Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

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

States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season dates,

limits, and other options for the 1995-96 migratory bird hunting

seasons. Early seasons are those which generally open prior to October

1. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection of

hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual

establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations.

These selections will be published in the Federal Register as

amendments to Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50

CFR part 20.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule takes effect on August 29, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Season selections from States and Territories 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, (703) 358-

1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1995

On March 24, 1995, the Service published for public comment in the

Federal Register (60 FR 15642) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20, with

comment periods ending July 21, 1995, for early-season proposals and

September 4, 1995, for late-season proposals. On June 16, 1995, the

Service published for public comment a second document (60 FR 31890)

which provided supplemental proposals for early- and late-season

migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks.

On June 22, 1995, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as

announced in the March 24 and June 16 Federal Registers to review the

status of migratory shore and upland game birds. Proposed hunting

regulations were discussed for those species and for other early

seasons.

On July 21, 1995, the Service published in the Federal Register (60

FR 37754) a third document in the series of proposed, supplemental, and

final rulemaking documents which dealt specifically with proposed

early-season frameworks for the 1995-96 season. This document also

extended the public comment period to July 31, 1995, for early-season

proposals. This rulemaking is the fourth in the series, and establishes

final frameworks for early-season migratory bird hunting regulations

for the 1995-96 season.

Review of Public Comments and the Service's Response

As of August 1, 1995, the Service had received 25 written comments;

6 of these specifically addressed early-season issues. The Service also

received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Early-season

comments are summarized and discussed in the order used in the March 24

Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to early seasons

for which comments were received are included.

General

Public Hearing Comments: Mr. Charles D. Kelley, representing the

Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, commended the

Service for its management of migratory bird resources. He also

indicated that the conservative thought used by the Service in the

development of annual migratory bird hunting regulations was shared by

the States. As a result of this conservative thought, he reiterated the

Service's findings that declines seen in most game species were tied to

habitat practices.

Mr. George Vandel, representing the Central Flyway Council and the

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department, made some preliminary

remarks regarding the status of this year's duck breeding populations

and nesting conditions in South Dakota. He indicated that this spring's

total breeding population was at a high level, with many species at

record high levels. He further indicated that many factors contributed

to this recovery, including improved precipitation patterns,

availability of Conservation Reserve Program lands with high quality

nesting cover, and the success of cooperative management programs such

as those under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States (Humane

Society) recommended that all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce

the large kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings. They

also recommend that hunting during the one-half hour before sunrise be

eliminated and that wounded but unretrieved birds count towards the

daily bag limit.

1. Ducks

The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest

management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework

Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones

and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only

those categories containing substantial recommendations are included

below.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. September Teal Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

that the September teal season in the Central Flyway be increased from

9 to 16 days.

Written Comments: An individual from Texas expressed support for

the Central Flyway's recommendation to expand the teal season to 16

days. Stating that the early teal season is important for Texas hunter

opportunities, he believed that the season could be expanded without

harm to the resource.

Service Response: A body of information exists regarding September

teal seasons as currently structured; however, there is little

information to address the potential impacts of 7 days added to the

current season. The Service previously determined in the ``Supplemental

Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations

Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88)'' that

proposals for expansion of existing special regulations require a

comprehensive evaluation plan containing study objectives, experimental

design, decision criteria, and identification of data needs. The

Central Flyway's proposal does not contain such a plan and is therefore

inconsistent with SEIS 88. Any large-scale expansion of the September

teal season, such as that recommended by the Central Flyway Council,

likely will require a complete evaluation of the

[[Page 45021]]

entire season in all areas where the teal season is currently offered.

Future consideration by the Service of such a proposal, and

accompanying evaluation plan, will also include a review of manpower

and funding requirements as well as priority ranking relative to other

proposals and programs.

3. Sea Ducks

Written Comments: The Humane Society recommends that this season

should be either closed or severely restricted until more complete

information on biology and population status is available. They repeat

their concern regarding seasons and limits on sea ducks which are

deemed too liberal, considering the quality and quantity of data on

population status and trends, and recommend reductions in those

regulations.

