Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; Final Rule DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final late-season frameworks from which

States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 1994-

95 migratory bird hunting season. These late seasons include most

waterfowl seasons, the earliest of which generally commence on or about

October 1, 1994. The effects of this final rule are to facilitate the

selection of hunting seasons by the States to further the annual

establishment of the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations.

State selections will be published in the Federal Register as

amendments to Secs. 20.104 through 20.107 and Sec. 20.109 of title 50

CFR part 20.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 27, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Season selections from States are to be mailed to: Chief,

Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Department of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW.,

Washington, DC 20240. Comments received are available for public

inspection during normal business hours in room 634, Arlington Square

Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of

Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department

of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC

20240, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1994

On April 7, 1994, the Service published for public comment in the

Federal Register (59 FR 16762) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20, with

comment periods ending July 21 for early-season proposals and September

2 for late-season proposals. The deadline for late-season proposals was

subsequently extended to September 9 in the September 7 Federal

Register (58 FR 46320). These regulations would be proposed for certain

designated members of the avian families Anatidae (ducks, geese, and

swans); Columbidae (doves and pigeons), Gruidae (cranes); Rallidae

(rails, coots, moorhens, and gallinules); and Scolopacidae (woodcock

and snipe). These species are designated as ``migratory game birds'' in

conventions between the United States and several foreign nations for

the protection and management of these birds. All other birds

designated as migratory (under 10.13 of Subpart B of 50 CFR Part 10) in

the aforementioned conventions may not be hunted. On June 8, 1994, the

Service published for public comment a second document (59 FR 29700)

which provided supplemental proposals for early- and late-season

migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks. On June 23, 1994, a

public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as announced in the April 7

and June 8 Federal Registers, to review the status of migratory shore

and upland game birds. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for

these species and for other early seasons. On July 12, 1993, the

Service published in the Federal Register (59 FR 35566) a third

document in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking

documents which dealt specifically with proposed early-season

frameworks for the 1994-95 season. On August 4, 1994, a public hearing

was held in Washington, DC, as announced in the April 7, June 8, and

July 12 Federal Registers, to review the status of waterfowl. Proposed

hunting regulations were discussed for these late seasons. On August

17, 1994, the Service published a fourth document (59 FR 42474)

containing final frameworks for early migratory bird hunting seasons

from which wildlife conservation agency officials from the States,

Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting

dates, hours, areas, and limits for 1994-95. The fifth document in the

series, published August 24, 1994 (59 FR 43684), dealt specifically

with proposed frameworks for the 1994-95 late-season migratory bird

hunting regulations. On September 1, 1994, the Service published in the

Federal Register a sixth document consisting of a final rule amending

subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas,

and limits for early seasons. On September 7, 1994, the Service

published in the Federal Register a seventh document announcing an

extension of the closing date for the comment period on late-season

regulations from September 2 to September 9. This document, which

establishes final frameworks for late-season migratory bird hunting

regulations for the 1994-95 season, is the eighth in the series.

Review of Comments and the Service's Response

Public-hearing and written comments received through September 9,

1994, relating to proposed late-season frameworks are discussed and

addressed here. Ten individuals presented statements at the August 4,

1994, public hearing. Individuals and the organizations represented

were: Dr. Rollin Sparrowe, Wildlife Management Institute; Walter Sikes,

California Waterfowl Association; Brian Cavey, Office of Senator Max

Baucus; Bruce Barbour, National Audubon Society; K.L. Cool, Central

Flyway Council; Scott Sutherland, Ducks Unlimited; Congressman Jay

Dickey, 4th Congressional District in Arkansas; Congressman Tim Petrie,

6th Congressional District in Wisconsin; Dr. Gary Will, Pacific Flyway

Council; and Congressman Steve Gunderson, 3rd Congressional District in

Wisconsin. The Service received 504 written comments that specifically

addressed late-season issues. These late-season comments are summarized

and discussed in the subject order used in the April 7, 1994, Federal

Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to late seasons for which

comments were received are included. Flyway Council recommendations

shown below include only those involving changes from the 1993-94 late-

season frameworks. For those topics where a Council recommendation is

not shown, the Council supported continuing the same frameworks as in

1993-94.

General

Public-Hearing Comments: Dr. Rollin Sparrowe, Mr. Brian Cavey, Mr.

Bruce Barbour, Mr. K. L. Cool, and Mr. Scott Sutherland expressed

optimism for the recovery of duck populations this year due to the

return of good water and improved upland habitat conditions. They noted

that a variety of circumstances likely contributed to this improvement

but praised the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the cooperative

efforts of private landowners, State and Federal wildlife agencies, and

conservation organizations for having played a significant role.

However, Mr. Sutherland stated that several species, including the

mallard, black duck, pintail, American wigeon, blue-winged teal,

canvasback, and scaup are still below the North American Waterfowl

Management Plan goals. He stressed the need to expand and improve

population surveys and banding program databases which would allow the

development of refined regional and flyway management plans.

Written Comments: The California Waterfowl Association urged the

Service to consider the link between hunting opportunities and hunter

support of habitat programs when formulating regulations. They believe

that the current sizes of waterfowl populations justify a relaxation of

restrictions.

An individual from California requested that waterfowl harvests be

managed on a flyway basis.

Dr. Robert McLandress, Director of the Waterfowl and Wetland

Program of the California Waterfowl Association, expressed his concern

for the 65 percent decrease in California waterfowl hunters during the

past two decades and the impact of such losses on wetland habitat

preservation and maintenance. He noted that the number of California

waterfowl hunters was more highly correlated with pintail harvests and

pintail breeding populations than with harvests and populations of

other ducks.

Mr. Walter R. Sikes, representing the California Waterfowl

Association, noted that 1994 would be the second year of good

production for Pacific Flyway duck populations which should provide

relief to the existing regulations restrictions. He commented that

reduced waterfowl populations and hunting opportunities had discouraged

support for habitat restoration efforts in California; but nonetheless,

California waterfowlers have spent millions of dollars on waterfowl

habitat improvement programs in that State. He further indicated that

historical data supported relaxation of regulations, noting that during

years with similar duck populations, seasons were 31 percent longer,

bag limits were 75 percent higher, and hunter numbers were at least 35

percent greater than in 1993.

Two local sportsmen's organizations from Massachusetts requested

threshold figures for all species of waterfowl defining when seasons

shall be opened or closed.

The Fund for Animals expressed concern that many States are

establishing late-season migratory bird hunting dates prior to the

publication of the final frameworks by the Service. They contend that

such premature action by State agencies, regardless of the time

constraint the agencies may face, conflict with the notice and comment

requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act. The purpose of

publishing the Federal Register proposed rulemaking document and

allowing a subsequent comment period is to provide opportunity for

interested parties to submit data and facts and to present their views.

They maintain that this scenario places the Service in a difficult

situation and compromises its ability to make changes. As a result,

they believe that the Service does not seriously consider comments

received and thus does not involve the public in the decision-making

process.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

expressed concern regarding the timing of the process required to

establish final frameworks for setting migratory game bird regulations

and asked that the Service modify the administrative process. They

suggested that regulations should be finalized a month earlier in order

to establish season dates and provide information to hunters in an

orderly and timely manner.

The Humane Society of the United States (hereinafter the Humane

Society) expressed concern that the public was not well represented in

the regulations-establishment process. They requested establishment of

a system directly involving the non-hunting public. They also requested

that the Service undertake efforts to obtain population estimates for

all hunted species.

Service Response: When the preliminary proposed rulemaking document

was published in the Federal Register on April 7, 1994, the Service

announced the comment periods for the early-season and late-season

proposals and gave notice that the process of promulgating hunting

regulations ``must, by its nature, operate under time constraints''.

Ample time must be given to gather and interpret survey data, consider

recommendations and develop proposals, and to receive public comment.

Scheduled dates are set to give the greatest possible opportunity for

public input. If States do take action to establish their seasons prior

to the final decisions on the frameworks, they risk having to withdraw

and modify those actions. The Service is obligated to, and does, give

serious consideration to all information received as public comment.

The Service has long recognized the problems associated with the length

of time necessary to establish the final frameworks, and in conjunction

with States, Flyway Councils, and the public, continues to seek new

ways to streamline and improve the regulatory process.

Regarding population estimates, the long-term objectives of the

Service include providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain

migratory game bird populations and to limit harvests to levels

compatible with each population's ability to maintain healthy, viable

numbers. Annually, the status of populations are evaluated and the

potential impacts of hunting are considered. The Service believes that

hunting seasons are consistent with the current status of waterfowl

populations and long-term population goals.

1. Ducks

A. General Harvest Strategy

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

seasons and limits similar to those in effect during 1985-87 (with the

exception of pintail), when significant reductions in bag and season

length were imposed to protect certain declining duck populations. The

Council presented information on duck populations, hunter numbers, and

duck harvest in support of their recommendations.

Public-Hearing Comments: Dr. Rollin Sparrowe indicated that while a

recovery of duck populations appears to be underway, a single year does

not represent an upward trend. He noted that some liberalization may be

warranted this year, but added that the major question was how much and

how fast should these liberalizations be implemented. Mr. Bruce Barbour

advised a cautious restraint and suggested that our goal should be to

return as many breeding pairs as possible next spring to take full

advantage of the likely excellent nesting conditions. Mr. Walter Sikes

and Mr. Brian Cavey commented that with the increased breeding

populations and improved fall flight of ducks, some liberalization in

the hunting regulations was justified this year. Tim Petrie believed

that Wisconsin hunters were deserving of additional hunting

opportunities because of their support and participation in habitat

programs. Mr. Walter Sikes accused the Service of imposing restrictions

based on a trend towards continental waterfowl management and a desire

to simplify regulations. He believed such restrictions were unnecessary

on healthy populations and inconsistent with the status of populations

and habitat conditions within a flyway.

Written Comments: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and

Fisheries expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision by the

Service to offer an option package on duck seasons this year. They

indicated that most optional regulations regarding waterfowl hunting

were abandoned years ago.

The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission commented that

regulations changes should ideally result in measurable responses to

those changes and that ``tinkering'' should be avoided. They maintained

that the hybrid option proposed by the Service this year will further

complicate evaluations and impede our capabilities to learn about the

effects of those regulation changes.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission asked the Service to explain

the basis of information used to change the proposed frameworks from

those presented at the public hearing on August 4, 1994, to those

published in the Federal Register on August 24, 1994. Further, they

indicated that they were unaware of the opportunity to provide comments

regarding the regulations frameworks prior to the publication of the

proposed late-season rulemaking document in the Federal Register.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department was critical of the

regulations-development process this year and questioned the

partnership between the Service, States, and Flyway Councils. They

indicated that certain perceptions or politics were driving the

decision process rather than constructive compromise based on sound

biology. They advocated the need for greater focus on population

biology, current and projected habitat conditions, and concerns of

those who still hunt ducks. They believe this will build the base of

knowledge on which sound decisions should be made.

The Central Flyway Council commented that the Service's proposal of

one additional bird or 10 additional days was overly conservative,

penalized hunters, and was inconsistent with our biological knowledge.

They stated that it appeared as if biologically-based action had been

overridden by risk-aversive conservatism and clearly amounted to

``tinkering'', which would impede learning.

The Delta Waterfowl Foundation expressed concern that the increase

in the spring population survey represented a redistribution of ducks

from unsurveyed areas, and raised concerns about the reliability of

short-term population projections in justifying significant changes in

harvest strategies. Given the fact that 1994 was only the first year of

good production and considering the uncertain variability in the fall-

flight index, they maintained that a conservative framework was

justified. They further recommended allowing populations to rebuild

during these potentially short-lived years of good cover and water

conditions.

The Federation of State Waterfowl Associations expressed concern

that the Service was moving towards a continental waterfowl-management

approach and a simplification of regulations rather than using the

flyway concept to tailor regulations to specific populations and to

promote habitat management.

Two individuals asked that shooting hours be returned to sunrise

rather than one-half hour before sunrise to reduce crippling loss and

aid in species identification and management.

Service Response: During most of the past decade, drought

conditions on the principal duck breeding grounds have resulted in

depressed duck populations, with numbers of some species reaching all-

time lows. This situation necessitated restrictions in hunting

regulations to reduce harvest rates commensurate with the status of

ducks. This year, habitat conditions were much improved and breeding-

population indices for many duck species and fall-flight indices for

both mallards and all ducks combined increased substantially. Further,

the continuation of good habitat conditions into mid-summer this year

increases the likelihood that breeding habitat conditions may again be

favorable for good production in 1995.

