, “Sport Fishing-Shrimping-Crabbing-Frogging Permit Application”) Form 3-2358 allows the applicant to choose multiple permit activities, and requests the applicant provide the state fishing license number. The form provides the refuge with more flexibility to insert refuge-specific requirements/instructions, along with a permit number and validity dates for season issued. We collect the following information from individuals seeking sport fishing experiences: • Date of application: We often have application deadlines and this information helps staff determine the order in which we received the applications. It also ensures that the information is current. • State fishing license number: We ask for this information to verify the applicant is legally licensed by the state (where required). • Permit Type: On sport fishing permits, we ask what type of activity (crabbing, shrimping, frogging, etc.) is being applied for. • Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either during the application process or after receiving a permit. • Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and conditions of the permit. Harvest/Fishing Activity Reports We have four harvest/fishing activity reports, depending on the species. We ask users to report on their success after their experience so that we can evaluate hunt quality and resource impacts. We use the following activity reports, which we distribute during appropriate seasons, as determined by State or Federal regulations: • FWS Form 3-2359 (Big Game Harvest Report). • FWS Form 3-2360 (Sport Fishing Report). • FWS Form 3-2361 (Migratory Bird Hunt Report). • FWS Form 3-2362 (Upland/Small Game/Furbearer Report). We collect the following information on the harvest reports: • Name of refuge and location: We ask this to track responses by location, which is important when we manage more than one refuge or activity area from one office. • Date: We ask when the hunter/angler participated in the activity. This helps us identify use trends so we have resources available. • Hours/Time in/out: We ask this to determine how long the hunter/angler participated in the activity. We also use this to track use so we can allocate resources appropriately. • Name, City, State: We ask for a name so we can identify the user. We ask for residence information to help establish use patterns (if users are local or traveling). • Number harvested/caught based on species: We ask this to determine the impacts on wildlife/fish populations, relative success, and quality of experience. • Species harvested/caught: We ask this to determine the impacts on wildlife/fish populations, relative success, and quality of experience. Labeling/Marking Requirements As a condition of the permit, some refuges require permittees to label hunting and/or sport fishing gear used on the refuge. This equipment may include items such as the following: Tree stands, blinds, or game cameras; hunting dogs (collars); flagging/trail markers; boats; and/or sport fishing equipment such as jugs, trotlines, and crawfish or crab traps. Refuges require the owner label their equipment with their last name, the state issued hunting/fishing license number, and/or hunting/fishing permit number. Refuges may also require equipment for youth hunters include “YOUTH” on the label. This minimal information is necessary in the event the refuge needs to contact the owner. Required Notifications On occasion, hunters may find their game has landed outside of established hunting boundaries. In this situation, hunters must notify an authorized refuge employee to obtain consent to retrieve the game from an area closed to hunting or entry only upon specific consent. Certain refuges also require hunters to notify the refuge manager when hunting specific species ( e.g., black bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote) with trailing dogs. Refuges encompassing privately owned lands, referred to as “easement overlay refuges” or “limited-interest easement refuges,” may also require the hunter obtain written or oral permission from the landowner prior to accessing the land. Self-Clearing Daily Check-In/Out Permit (FWS Form 3-2405) FWS Form 3-2405 has three parts: • Self-Clearing Daily Check-in Permit. Each user completes this portion of the form (date of visit, name, and telephone numbers) and deposits it in the permit box prior to engaging in any activity on the refuge. • Self-Clearing Daily Visitor Registration Permit. Each user must complete the front side of the form (date, name, city, State, zip code, and purpose of visit) and carry this portion while on the refuge. At the completion of the visit, each user must complete the reverse side of the form (number of hours on refuge, harvest information (species and number), harvest method, angler information (species and number), and wildlife sighted ( e.g., black bear and hog) and deposit it in the permit box. • Self-Clearing Daily Vehicle Permit. The driver and each user traveling in the vehicle must complete this portion (date) and display in clear view in the vehicle while on the refuge. We use FWS Form 3-2405 to collect: • Information on the visitor (name, address, and contact information). We use this information to identify the visitor or driver/passenger of a vehicle while on the refuge. This is extremely valuable information should visitors become lost or injured. Law enforcement officers can easily check vehicles for these cards in order to determine a starting point for the search or to contact family members in the event of an abandoned vehicle. Having this information readily available is critical in a search and rescue situation. • Purpose of visit (hunting, sport fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, auto touring, birding, hiking, boating/canoeing, visitor center, special event, environmental education class, volunteering, other recreation). This information is critical in determining public use participation in wildlife management programs. This not only allows the refuge to manage its hunt and other visitor use programs, but also to increase and/or improve facilities for non-consumptive uses that are becoming more popular on refuges. Data collected will also help managers better allocate staff and resources to serve the public as well as develop annual performance measures. • Success of harvest by hunters/anglers (number and type of harvest/caught). This information is critical to wildlife management programs on refuges. Each refuge will customize the form by listing game species and incidental species available on the refuge, hunting methods allowed, and data needed for certain species ( e.g., for deer, whether itis a buck or doe and the number of points; or for turkeys, the weight and beard and spur lengths). • Visitors observations of incidental species. This information will help managers develop annual performance measures and it provides information to help develop resource management planning. • Photograph of animal harvested (specific refuges only). This requirement documents the sex of animal prior to the hunter being eligible to harvest the opposite sex (where allowed). • Date of visit and/or area visited. • Comments. We encourage visitors to comment on their experience. Due to the wide range of hunting and sport fishing opportunities offered on the National Wildlife Refuge and National Fish Hatchery Systems, the refuges and fish hatcheries may customize the forms to remove any fields that are not pertinent to the recreational opportunities they offer. Refuges will not add any new fields to the forms, but the order of the fields may be reorganized. Refuges may customize the forms with instructions and permit conditions specific to a particular unit for the hunting/sport fishing activity. Title of Collection: 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. OMB Control Number: 1018-0140. Form Number: FWS Forms 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2358 through 3-2362. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and households. Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit. Frequency of Collection: On occasion. Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: None. Activity Annual number of responses Completion time per response (minutes) Total annual burden hours Hunting and Sport Fishing Permit Applications: Form 3-2439 Hunt Application/Permit 355,663 10 59,277 Form 3-2358 Fish/Crab/Shrimp Application/Permit 2,521 5 210 Subtotal Applications: 358,184 59,487 Harvest Activity Reports: Form 3-2359 Big Game Harvest Report 93,717 15 23,429 Form 3-2360 Sport Fishing Harvest Report 429,534 15 107,384 Form 3-2361 Migratory Bird Harvest Report 33,477 15 8,369 Form 3-2362 Upland Game Furbearer Harvest Report 25,524 15 6,381 Subtotal Activity Reports: 582,253 145,563 Labeling/Marking Requirements 2,203 10 367 Required Notifications 433 30 217 Form 3-2405 Check-In/Out Permit 663,000 5 55,250 Subtotal Other Requirements: 665,595 55,813 Totals: 1,606,032 260,863 The above burden estimates indicate an expected total of 1,606,031 responses and 260,863 burden hours across all of our forms. These totals reflect expected increases of 31,490 responses and 5,114 burden hours relative to the 2019-2020 rule and previous ICR. We expect such increases in the use of our forms because we anticipate increased hunting and fishing activity as a direct result of the increased number of hunting and fishing opportunities on Service stations under the proposed rule. As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on any aspect of this proposed information collection, including: (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response. Send your comments and suggestions on this information collection by the date indicated in the DATES section to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at (202) 395-5806 (fax) or OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov (email). You may view the information collection request(s) at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO), Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or Info_Coll@fws.gov (email). Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments. 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 hatcheries, and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a station as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have completed section 7 consultation on each of the affected stations. 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 station-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 or hatchery to the list of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, we develop hunting and fishing plans for the affected stations. We incorporate these proposed station hunting and fishing activities in the station 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 stations at the addresses provided below. Available Information for Specific Stations Individual refuge and hatchery 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 or hatchery, contact the appropriate Service office for the States listed below: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545. 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 50 CFR Part 32 Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges. 50 CFR Part 36 Alaska, Recreation and recreation areas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife refuges. 50 CFR Part 71 Fish, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife. Proposed Regulation Promulgation For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend title 50, chapter I, subchapters C and E of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: Subchapter C—The National Wildlife Refuge System 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. 2. Amend § 32.7 by: a. Redesignating paragraph (c)(8) as paragraph (c)(9) and adding a new paragraph (c)(8); b. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(17) through (22) as paragraphs (e)(18) through (23) and adding a new paragraph (e)(17); c. Redesignating paragraphs (i)(5) through (14) as paragraphs (i)(6) through (15) and adding a new paragraph (i)(5); d. Redesignating paragraphs (aa)(4) through (6) as paragraphs (aa)(5) through (7) and adding a new paragraph (aa)(4); e. Redesignating paragraphs (bb)(3) through (6) as paragraphs (bb)(4) through (7) and adding a new paragraph (bb)(3); f. Revising paragraph (hh); g. Redesignating paragraph (kk)(20) as paragraph (kk)(21) and adding a new paragraph (kk)(20); h. Redesignating paragraphs (mm)(2) through (4) as paragraphs (mm)(3) through (5) and adding a new paragraph (mm)(2); and i. Redesignating paragraphs (xx)(1) through (5) as paragraphs (xx)(2) through (6) and adding a new paragraph (xx)(1). The additions and revision read as follows: § 32.7 What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing? (c) * * * (8) Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge. (e) * * * (17) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (i) * * * (5) Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge. (aa) * * * (4) John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge. (bb) * * * (3) Fallon National Wildlife Refuge. (hh) North Dakota. (1) Appert Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (2) Ardoch National Wildlife Refuge. (3) Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. (4) Arrowwood Wetland Management District. (5) Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. (6) Audubon Wetland Management District. (7) Bone Hill National Wildlife Refuge. (8) Brumba National Wildlife Refuge. (9) Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (10) Camp Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (11) Canefield Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (12) Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (13) Chase Lake Wetland Management District. (14) Cottonwood Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (15) Crosby