Service Response: The Service continues to be concerned about the

status of sea ducks and the potential impact that increased hunting

activity could have on these species. While there is no special season

on sea ducks in the Pacific Flyway, Alaska has a sea duck limit that is

additional to the limit on other ducks. In recognition of the need for

additional information on these species, the Service prepared a report

in June of 1993 on sea duck and merganser hunting seasons, status, and

harvests in Alaska and the Pacific Flyway coastal States. This document

was prepared for use by the Service and the Pacific Flyway Council in

evaluating the effects of these seasons on these ducks. In the Atlantic

Flyway, a report describing the status of sea ducks in that portion of

the contient was completed in April of 1994. Cooperative efforts are

ongoing to summarize additional information on sea ducks; however, the

Service continues to emphasize the importance of completing the sea

duck management plan. Furthermore, the Service considers improvements

in survey capabilities for these species to be extremely important for

future management actions. In 1993, the Service reduced bag limits on

scoters from 7 to 4 within an overall 7-bird sea duck limit. The

Service will continue to monitor these species and notes that further

harvest restrictions may be necessary.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that Delaware and Rhode Island be permitted to initiate a 3-year

experimental resident Canada goose season with framework dates of

September 1 to 15.

The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended that Massachusetts,

New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia be

permitted to expand the hunt areas of their experimental goose seasons.

In North Carolina, the Atlantic Flyway Council requested that the

framework date for the experimental resident Canada goose season in the

Northeast hunt area be September 1 to 20.

The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council recommended modification of the early Canada goose season

criteria to allow any State to conduct a non-experimental special

season between the dates of September 1 and 15. The Committee

recommended that States continue monitoring hunter activity and success

until they begin participation in the Harvest Information Program and

close areas where evidence from band recoveries or other sources

indicated unacceptable (greater than 10 percent) harvest of non-target

populations of concern. Special seasons occurring after September 15

would be required to meet all existing Service criteria for special

resident Canada goose seasons and would not be altered in any way

during the 3-year experimental period.

If the above modifications to the special-season criteria are not

approved, the Upper-Region Regulations Committee recommended the

following experimental special seasons:

In Indiana, a Statewide season during September 1 to 15.

In Illinois, a season in the nine northeast counties of the State

during September 9 to 18.

In Wisconsin, expand the size of the Southeastern Zone for a

September 1 to 13 season.

The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council recommended that the flyway-wide framework for special resident

giant Canada goose seasons be September 1 to 15 where areas of concern

do not exist.

In Tennessee, the Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the

Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the zone for the special

resident Canada goose season in east Tennessee be expanded from 11 to

28 counties, east of and including Anderson, Campbell, Hamilton, Rhea,

and Roane Counties. The Committee also recommended that Tennessee be

permitted to hold a special September Canada goose season in the

Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone in west Tennessee.

The Pacific Flyway Council requested modification of the early

Canada goose seasons criteria to allow any State to conduct a season

between the dates of September 1 and 15 for a 3-year experimental

period. The Council recommended that States continue monitoring hunter

activity and success until they begin participation in the Harvest

Information Program and close areas where evidence from band recoveries

or other sources indicated unacceptable (greater than 10 percent)

harvest of non-target populations of concern. Special seasons occurring

after September 15 would be required to meet all existing Service

criteria for special Canada goose seasons and would not be altered in

any way during the 3-year experimental period.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended continuation of the early

September Canada goose season in southwestern Wyoming and that an

experimental hunt be allowed in Teton County, Wyoming, where it would

be by State permit (no more than 40 permits may be issued) with

framework dates of September 1 to 15 and a maximum limit of 2 Canada

geese permitted per season.

The Pacific Flyway Council subsequently recommended for all

September Canada goose seasons in Oregon and Washington that the

framework dates be September 1-15 and daily bag limits be 3 Canada

geese.

Written Comments: The Illinois Department of Conservation supported

the Service's proposal to allow September 1 to 15 Canada goose seasons

without requiring the data collection necessary under the Service's

special Canada goose season criteria. They noted that this would free

States from the constraints of gathering data, which can be difficult

and expensive to obtain, and would allow greater management

flexibility. Further, believing that the lack of harvest of migrants

during these special seasons has been documented, they stated that

these special seasons are an important component of their urban/

suburban goose programs.

Service Response: The Service has reviewed the existing information

from experimental special early Canada goose seasons and has concluded

that the proposed modifications will meet the established criteria

while reducing the cost and administrative burden of these seasons;

however, the Service reaffirms its previously stated commitment to

target these special seasons at locally breeding and/or nuisance Canada

goose populations that nest primarily in the conterminous United

States. The Service proposes to modify the criteria for special Canada

goose seasons to

[[Page 45022]]

permit States to chose one of two options for these special seasons:

Option 1: States (except Alaska and Hawaii) may hold a special

early Canada goose season of up to 15 days between September 1-15. Such

a season must receive Flyway Council endorsement prior to the

establishment of federal frameworks, and States must agree to close any

areas to hunting where evidence from band recoveries or other sources

indicates unacceptable (greater than 10%) harvest of non-target

populations during the special season. The Counties of Tuscola, Huron

and Saginaw in Michigan are not eligible for this option because

evidence of excessively high harvests of Southern James Bay Canada

geese was obtained in a previous experimental evaluation. Additionally,

because of evidence suggesting early-arriving migrant Canada geese, the

special early Canada goose season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

cannot extend beyond September 10.