As a result of the increases observed in breeding-population and

production surveys this year, the Service believed that some relaxation

of the harvest restrictions that have been in place in recent years was

warranted. The question was how much relaxation should occur in this

first year of improvement. Several alternatives were available,

including: (1) to continue harvest restraints one more year by making

little or no change in regulations in an attempt to provide maximum

population growth and potentially be in a better position to

capitalize, in terms of duck production, on the prospects for good

habitat conditions next year, or (2) to increase harvest opportunity to

a greater extent this year and have a lesser chance for continued

growth in duck populations. The Service felt that the first alternative

offered the greatest opportunity for long-term benefit for both duck

populations and harvest opportunity.

Flyway Councils felt that more liberalization in the hunting

regulations was justified and recommended increases in both season

length and bag limits for the duck season. In the Service's view, these

changes would significantly increase harvests and were more in line

with the second alternative identified above. Consequently, the Service

opted for increases in bag limits similar to those recommended by the

Councils, but preferred to retain last year's season lengths. The

Service felt that this approach would provide additional harvest

opportunity for hunters but would have a lesser impact on overall

harvest than longer seasons.

At the public hearing for late-season regulations on August 4,

1994, in Washington, DC, the Service proposed duck-season frameworks

consisting of the same season length as last year and an increase of

one bird in the overall daily bag limit. In response to numerous

comments received after the public hearing, the proposed frameworks

published in the Federal Register on August 24, 1994, were changed to

include an option for States to select either the same season length as

last year with a larger bag limit or a season length 10 days longer

than last year with essentially the same bag limit.

The Service recognizes the wide divergence of views concerning an

appropriate harvest strategy for ducks during this first year of

significant improvement in the status of ducks. However, 1 year of

significant growth does not constitute a full recovery and several

years of growth are needed to rebuild the principal stocks in the

surveyed area that were depressed during the 1980s. The Service remains

committed to this goal and believes that in order to reach these

desired population levels, we must take full advantage of the much-

improved habitat conditions and prudently manage harvest rates. The

Service welcomes this challenge and asks that States, Flyway Councils,

hunters and the general public join in this effort.

In regard to shooting hours, the Service has received considerable

support for the proposed shooting hours. The Service has compiled

information which demonstrates that shooting hours beginning at one-

half hour before sunrise do not contribute significantly to the harvest

of nontarget species. Consistent with the Service's long-term strategy

for shooting hours, published in the September 21, 1990, Federal

Register (55 FR 38898), the frameworks herein provide for shooting

hours of one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise

specified.

B. Framework Dates

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

that the hunting-season frameworks for ducks, coots, and mergansers

begin on the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1, 1994) and extend

until the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 22, 1995).

The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the

Mississippi Flyway Council recommended framework opening and closing

dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 to January 20. The Lower-Region

Regulations Committee also recommended that opening and closing dates

be established as a basic regulation and not fluctuate annually.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended outside season dates of the

Saturday nearest October 1 to the Sunday nearest January 20. Floating

framework dates are recommended because (1) the flyway has

traditionally been offered Saturday openings and Sunday closing for

most migratory game birds, (2) fixed calendar dates will further

restrict hunting opportunity in those States that traditionally open

hunting on Saturday and close on Sunday, (3) departure from this

traditional format will be confusing and unnecessarily restrictive, (4)

there are no biological consequences to floating frameworks since we

are dealing with only plus or minus 3 days in opening and closing

dates, (5) a Saturday opening allows participation by school-age

hunters and those that have a traditional work week, (6) there are no

biological or political justifications which warrant a change from

previous outside framework dates.

Written Comments: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission requested

the Service to consider the use of floating framework dates, rather

than the proposed fixed dates.

The Humane Society recommends that all seasons open on Wednesday in

order to reduce the high level of harvest associated with traditional

Saturday season openings.

Service Response: The use of floating framework dates automatically

allows earliest opening and latest closing dates to vary by almost a

full week over a period of years. These kinds of annual variations tend

to confound assessment of the impact of hunting regulations on duck

populations. As the Service has previously stated in the Federal

Register (58 FR 50190), a State may choose to delay its opening date to

correspond with a particular day of the week or to close earlier to

maximize the number of weekends that hunting is allowed. Regarding the

consideration of framework dates as ``basic'' rather than ``annual''

regulations, the Service has previously stated its policy to retain the

use of framework dates as a harvest-management tool.

C. Season Lengths

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council and the Upper-

Region and Lower- Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi

Flyway Council recommended a 40-day duck season.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that the season length in

the High Plains Mallard Management Unit be 69 days, 16 of which must

begin no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 10,

1994). For the remainder of the Flyway, the Council recommended a

season length of 53 days.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a season length of 79 days,

with 7 additional days in the Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit.

Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Walter Sikes, Mr. Brian Cavey, Mr. K.

L. Cool, and Mr. Scott Sutherland supported the Flyway Councils'

recommendations to expand season lengths and allow hunters to have more

opportunity. Mr. Jay Dickey supported a 10-day season extension in

Arkansas to allow families additional time to spend together.

Congressman Steve Gunderson (Wisconsin) commented on the inequity of an

additional 9-day teal season in ``non-production'' States without

making some additional duck harvest opportunity available to

``production'' States.

Written Comments: The Federation of State Waterfowl Associations

supported the adoption of recommendations by the Flyway Councils. They

believe that the recommendations provide an incentive to duck hunters

to maintain and enhance waterfowl habitat under their control.

An individual from California asked that the Service consider

allowing 86 days of duck hunting in the Pacific Flyway.

The Nebraska Low Plains Waterfowlers' Association urged the Service

to allow 46 days of duck hunting in the Low Plains portion of the

Central Flyway.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources endorsed the

recommendations of the Mississippi Flyway Council's Upper-Region

Regulations Committee and requested that the Service reconsider its

proposal for a 30-day duck season with a 4-bird daily bag limit. They

suggested that if the Service feels a more conservative season is

necessary this year, a 40-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit

would be more acceptable. They also expressed concern that ``non-

production'' States are offered a 9-day special teal season while

production States are not offered some type of compensatory

opportunity.

Two local sportsmen's organizations in Massachusetts requested a

35-day season for duck hunting in the Atlantic Flyway.

The Illinois Department of Conservation urged the Service to

consider a 40-day season framework with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Congressman Steve Gunderson of Wisconsin expressed concern about

the Service's proposal to allow a 30-day season and asked that

consideration be given to a 40-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit

to provide more recreational opportunity for hunters.

Both the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the Wisconsin

Conservation Congress asked the Service to consider a 40-day season

with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources expressed concern that

the Service did not support the Mississippi Flyway Council proposal for

a 40-day season with a 4-bird daily bag limit and suggested that if

further protection was warranted, they would prefer a 40-day season

with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources disagreed with the

Service's proposal and asked for reconsideration of a 40-day season

with a 4-bird daily bag limit, but they indicated they would accept a

3-bird daily bag limit and a 40-day season, if necessary.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources indicated

preference for an increase in the season length rather than an increase

in the daily-bag limit, but stated that they may support the decisions

of the Service, if conservative measures were necessary, based on

additional information.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources asked for a season of 40

days with a 4-bird bag limit, but if not acceptable to the Service,

they would opt for a longer season over an expanded bag limit.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources felt that input

from the States was being disregarded and that the Service's

restrictive proposal did not show support for hunting and would be

difficult to explain to sportsmen.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife recommended a

35-day to 40-day season in the Atlantic Flyway with a 3-bird daily bag

limit, stating that an additional 5 to 10 days of hunting is an

appropriate response to the improved situation of the past 3 years.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources supported a 40-day

season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Florida Game and Fresh Water

Fish Commission, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,

the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Mississippi

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the Missouri Department

of Conservation, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation,

the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Ohio Department

of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Department of Natural

Resources, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency supported the

recommendations of the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils for a

40-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation stated that a

40-day season with a 4 bird daily bag limit would help biologists

evaluate harvest under regulations comparable to 1985-87. Further, they

would support implementation of these recommendations in 1995 to help

future evaluations.

The Missouri Department of Conservation expressed concern that the

frameworks did not adequately reflect the substantial input from the

Flyway Councils. Further, they stated that the recommendation to return

to hunting seasons similar to those in 1985-87 was justified when

considered in the context of existing management plans, the current and

expected improvement in breeding populations, and the status of

breeding habitat.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency believed the recommendation

of the Mississippi Flyway Council was biologically justified.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stated that the

breeding-pair and production survey information clearly supported

reasonable upward adjustments in the bag limit and season length for

the Mississippi Flyway.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

commented that they see no biological reason why the season should not

be 40 days and the requested increase was modest at best. However, they

stated that if 10 additional days is deemed to be inappropriate, 7

additional days would be acceptable.

The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission commented that a

40-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit represented a reasonable

response to improved duck population status.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, while

supporting the Flyway's recommendation, believed that there was

abundant information to support a 40-day season and a 5-bird daily bag

limit.

Senators David Pryor and Dale Bumpers of Arkansas expressed support

for the recommendations of the Mississippi Flyway Council for a 40-day

season and a 4-bird daily bag limit. Senator Bumpers commented that it

appears that the scientific recommendations of the Mississippi Flyway

Council were ignored.

The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, composed of over 180 House

Members and 35 Senators, supported the recommendations of the Flyway

Councils for expanded seasons and bag limits and felt that maintaining

a 30-day season with a daily bag limit of 3 birds sets a dangerous

precedent of ignoring sound scientific information in making management

decisions.

Congressman G.V. Montgomery and Congresswoman Blanche Lambert of

Arkansas; Congressmen Don Sundquist, John Tanner, James Quillen, Jim

Cooper, Bart Gordon, Bob Clement, and John Duncan, Congresswoman

Marilyn Lloyd, and Senators Jim Sasser and Harlan Matthews of

Tennessee; and Senators J. Bennett Johnston and John Breaux,

Congressmen Robert Livingston, W.J. Tauzin, Jimmy Hayes, William

Jefferson, Richard Baker, Jim McCrery, and Cleo Fields of Louisiana

supported the recommendations of the Mississippi Flyway Council for a

40-day season with a daily bag limit of 4 birds.

Congressman John Dingell of Michigan expressed support for the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources' recommendation for a 40-day

season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Governor Jim Guy Tucker of Arkansas, State Senators James Scott and

Jay Bradford of Arkansas, and State Senator Joe McPherson of Louisiana

expressed support for a 40-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit.

Other organizations supporting Flyway Council recommendations for a

40-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit included the North Carolina

Wildlife Federation, Arkansas Ducks Unlimited, the North Carolina

Wildlife Habitat Foundation, the Alliance for Wetlands, the Southern

Illinois Quotazone Waterfowl Association, the South Shore Waterfowlers

Association of New York, the Sabine Chapter (Texas) of Ducks Unlimited,

Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc. of Illinois, and the Illinois

Federation of Outdoor Resources.

The Delta Waterfowl Foundation supported the proposal for a 30-day

season and stated that they did not believe this was the time to

liberalize duck hunting regulations. Stating that now was the time for

patience and to build for the future, they further commented that

limiting the liberalization to the increase in bag limits and not days

was appropriate and should be the final decision for the late-season

frameworks.

The National Wildlife Federation concurred with the Service's

proposal of either a 10-day increase in the season or an additional

bird, but not both. They commented that it was critical to err on the

side of conservation in the interest of ensuring the long-term well-

being of waterfowl populations.

One hundred and eighty individuals in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,

Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New

York, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin expressed support for a 40-day

season with a 4-bird daily bag limit.

One hundred and forty-nine individuals from Arkansas, Florida,

Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri,

Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin expressed support for a 40-day

season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Three hundred and thirty-one individuals, including one petition

containing 237 names, from Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois,

Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Tennessee requested

a 40-day season.

Thirteen individuals from Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida,

Minnesota, South Carolina, and Texas expressed support for a daily bag

limit of 4 birds and a 30-day season.

Twelve individuals from Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin

supported the rejection of a 40-day season.

Twenty-three individuals from Arkansas, Iowa, Florida, Minnesota,

Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin were opposed to any increase in either

the daily bag limit or season length.

The Central Flyway Council urged the Service to reconsider and

grant the original Central Flyway proposal for a modest liberalization

in the 1994 season.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department supported the

recommendations of the Central Flyway Council for a 49-day season with

a daily bag limit of 4 birds. They believed these proposals were

warranted and would not jeopardize continued expansion of the duck

population.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks urged support for a 53-

day season and a daily bag limit of 4 birds, stating that this

expansion would not threaten the continued recovery of our duck

resources.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation urged the Service

to reconsider additional hunting days in all Flyways with an additional

10-14 days provided in the Central Flyway. They further pointed out

that in mid-latitude States, additional season length is very

important, since duck availability can be very variable.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks encouraged the

Service to consider adopting regulations more typical of those in the

early 1980s. They stated that their information supported modest

increases in both bag and season length and would not jeopardize

continued increases in duck populations from habitat areas on the

northern plains.