Wetland Management District. (16) Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (17) Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. (18) Devils Lake Wetland Management District. (19) Half Way Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (20) Hiddenwood Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (21) Hobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (22) Hutchinson Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (23) J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. (24) J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District. (25) Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (26) Kulm Wetland Management District. (27) Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge. (28) Lake George National Wildlife Refuge. (29) Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. (30) Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (31) Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge. (32) Lake Otis National Wildlife Refuge. (33) Lake Patricia National Wildlife Refuge. (34) Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge. (35) Lambs Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (36) Little Goose Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (37) Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (38) Long Lake Wetland Management District. (39) Lords Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (40) Lost Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (41) Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge. (42) Lostwood Wetland Management District. (43) Maple River National Wildlife Refuge. (44) Pleasant Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (45) Pretty Rock National Wildlife Refuge. (46) Rabb Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (47) Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (48) Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (49) School Section National Wildlife Refuge. (50) Sheyenne Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (51) Sibley Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (52) Silver Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (53) Slade National Wildlife Refuge. (54) Snyder Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (55) Springwater National Wildlife Refuge. (56) Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (57) Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge. (58) Storm Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (59) Sunburst Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (60) Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. (61) Tewaukon Wetland Management District. (62) Tomahawk National Wildlife Refuge. (63) Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. (64) Wild Rice National Wildlife Refuge. (65) Willow Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (66) Wintering River National Wildlife Refuge. (67) Wood Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (kk) * * * (20) Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (mm) * * * (2) John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. (xx) * * * (1) Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge. 3. Amend § 32.22 by: a. Revising paragraphs (b), (c), (d)(1) introductory text, (d)(1)(i), (d)(2)(i) and (ii), and (d)(3); b. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (i); and c. Adding a new paragraph (h). The revisions and addition read as follows: § 32.22 Arizona. (b) Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, merganser, moorhen (gallinule), common snipe, and mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian-collared dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow portable or temporary blinds and stands, but you must remove them at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of black-tailed and antelope jackrabbit; cottontail rabbit; badger; bobcat; coati; kit and gray fox; raccoon; ringtail; coyote; and hog-nosed, hooded, spotted, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit night hunting from 1/2 hour after legal sunset until 1/2 hour before legal sunrise the following day. (ii) We allow portable or temporary blinds and stands, but you must remove them at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule and white-tailed deer, javelina, mountain lion, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section apply. (4) [Reserved] (c) Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require hunters to obtain a Barry M. Goldwater Range Entry Permit (Department of Defense form/requirement—pending OMB approval) from the refuge. (ii) We prohibit falconry. (iii) We allow dogs only for the pointing and retrieval of birds. (iv) We allow hunting only during the late season dove hunt. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, Eurasian collared-dove, desert cottontail rabbit, antelope and black-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, spotted skunk, bobcat, ringtail, badger, and fox in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section apply. (ii) We do not allow wheeled carts in designated Wilderness. (iii) We prohibit night hunting from 1/2 hour after legal sunset until 1/2 hour before legal sunrise the following day. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lion on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this section apply. (ii) We require Special Use Permits for all hunters (FWS Form 3-1383-G), guides (FWS Form 3-1383-C), and stock animals (FWS Form 3-1383-G). (iii) We prohibit the use of dogs when hunting big game. (4) [Reserved] (d) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen (gallinule), common snipe, mourning and white-winged dove, and Eurasian collared-dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow only shotgun, bow and arrow, and crossbow. (2) * * * (i) For cottontail rabbit, we allow only shotgun, bow and arrow, crossbow, handgun, rifle, and muzzleloader. (ii) For quail, we allow only shotgun, bow and arrow, crossbow, and handgun shooting shot. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader, crossbow and bow and arrow, except for archery-only hunts. (h) Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian collared-dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit falconry. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's and scaled quail; cottontail; black-tailed jackrabbit; gray fox; coati; badger; striped, hooded, spotted, and hog-nosed skunk; bobcat; raccoon; ring-tailed cat; and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit pneumatic weapons. (ii) We prohibit night hunting. (iii) We allow upland game hunting on the refuge only during general or archery State deer and javelina hunts when seasons overlap. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, and black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section apply. (ii) We allow black bear hunting on the refuge only during general or archery State deer and javelina hunt when seasons overlap. (4) [Reserved] 4. Amend § 32.23 by revising paragraphs (d)(1) introductory text, (d)(1)(ii), and (g)(1) introductory text to read as follows: § 32.23 Arkansas. (d) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, and coots) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (ii) We allow waterfowl hunting from legal shooting hours until 12 p.m. (noon). (g) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of American woodcock, duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: 5. Amend § 32.24 by: a. Revising paragraphs (l)(1) introductory text, (m)(1)(viii), and (m)(2)(i); b. Redesignating paragraphs (q) through (v) as paragraphs (r) through (w); c. Adding a new paragraph (q); and d. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (r)(1)(vii), (s)(2)(ii), and (v)(2)(ii). The revisions and addition read as follows: § 32.24 California. (l) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, snipe, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (m) * * * (1) * * * (viii) Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the three designated hunt parking lots, which we open 1 1/2 hours before legal sunrise and close 1 hour after legal sunset each hunt day. (2) * * * (i) We limit hunting to junior hunters possessing a valid State Junior Hunting License and refuge Junior Pheasant Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System). (q) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (1)-(3) [Reserved] (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing from boats and other flotation devices on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit shoreline fishing. (r) * * * (1) * * * (vii) We prohibit the use of motorized boats and other flotation devices in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit. (s) * * * (2) * * * (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (s)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this section apply. (v) * * * (2) * * * (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (v)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section apply. 6. Amend § 32.25 by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (4), (d)(3), and (e)(2) to read as follows: § 32.25 Colorado. (a) * * * (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The only acceptable methods of take are shotgun, rifle firing rimfire cartridges less than .23 caliber, hand-held bow, pellet gun, slingshot, and hawking/falconry. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge. (d) * * * (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of pronghorn antelope, moose, mule deer, and elk on designated areas of the refuge. (e) * * * (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The only acceptable methods of take are shotgun, rifle firing rimfire cartridges less than .23 caliber, hand-held bow, pellet gun, slingshot, and hawking/falconry. 7. Revise § 32.26 to read as follows: § 32.26 Connecticut. The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations. (a) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow refuge access 1 1/2 hours prior to legal sunrise until 1 1/2 hours after legal sunset. (ii)We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section applies. (ii) We prohibit launching of motorboats from the refuge. (iii) We prohibit the use of reptiles and amphibians as bait. (b) Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, merganser, brant, sea duck, and goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) For the Great Meadows unit, we will limit hunt days to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during the regular duck, sea duck, and brant seasons. (ii) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations. (iii) We allow the use of temporary tree stands and blinds, which must be removed at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (2) [Reserved] (3) Big game hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section applies. (4) [Reserved] 8. Revise § 32.27 to read as follows: § 32.27 Delaware. The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations. (a) Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) for waterfowl hunting. (ii) 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. (iii) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of grey squirrel, cottontail rabbit, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, raccoon, opossum, coyote, and red fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The condition set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section applies. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of turkey and deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System). (ii) Hunting on the headquarters deer hunt area will be by lottery. You must obtain and possess a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) from the refuge office or website and have the permit in your possession while hunting. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle on the refuge. (b) Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow the hunting of waterfowl, coot, mourning dove, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must obtain and possess a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) from the refuge office or website and have the permit in your possession while hunting. (ii) 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. (iii) We allow State certified hunters with disabilities hunting privileges in the Disabled Waterfowl Draw Area subject to the following condition: We do not allow assistants to enter a designated disabled hunting area unless they are accompanied by a certified disabled hunter. (iv) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, quail, pheasant, and red fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (iv) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer. (ii) Hunting on the headquarters deer hunt area will be by lottery. (iii) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section applies. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) On Turkle and Fleetwood ponds, we allow boats only with electric trolling motors. (ii) You must attend all crabbing and fishing gear at all times. (iii) You must remove all personal property at the end of each day's fishing activity (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). 9. Amend § 32.28 by: a. Revising paragraph (a); b. Redesignating paragraphs (e) through (n) as paragraphs (f) through (o); c. Adding a new paragraph (e); d. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(3)(i); e. In newly redesignated paragraph (j): i. Revising paragraphs (j)(1)(ii) and (x); ii. Adding paragraph (j)(1)(xi); iii. Revising paragraphs (j)(3)(iv) through (viii) and (x); iv. Removing paragraph (j)(3)(xiv); v. Redesignating paragraphs (j)(3)(xv) through (xix) as paragraphs (j)(3)(xiv) through (xviii); vi. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (j)(3)(xv) and (j)(3)(xviii); and f. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (m)(2)(iii) and (vii), (m)(3) introductory text, (m)(3)(i), (ii), (iv), (viii) and (ix), and (n)(3)(vii). The revisions and additions read as follows: § 32.28 Florida. (a) Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting. You must have on your person all applicable licenses and permits, including CITES tags if applicable. (ii) We prohibit hunting from all refuge structures, canals, and levees; within 1/2 mile of canoe trails, campsites, and boat ramps; and in areas posted as closed. We allow motorized vessels in the Motorized Zone, south of latitude line 26°27.130. We allow nonmotorized vessels in the Refuge Interior. (iii) Hunters may only enter and leave the refuge at designated entrances. (iv) We allow only temporary blinds of native vegetation. (v) Hunters must remove decoys and other personal property from the hunting area at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (vi) Hunters may only use boats equipped with factory-manufactured, water-cooled outboard motors; boats with electric motors; and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit boats with air-cooled engines, fan boats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (jet skis, jet boats, wave runners, etc.). We allow airboats by permit only (Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G)). We will issue airboat permits through a separate lottery. There is a 35 miles per hour (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. (vii) Hunters operating boats in the Refuge Interior, outside of the perimeter canal, are required to display a 10-inches by 12-inches (25-centimeters by 30-centimeters) orange flag 10 feet (3 meters) above the vessel's waterline. (viii) We will allow airboats with a Duck and Coot Hunting Airboat Permit during Phase 2 of the State duck and coot season only. We will issue airboat permits through a separate lottery. Contact the Refuge headquarters for airboat permitting information. (ix) Airboats used while hunting must be stopped and shut off for 15 minutes prior to shooting. Permitted airboats must be in place 1 hour before legal sunrise and not move until 1 hour after legal sunrise. (x) All hunters must leave the hunt area once their bag/tag limit has been reached. (xi) We prohibit unrestricted airboat travel not associated with hunting. (xii) All hunters younger than age 18 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult age 21 or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. Hunters younger than age 18 must have completed a hunter education course. (2) [Reserved] (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of alligator, white-tailed deer, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iii), (v) through (vii), and (ix) through (xi) of this section apply. (ii) We allow hunting on the refuge 1 hour before legal sunset on Friday night through 1 hour after legal sunrise Saturday morning, and 1 hour before legal sunset on Saturday night through 1 hour after legal sunrise Sunday morning. We allow alligator hunting the first two weekends during Harvest Period 1 (August) and the first two 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 (OMB Control No. 1018-0093). Specific dates for the alligator hunt are on the harvest permit issued by the State. (iii) Alligator hunters age 18 and older must be in possession of all necessary State and Federal licenses, permits, and CITES tags, as well as a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting on the refuge. They must possess an Alligator Trapping License with CITES tag or an Alligator Trapping Agent License (State-issued), if applicable. (iv) Persons younger than age 18 may not hunt but may only accompany an adult age 21 or older who possesses an Alligator Trapping Agent License (State-issued). (v) You may take alligators using hand-held snare, harpoon, gig, snatch hook, artificial lure, manually operated spear, spear gun, or crossbow. We prohibit the taking of alligators using baited hook, baited wooden peg, or firearm. 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 approved nontoxic ammunition (see § 32.2(k)) only for taking alligators attached to a restraining line. 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. (vi) Alligators must remain in whole condition while on refuge lands. (vii) We allow a limited quota permit for the taking of white-tailed deer and incidental take of feral hog in the Refuge Interior, by airboat (airboat permit required) and nonmotorized vessels only. (viii) White-tailed deer and feral hog hunters age 18 and older must be in possession of all necessary State and Federal licenses, permits, as well as a refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting on the refuge. (ix) We have limited quota and specialty hunts for the taking of white-tailed deer, and incidental take of feral hogs during the deer hunts on the Strazzulla Marsh and the Cypress Swamp. (x) We close the Refuge Interior to all other uses during the limited quota white-tailed deer hunt in the Refuge Interior. (xi) White-tailed deer hunters younger than age 18 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult age 21 or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. Hunters younger than age 18 must have completed a hunter education course. (xii) We prohibit the use of dogs for the take or attempt to take of white-tailed deer and feral hogs. We allow the use of dogs for blood trailing only. (xiii) We require nontoxic ammunition when deer hunting on the refuge. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (iii), (vi), (vii), and (xi) of this section apply. (ii) We only allow the use of rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times. (iii) We allow frog gigging, bow fishing, and fish gigging in all areas open to sport fishing, except in the A, B, and C Impoundments and Strazzulla Marsh. (iv) We prohibit frog gigging, bow fishing, and fish gigging from structures and from within 1/2 mile of refuge boat ramps, campsites, and canoe trails, and in areas posted as closed. (v) We allow the taking of frogs from July 16 through March 15 of each year. (vi) The daily bag limit for frogs is 50 frogs per vessel or party. (vii) Fish and frogs must remain in whole condition while on refuge lands. (viii) Frogs may only be taken by gig, blowgun, or hook and line, or by hand. (ix) We limit frogging or fishing by airboat to nonhunting airboat permittees only. (x) We prohibit commercial fishing, including unpermitted commercial guiding, and the taking of turtles and other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter). (xi) We allow 17 fishing tournaments a year by Special Use Permit only (General Activities—Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G). (e) Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations. (3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to State regulations and applicable State Wildlife