Option 2: States may hold a special early Canada goose season that

would include dates after September 15, except in those areas

identified in Option 1. Such a season would be subject to all data-

gathering, monitoring and reporting requirements in the special-season

criteria. Additionally, such a season would not be subject to any

modification during the experimental period.

The Service also proposes that when the criteria for special Canada

goose seasons are modified, no additional modifications will be

considered for at least 5 years, to allow sufficient time for

evaluation of cumulative impacts.

The special-season criteria, including the modifications indicated

above, are shown below:

Criteria for Special Canada Goose Seasons

1. States may hold special Canada goose seasons, in addition to

their regular seasons, for the purpose of controlling local breeding

populations or nuisance geese. These seasons are to be directed only at

Canada goose populations that nest primarily in the conterminous United

States and must target a specific population of Canada geese. The

harvest of nontarget Canada geese must not exceed 10 percent of the

special-season harvest during early seasons or 20 percent during late

seasons. More restrictive proportions may apply in instances where a

nontarget Canada goose population of special concern is involved.

2. Early seasons must be held prior to the regular season.

3. Late seasons must be held after the regular season but no later

than February 15.

4. The daily bag and possession limits may be no more than 5 and 10

Canada geese, respectively.

5. The area(s) open to hunting will be described in State

regulations.

6. For seasons that include hunting days after September 15:

A. All seasons will be conducted under a specific Memorandum of

Agreement (Agreement). Provisions for discontinuing, extending, or

modifying the seasons will be included in the Agreement.

B. All seasons initially will be considered experimental. The

evaluation required of the State will be incorporated into the

Agreement and will include at least the following:

(a) Conduct neck-collar observations (where appropriate) and

population surveys beginning at least 2 years prior to the requested

season and continuing during the experiment.

(b) Determine derivation of neck-collar codes and/or leg-band

recoveries from observations and harvested geese.

(c) Collect morphological information from harvested geese,

where appropriate, to ascertain probable source population(s) of the

harvest.

(d) Analyze relevant band-recovery data.

(e) Estimate hunter activity and harvest.

(f) Prepare annual and final reports of the experiment.

C. If the results of the evaluation warrant continuation of the

season beyond the experimental period, the State will continue to

estimate hunter activity and harvest for all areas, including those

areas where seasons do not extend beyond September 15, and report these

to the Service annually until the State begins participating in the

Harvest Information Program.

7. All special seasons will be subject to periodic re-evaluation

when circumstances or special situations warrant.

9. Sandhill Cranes

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

following the management plan with respect to seasons on the Rocky

Mountain Population of greater sandhill cranes. Based on results of the

March 1995 survey which indicated a 1995 population index of 20,452,

harvest guidelines would allow an open season in the States of Arizona,

Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

11. Moorhens & Gallinules

Written Comments: The Humane Society believes the bag limits for

moorhens are extremely high.

Service Response: The Service is not aware of any information

indicating that the current bag limits have had any adverse impact on

moorhen populations. Since these bag limits have been the same for a

number of years, the Service believes they are appropriate.

12. Rails

Written Comments: The Humane Society believes that bag limits for

rails are extremely high and that they are not consistent with wise and

ethical use of the resource.

Service Response: Available information indicates that harvest

pressure on rails is relatively light and there is no evidence to

suggest that the frameworks provided herein are not appropriate.

13. Snipe

Written Comments: The Humane Society believes the bag limits for

common snipe are extremely high.

Service Response: The Service believes that frameworks provided

herein are appropriate, considering the relatively light harvest

pressure on snipe.

14. Woodcock

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that woodcock season frameworks remain unchanged in the Eastern Region

for 1995-96 unless adverse weather substantially depresses the breeding

populations as measured by the 1995 Singing Ground Survey. The Council

believes that population declines are caused by habitat loss and

degradation rather than current harvest levels.

Written Comments: The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommended that

the Service and Flyway Councils develop a harvest management strategy

for woodcock in which specific population objectives are identified

that would require further harvest restrictions. They also are

anticipating a more comprehensive analysis of the woodcock harvest when

the Service's Harvest Information Program becomes fully operational.