Congressman Martin Frost of Texas supported the Flyway Council's

recommendation to expand the season length and bag limits in the

Central Flyway.

The Wetland Habitat Alliance of Texas supported a 5-bird daily bag

limit and 49-day season.

The Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas, the Texas Handicapped

Sportsman, and Hunt County (Texas) Ducks Unlimited expressed support

for a 49-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit.

Thirty individuals from Texas expressed support for the

recommendations of the Central Flyway Council for an extended season

and a larger daily bag limit.

In the Pacific Flyway, the California Department of Fish and Game

and the Nevada Division of Wildlife supported the recommendations of

the Pacific Flyway Council. As an alternative to the proposed

framework, the California Department of Fish and Game requested that an

additional 8 days of hunting be considered. Both the California

Department of Fish and Game and the Nevada Division of Wildlife

believed that the 1994 duck population status justifies the seasons and

bag limits proposed by the Pacific Flyway Council.

Congressmen Calvin Dooley, Vic Fazio, Richard Lehman, Robert

Matsui, and George Miller of California, the California Waterfowl

Association, and the California Rice Industry Association also

expressed their support for the recommendations of the Pacific Flyway

Council and for the California Department of Fish and Game's request

for an additional 8 days of hunting.

The Westside Associated Duck Clubs and Wildlife Refuge of Utah

urged the addition of more hunting days.

Southern California Ducks and twelve individuals from Utah and

California supported the recommendations of the Pacific Flyway Council.

Seven individuals from Utah and California and the Grassland Water

District of California expressed support for the California Department

of Fish and Game recommendation for an additional 8 days of hunting.

An individual from Utah urged that the season be lengthened at the

expense of the additional bird in the daily bag limit.

The Nebraska Low Plains Waterfowlers' Association requested

liberalizations in duck hunting frameworks this year. They requested

that, if both season length and bag limits cannot be increased, season

length alone should be liberalized. They believe it is time to reward

sportsmen for their support of waterfowl management.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urged the Service to

liberalize season length rather than bag limits if both could not be

liberalized this year.

Service Response: At the public hearing for late-season regulations

on August 4, 1994, in Washington, DC, the Service proposed duck-season

frameworks consisting of the same season length as last year and an

increase of 1 bird in the daily bag limit. In response to numerous

comments received after the public hearing, the proposed frameworks

published in the Federal Register on August 24, 1994, included an

option for States to select either the same season length as last year

with a larger daily bag limit or a season length 10 days longer than

last year with essentially the same bag limits as last year.

Recommendations from Flyway Councils and numerous comments included

increases in both season length and daily bag limits; however, the

Service believes that increasing both season length and daily bag

limits for ducks is not appropriate this first year of substantial

improvement in the status of ducks. Therefore, the frameworks herein

contain the same options as those in the proposed frameworks. Regarding

comments on the inequity of the special teal seasons in ``non-

production States,'' the Service previously responded to this issue in

the August 17, 1994, Federal Register (59 FR 42474).

E. Bag Limits

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a

4-bird daily bag limit for the regular duck season, which would include

no more than 1 canvasback, 1 black duck, 1 pintail; 2 wood ducks, 2

redheads; and 3 mallards (of which only 1 could be a hen).

The Central Flyway Council requested that the Service review its

policy for the use of the point-system bag-limit option that requires

that it be no more liberal than the conventional bag limit.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that with respect to duck,

coot and merganser hunting regulations, States selecting the High

Plains Mallard Management Unit season option of additional late hunting

opportunity may select either the point system or the conventional bag

limit for establishing daily possession limits in the entire State.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that for those States where

the daily bag and possession limits are established by the conventional

bag limit, the daily bag would be 4 birds with species and sex

restrictions as follows: hen mallard, pintail, redhead, mottled duck,

and canvasback, 1 bird; wood duck, 2 birds; all other species and sexes

not mentioned above, 4 birds. The possession limit would be twice the

daily bag limit.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that for those States where

the daily bag and possession limits are established by the point-system

bag limit, point values for species and sexes would be as follows:

redhead, canvasback, hen mallard, pintail, hooded merganser and mottled

duck, 100 points each; wood duck, 50 points each; mallard drake,

gadwall, wigeon, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, cinnamon teal,

shoveler, whistling duck, common and red-breasted merganser, 20 points

each; all other species and sexes of ducks, 35 points each. The

possession limit under the point system would be the maximum number of

birds that legally could be taken in 2 days.

The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council recommended a point-system bag-limit option that would provide,

for several species, 1 more bird in the daily bag limit than the

conventional bag limit.

The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the

Mississippi Flyway Council requested that the Service review its

current point-system bag-limit policy. They feel that at least 1 more

bird should be allowed in the point system than in the conventional bag

limit.

The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the

Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the overall duck bag limit

be increased from 3 to 4, that the number of male mallards allowed be

increased from 2 to 3, and that 1 canvasback be allowed daily. The

Lower-Region Regulations Committee also recommended a restriction of 3

mottled ducks in the 4-bird daily limit. Other species/sex restrictions

would be the same as last year.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that the Service: (1) review

its current point-system policy, (2) work with both Pacific and Central

Flyway Technical Committees to interpret available data, and (3)

consider all available new information and evaluate the point system

against other bag-limit systems. The Council also recommended a daily

bag limit of 5 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (only 1 of

which may be a hen), 2 pintails (only 1 of which may be a hen), 2

redheads, and 1 canvasback.

Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. K. L. Cool stated that he could not

support the elimination of the point system because of its success in

directing harvest pressure toward abundant species and away from

species and sexes of concern. Dr. Gary Wills argued that an increase in

the pintail bag limit was biologically sound and would not greatly

increase harvest pressure from its current low level.

Written Comments: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

supported the Mississippi Flyway Council's Upper-Region Regulations

Committee recommendation for a daily bag limit of 4 ducks.

An individual from California requested that the Service consider

increasing the total-duck daily bag limit to 5, the mallard limit to 5,

and the pintail limit to 2 in the Pacific Flyway.

The Nebraska Low Plains Waterfowlers' Association urged the Service

to allow a daily bag limit of 3 mallards in the Low Plains portion of

the Central Flyway.

An individual from California requested that the duck daily bag

limit be increased to 6, with a daily bag limit of 1 or 2 for mallards,

or no mallards at all as an acceptable alternative. He also requested

increasing the daily bag limit of pintails to 2.

Dr. Robert McLandress presented historical information on

regulations and harvests of pintails and believed that an increase in

the pintail daily bag limit to at least 3 birds was warranted and would

provide much-needed encouragement for hunters and habitat management in

California. He believed bag-limit restrictions for mallards in

California were inappropriate given evidence of a preponderance of

California-produced mallards in the harvest, consistently high nesting

success and good brood survival. He believed the breeding population

decline in California in 1994 was caused by the elimination of set-

aside rice lands, favored by nesting mallards; however, there were

significant increases elsewhere in the State. In addition to increased

limits of mallards and pintails, he recommended an addition of 1 duck

to the daily bag limit and 8 additional days.

Senator Lauch Faircloth of North Carolina commented that in light

of the favorable data this year on duck populations, the Service should

raise the limit to promote reasonable hunting privileges.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation requested that the

Service work with the Flyway Councils to cooperatively review its

policy on the use of the point system for determining daily bag limits

for ducks. It was pointed out that the Central Flyway Council believes

that the 1990 point-system review contained misinterpretations and

omissions that should be cooperatively resolved prior to any decision

on the use of this important harvest-management tool. Further, they

stated that the process used for the handling of the updated review of

the point system appeared to be a breach of the cooperative spirit and

partnership approach to migratory bird management programs in the

Central Flyway.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife questioned the objectivity of the

Service's review and analysis of the point system. They stated that

illogical conclusions were drawn from inconsistent reasoning. They also

criticized the Service for failing to work cooperatively with States on

the point-system issue.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urged the Service and

Flyway Councils to develop a cooperative approach to review the point

system and strengthen Federal/State partnerships.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission expressed concern about the

elimination of the point system without thorough consultation with the

Flyway Councils and asked that it be offered to States as a bag-limit

option.

An individual from Georgia requested that the point system be

revisited to reward knowledgeable hunters and to penalize those hunters

who shoot group limits.

An individual from Wyoming commented on the value of the point

system to protect hen mallards and asked the Service to reconsider the

point system for the 1995 hunting season.

The Humane Society expressed support for abandoning the point

system as a bag-limit option. They cited strong evidence that many

hunters are reordering their bag limits to achieve higher harvests and

many are unable to distinguish ducks by species. As a regulatory tool,

they claim that the point system is highly vulnerable to abuse.

Further, they supported no increase in daily bag limits from the 1993-

94 season.

The California Department of Fish and Game asked that the Service

consider adding a second pintail, of which no more than one could be a

hen, to the daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department and the Nevada Division of

Wildlife expressed support for California's request to add a second

pintail to the daily bag limit.

Congressmen Calvin Dooley, Vic Fazio, Richard Lehman, Robert

Matsui, and George Miller of California recommended adding a second

pintail (no more than 1 hen) to the daily bag limit of 5 ducks in the

Pacific Flyway.

Several individuals from California asked that the Service support

the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for a second pintail in the

daily bag limit.

Several individuals from California requested that the daily bag

limit on hen mallards be increased to 2, as many hens are being thrown

away in the field.

An individual from Illinois requested a 4-bird daily bag limit

including 2 drake mallards, allowing no hens, and a 2-scaup bag limit.

Service Response: The Service, with input from the Flyway Councils,

completed a comprehensive review of the point system in 1990, and

established a policy that the point system should be restricted to a

maximum daily bag no greater than that allowed under the conventional

daily bag limit. In 1994, the Flyway Councils asked the Service to

review this policy. The Service's review was completed in July 1994 and

sent to all Flyway Councils. The 1990 review indicated that (1) there

was little evidence that the point system was more effective than the

conventional bag at redirecting harvest (2) major problems remained

with determining appropriate species- and sex-specific point values (3)

species closures eliminated the bird-in-hand identification advantage

of the point system (4) reordering of point values in the field was an

incentive under the point system and enforceability remained a major

concern and (5) most problems with the point system were in application

and not concept.

In the 1994 review, the Service considered additional information

that has been gathered since the 1990 review, and concluded that the

point-system alternative to the conventional bag limit should be

discontinued. Over the years, the Flyway Councils and States have had

substantial opportunity to provide input into the review of scientific

studies and analysis of this information. The completion of the 1990

and 1994 reviews and the decision to discontinue the point system have

considered input from all entities. The Service has worked with the

Flyway Councils on this issue several times in an effort to resolve

differences.

Three of the four Flyway Councils recommended retaining the 1-

pintail limit. Pintail breeding populations have not increased above

levels of the mid-1980s, when major restrictions were first

implemented, and winter population indices for the pintail in the

Pacific Flyway remain at record low levels. While the production

outlook has improved over the last 2 nesting seasons, the Service

believes that, until more evidence of a sustained recovery is

available, additional liberalization of the pintail in the daily bag

limit is not warranted.

F. Zones and Splits

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

continuation of the Southern San Joaquin Valley Waterfowl Zone in

California in 1994 and that this zone be made permanent. About 3,500

acres of Tulare Basin wetlands are managed as duck clubs, compared to

about 5,000 acres of managed wetlands in 1971. About 200 additional

acres of wetlands had been flooded for waterfowl and other wetland-

dependent wildlife in response to the creation of the zone. During

1991-93, this zone has allowed for a month delay in the opening date

from the surrounding Balance-of-the-State and Southern California

zones. This delay allows private wetland owners to take advantage of

reduced electric pumping rates which become effective November 1, as

well as reduced evapotranspiration rates which occur as temperatures

decline. This results in an approximate 20 percent reduction in the

cost of flooding. Any reductions in water cost provide an incentive for

the continued flooding of private wetlands. The situation is not

relieved by improvements in rainfall, because although surface water

availability improves somewhat, ground water pumping costs are still

high.

Establishment of the zone has not affected harvest. Estimated

harvest of ducks from Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties constituted

between 3.0 and 5.6 percent of the Statewide harvest in the periods

1961-1990. Since implementation of the zone in 1991, 2.5 percent of the

State duck harvest has occurred in the zone. Pintail harvest in the

zone declined from a high of 4.5 percent of the State harvest to 2.5

percent.

Written Comments: Two local sportsmen's organizations from

Massachusetts requested continuation of zoning for their State.

Two individuals from Texas requested a third zone in Texas between

the Mallard High Plains Management Area and the Eastern Zone, due to

the size of the State.

The Humane Society urges the Service to discontinue all split and

special seasons and recommends that any State establishing such seasons

reduce the total number of hunting days by a minimum of 10 days.