Management Area regulations. (i) * * * (2) * * * (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section apply. (3) * * * (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section apply. (j) * * * (1) * * * (ii) You must carry (or hunt within 30 yards of a hunter who possesses) a valid State-issued Merritt Island Waterfowl Quota Permit, while hunting in areas 1 or 4 during the State's regular waterfowl season. The Waterfowl Quota Permit can be used for a single party consisting of the permit holder and up to three guests. The permit holder must be present. The Waterfowl Quota Permit is a limited entry quota permit, is zone-specific, and is nontransferable. (x) You must stop at a posted refuge waterfowl check station and report statistical hunt information on the Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361) to refuge personnel. (xi) When inside the impoundment perimeter ditch, you may use gasoline or diesel motors. Outside the perimeter ditch, you must propel vessels by paddling, push pole, or electric trolling motor. (3) * * * (iv) We allow hunting within the State's deer season on specific days as defined by the refuge hunt brochure. Each hunt will be a 3-day weekend. Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset. (v) Hunters possessing a valid permit (State-issued permit) may access the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. If you wish to track wounded game beyond 2 hours after legal sunset, you must gain consent from a Federal Wildlife Officer to do so. (vi) We prohibit hunting from refuge roads or within 150 yards of roads open to public vehicle traffic or within 200 yards of a building or Kennedy Space Center facility. (vii) Each permitted hunter may have one adult guest and one youth hunter per adult. All guests must remain within 30 yards of the permitted hunter. The party must share a single bag limit. Each adult may supervise one youth hunter and must remain within sight and normal voice contact. (viii) You may set up stands or blinds up to 7 days prior to the permitted hunt; you must remove them on the last day of your permitted hunt. You must clearly mark stands and blinds with your Florida State customer identification (ID) number found on your hunting license. You may have no more than one stand or blind per person on the refuge at any time. You must place a stand or blind for a youth hunter within sight and normal voice contact of the supervisory hunter's stand and mark it with the supervisory hunter's Florida State customer ID number and the word “YOUTH.” (x) If you use flagging or other trail-marking material, you must print your Florida State customer ID number on each piece or marker. You may set out flagging and trail markers up to 7 days prior to the permitted hunt, and you must remove them on the last day of the permitted hunt. (xv) You may field dress game; however, we prohibit cleaning game within 150 yards of any public area, road, game-check station, or gate. We prohibit dumping game carcasses on the refuge. (xviii) You must stop at one of two check stations and report statistical hunt information on the Self-Clearing Check-In/Out Permit (FWS Form 3-2405). (m) * * * (2) * * * (iii) You may only use .22 caliber or smaller rim-fire rifles, shotguns (#4 bird shot or smaller) (see § 32.2(k)), or muzzleloaders to harvest squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon. In addition, you may use shotgun slugs, buckshot, archery equipment including crossbows, center fire weapons, or pistols to take feral hogs. (vii) You must check out all game taken at a game check station. You must use the State harvest recording system to check out all white-tail deer harvested on the refuge. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey in areas and during seasons designated in the hunting brochure subject to the following conditions: (i) We require State-issued refuge permits. Permits are nontransferable. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed permit when participating in a hunt. (ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(2)(ii) and (iv) through (vii) of this section apply. (iv) There is a two deer limit per hunt, as specified at paragraph (m)(3)(vi) of this section, except during the youth hunt, when the limit is as specified at paragraph (m)(3)(vii) of this section. The limit for turkey is one per hunt. (viii) Mobility-impaired hunters may have an assistant accompany them. You may transfer permits (State-issued permit) issued to assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-tailed deer and feral hog within the limits provided at paragraph (m)(3)(vi) of this section. (ix) You may harvest one bearded turkey per hunt. You may only use shotguns or archery equipment, including crossbows, to harvest turkey. We prohibit hunting after 1 p.m. (n) * * * (3) * * * (vii) We limit weapons to primitive weapons (bow and arrow, muzzleloader, and crossbow) on the primitive weapons sambar deer hunt and the primitive weapons white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the archery hunt to bow and arrow, and crossbow. You may take feral hog and raccoon only with the weapons allowed for that period. 10. Amend § 32.29 by: a. Adding paragraph (a)(3); b. Redesignating paragraph (h)(1)(iv) as paragraph (h)(1)(v); c. Adding a new paragraph (h)(1)(iv); d. Revising paragraphs (h)(2)(i), (h)(3) introductory text, and (h)(3)(i); and e. Adding paragraph (h)(3)(vii). The revisions and additions read as follows: § 32.29 Georgia. (a) * * * (3) Big game hunting. We allow alligator hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We only allow alligator hunting during the first two weekends (from Friday 12:00 a.m. (midnight) through Sunday 11:59 p.m.) of the State alligator season. (h) * * * (1) * * * (iv) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, beaver, opossum, and raccoon during all refuge hunts (migratory bird, upland, and big game) with firearms and other equipment authorized for use on refuge lands in Georgia only. (2) * * * (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, alligator, feral hog, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) of this section apply. (vii) We prohibit catch-and-release of alligators. 11. Amend § 32.31 by revising paragraphs (c)(4)(i), (e)(1) introductory text, (f)(1) introductory text, and (f)(2) and (3) to read as follows: § 32.31 Idaho. (c) * * * (4) * * * (i) From October 1 through April 14, we allow ice fishing on the Lake Lowell Unit, unless otherwise posted by the Bureau of Reclamation. (e) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (f) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, snipe, dove, and crow on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, grouse, partridge (chukar and gray partridge), cottontail rabbit, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The condition set forth at paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section applies. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and elk on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Deer and elk hunters may enter the hunt area from 1 1/2 hours before legal hunting time to 1 1/2 hours after legal hunting time. 12. Amend § 32.32 by: a. Revising paragraphs (b)(3)(iv)(A), (e)(1), (e)(3)(iii) and (v), (g), and (i)(2); b. Removing paragraph (i)(3)(iii); c. Redesignating paragraph (i)(3)(iv) as paragraph (i)(3)(iii); and d. Revising paragraphs (k)(1), (2), and (3). The revisions read as follows: § 32.32 Illinois. (b) * * * (3) * * * (iv) * * * (A) In the area west of Division Street and east of Blue Heron Marina; (e) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: On the Long Island Division, we allow hunting only from blinds constructed on sites posted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (3) * * * (iii) On the Fox Island Division, Slim Island Division, Cherry Box Division, and Hickory Creek Division, we only allow archery deer hunting during the Statewide archery season. We prohibit archery hunting during the State firearm season. (v) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer. (g) Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved] (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) For hunting, you may possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). (ii) You must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, platforms, and other hunting equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The condition set forth at paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section applies. (4) [Reserved] (i) * * * (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of small game, furbearers, and game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We open the refuge divisions for upland game hunting from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset. (k) Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, and platforms brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). (ii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow upland game hunting for wild turkey, small game, furbearers, and nonmigratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply. (ii) 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)). (iii) We prohibit hunters using rifles or handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire, except they may use black powder firearms up to and including .50 caliber. (iv) We allow the use of .22 and .17 caliber rimfire lead ammunition for the taking of small game and furbearers during open season. (v) We allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (k)(1)(i) of this section applies. (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer. 13. Amend § 32.33 by: a. Revising paragraphs (b), (c)(1) introductory text, and (c)(2) introductory text; b. Redesignating paragraph (c)(3)(iv) as paragraph (c)(3)(v); and c. Adding new paragraph (c)(3)(iv). The revisions and addition read as follows: § 32.33 Indiana. (b) Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, merganser, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, and platforms brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times. (iii) We prohibit hunting and the discharge of a firearm within 100 yards (30 meters) of any dwelling or any other building that people, pets, or livestock may occupy. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of turkey, quail, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, coyote, fox, skunk, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) 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)). (ii) We allow the use of rimfire weapons for upland/small game hunting. (iii) We prohibit the use of centerfire rifles for any hunts on refuge property. (iv) During spring turkey hunting, hunters must possess a State-issued hunting permit during the first 6 days of the season. (v) We prohibit turkey hunting after 1 p.m. each day. (vi) We allow the incidental take of coyote only during other refuge hunting seasons. (vii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) and (b)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section apply. (ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer. (iii) We prohibit the use or possession of tree spikes, plastic flagging, and reflective tacks. (iv) We prohibit firearms deer hunting during the State deer firearm season (archery and muzzleloader only). (v) We close archery deer hunting during the State muzzleloader season. (vi) We prohibit the possession of game trail cameras on the refuge. (vii) We require you to remove arrows from crossbows during transport in a vehicle. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit the use of any type of motor. (ii) We allow the use of kayaks, canoes, belly boats, or float tubes in all designated fishing areas. (iii) We allow fishing only with rod and reel, or pole and line. (iv) We prohibit harvest of frog and turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter). (v) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle. (vi) We allow only youth age 15 and younger to fish in the Discovery Pond. (c) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, merganser, coot, woodcock, dove, snipe, rail, and crow on designated areas of the refuge and the White River Wildlife Management Area subject to the following conditions: (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of bobwhite quail, pheasant, cottontail rabbit, squirrel (gray and fox), red and gray fox, coyote, opossum, striped skunk, and raccoon subject to the following conditions: (3) * * * (iv) On the Columbia Mine Unit, if you use a rifle to hunt, you may use only rifles allowed by State regulations for hunting on public land. 14. Amend § 32.34 by: a. Revising paragraph (d)(1) introductory text; b. Removing paragraph (d)(1)(i); c. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(1)(ii) through (d)(1)(v) as paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iv); and d. Revising paragraphs (d)(2) introductory text, (d)(2)(i), (g)(1) introductory text, (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(2) introductory text. The revisions read as follows: § 32.34 Iowa. (d) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow the hunting of dove, duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, pigeon, crow, cottontail rabbit, gray and fox squirrel, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply. (g) * * * (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, rail (Virginia and sora only), woodcock, dove, crow, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (ii) We allow boats or other floating devices when hunting. You may not leave boats unattended. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, gray partridge, cottontail rabbit, squirrel (fox and gray), groundhog, raccoon, opossum, fox, coyote, and skunk on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: 15. Revising § 32.35 to read as follows: § 32.35 Kansas. The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations. (a) Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of coot, crow, mourning dove, duck, goose, rail, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must remove portable hunting blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (ii) We only allow rimfire firearms, shotguns, and archery equipment. (iii) We prohibit shooting from or over roads and parking areas. (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting migratory birds. (v) We close hunting areas on the north side of the Neosho River to all hunting from November 1 through March 1. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, pheasant, prairie chicken, quail, rabbit, State-defined furbearers, and squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game, except that we prohibit the use of dogs when hunting coyotes and furbearers. (ii) Shooting hours for upland game species are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset. (iii) We prohibit the harvest of beaver and otter. (iv) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for turkey hunting (see § 32.2(k)). (ii) We allow one portable blind or stand per hunter. You may place your blind or stand on the refuge no more than 14 days prior to the season, and you must remove it within 14 days of the close of the season. You must remove portable blinds at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You must label portable blinds and stands with the owner's Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) number. Labels must be clearly visible from the ground. (iii) We prohibit the use of dogs when hunting turkey. (iv) The condition set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section applies. (v) We only allow muzzleloaders, shotguns, and archery equipment. (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the take of reptiles and amphibians. (b) Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of coot, crow, duck, goose, merganser, mourning dove, rail, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must remove portable hunting blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (ii) We prohibit shooting from or over roads and parking areas. (iii) In Bow Creek, we allow hunting access by boat or on foot. (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting migratory birds. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, jack rabbit, pheasant, prairie chicken, quail, State-defined furbearers, and squirrel (fox and grey) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We only allow shotguns and archery equipment when hunting upland game. (ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game, except that we prohibit the use of dogs when hunting coyotes and furbearers. (iii) Shooting hours for upland game species are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset. (iv) We prohibit the harvest of beaver and otter. (v) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section applies. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We only allow archery hunting of deer. (ii) We allow one portable blind or stand per hunter. You may place your blind or stand on the refuge no more than 14 days prior to the season, and you must remove it within 14 days of the close of the season. You must remove portable blinds at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You must label portable blinds and stands with the owner's KDWPT number. Labels must be clearly visible from the ground. (iii) You must obtain a refuge-issued permit (FWS Form 3-2405, Self-Clearing Check-In/Out Permit) to hunt deer on the refuge. (iv) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section applies. (v) We prohibit the use of dogs when hunting turkey. (vi) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for turkey hunting (see § 32.2(k)). (4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas on the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We only allow boats for activities related to fishing. (ii) We prohibit boating for fishing between October 1 and April 1 when the reservoir water elevation falls below 1,722 feet (measured on October 1), except in the Bow Creek Hunting Unit. Boats may be launched only at Scout Cove during this period. (iii) We allow boating for fishing year-round, on the entire reservoir, only when the reservoir water elevation is above 1,722 feet (measured on October 1). (iv) We prohibit anglers from using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) when accessing Kirwin Reservoir for bank or ice fishing. (v) We allow noncommercial collection of baitfish as governed by State regulations. (vi) We prohibit all activities associated with fishing tournaments, outside of sport fishing itself, to include organized gatherings, registrations, weigh-ins, and award presentations to be held or organized on the refuge. (vii) We prohibit the take of reptiles and amphibians. (c) Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of coot, crow, duck, goose, mourning dove, rail, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must remove portable hunting blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (ii) We prohibit shooting from or over roads and parking areas. (iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting migratory birds. (iv) We only allow shotguns and archery equipment. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, cottontail rabbit, State-defined furbearers, squirrel, and upland birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game, except that we prohibit the use of dogs when hunting coyotes and furbearers. (ii) Shooting hours for upland game species are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset. (iii) We prohibit the harvest of beaver and otter. (iv) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) of this section apply. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) You must possess and carry a State-issued refuge access permit to hunt deer and spring turkey. (ii) We allow one portable blind or stand per hunter. You may place your blind or stand on the refuge no more than 14 days prior to the season, and you must remove it within 14 days of the close of the season. You must remove portable blinds at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You must label portable blinds and stands with the owner's KDWPT number. Labels must be clearly visible from the ground. (iii) We prohibit the use of dogs when hunting turkey. (iv) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for turkey hunting (see § 32.2(k)). (v) The condition set forth at paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section applies. (vi) We only allow archery deer hunting, except during the January antlerless deer season when we allow the use of arch [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2020-06258. Public record. Not legal advice.