The Humane Society recommended a closed season on woodcock in the

Eastern and Central Management regions since they remain in decline.

Service Response: The Service remains concerned about the gradual

long-term declines in woodcock populations in both the Eastern and

Central management regions. While habitat changes appear to be the

primary cause of the declines, available data also suggest that

woodcock are harvested at a relatively low rate and that hunting

mortality comprises a relatively small

[[Page 45023]]

proportion of overall mortality. The Service will work with the

Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to review the status of

woodcock and cooperatively develop a harvest-management strategy.

15. Band-tailed Pigeon

Written Comments: The Humane Society recommended a closed season on

the Coastal Population of band-tailed pigeons since they remain in

decline. An individual from Washington also recommended closing the

season on band-tails, citing that even a small harvest would jeopardize

the breeding population.

Service Response: The Service supports the continuation of seasons

on the Coastal Population. The Service has reviewed recent Coastal

Population status and harvest information provided by the States. Over

the most recent 10-year period, no significant trend was found overall

while Oregon showed a significant increase. Counts in both Oregon and

Washington showed substantial increases between 1993 and 1994.

Information indicates that the Coastal Population probably numbers

between 2.4 and 3.1 million birds and that a minimal harvest of 15 to

20 thousand birds is not likely to adversely affect the band-tailed

pigeon population. However, the Service remains concerned about the

long-term decline of this population and continues to support

restrictive harvest regulations. Again this year, all States having

band-tailed pigeon hunting seasons must require band-tailed pigeon

hunters to obtain mandatory State permits (or participate in the

nationwide Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program) to provide a

sampling frame for obtaining more precise estimates of band-tailed

pigeon harvest. Those States not participating in the Migratory Bird

Harvest Information Program will be required to conduct a harvest

survey and provide the results to the Service by June 1, 1996.

16. Mourning Doves

Written Comments: The Humane Society recommended that the mourning

dove season in the Western Management Unit be closed since the

population has remained in decline.

Service Response: The Service recognizes that there has been a

long-term decline in the mourning dove population in the Western

Management Unit. Restrictive hunting regulations have been in effect

since 1987, and over the most recent 10 years, the population has been

stable. A combination of factors probably were responsible for the

long-term decline, including loss of nesting habitat through

reclamation projects, industrial and urban development, changes in

agricultural practices that reduced food supplies, and possibly

overharvest in some areas. Since the reduced population level is

primarily related to a combination of factors, and hunting has not been

shown to adversely affect the overall population, the Service will

continue to allow States in the Western Management Unit the opportunity

to select a mourning dove season.

17. White-winged and White-tipped doves

Written Comments: The Humane Society recommended that the white-

winged dove season in Arizona be closed since the population has

remained in decline.

Service Response: The Service recognizes that there has been a

long-term decline in the white-winged dove population in Arizona. These

decreases were thought to be a result of a loss of nesting habitat from

reclamation projects, changing agricultural practices (from grain to

cotton farming), and overharvest. The Service notes that, in response

to this trend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department instituted a series

of restrictive hunting regulations that have been in effect since the

1980s. As a result, white-wing dove populations have since remained

relatively stable at a reduced level. Since the population is stable

and harvest levels already have been restricted, the Service will

continue to allow Arizona the opportunity to select a white-winged dove

season.

18. Alaska

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

changes in bag and possession limits for ducks in Alaska. Specifically,

the Council requested the following bag and possession limits for the

two Alaska framework sets of restrictive and moderate/liberal,

respectively: North Zone 8/24 or 10/30, Gulf Coast Zone 6/18 or 8/24,

and Southeast, Pribilof/Aleutian, and Kodiak zones 5/15 or 7/21; and

canvasback limits 2/4. Sea duck limits of 15/30 would be separate, with

seasons to remain closed on spectacled and Steller's eiders.

Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States

recommends that the opening date for all seasons in Alaska be delayed

by 2 weeks so that young birds are able to leave natal marshes before

being subjected to hunting pressure.

Service Response: With the exceptions of canvasback, the Service

agrees with the Council's recommendation and proposes to increase daily

bag limits to 7 ducks in the Southeast, Pribilof/Aleutian, and Kodiak

Zones, 8 ducks in the Gulf Coast Zone, and 10 ducks in the North Zone.

Increases would be consistent with the moderate and liberal packages

proposed under adaptive harvest management this year, and would return

Alaska to the basic limits prevailing prior to restrictions initiated

in 1988. Duck breeding populations in Alaska-Yukon during 1995 were

above the 1955-94 average by 99 percent for mallards, 90 percent for

wigeon, 247 percent for green-winged teal, 164 percent for shovelers,

and 896 percent for pintails.