Mr. Boyd Gibbons, Director, California Department of Fish and Game,

provided information on wetland habitat and waterfowl harvests in the

Southern San Joaquin Valley Duck Zone and requested that the temporary

zone be made permanent. Twenty percent of the remaining Tulare Basin

wetlands are managed as private clubs, with most relying on costly,

pumped groundwater. Allowing this zone to set a late, straight season

which typically differs from adjacent zones would allow clubs to flood

later when evaporative rates were lower and pumping costs significantly

reduced. Estimated harvests of pintails and total ducks during 2 years

with the zone (1991-92) were 16 percent less and 5 percent more,

respectively, than during the 2 years prior (1989-90).

An individual from Minnesota expressed support for a straight (non-

split) season due to cold weather onset at the first of November in the

extreme northern portions of the State.

Service Response: The Service acknowledges that the Southern San

Joaquin Valley Zone in California appears to provide economic

incentives for maintaining privately-managed wetlands, especially

during recent years when season lengths have been relatively short. The

Service will allow this zone to continue on a temporary basis for this

year. With longer seasons, such as currently offered as an option to

larger limits, the necessity and advantages for such a zone diminish.

Regarding comments about zoning in Massachusetts and Texas, current

zoning arrangements will continue until 1996, at which time States will

have the opportunity to modify zone configurations in accordance with

Service guidelines previously established. In reference to split

seasons in Minnesota, the State has the option to change from 3-way

splits to continuous seasons or 2-way splits if it wishes to do so.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Canvasback

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that an open season for canvasbacks be allowed with a 1-bird daily bag

limit throughout the length of the 1994 season in the Atlantic Flyway.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service adopt the

alternative canvasback harvest-management strategy developed by State

representatives on the Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group from

all four Flyways.

The Central Flyway Council recommended that an open season for

canvasbacks throughout the regular duck season be allowed for all four

Flyways with a 1-bird daily bag limit beginning in 1994, contingent

upon breeding population and habitat conditions.

The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the

Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that an open season for

canvasbacks be allowed in the Mississippi Flyway with a 1-bird daily

bag limit throughout the regular duck season.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended adoption of an interim

canvasback strategy that would allow harvest of that species throughout

the regular duck season in all four Flyways, with a daily bag limit of

1 canvasback (either sex), when the 3-year running average of the

estimated May breeding population is at or above 480,000 birds. No

season should be allowed when the average index is below that level.

Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Bruce Barbour expressed support for

the Service's proposed canvasback harvest strategy but cautioned that

the Service should consider the use of closures in specific areas where

canvasback concentrate and may be especially vulnerable. Congressman

Steve Gunderson supported the opening of the canvasback season Flyway-

wide with certain restrictions recommended by the Upper-Region

Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council.

Written Comments: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources

supported the Service's strategy for canvasback harvest management.

They recommended allowing a canvasback season in 1994 and continuing

the season for at least 3 years.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources opposed the

reestablishment of closed areas for canvasback hunting, preferring

instead that the season be open Flyway-wide.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife recommended

that 1 canvasback be allowed in the daily bag limit and the New York

Department of Environmental Conservation supported the canvasback daily

bag limit of 1 bird throughout the duck season.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources commented that if

canvasback numbers were a concern, they would not oppose removing

canvasbacks from the daily bag limit.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Florida Game and Fresh

Water Fish Commission supported the opening of canvasback season.

The National Wildlife Federation agreed with the Service proposal

to open the canvasback season nationwide and restrict the daily bag

limit to 1 bird.

The Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas supported the allowance of

1 canvasback per day in the daily bag limit.

An individual from Wisconsin opposed the opening of a season for

canvasbacks, stating that the population is still rebuilding. If,

however, the season were to be opened, options considered should be 1)

a drake-only season, 2) issuance of 1 to 2 tags per hunter, and 3) only

a 1 to 2-week season.

Several individuals from Wisconsin and Minnesota disagreed with the

proposal to open the canvasback season and allow 1 canvasback in the

daily bag limit.

An individual from Minnesota supported the addition of a canvasback

in the daily bag limit.

Service Response: The Service concurs with recommendations to open

the hunting season on canvasbacks during the 1994-95 season. Based on

current population levels, expected production, and projected harvest

estimates, the Service believes that a season in all Flyways with a 1-

bird daily bag limit is warranted. Area closures designed to protect

key migrational and wintering concentrations from heavy harvest

pressure and to reduce enforcement problems are not being considered at

this time, but, some States may opt to close local areas that are

problematic. The Service is aware of the high harvest potential for

this species and will closely monitor this season's canvasback harvest

and the population status next spring. As an interim strategy, the

Service will annually assess several population parameters to manage

future harvests of canvasbacks.

3. Mergansers

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

point-value changes under the point-system bag-limit option that

involve mergansers. See item 1. Ducks, E. Bag Limits.

Service Response: No point-system option is provided in the 1994-95

frameworks. See item 1. Ducks, E. Bag Limits.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that the Service amend the criteria for late special Canada goose

seasons to require a 2-year data-collection period for proposal

submission. They also recommended a 3-year late experimental season in

northeastern New Jersey for 1995-97. The Council also requested that

the late special Canada goose season in Long Island, New York, be

discontinued.

Written Comments: The South Carolina Department of Natural

Resources requested that the frameworks for their resident Canada goose

season be expanded to 8 days, occurring between December 1 and February

15.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asked that the

Criteria for Special Canada Goose Seasons be modified to allow harvest

of both resident and migrant birds in metropolitan areas where their

occurrence causes problems and should be discouraged. Further, they

believe it is unreasonable and an unnecessary burden to require the

experimental period to continue for 3 more years in order to evaluate

the impacts of adding 2 hunting days beyond September 10.

Service Response: The Service concurs with the expanded season

frameworks on resident geese in South Carolina, the addition of an

experimental season in New Jersey, and discontinuing the season in Long

Island. The Service asks that evaluations of these seasons continue in

accordance with the criteria that have been established. These criteria

are subject to periodic review and may be modified upon agreement and

consensus of the Service and Flyway Councils. The Service will request

input from the other Flyways regarding expanding from 1 to 2 years the

data-collection period required prior to proposal submission for a late

special season. The Service requests that Minnesota provide a

biological rational for their contention that migrant geese harvested

in metropolitan areas during special goose season not be subject to the

special Canada goose season criteria. The Service also notes that

Minnesota has the option of not extending their special season 2 days

and thus avoiding further evaluation if, in their judgement, such an

extension does not warrant the additional evaluation costs.

B. Regular Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

that the dark goose hunting regulations in the east-tier States

(Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas

[Eastern Goose Zone]) be 86 days with a bag limit of 2 in North Dakota

and 2 with no more than 1 white-fronted goose in Kansas, Nebraska,

Oklahoma, South Dakota and the eastern goose zone of Texas. The white-

fronted goose season in Texas should not exceed 72 days, and during the

remaining 14 days of the season, the bag limit will be no more than 2

Canada geese.

The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the

Mississippi Flyway Council recommended several changes in Canada goose

quotas, season lengths, etc., based on population status and population

management plans and programs. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee

also recommended that the Service allow seasons for geese to be split

into 3 segments.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended allowing cackling Canada

geese to be taken outside their normal range in California, Oregon, and

Washington as part of the prevailing limit on Canada geese. Within

their normal range, the Council recommended that the bag limit include

not more than 1 cackling Canada goose. The 1-cackler limit would apply

to the Southwestern Washington Goose Quota Area, all of Oregon, and a

majority of California where the season would be concurrent with the

restricted white-fronted goose season.

The Pacific Flyway Council also recommended that for Oregon, the

Malheur County Zone be incorporated into a Harney, Klamath, Lake, and

Malheur Counties Zone, thereby allowing the season on dark geese to end

on the Saturday nearest January 20 instead of the first Sunday in

January. The dark goose limit would be increased from 3 to 4, including

not more than 2 whitefronts. The adjacent Southwestern Zone in Idaho

would be permitted frameworks similar to those recommended for Malheur

County.

The Pacific Flyway Council sought a limited resumption of cackling

Canada goose hunting throughout the population's range and recommended

that the Service provide an expedited Section 7 Consultation review of

their recommended changes in cackling Canada goose regulations for

possible impacts on Aleutian Canada geese.

Public-Hearing Comments: Congressman Steve Gunderson of Wisconsin

endorsed a procedure recommended by the Mississippi Flyway Council to

manage Canada goose harvest in the Mississippi River Subzone in

southwest Wisconsin.

Written Comments: The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

requested that the Service review the Federal frameworks for hunting

Canada geese on the DelMarva Peninsula. They believe that the existing

frameworks are more liberal than can be justified based on the size of

the population. They maintained that high harvest rates on adult birds

are suppressing the population and preventing a recovery. During the

1993-94 hunting season, Delaware voluntarily restricted their seasons,

but because these Canada goose populations move about the Peninsula,

they believe that harvest pressure should be reviewed in parts of

Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia and appropriate action taken to reduce

harvest and protect these migrant Canada geese.

Congressman Steve Gunderson (Wisconsin) requested that the

Mississippi River Subzone in Wisconsin be declared a giant Canada goose

harvest area and removed from Canada goose harvest-quota considerations

for the State.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requested a change in

the boundary of their West-Central Goose Zone, as required by State

legislation. They indicated that they had requested endorsement of the

proposed change by the Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the

Mississippi Flyway Council; however, the Committee did not endorse it.

An individual from Wisconsin commented that Wisconsin's goose

harvest quota should be more than the allotted 60,000 geese since the

Mississippi Valley Population has increased from 1993.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Sportsmen

Conservationists of Texas, and the Wetland Habitat Alliance of Texas

expressed their support for the Service's proposal to extend the

framework for dark geese to 86 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

Service Response: The Service generally concurs with

recommendations from the Flyway Councils for the 1994-95 frameworks.

However, the Service does not endorse 3-way splits for Canada goose

seasons at this time. The use of 3-way splits as a harvest-management

tool may have merit, but a more detailed proposal, including plans for

a Flyway-wide evaluation and projections of potential impacts, should

be prepared prior to implementing such a change. The Service is willing

to work with the Mississippi Flyway Council to investigate the

desirability of this option during the coming year.

Regarding the Mississippi River Subzone in southwest Wisconsin, the

Service concurs with the Mississippi Flyway Council recommendation to

assign a reasonable portion of the State's Canada goose quota to the

Subzone and remove the monitoring requirement.

In reference to season frameworks for the Delmarva Peninsula, the

Service believes that a departure from the Flyway Council's recommended

3-year harvest strategy is not warranted at this time, since this is

the third year of that period. The Service suggests that Delaware work

with other concerned Flyway States during the coming year to develop

appropriate harvest strategies for this important wintering area of the

Atlantic Flyway Population of Canada geese.

Regarding the recommendation by Minnesota for a boundary change in

the West-Central Goose Zone, the Service believes that such changes

should be made in cooperation with other Flyway States involved in the

management of the Eastern Prairie Canada Goose Population. Since the

Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council

did not endorse the Minnesota proposal, the Service does not concur

with the recommended change.

Concerning Canada goose harvest quotas in Wisconsin,

recommendations for the annual allocation of allowable harvests among

harvest areas are developed cooperatively by Flyway States involved in

the management of the various Canada goose populations. The Service

endorses this procedure, and notes that the Wisconsin quota provided in

the following frameworks is larger than 60,000.

5. White-fronted Geese

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommendations

regarding dark geese involve white-fronted geese. See item 4. Canada

Geese.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that: for Washington, the

special bag-limit restriction on white-fronted geese be removed,

allowing them to be included in the overall 4-dark-goose limit; for

Oregon, the season on white-fronted geese would open at the same time

as the dark-goose season, approximately 1 week earlier than currently

allowed; and for California, the white-fronted goose season would be

extended by 2 weeks within the Sacramento Valley special goose-closure

portion of the ``Balance-of-the-State'' Zone.

Public-Hearing Comments: Dr. Gary Will recommended allowing modest

liberalization of the take of white-fronted geese in California,

Oregon, and Washington, which would still allow a 5-10 percent increase

in annual growth. He indicated that the population would likely be at

the objective level this fall and that the Service's request for a

long-term harvest strategy would be completed.

Written Comments: The Association of Village Council Presidents,

representing Native American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

area of Alaska, supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose

seasons in Alaska and Washington. However, they did not support further

liberalizations in Oregon or California, noting that liberalizations

occurred during each of the preceding years and that it was difficult

to measure the effects of these incremental changes.

Service Response: The Service concurs with the Flyway Council

recommendations for season frameworks, except the changes recommended

by the Pacific Flyway Council for Washington, Oregon, and California.

Although the Flyway's population of white-fronted geese is increasing,

it remains below the management objective endorsed by the Council. The

Flyway harvest strategy for this population of geese has not been

completed, and some members of the Native American Community in Alaska

have not endorsed portions of this recommendation. Further, changes in

white-fronted seasons made last year have not yet been fully evaluated.

For these reasons, the Service believes the recommended changes are not

warranted at this time.

6. Brant

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a

2-bird daily bag limit and a 50-day season length for brant.

The Central Flyway Council recommendations regarding dark geese

involve brant. See item 4. Canada Geese.

The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council recommended that the daily bag limit for brant be reduced to 2

birds to better conform with limits in other Flyways.

Written Comments: The New York Department of Environmental

Conservation supported the increase in season length to 50 days in the

Atlantic Flyway.

Service Response: The Service concurs with the recommendations

regarding Brant seasons.

7. Snow and Ross' (Light) Geese

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

that the framework dates for light geese be from the Saturday nearest

October 1 (October 1, 1994) through the Sunday nearest February 15

(February 12, 1995), except in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma,

and Kansas where the closing framework date would be extended to

February 28, 1995. The Council also recommended that the State of

Kansas be allowed to modify its boundary for Zone 1 (light goose) to

include that portion of Kansas east of the Kansas Highway 99, and Zone

2 include the remainder of the State west of Highway 99.

The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the season length

for light geese be increased from 80 to 107 days.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a season framework

adjustment to extend the light-goose closing date for Malheur County of

Oregon and southwest Idaho from the first Sunday in January to the

Sunday nearest January 20. Malheur County would become part of a

Harney, Klamath, Lake, and Malheur Counties Zone. This adjustment

aligns the framework of the affected area with the remainder of the

Flyway.

Written Comments: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department supported

a change in the Federal frameworks that would extend the framework

closing date for light geese until February 28. This change would allow

for increased harvest of the Mid-continent Population of lesser snow

geese which are at record-high levels and, because of these levels, may

be threatening their own breeding habitat.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Sportsmen

Conservationists of Texas, and the Wetland Habitat Alliance of Texas

agreed with the Service's proposal to extend the framework for light

geese to February 28.

Service Response: The Service concurs with the above

recommendations.

8. Tundra swans

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

that the experimental tundra swan season in North Dakota be granted an

additional year of experimental status with a final report due on June

1, 1995.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that the number of permits

in Utah authorizing the take of 1 tundra swan per season be increased

from 2,500 to 2,800 to compensate for lost hunting opportunity from a

State-imposed early season closure. As an informational item, the

Council recommended that Montana, Nevada, and Utah implement a

monitoring program to assess the number of trumpeter swans, if any,

taken accidentally during the tundra swan season. The Council also

recommended that Utah be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks

by ending its season on or before December 15 and closing the Green

River Area to swan hunting. The 3-year-average midwinter population

index of 79,406 tundra swans is well above the Flyway objective level

of 38,000. Proposed frameworks will result in harvest levels within

those prescribed in the 1989 Tundra Swan Hunt Plan endorsed by the

Pacific Flyway Council. The changes are premised on the implementation

of the State-Federal cooperative program for hazing trumpeter swans

from winter concentration areas near Harriman State Park in Idaho to

more favorable sites.

Public-Hearing Comments: Dr. Gary Will reemphasized the Council's

support for restrictions on tundra swan hunting in portions of the

Pacific Flyway to minimize the accidental take of trumpeter swans and

encouraged the Service to continue to cooperate with the Council and

participating States in the management of the Rocky Mountain Population

(RMP) of trumpeter swans. He recommended that a reasonable harvest of

tundra swans be continued while also accommodating the range expansion

of trumpeter swans to resolve winter bottleneck problems in

southeastern Idaho.

Written Comments: Mr. D. C. Carlton, representing the Biodiversity

Legal Foundation (Foundation), commented on the management of the RMP

of trumpeter swans. He detailed the status and perceived threats to

these swans, reviewed past and current management actions, and

concluded that leadership, actions, and funding by the Service are

inadequate to assure the population's recovery and believes they

warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act. Among many

recommendations directed at improving the effectiveness of range-

expansion efforts directed at benefiting these swans, those germane to

hunting regulations included: (1) not allowing either a permitted or

incidental take of trumpeter swans during a tundra swan season, (2)

having no open seasons for hunting tundra swans in the most critical

trumpeter swan range-expansion areas, including all of Utah and Nevada,

(3) modifying hunting regulations on National Wildlife Refuges in

Montana, Utah, and Nevada to provide sanctuary for resting,

reproduction, and rearing of cygnets, and (4) ending waterfowl hunting

after October 20 at two sites on the Snake River in Idaho, at a site on

the Green River, including Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in

Wyoming, and in unspecified areas within the Tristate Yellowstone

region.

Ms. Heidi Prescott, on behalf of The Fund for Animals, Inc.,

highlighted recent survey reports, reviewed portions of the Pacific

Flyway Council's management plan and a report by Ms. Ruth Shea, a

Service employee, and presented the group's views regarding management

action pertaining to RMP trumpeter swans. The Fund for Animals, Inc.,

concurred with the recommendations of the Foundation pertaining to

migratory game bird hunting contained in the aforementioned letter from

Mr. D. C. Carlton of the Foundation.

Mr. D. J. Schubert, also on behalf of the Fund for Animals, Inc.,

reiterated certain concerns and needed actions deemed necessary for

successful range expansion of RMP trumpeter swans. He believed that a

mandatory check of swans taken by hunters in Utah and Nevada is

necessary to measure the level of accidental take. While the purposeful

hazing of trumpeter swans to more favorable winter sites has merit, it

put more trumpeter swans at risk in tundra swan hunt areas; and he

therefore recommended a new management strategy. The Fund for Animals

believes there are two possible management strategy changes that would

minimize excessive killing of trumpeter swans and still be consistent

with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act: (1) prohibit hunting of tundra

swans in Utah and Nevada; or, although less preferred, (2) prohibit

hunting in certain critical areas in Utah. Under both options, security

areas should be established in Idaho, and recreational activities such

as waterfowl hunting and boating should be evaluated for possible

negative impacts on trumpeter swan behavior and habitat use. Should

intensive hazing be pursued to disperse birds to more favorable

wintering sites, and if law enforcement policy is to be changed to

facilitate the collection of information on the accidental take of

trumpeter swans during the tundra swan season, the Fund for Animals

recommended that: (1) both Idaho and Wyoming Game and Fish Departments

provide sanctuaries in designated areas; (2) the Utah Division of

Wildlife Resources, at the maximum, not allow swan hunting or, at the

minimum, not allow swan hunting in Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties;

(3) the Nevada Division of Wildlife close Stillwater Wildlife

Management Area to swan hunting; (4) the Service close all National

Wildlife Refuges in Utah and Nevada to the hunting of tundra swans; and

(5) should the aforenamed States not exercise the recommended action,

the Service should do so. Additionally, all States should enhance their

hunter-education programs to emphasize proper identification of swans

and waterfowl to minimize the accidental take of trumpeter swans as a

result of other hunting seasons.

Mr. D. J. Schubert, in comments representing both The Fund for

Animals, Inc., and the Foundation, reiterated and elaborated upon

previous recommendations from those two organizations for curtailing

tundra swan hunting and waterfowl hunting to enhance RMP trumpeter swan

winter-range expansion (see above and 59 FR 43691-43692) and made

specific comments on the proposed frameworks. At a minimum, Mr.

Schubert recommends prohibiting tundra swan hunting and restricting

waterfowl hunting on all Federal lands in south-central Montana,

southern Idaho, western Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. He believes that the

Service is negligent in not using to the fullest extent various

management provisions afforded and mandated by the Migratory Bird

Treaty Act of 1918, the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act,

and the Refuge Recreation Act to protect RMP trumpeter swans. He

described the historic RMP trumpeter swan populations, probable causes

for their current restricted winter distribution, and past and current

management efforts aimed at restoring the population; he offered

management solutions to restore the population; and he argued in

support of a petition for listing the RMP trumpeter as a threatened

species which had been dismissed by the Service. He insists that the

Service is obligated by law to restore the trumpeter swan to its native

range. He contends that the Service is operating under an unpublished

policy of nonenforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with respect

to tundra swan hunters who might accidentally shoot a trumpeter swan.

He recanted his previous recommendation for measuring the level of

accidental take, by saying that there was sufficient information to

know that it occurred.

Mr. Michael Roy, on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation,

expressed concern about the successful continuation of the RMP

trumpeter swan range-expansion program, in part because of a perceived

ineffective and confusing management structure that is not adequately

represented by all interested parties, and in part by accidental take

of trumpeter swans during tundra swan seasons in Utah. He believes

certain recommendations provided by Ms. Ruth Shea, a Service employee,

were reasoned and practical and, if implemented, would enhance range-

expansion efforts. Premised on Ms. Shea's recommendations, he

recommended that tundra swan hunting in Utah be discontinued from the

southern boundary of the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge north and

east to the Idaho and Wyoming borders for an initial 5-year period.

This closure would be intended to minimize the accidental take of

trumpeter swans during translocation activities and, hopefully, tundra

swan hunting could be reinstated afterwards.

Ms. Louisa Willcox, representing the Greater Yellowstone Coalition,

raised questions regarding the Service's role in managing RMP trumpeter

swans and funding efforts to increase their numbers and expand their

distribution. She asked how the Service will monitor the accidental

take of trumpeter swans during tundra swan hunting seasons in Montana,

Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah and what measures will be

taken to minimize the potential losses. She also asked why the Service

has not sought establishment of trumpeter swan wintering sites outside

the Montana-Idaho-Wyoming region. She requested that the Service

develop a long-term strategy to prevent wintering waterfowl, including

trumpeter swans, from damaging vegetation and fish habitat at Harriman

State Park in Idaho.

The Humane Society recommended that all tundra swan seasons be

closed.

Service Response: The Service concurs with the recommendation to

extend the experimental tundra swan season in North Dakota one

additional year, with a final report due by June 1, 1995.

In conjunction with a larger Federal-State-Flyway effort to enhance

and monitor both winter and summer distribution of RMP trumpeter swans,

the Service believes that modification of tundra swan hunting seasons

in the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana, in Utah, and in Nevada is

warranted to minimize the accidental killing of trumpeter swans by

tundra swan hunters. Accordingly, final frameworks require: (1) States

to collect and report information on the accidental take of trumpeter

swans in conjunction with tundra swan seasons, and (2) in Utah, the

season must end on or before December 15 and four counties would be

closed to swan hunting. The Pacific Flyway Council's request for

additional permits to compensate for lost hunting opportunities in Utah

is not without merit from the standpoint of tundra swan management;

however, the Service denied the Council's request and believes a

conservative approach is warranted because of the possibility of

trumpeter swans moving into the general hunting area. Further, there

has been no change in either policy or law regarding enforcement of

migratory game bird hunting regulations as they apply to the illegal

take of trumpeter swans. Monitoring of the winter distribution of

trumpeter swans will provide the Service with additional opportunities

to further modify hunt programs if warranted.

Trumpeter swans are expected to number about 17,000-20,000

individuals during the next range-wide survey scheduled for 1995 and

have been increasing at about 6 percent per year during 1968-90 (1990

was the last year in which a range-wide survey was conducted).

Populations such as the RMP warrant additional attention, which the

Service continues to give with considerable assistance from State and

other Federal agencies and moral, if not financial, support from

several non-governmental organizations.

Regarding closure of all tundra swan seasons, the Service believes

that the status of tundra swan populations does not warrant such

closures.

23. Other

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that the Service provide compensatory days for State-imposed Sunday-

hunting prohibitions.

Written Comments: Two local sportsmen's organizations from

Massachusetts suggested compensatory days for those days lost due to

State-imposed Sunday-hunting prohibitions.

The Humane Society supported the closure of hunting on Sundays.

Service Response: The Service is not aware of any biological basis

for prohibiting hunting on Sundays and therefore neither promotes nor

condones prohibition of Sunday hunting. Sunday-hunting closures are

established by State or local law. The Service has stated previously in

the September 24, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 50188) that it believes

this problem is an individual State issue and can best be resolved by

each State removing its self-imposed restrictions.

NEPA Consideration

NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document,

``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual

Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-

14),'' filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. Notice of Availability was

published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). The

Service's Record of Decision was published on August 18, 1988 (53 FR

31341). However, this programmatic document does not prescribe year-

specific regulations; those are developed annually. The annual

regulations and options are being considered in the Environmental

Assessment, ``Waterfowl Hunting Regulations for 1994,'' which is

available upon request.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

In August 1994, the Division of Endangered Species concluded that

the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence

of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification

of their critical habitats. Hunting regulations are designed, among

other things, to remove or alleviate chances of conflict between

seasons for migratory game birds and the protection and conservation of

endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The Service's

biological opinions resulting from its consultation under Section 7 are

considered public documents and are available for inspection in the

Division of Endangered Species and the Office of Migratory Bird

Management.