Regarding the canvasback bag limit, the Service believes that

harvest management of this species in Alaska and in all Flyways should

adhere to the harvest strategy that was employed in 1994, which calls

for annually assessing several population parameters, including

estimated breeding population, habitat conditions, and harvest. Based

on current population levels, expected production, and both last year's

and this year's projected harvest estimates, the Service believes that

a season in all Flyways and Alaska, with a 1-bird daily bag limit, is

warranted.

It is important to note that in Alaska, hunting pressure on

migratory birds is comparatively light. Many northern species will have

migrated from the State before seasons open there in September and

there is no evidence to indicate that regulated hunting has adversely

impacted local populations.

20. Puerto Rico

Written Comments: Puerto Rico recommended that the daily bag limit

for ducks be increased from 3 to 4 birds and that the daily bag limit

for snipe be increased from 6 to 8 birds. This recommendation was

further modified during the Early-Season Regulations Meetings when the

Puerto Rico representative expressed a desire to have Puerto Rico's

regulations be consistent with the Atlantic Flyway.

Service Response: The Service agrees with Puerto Rico's request to

make duck and snipe daily bag limits consistent with those proposed for

the Atlantic Flyway.

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-

[[Page 45024]]

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). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the

address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

In August 1995, 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 (E.O.) 12866 and the

Paperwork Reduction Act

In the Federal Register dated March 24, 1995 (60 FR 15642), 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 (FRIA), and publication of a summary

of the latter. Although a FRIA is no longer required, the economic

analysis contained in the FRIA was reviewed and the Service determined

that it met the requirements of E.O. 12866. In addition, the Service

prepared a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis, under the Regulatory

Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq), which further document the

significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small

entities. This rule was reviewed under E.O. 12866.

These regulations contain no information collections subject to OMB

review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et

seq.). However, the Service does utilize information acquired through

other various information collections in the formulation of migratory

game bird hunting regulations. These information collection

requirements have been approved by OMB and assigned clearance numbers

1018-0005, 1018-0006, 1018-0008, 1018-0009, 1018-0010, 1018-0015, 1018-

0019, and 1018-0023.

Authorship

The primary author is Ron W. Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird

Management.

Regulations Promulgation

The rulemaking process for migratory bird hunting regulations must,

by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the

Service is of the view that every attempt should be made to give the

public the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the regulations.

Thus, when the proposed early-season rulemaking was published on July

21, the Service established what it believed was the longest period

possible for public comment. In doing this, the Service recognized

that, at the close of the comment period, 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 Service is of the opinion

that 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 that

implement their decisions.

Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird

Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712), 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 and Territory 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 contiguous United States,

Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, for the 1995-96

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 1995-96

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

3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712); the Fish and Wildlife

Improvement Act (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 742); and

the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as amended, (16

U.S.C. 742 a-j).

Dated: August 14, 1995.

Robert P. Davison,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 1995-96 Early Hunting Seasons on

Certain Migratory Game Birds

Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated

authorities, the Department of Interior approved the following proposed

frameworks which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours,

and outside dates within which States may select seasons for certain

migratory game birds between September 1, 1995, and March 10, 1996.

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.

Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions are

contained in a later portion of this document.

Special September Teal Season

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season

on all species of teal may be selected by Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado

(Central Flyway portion only), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,

Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico (Central Flyway portion

only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in areas delineated by

State regulations.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive

days, with a daily bag limit of 4 teal.

Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in

Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, where the hours are

from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

Florida: An experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected

in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks

in the aggregate.

Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season,

an

[[Page 45025]]

experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. The

daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the aggregate,

of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.

Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season

in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season

may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September

season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest

September 20 (September 23, 1995), with daily bag and possession limits

being the same as those in effect during the 1995 regular duck season.

The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before October

15.

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with

a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-

duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.

Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special

sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway,

States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the

limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all

other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season

for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and

possession limits.

Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams

seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters

of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are

separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and

emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in

any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay

which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,

island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina

and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,

delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the

hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons

Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be

selected by Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York,

Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and portions of

Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Areas open to the hunting of Canada

geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each

State's hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Experimental Seasons

Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 30 days may be selected

by North Carolina during September 1-30, Statewide, except that the

season may not exceed 20 days during September 1-20 in the Northeast

Hunt Unit. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described,

delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons

Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15, may be

selected by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan (except in the Upper Peninsula,

where the season may not extend beyond September 10, and in Huron,

Saginaw and Tuscola Counties, where no special season may be held),

Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The daily bag

limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of

Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in

each State's hunting regulations.