Regulatory Flexibility Act; Executive Order 12866; and the

Paperwork Reduction Act

In the Federal Register dated April 7, 1994 (59 FR 16762), the

Service reported measures it had undertaken to comply with requirements

of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Executive Order. These

included preparing an Analysis of Regulatory Effects and an updated

Final Regulatory Impact Analysis, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq), and publication of a summary of the latter. This

information is included in the present document by reference. This

action was not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget

under E.O. 12866. This rule does not contain any information collection

requiring approval by the Office of Management and Budget under 44

U.S.C. 3504.

Authorship

The primary author of this proposed rule is Robert J. Blohm, Office

of Migratory Bird Management.

Regulations Promulgation

The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its

nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the Service

intends that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to

comment on the regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed

rulemaking was published, the Service established what it believed were

the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, the

Service recognized that when the comment period closed, time would be

of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of

these regulations after this final rulemaking, the States would have

insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate

those selections to the Service; and to establish and publicize the

necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions.

Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird

Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), prescribes

final frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag

and possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the

earliest opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas,

from which State conservation agency officials may select hunting

season dates and other options. Upon receipt of season and option

selections from these officials, the Service will publish in the

Federal Register a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect

seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the conterminous United States

for the 1994-95 season.

The Service therefore finds that ``good cause'' exists, within the

terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and

these frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon

publication.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1994-95

hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July

3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711); the Fish and Wildlife

Improvement Act of 1978 (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C.

712); and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as

amended, (16 U.S.C. 742 a--d and e--j).

Dated: September 22, 1994.

Robert P. Davison,

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 1994-95 Late Hunting Seasons on

Certain Migratory Game Birds

Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated

authorities, the Director has approved frameworks for season lengths,

shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within

which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between

the dates of September 1, 1994, and March 10, 1995.

General

Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.

Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise

specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.

Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits

are twice the daily bag limit.

Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below,

the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following

species:

Dark geese - Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and brant.

Light geese - lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow

geese, and Ross' geese.

Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions are

contained in a later portion of this document.

Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season

lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are

listed below by flyway.

Atlantic Flyway

The Atlantic Flyway includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,

Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New

York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,

Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Either (a) 30 days and daily bag

limit of 4 ducks, including no more than 3 mallards (no more than 1 of

which may be a female), 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 canvasback, 1 black

duck, 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, and 1 fulvous whistling duck or (b) 40

days and daily bag limit of 3 ducks, and the other restrictions shown

above.

Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.

Sea Ducks: In all areas outside of special sea duck areas, sea

ducks are included in the regular duck daily bag and possession limits.

However, during the regular duck season within the special sea duck

areas, the sea duck daily bag and possession limits may be in addition

to the regular duck daily bag and possession limits.

Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of

which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and

shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake

Champlain Zone of Vermont.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode

Island, and Virginia may split their seasons into three segments;

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,

Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia may select hunting seasons by

zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone; while

Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina may split their Statewide seasons

into two segments.

Canada Geese

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Unless specified

otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. Seasons in States,

and in independently described goose management units within States,

may be as follows:

Connecticut: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1 goose

per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31; and 3

geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after

the opening. In addition, a special experimental season may be held in

the South Zone between January 15 and February 15, with 5 geese per

day.

Delaware: 60 days between November 16 and January 20, with 1 goose

per day for the first 20 days; 2 geese per day thereafter.

Florida: Closed season.

Georgia: In specific areas, an 8-day experimental season may be

held between November 15 and February 5, with a limit of 5 Canada geese

per day.

Maine: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1 goose per

day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31; and 3

geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after

the opening.

Maryland: 60 days between November 16 and January 20, with 1 goose

per day for the first 20 days and 2 geese per day thereafter.

Massachusetts: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1

goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31;

and 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days

after the opening. In addition, a special 16-day season for resident

Canada geese may be held in the Coastal and Central Zones during

January 21 to February 5, with 5 geese per day.

New Hampshire: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1

goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31;

and 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days

after the opening.

New Jersey: 70 days between October 15 and January 31, with 1 goose

per day through November 15; 2 geese per day through December 31; 3

geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after

the opening; no more than 15 days before November 16. In addition, an

experimental special season may be held in a designated area of

Northeastern New Jersey from January 28 to February 11, 1995, with 5

geese per day.

New York:

Northeastern Zone - 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with

1 goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December

31; and 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8

days after the opening.

Remainder of State - 70 days between October 15 and January 31,

with 1 goose per day through November 15; 2 geese per day through

December 31; 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first

8 days after the opening; no more than 15 days before November 16.

North Carolina:

East Zone - Suspended.

West Zone - Suspended.

Pennsylvania:

South Zone - 70 days between October 15 and January 31, with 1

goose per day through November 15; 2 geese per day through December 31;

3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after

the opening; no more than 15 days before November 16. In addition, an

experimental season may be held in the Susquehanna/Juniata Zones from

January 20 to February 5 with 5 geese per day.

Erie, Mercer, and Butler Counties - 70 days between October 1 and

January 31, with 1 goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day

thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after the opening.

Crawford County - 35 days between October 1 and January 20; with 1

goose per day.

Remainder of State - 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with

1 goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December

31; and 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8

days after the opening.

Rhode Island: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1

goose per day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31;

and 3 geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days

after the opening.

South Carolina: Suspended regular season. An 8-day special season

may be held in the Central Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and Mountain

Hunt Units during December 1 to February 15, with a daily bag limit of

5 Canada geese per day.

Vermont: 70 days between October 1 and January 31, with 1 goose per

day through October 15; 2 geese per day through December 31; and 3

geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after

the opening.

Virginia:

Back Bay - Suspended.

Remainder - 60 days between November 16 and January 20, with 1

goose per day for the first 20 days; 2 geese per day thereafter.

West Virginia: 70 days between October 1 and January 20, with 3

geese per day.

Light Geese

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-

day season between October 1 and February 10, with 5 geese per day.

States may split their seasons into two segments.

Brant

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 50-

day season between October 1 and January 20, with 2 brant per day.

Mississippi Flyway

The Mississippi Flyway includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois,

Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,

Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Either (a) 30 days and daily bag

limit of 4 ducks, including no more than 3 mallards (no more than 1 of

which may be a female), 3 mottled ducks, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2

wood ducks, 1 canvasback, and 1 redhead or (b) 40 days and daily bag

limit of 3 ducks, including no more than 2 mallards (no more than 1 of

which may be a female), and the other restrictions shown above.

Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be

a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,

Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

may select hunting seasons by zones.

In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio,

Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in

each zone.

In Mississippi, the season may be split into two segments.

In Arkansas and Minnesota, the season may be split into three

segments.

Pymatuning Reservoir Area, Ohio: The seasons, limits, and shooting

hours shall be the same as those selected in the adjacent portion of

Pennsylvania (Northwest Zone).

Geese

Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into two segments.

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select

seasons for geese not to exceed 70 days for dark geese between the

Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1) and January 31, and 107 days for

light geese between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and

February 14. The daily bag limit is 7 geese, to include no more than 2

Canada geese, 2 white-fronted geese, and 2 brant. Specific regulations

for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general provisions are

shown below by State.

Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may

not exceed 35 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend

for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit

is 2 Canada geese.

Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days in the

East Zone. In the West Zone, an experimental season for Canada geese of

up to 14 days may be selected. In both zones, the season may extend to

February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the remainder of

the State, the season for Canada geese is closed.

Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be

limited to 109,600 birds.

(a) Southern Illinois Quota Zone - The season for Canada geese will

close after 51 days or when 39,800 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. Limits are 2 Canada geese daily and 10 in possession. All

harvested Canada geese in excess of twice the daily bag limit that are

transported outside the zone must be tagged with tags containing the

name and signature of the hunter and the date and location where the

birds were taken. If any of the following conditions exist after

December 20, the State, after consultation with the Service, will close

the season by emergency order with 48 hours notice:

1. 10 consecutive days of snow cover, 3 inches or more in depth.

2. 10 consecutive days of daily high temperatures less than 20

degrees F.

3. Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200

grams as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese.

4. Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed

mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality

exceeding 10,000 birds.

(b) Rend Lake Quota Zone - The season for Canada geese will close

after 51 days or when 11,400 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. Limits are 2 Canada geese daily and 10 in possession. All

harvested Canada geese in excess of twice the daily bag limit that are

transported outside the zone must be tagged with tags containing the

name and signature of the hunter and the date and location where the

birds were taken.

(c) Northern Illinois Quota Zone - The season for Canada geese will

close after 51 days or when 13,000 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(d) Central Illinois Quota Zone - The season for Canada geese will

close after 51 days or when 22,400 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(e) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 51 days in the respective goose zones. The daily bag limit is 2

Canada geese.

Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be

limited to 61,900 birds.

(a) Posey County - The season for Canada geese will close after 53

days or when 4,550 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones, except in the SJBP

Zone, where the season may not exceed 35 days. The daily bag limit is 2

Canada geese.

Iowa: The season may extend for 55 days in the respective duck-

hunting zones and may open no earlier than October 8. The daily bag

limit is 2 Canada geese.

Kentucky:

(a) Western Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 53

days (66 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited to

21,900 birds. Of the 21,900-bird quota, 14,300 birds will be allocated

to the Ballard Reporting Area and 4,200 birds will be allocated to the

Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either reporting area

is reached prior to completion of the 53-day season, the season in that

reporting area will be closed. If this occurs, the season in those

counties and portions of counties outside of, but associated with, the

respective subzone (listed in State regulations) may continue for an

additional 7 days, not to exceed a total of 53 days (66 days in Fulton

County). The season in Fulton County may extend to February 13. The

daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone - The season may extend for 35 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(c) Remainder of the State - The season may extend for 50 days. The

daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Louisiana: Louisiana may hold 107-day seasons for light geese and

70-day seasons for white-fronted geese and brant between the Saturday

nearest October 1 (October 1) and February 14 in the respective duck-

hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 7 geese, to include no more than

2 white-fronted geese and 2 brant, except as noted below. In the

Southwest Zone, a 9-day season for Canada geese may be held. During the

Canada goose season, the daily bag limit for Canada and white-fronted

geese in the Southwest Zone is 2, no more than 1 of which may be a

Canada goose. Hunters participating in the Canada goose season must

possess a special permit issued by the State.

Michigan: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be

limited to 63,100 birds.

(a) North Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is

September 24 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Middle Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 23

days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(c) South Zone

(1) Allegan County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close

after 50 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU - The season for Canada geese will

close after 53 days or when 400 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(3) Saginaw County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close

after 40 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(4) Tuscola/Huron GMU - The season for Canada geese will close

after 40 days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(5) Remainder of South Zone - The season for Canada geese may

extend for 30 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(d) Southern Michigan GMU - An experimental special Canada goose

season may be held between January 7 and February 5. The daily bag

limit is 2 Canada geese.

Minnesota:

(a) West Zone

(1) West Central Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 30 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone the season will close after

30 days or when a harvest index of 4,000 birds has been reached,

whichever occurs first. Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily

bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(2) Remainder of West Zone - The season for Canada geese may

extend for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(b) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 40

days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(c) Southeast Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 70

days, except in the Twin Cities Metro Zone and Olmsted County, where

the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(e) Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone - An experimental special Canada

goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December. During the

special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Missouri:

(a) Swan Lake Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after

40 days or when 5,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs

first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Schell-Osage Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for

40 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(c) Central Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 50

days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. An experimental special

season of up to 10 consecutive days prior to October 15 may be selected

in addition to the regular season. During the special season, the daily

bag limit is 3 Canada geese.

(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 50 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit

is 2 Canada geese.

Ohio: The season may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-

hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada geese, except in the

Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 30 days and the

daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In the Pymatuming Reservoir Area,

the seasons, limits, and shooting hours for all geese shall be the same

as those selected in the adjacent portion of Pennsylvania.

Tennessee:

(a) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after

75 days or when 8,100 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs

first. The season may extend to February 15. All geese harvested must

be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Southwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 59

days, and the harvest will be limited to 1,000 birds. The daily bag

limit is 2 Canada geese.

(c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone - The season for Canada geese will

close after 50 days or when 1,800 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. All geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit

is 2 Canada geese.

(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend

for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be

limited to 76,800 birds.

(a) Horicon Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is

September 24. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 41,000 birds.

The season may not exceed 80 days. All Canada geese harvested must be

tagged. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and the season limit will

be the number of tags issued to each permittee.

(b) Collins Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is

September 24. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,300 birds.

The season may not exceed 61 days. All Canada geese harvested must be

tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will

be the number of tags issued to each permittee.

(c) Exterior Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is

October 1. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 30,000 birds, with

500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season may

not exceed 70 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In the

Mississippi River Subzone, the season for Canada geese may extend for

70 days in each duck zone. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside

the Mississippi River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be

monitored, and the season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the

harvest does not exceed 29,500 birds.

Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the

respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken

in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of

Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois,

Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois, Posey County

in Indiana, the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky, the

Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron

Goose Management Units in Michigan, the Lac Qui Parle Zone in

Minnesota, the Swan Lake Zone in Missouri, and the Northwest and

Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zones in Tennessee will have been filled, the

season for taking Canada geese in the respective area will be closed by

either the Director upon giving public notice through local information

media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or

by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not

less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

The Central Flyway includes Colorado (east of the Continental

Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith

Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east

thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except

the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South

Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

Outside Dates: October 1 through January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:

(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that

portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian):

Either (a) 51 days and daily bag limit of 4 ducks, including no more

than 1 of which may be a female mallard, 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1

redhead, 1 canvasback and 2 wood ducks or (b) 61 days and daily bag

limit of 3, and the other restrictions shown above. Under both options,

the last 12 days may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest

December 10 (December 10).

(2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: Either (a) 39 days and daily

bag limit of 4 ducks, including no more than 1 female mallard, 1

mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 redhead, 1 canvasback and 2 wood ducks or

(b) 49 days and daily bag limit of 3 ducks, and the other restrictions

shown above.

Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 5 mergansers may be taken,

only 1 of which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Montana, Nebraska (Low Plains portion),

New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), and South Dakota (Low Plains

portion) may select hunting seasons by zones.

In Montana, Nebraska (Low and High Plains portions), New Mexico,

North Dakota (Low Plains portion), Oklahoma (Low and High Plains

portions), South Dakota (High Plains portion), and Texas (Low Plains

portion), the season may be split into two segments.

In Colorado, Kansas (Low and High Plains portions), North Dakota

(High Plains portion), and Wyoming, the season may be split into three

segments.

Geese

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Seasons may be split

into two segments. The Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), through

January 31, for dark geese and the Saturday nearest October 1 (October

1), through the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12), except in

Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, where the closing

date is February 28, for light geese. Seasons in States, and

independently in described goose management units within States, may be

as follows:

Colorado: No more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of 5 light

and 3 dark geese.

Kansas: For dark geese, no more than 86 days, with a daily bag

limit of 2, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.

For light geese, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of

10.

Montana: No more than 107 days, with daily bag limits of 2 dark and

5 light geese in Sheridan County and 4 dark and 5 light geese in the

remainder of the Central Flyway portion.

Nebraska: For dark geese, no more than 86 days, with a daily bag

limit of not more than 2, which may include no more than 1 white-

fronted goose.

For light geese, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of

10.

New Mexico: No more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of 5

light and 3 dark geese, except in the Middle Rio Grande Valley where

the daily bag limit of light geese is 10.

North Dakota: For dark geese, no more than 86 days, with a daily

bag limit of 2.

For light geese, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of

10.

Oklahoma: For dark geese, no more than 86 days, with a daily bag

limit of 2, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.

For light geese, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of

10.

South Dakota: For dark geese, no more than 86 days, with a daily

bag limit of not more than 2, including no more than 1 white-fronted

goose.

For light geese, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of

10.

Texas: For the West Unit, no more than 107 days, with a daily bag

limit of 5 light and 3 dark geese.

For dark geese in the East Unit, no more than 86 days. The daily

bag limit is 2, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose during the

first 72 days; during the last 14 days, the season is closed on white-

fronted geese and the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

For light geese in the East Unit, no more than 107 days, with a

daily bag limit of 10.

Wyoming: No more than 107 days, with a daily bag limit of 5 light

and 3 dark geese.

Pacific Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Common Moorhens

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Either (a) Concurrent 59 days and

daily bag limit of 5 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more

than 1 of which may be a female), 1 pintail, 2 redheads and 1

canvasback or (b) Concurrent 69 days and daily bag limit of 4 ducks,

including no more than 3 mallards, and the other restrictions shown

above.

In the Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit, the seasons may be

an additional 7 days. The season on coots and common moorhens may be

between the outside dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 93

days.

Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: The daily bag and possession limits

of coots and common moorhens are 25, singly or in the aggregate.

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,

Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.

Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington

may split their seasons into two segments either Statewide or in each

zone.

Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their duck

seasons into three segments.

Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the

same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona

(South Zone).

Geese

Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as subsequently

noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the

Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and the Sunday nearest January

20 (January 22), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 light geese and 3

dark geese, including no more than 2 white-fronted geese.

Brant Season - A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in

Oregon and Washington, and a 30-consecutive day season may be selected

in California. In only California, Oregon, and Washington, the daily

bag limit is 2 brant and is additional to dark goose limits, and the

open season on brant in those States may differ from that for other

geese.

Closures: There will be no open season on Aleutian Canada geese in

the Pacific Flyway. The States of California, Oregon, and Washington

must include a statement on the closure for that subspecies in their

respective regulations leaflet. Emergency closures may be invoked for

all Canada geese should Aleutian Canada goose distribution patterns or

other circumstances justify such actions.

Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.

California:

Northeastern Zone - White-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese

may be taken only during the first 23 days of the goose season. The

daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2 dark geese;

including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.

Colorado River Zone - The seasons and limits must be the same as

those selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).

Southern Zone - The daily bag and possession limits for dark geese

is 2 geese, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.

Balance-of-the-State Zone - A 79-day season may be selected, except

that white-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese may be taken during

only the first 65 days of such season. Limits may not include more than

3 geese per day and in possession, of which not more than 1 may be a

dark goose. The dark goose limits may be expanded to 2, provided that

they are Canada geese other than cackling Canada geese for which the

daily limit is 1.

Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in the

hunting of certain geese:

(1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no

open season for Canada geese.

(2) In the Sacramento Valley Area, the season on white-fronted

geese and cackling Canada geese must end on or before November 30, and,

except in the Western Canada Goose Hunt Area, there will be no open

season for Canada geese.

(3) In the San Joaquin Valley Area, the hunting season for Canada

geese will close no later than November 23.

Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.

Idaho:

Northern Unit - The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark

geese, including not more than 2 white-fronted geese, and 3 light

geese.

Southwest Unit - The daily bag limit on dark geese is 4, including

not more than 2 white-fronted geese.

Southeastern Unit - The daily bag limit is 3 geese, including not

more than 2 white-fronted geese.

Montana:

West of Divide Zone - The daily bag limit on dark geese is 4,

including not more than 2 white-fronted geese.

Nevada:

Clark County Zone - The daily bag limit of dark geese is 2 geese.

New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.

Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose limit is 4,

including not more than 2 white-fronted geese and 1 cackling Canada

goose.

Harney, Lake, Klamath, and Malheur Counties Zone - The season

length may be 100 days. White-fronted geese may not be taken before

October 17 during the regular goose season.

Western Zone - In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except

for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In

the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which

collectively shall not exceed 210 dusky Canada geese. See section on

quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark

geese is 3, including not more than 2 white-fronted geese and 1

cackling Canada goose.

Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.

Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese,

but not more than 2 white-fronted geese, and 3 light geese.

West Zone - In the Lower Columbia River Special Goose Management

Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on

Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be

established which collectively shall not exceed 90 dusky Canada geese.

See section on quota zones.

Wyoming: In Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Sublette Counties, the

combined special September Canada goose seasons and the regular goose

season shall not exceed 100 days.

Quota Zones: Seasons on Canada geese must end upon attainment of

individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated

areas of Oregon and Washington. Hunting of Canada geese in those

designated areas shall only be by hunters possessing a State-issued

permit authorizing them to do so. In a Service-approved investigation,

the State must obtain quantitative information on hunter compliance of

those regulations aimed at reducing the take of dusky Canada geese and

eliminating the take of Aleutian Canada geese. The daily bag limit of

Canada geese may not include more than 1 cackling Canada goose.

Tundra Swans

In Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South

Dakota, Utah, and Virginia, an open season for taking a limited number

of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the States

and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 tundra swan

per season. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation

data. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions:

In the Atlantic Flyway

--The season will be experimental.

--The season may be 90 days, must occur during the light goose

season, but may not extend beyond January 31.

--In New Jersey, no more than 200 permits may be issued.

--In North Carolina, no more than 6,000 permits may be issued.

--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.

In the Central Flyway

--The season may be 107 days and must occur during the light goose

season.

--In the Central-Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500

permits may be issued.

--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued during

the experimental season.

--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued during

the experimental season.

In the Pacific Flyway

--Except as subsequently noted, a 100-day season may be selected

between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and the Sunday

nearest January 20 (January 22). Seasons may be split into 2 segments.

The States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must implement a harvest-

monitoring program to measure the extent of accidental harvest of

trumpeter swans.

--In Utah, no more than 2,500 permits may be issued. The season

must end on or before December 15.

--In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued.

--In the Pacific-Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500

permits may be issued.

Area, Unit and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.

South Zone: That portion of the State south of I-95.

Maine

North Zone: Game Management Zones 1 through 5.

South Zone: Game Management Zones 6 through 8.

Massachusetts

Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending

south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10,

south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut

border.

Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone

and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-

95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on

MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west

to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards

inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the

MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St.

bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.

Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the

Central Zone.

New Hampshire

Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending

west from Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of Dover,

south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and

Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, east to NH

51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire Turnpike)

in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border.

Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above

boundary.

New Jersey

Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning

at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New

York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden

State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the shoreline at

Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware Bay.

North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and

north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70

to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on

U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania

border in the Delaware River.

South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or

the Coastal Zone.

New York

Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that

area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian

border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south

along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the

shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay;

southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont

border.

Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk

County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their

tidal waters.

Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.

Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake

Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south

along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to

NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along

I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along

NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive

of the Lake Champlain Zone.

Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Pennsylvania

Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a

shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on

the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle

Peninsula.

Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone

and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of

Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.

North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone

and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-

180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.

South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.

Vermont

Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that

area north and west of the line extending from the New York border

along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes;

U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.

Interior Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont.

West Virginia

Zone 1 : That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 2.

Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line

extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV

93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to

Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64

west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79

north to U.S. 48; U.S. 48 east to the Maryland border; and along the

border to the point of beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama

South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.

Illinois

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate

Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 to the

Indiana border.

Central Zone: That portion of the State between the North and South

Zone boundaries.

South Zone: That portion of the State south of a line extending

east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Randolph

County Highway 12, north along County 12 to Illinois Highway 3, north

along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois

161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to

Interstate Highway 70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana border.

Indiana

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31,

north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then

southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.

Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line

extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to

New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56

to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North

Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along

U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.

South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio

River Zone boundaries.

Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and

Williamson Counties.

Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.

Iowa

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,

southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to

Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Kentucky

West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending north

from the Tennessee border along Interstate Highway 65 to Bowling Green,

northwest along the Green River Parkway to Owensboro, southwest along

U.S. Bypass 60 to U.S. Highway 231, then north along U.S. 231 to the

Indiana border.

East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.

Louisiana

West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south

from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3 to Bossier City,

east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south along Louisiana 7 to

Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, south along U.S. Highway

167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to Houma, then south along

the Houma Navigation Channel to the Gulf of Mexico through Cat Island

Pass.

East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.

Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those

portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's

Arm. See State regulations for additional information.

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

South Zone: That portion of the State south of a line beginning at

the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony

Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and east and south along the

south shore of, Stony Creek to Webster Road, east and south on Webster

Road to Stony Lake Road, east on Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to

Michigan Highway 20, east on Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10B.R. in the

city of Midland, east on U.S. 10B.R. to U.S. 10, east on U.S. 10 and

Michigan 25 to the Saginaw River, downstream along the thread of the

Saginaw River to Saginaw Bay, then on a northeasterly line, passing

one-half mile north of the Corps of Engineers confined disposal island

offshore of the Carn Power Plant, to a point one mile north of the

Charity islands, then continuing northeasterly to the Ontario border in

Lake Huron.

Middle Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Missouri

North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west

from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 70 to U.S. Highway

54, south along U.S. 54 to U.S. 50, then west along U.S. 50 to the

Kansas border.

South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west

from the Illinois border along Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate

Highway 55; south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west along U.S. 62 to

Missouri 53, north along Missouri 53 to Missouri 51, north along

Missouri 51 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to Missouri 21, north along

Missouri 21 to Missouri 72, west along Missouri 72 to Missouri 32, west

along Missouri 32 to U.S. 65, north along U.S. 65 to U.S. 54, west

along U.S. 54 to Missouri 32, south along Missouri 32 to Missouri 97,

south along Missouri 97 to Dade County NN, west along Dade County NN to

Missouri 37, west along Missouri 37 to Jasper County N, west along

Jasper County N to Jasper County M, west along Jasper County M to the

Kansas border.

Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.