Experimental Seasons

Experimental Canada goose seasons may be selected by Illinois,

Minnesota, and Tennessee. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese

must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's

hunting regulations.

Outside Dates: September 1-18 in Illinois; September 1-16 in

Minnesota; and September 1-30 in Tennessee.

Season Length: Not to exceed 10 days.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons

Wyoming may select a September season on Canada geese subject to

the following conditions:

1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the

September portion of the sandhill crane season.

2. Hunting will be by State permit.

3. No more than 150 permits, in total, may be issued.

4. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per

season.

In Oregon, in the Northwest Zone, and Washington, in the Lower

Columbia River Zone, may select Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days

during September 1-15. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must

be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's

hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 3 Canada geese.

Regular Goose Seasons

Regular goose seasons in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of

Michigan may open as early as September 23. Season lengths and bag and

possession limits will be established during the late-season

regulations process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.

Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be

selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado,

Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not

to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of

the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.

Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane

seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in

their possession while hunting.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:

Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming

may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the

Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30

days.

Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.

Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the

appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.

Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,

protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons

must be consistent

[[Page 45026]]

with the management plan and approved by the Central and Pacific Flyway

Councils. All hunts except those in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and

Wyoming will be experimental.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic

Flyway, and between September 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20 in

the Mississippi and Central Flyways. States in the Pacific Flyway have

been allowed to select their hunting seasons between the outside dates

for the season on ducks; therefore, they are late-season frameworks and

no frameworks are provided in this document.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70

days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be

split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and

purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.

Rails

Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between

September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.

Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be

split into two segments.

Daily Bag Limits:

Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey,

Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two

species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida,

South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the

aggregate of the two species.

Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central

Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New

Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the

aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of

the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,

Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,

where the season must end no later than January 31.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107

days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8

snipe.

American Woodcock

Outside Dates: States in the Atlantic Flyway may select hunting

seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central and

Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons between September 1 and

January 31.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: In the Atlantic Flyway,

seasons may not exceed 45 days, with a daily bag limit of 3; in the

Central and Mississippi Flyways, seasons may not exceed 65 days, with a

daily bag limit of 5. Seasons may be split into two segments.

Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The

season in each zone may not exceed 35 days.

Band-tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive

days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons,

respectively.

Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue

permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service

by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird

Harvest Information Program.

Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9

consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone

must close by October 7.

Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive

days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.

Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue

permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service

by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird

Harvest Information Program.

Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20

consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may

not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as

otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag

limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit (All States east of the Mississippi River, and

Louisiana)

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a

daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit

of 15.

Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each

of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more

than three periods. The hunting seasons in the South Zones of Alabama,

Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi may commence no earlier

than September 20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season

length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting

zones.

Central Management Unit (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,

Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South

Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a

daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit

of 15.

Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each

of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more

than three periods. Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three

zones subject to the following conditions:

A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods,

except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove

season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held

concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove

frameworks).

B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between

September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20

and January 25.

C. Each zone may have a daily bag limit of 12 doves (15 under the

alternative) in the aggregate, no more than 6 of which may be white-

winged doves and no more than 2 of which may be white-tipped doves,

except that during the special white-winged dove season, the daily bag

limit may not exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves

in the aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2

may be white-tipped doves.

D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession

limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each

hunting zone.

[[Page 45027]]

Western Management Unit (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,

Utah, and Washington)

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,

and Washington - Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag

limit of 10 mourning doves (in Nevada, the daily bag limit may not

exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate).

Arizona and California - Not more than 60 days which may be split

between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In

Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is

10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more

than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season,

the daily bag limit is restricted to 10 mourning doves. In California,

the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves

in the aggregate.

White-winged and White-tipped Doves

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:

Except as shown below, seasons in Arizona, California, Florida,

Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas must be concurrent with mourning dove

seasons.

Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive

days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove

season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged

doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged

doves.

In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and

white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of

which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.

In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California

Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag

limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the

aggregate.

In New Mexico, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and

white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate.

In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-

winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the alternative) in the

aggregate, of which not more than 6 may be white-winged doves and not

more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.

In addition, Texas may also select a hunting season of not more

than 4 days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone

between September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not

exceed 10 white-winged,mourning, and white-tipped doves in the

aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be

white-tipped doves.

Alaska

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.

Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for

waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The

season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in

each zone must be concurrent.

Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass

westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on

Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's

eiders.

Daily Bag and Possession limits:

Ducks - Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a

possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the

North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 8 and 24,

respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback

daily and 3 in possession.

In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15

and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw,

harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the

aggregate of these species.

Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 6, of which not more than 4 may

be greater white-fronted or Canada geese, singly or in the aggregate of

these species, except that the daily bag limit on Canada geese in Game

Management Units 9E and 18 is 1.

Brant - A daily bag limit of 2.

Common snipe - A daily bag limit of 8.

Sandhill cranes - A daily bag limit of 3.

Tundra swans - Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected

subject to the following conditions:

1. No more than 300 permits may be issued in GMU 22, authorizing

each permittee to take 1 tundra swan per season.

2. No more than 500 permits may be issued during the

experimental season in GMU 18. No more than 1 tundra swan may be

taken per permit.

3. The seasons must be concurrent with other migratory bird

seasons.

4. The appropriate State agency must issue permits, obtain

harvest and hunter-participation data, and report the results of

this hunt to the Service by June 1 of the following year.

Hawaii

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days (70 under the alternative)

for mourning doves.

Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning

doves.

Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with

shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and

subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida,

mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate. Not to exceed 5

scaly-naped pigeons.

Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the

following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island,

El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting

ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into

two segments.

Daily Bag Limits:

Ducks - Same as those proposed for the Atlantic Flyway.

Common moorhens - Not to exceed 6.

Common snipe - Not to exceed 8.

Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-

cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,

and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot,

and Caribbean coot.

Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens,

and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.

[[Page 45028]]

Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail

doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.

Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on

Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).

Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain

dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;

Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or

tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled

pigeon.

Ducks

Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.

Daily Bag Limits: Same as the limit proposed for the Atlantic

Flyway.

Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-

cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,

and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any

State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29(k). These

States may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in

accordance with the following:

Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined

length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or

experimental seasons shall not exceed 107 days for any species or group

of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided

into a maximum of 3 segments.

Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March

10.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession

limits for all permitted migratory game birds shall not exceed 3 and 6

birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended

falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular

hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an

extended falconry season.

Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and

hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR

21.29(k). Regular-season bag and possession limits do not apply to

falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Central Flyway portion of the following States consists of:

Colorado: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.

Montana: That area lying east of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher,

and Park Counties.

New Mexico: That area lying east of the Continental Divide but

outside the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.

Wyoming: That area lying east of the Continental Divide and

excluding the Great Divide Portion.

The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.

Mourning and White-winged Doves

Alabama

South Zone - Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia,

Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.

North Zone - Remainder of the State.

California

White-winged Dove Open Areas - Imperial, Riverside, and San

Bernardino Counties.

Florida

Northwest Zone - The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin,

Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,

Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of

State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and

north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98

and east of the St. Marks River).

South Zone - Remainder of State.

Georgia

Northern Zone - That portion of the State lying north of a line

running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox

County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County;

thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee

River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence

east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward

along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence

southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the

Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis

County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling

Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to

the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall

County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County;

thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County;

thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee

River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to

Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County

to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the

South Carolina line.

South Zone - Remainder of the State.

Louisiana

North Zone - That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway

10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from

Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the

Mississippi State line.

South Zone - The remainder of the State.

Mississippi

South Zone - The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock,

Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and

Walthall.

North Zone - The remainder of the State.

Nevada

White-winged Dove Open Areas - Clark and Nye Counties.

Texas

North Zone - That portion of the State north of a line beginning at

the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to

TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort

Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort

Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.

South Zone - That portion of the State south and west of a line

beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east

on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.

Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone - That portion of

the State south and west of a line beginning at the International

Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on

U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16

to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest

along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield

Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf

of Mexico.

Area with additional restrictions - Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and

Willacy Counties.

Central Zone - That portion of the State lying between the North

and South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

California

North Zone - Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen,

Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity

Counties.

South Zone - The remainder of the State.

[[Page 45029]]

New Mexico

North Zone - North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona

State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from

Socorro to the Texas State line.

South Zone - Remainder of the State.

Washington

Western Washington - The State of Washington excluding those

portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big

White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

New Jersey

North Zone - That portion of the State north of NJ 70.

South Zone - The remainder of the State.

Special September Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

North Carolina

Northeast Hunt Unit - Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chovan,

Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.

Mississippi Flyway

Illinois

Northeast Zone - Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall,

Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

Minnesota

Twin Cities Metro Zone - All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

In Anoka County; the municipalities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine,

Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley,

Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Ramsey, and Spring Lake Park; that

portion of Columbus Township lying south of County State Aid Highway

(CSAH) 18; and all of the municipality of Ham Lake except that portion

described as follows:

Beginning at the intersection of CSAH 18 and U.S. Highway 65, then

east along CSAH 18 to the eastern boundary of Ham Lake, north along the

eastern boundary of Ham Lake to the north boundary of Ham Lake, west

along the north boundary of Ham Lake to U.S. 65, and south along U.S.