Ohio

North Zone: The Counties of Darke, Miami, Clark, Champaign, Union,

Delaware, Licking (excluding the Buckeye Lake Area), Muskingum,

Guernsey, Harrison and Jefferson and all counties north thereof.

Pymatuning Area: Pymatuning Reservoir and that part of Ohio bounded

on the north by County Road 306 (known as Woodward Road), on the west

by Pymatuning Lake Road, and on the south by U.S. Highway 322.

Ohio River Zone: The Counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams,

Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia and Meigs.

South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio

River Zone boundaries, including the Buckeye Lake Area in Licking

County bounded on the west by State Highway 37, on the north by U.S.

Highway 40, and on the east by State 13.

Tennessee

Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.

State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.

Wisconsin

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

northerly from the Minnesota border along the center line of the

Chippewa River to State Highway 35, east along State 35 to State 25,

north along State 25 to U.S. Highway 10, east along U.S. 10 to its

junction with the Manitowoc Harbor in the city of Manitowoc, then

easterly to the eastern State boundary in Lake Michigan.

South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.

Central Flyway

Kansas

High Plains: That area west of U.S. 283.

Low Plains: That area east of U.S. 283.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Daniels, Fergus, Garfield,

Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips,

Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Valley,

Wheatland, and Yellowstone.

Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon,

Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, and Wibaux.

Nebraska

High Plains: West of Highways U.S. 183 and U.S. 20 from the

northern State line to Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 91 to Dunning, NE 2 to

Merna, NE 92 to Arnold, NE 40 and NE 47 through Gothenburg to NE 23, NE

23 to Elwood, and U.S. 283 to the southern State line.

Low Plains: East of the High Plains boundary.

Zone 1: Those portions of Burt, Dakota, and Thurston Counties north

and east of a line starting on NE 51 on the Iowa border to U.S. 75,

north on U.S. 75 to U.S. 20, west on U.S. 20 to NE 12; west on NE 12 to

the Boyd County line; to include those portions of Cedar, Dakota,

Dixon, and Knox Counties north of NE 12; all of Boyd County; Keya Paha

County east of U.S. 183. Where the Niobrara River forms the southern

boundary of Keya Paha and Boyd Counties, both banks of the river shall

be included in Zone 1.

Zone 2: The area bounded by designated highways and political

boundaries starting on NE 2 at the State line near Nebraska City; west

to U.S. 75; north to U.S. 34; west to NE 63; north and west to U.S. 77;

north to NE 92; west to U.S. 81; south to NE 66; west to NE 14; south

to U.S. 34; west to NE 2; south to I-80; west to U.S. 34; west to U.S.

136; east on U.S. 136 to NE 10; south to the State line; west to U.S.

283; north to NE 23; west to NE 47; north to U.S. 30; east to NE 14;

north to NE 52; northwesterly to NE 91; west to U.S. 281, north to NE

91 in Wheeler County; west to U.S. 183; north to northerly boundary of

Loup County; east along the north boundaries of Loup, Garfield, and

Wheeler Counties; south along the east Wheeler County line to NE 70;

east on NE 70 from Wheeler County to NE 14; south to NE 39; southeast

to NE 22; east to U.S. 81; southeast to U.S. 30; east to the State

line; and south and west along the State line to the point of

beginning.

Zone 3: The area, excluding Zone 1, north of Zone 2.

Zone 4: The area south of Zone 2.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

North Zone: The Central-Flyway portion of New Mexico north of I-40

and U.S. 54.

South Zone: The remainder of the Central-Flyway portion of New

Mexico.

North Dakota

High Plains: That portion of North Dakota west of a line extending

north from the South Dakota border on U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north

to ND 53, west to U.S. 83, north to ND 23, west to ND 8, north to U.S.

2, west to U.S. 85, north to the Canadian border.

Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.

Oklahoma

High Plains: Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas Counties.

Low Plains

Zone 1: That portion of northwestern Oklahoma, except the

Panhandle, bounded by the following highways: starting at the Texas

border, OK 33 to OK 47, OK 47 to U.S. 183, U.S. 183 to I-40, I-40 to

U.S. 177, U.S. 177 to OK 33, OK 33 to I-35, I-35 to U.S. 60, U.S. 60 to

U.S. 64, U.S. 64 to OK 132, and OK 132 to the Kansas border.

Zone 2: The remainder of the Low Plains portion of Oklahoma.

South Dakota

High Plains: West of highways and political boundaries starting at

the State line north of Herreid; U.S. 83 and U.S. 14 to Blunt, Blunt-

Canning Road to SD 34, a line across the Missouri River to the

northwestern corner of the Lower Brule Indian Reservation, the

Reservation Boundary and Lyman County Road through Presho to I-90, and

U.S. 183 to the southern State line.

Low Plains

North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota bounded by

the following highways: starting at the North Dakota border, U.S. 83

south to U.S. 212, U.S. 212 east to I-29, I-29 north to SD 15, SD 15

east to Hartford Beach, due east of Hartford Beach to the Minnesota

border.

South Zone: Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County

line, south on SD 50 to Geddes, East on Geddes Highway to U.S. 281,

south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to the

Bon Homme County line, the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay

south of SD 50, and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.

Middle Zone: The remainder of the Low Plains portion of South

Dakota.

Texas

High Plains: West of highways U.S. 183 from the northern State line

to Vernon, U.S. 283 to Albany, TX 6 and TX 351 to Abilene, U.S. 277 to

Del Rio, and the Del Rio International Toll Bridge access road.

Low Plains: The remainder of Texas.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows:

South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and

GMUs 11, 12B, 13B, and 14-45.

North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within

Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 10, 12A, and 13A.

California

Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a

line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath

River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest

Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and

south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west

along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89;

east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north

on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S.

395 to the Nevada border.

Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside,

and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border

south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as

``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to

the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in

Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of

Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on

this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the

Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley

paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to

U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road;

south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.

Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding

the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the

Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City

of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of

the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest

of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to

U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on

CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada

border.

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare

Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.

Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included

in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Idaho

Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian

Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham

County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage;

and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.

Zone 2: Includes the following counties or portions of counties:

Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir

drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of

U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the

Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas;

Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore

within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson;

Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within

the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley

Counties.

Zone 3: Ada includes the Counties of; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S.

93 south of U.S. 20 and that additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93

north of U.S. 20 within the Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon;

Cassia except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife

Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Gooding; Jerome;

Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39

except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Twin

Falls; and Washington Counties.

Nevada

Clark County Zone: All of Clark County.

Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.

Oregon

Zone 1: Statewide, except Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake Counties.

Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and

Umatilla Counties.

Zone 2: Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake Counties.

Utah

Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake,

Summit, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties and that part of Toole County

north of I-80.

Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.

Washington

East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of

the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.

West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

Same zones as for ducks.

Georgia

Special Area for Canada Geese: The Counties of Baldwin, Hancock,

Harris, Jones, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Richmond, Upson, Warren,

and all Counties north thereof; and Decatur and Seminole Counties and

all of Lake Seminole within the State of Georgia.

Massachusetts

Same zones as for ducks.

New Hampshire

Same zones as for ducks.

New Jersey

Special Area for Canada Geese: That portion of the State within a

continuous line that runs east along the New York State boundary line

to the Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to

its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440

to its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its

intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along

Route 206 to its intersection with the Pennsylvania State boundary;

then north along the Pennsylvania boundary in the Delaware River to its

intersection with the New York State boundary.

New York

Same zones as for ducks.

North Carolina

Canada Geese

East Zone: That portion of North Carolina east of I-95.

West Zone: That portion of North Carolina west of I-95.

Pennsylvania

Erie, Mercer, and Butler Counties: All of Erie, Mercer, and Butler

Counties.

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Ohio border along I-80 to U.S. 220, U.S. 220 to I-180, I-

180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.

South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.

Susquehanna/Juniata--See State regulations for detailed

description.

South Carolina

Canada Goose Area: The Central Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and

Mountain Hunt Units. These designated areas include: Abbeville,

Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville,

Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry,

Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York Counties.

Virginia

Back Bay Area

Defined for Canada geese as those portions of the cities of

Virginia Beach and Chesapeake east of U.S. 17 and I-64.

Defined for white geese as the waters of Back Bay and its

tributaries and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and

marshes between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the

North Carolina line, and on and along the shore of North Landing River

and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson

Inlet Lake (formerly known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the

marshes adjacent thereto.

West Virginia

Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama

Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31,

north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of

Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County

south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.

Arkansas

East Zone: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden,

Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence,

Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie,

Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, White, and Woodruff Counties.

West Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway,

Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion,

Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington Counties,

and those portions of Logan, Perry, Sebastian, and Yell Counties lying

north of a line extending east from the Oklahoma border along State

Highway 10 to Perry, south on State 9 to State 60, then east on State

60 to the Faulkner County line.

Illinois

North Goose Zone: Same as for ducks.

Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake,

Kane, DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north

of Interstate Highway 80.

Central Goose Zone: That portion of the State between the North and

South Goose Zone boundaries.

Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford,

Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun,

and Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of

Interstate Highway 80.

South Goose Zone: That portion of the State south of a line

extending east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to

Randolph County Highway 12, north along County 12 to Illinois Highway

3, north along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to

Illinois 161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along

Illinois 4 to Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County

line, north and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County,

north and east along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east

and south along the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70

to the Indiana border.

Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and

Williamson Counties.

Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.

Indiana

Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter,

Pulaski, Starke, and Steuben Counties.

Iowa

Same zones as for ducks.

Kentucky

Western Zone: That portion of the state west of a line beginning at

the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along the Purchase

Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641,

north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the

Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the

Henderson County line to the Indiana border.

Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning

at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and

extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along

the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on

the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along

the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to

U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the

northeast city limits of Wickliffe.

Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion

of Union County within the Western Zone.

Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: That portion of the state between the

Western Zone and a line described as follows: From the Indiana border

south along U.S. Highway 231 to the Green River Parkway, southeast

along the Green River Parkway to Interstate Highway 65, then south

along I-65 to the Tennessee border.

Louisiana

Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

Southwest Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line

extending east from the Texas border along Louisiana Highway 12 to

Ragley, east along U.S. Highway 190 to Interstate Highway 49 near

Opelousas, south along I-49 to U.S. 167 near Lafayette, south along

U.S. 167 to Louisiana 82 at Abbeville, south and west along Louisiana

82 to the Intercoastal Waterway at Forked Island, westerly along the

Intercoastal Waterway to the Calcasieu Ship Channel, south along the

west side of the Calcasieu Ship Channel to Louisiana 82 at Cameron,

westerly along Louisiana 82 to the Texas border. All open waters of

Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River from the Louisiana 14 bridge

southward are closed.

Michigan

Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

South Zone

Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of

Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138

and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bayport Roads, on the

north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end

of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the

west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north

off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the

north boundary.

Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at

the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town

Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway

40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th

Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th

Street, northerly 1/2 mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly

along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-

196 to the point of beginning.

Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by

Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57

on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.

Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the

boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the

Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29,

30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and

25, T10N R15W, as posted.

Special Canada Goose Seasons:

Michigan

Upper Peninsula Zone--That portion of the Upper Peninsula outside

the AuTrain Basin Waterfowl Project in Alger County (described below)

and east of a line described as follows: Beginning at the point where

the meridian line 87'30' intersects the United States-Canada border,

then south along the 87'30' meridian line to the 47'00' parallel, west

along the 47'00' parallel to a point directly north of County Road 550

in the village of Big Bay in Marquette County, southerly along this

line and County 550 through Big Bay to County 510, southerly along

County 510 to Michigan Highway 28/U.S. Highway 41, westerly along M-28/

U.S. 41 to M-35, southerly along M-35 to the Delta County line,

westerly and southerly along the Delta County line to the Lake Michigan

shoreline, then southeasterly along the Central-Eastern time zone

boundary to the Wisconsin border in Green Bay. The AuTrain Basin

Waterfowl Project is bounded on the north by M-94, on the south by

Trout Lake Road, on the east by County 509 (Rapid River Truck Trail),

and on the west by M-67.

Northern Lower Peninsula Zone--Bay, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland,

Newaygo, and Oceana Counties and all counties north thereof.

Southern Lower Peninsula Zone--The remainder of the Lower

Peninsula, excluding Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties.

Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the

Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan

County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the

Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and

southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to

Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly

along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45)

in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake

Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive

to the Wisconsin border.

Minnesota

West Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line

beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 71 and the Iowa border, then

north along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along

I-94 to the North Dakota border.

West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the

intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and

extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH

67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State

Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to

County Road 70 in Lac qui Parle County, west along County 70 to the

western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of the

State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 in

Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, then

north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 6 to

CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big

Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along

CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. 12, east

along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to CSAH 9

in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 40 to

STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning.

Lac qui Parle Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at

the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 and County State Aid Highway

(CSAH) 27 in Lac qui Parle County and extending north

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