65 to the point of beginning.

In Carver County; the municipalities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska,

and Victoria; the Townships of Chaska and Laketown; and those portions

of the municipalities of Cologne, Mayer, Waconia, and Watertown and the

Townships of Benton, Dahlgren, Waconia, and Watertown lying north and

east of the following described line:

Beginning on U.S. 212 at the southwest corner of the municipality

of Chaska, then west along U.S. 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284,

north along STH 284 to CSAH 10, north and west along CSAH 10 to CSAH

30, north and west along CSAH 30 to STH 25, west and north along STH 25

to CSAH 10, north along CSAH 10 to the Carver County line, and east

along the Carver County line to the Hennepin County line.

In Dakota County; the municipalities of Apple Valley, Burnsville,

Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lilydale,

Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemont, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and

West St. Paul; and the Township of Nininger.

In Scott County; the municipalities of Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage

and Shakopee; and the Townships of Credit River, Jackson, Louisville,

St. Lawrence, Sand Creek, and Spring Lake.

In Washington County; the municipalities of Afton, Bayport,

Birchwood, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Hastings, Hugo, Lake

Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Landfall, Mahtomedi, Marine, Newport,

Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Pine Springs, St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's

Point, St. Paul Park, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Willernie, and

Woodbury; the Townships of Baytown, Denmark, Grant, Gray Cloud Island,

May, Stillwater, and West Lakeland; that portion of Forest Lake

Township lying south of STH 97 and CSAH 2; and those portions of New

Scandia Township lying south of STH 97 and a line due east from the

intersection of STH 97 and STH 95 to the eastern border of the State.

Fergus Falls/Benson Zone - That area encompassed by a line

beginning on State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 at the Minnesota border, then

south along the Minnesota border to a point due south of the

intersection of STH 7 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 in Big

Stone County, north to the STH 7/CSAH 7 intersection and continuing

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. Highway

12, east along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17

to the Swift County border, east along the south border of Swift County

and north along the east border of Swift County to the south border of

Pope County, east along the south border of Pope County and north along

the east border of Pope County to STH 28, west along STH 28 to CSAH 33

in Pope County, north along CSAH 33 to CSAH 3 in Douglas County, north

along CSAH 3 to CSAH 69 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 69 to

CSAH 46 in Otter Tail County, east along CSAH 46 to the east border of

Otter Tail County, north along the east border of Otter Tail County to

CSAH 40 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 40 to CSAH 75 in Otter

Tail County, north along CSAH 75 to STH 210, west along STH 210 to STH

108, north along STH 108 to CSAH 1 in Otter Tail County, west along

CSAH 1 to CSAH 14 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 14 to CSAH 44

in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 44 to CSAH 35 in Otter Tail

County, north along CSAH 35 to STH 108, west along STH 108 to CSAH 19

in Wilkin County, south along CSAH 19 to STH 55, then west along STH 55

to the point of beginning.

Southwest Canada Goose Zone - All of Blue Earth, Cottonwood,

Faribault, Jackson, LeSueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray,

Nicollet, Nobles, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties; that portion

of Brown County lying south and west of the following described line:

beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 14, and the east of Brown

County line; thence west on U.S. Highway 14 to Cobden; thence due west

one mile on U.S. Highway 14 and the township road to the Brown County

line; thence due west 12 miles along the county line to the west Brown

County line; that portion of Renville County east of State Trunk

Highway 4 (STH); that portion of Meeker County south of U.S. Highway

12; in Scott County, the Townships of Belle Plaine, Blakeley, and

Helena, including the municipalities located therein; and that portion

of Carver County lying west, of the following described line: beginning

at the northeast corner of San Francisco Township, thence west along

the San Francisco Township line to the east boundary of Dahlgren

Township, thence north on the Dahlgren Township line to U.S. Highway

212, thence west on U.S. Highway 212 to STH 284, thence north on STH

284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10, thence north and west on

CSAH 10 to CSAH 30, thence north and west on CSAH 30 the STH 25, thence

east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10, thence north on CSAH 10 to the

Carver County line.

Tennessee

Middle Tennessee Zone - Those portions of Houston, Humphreys,

Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and

Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles,

Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore,

Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner,

[[Page 45030]]

Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.

Cumberland Plateau Zone - Bledsoe, Bradley, Clay, Cumberland,

Dekalb, Fentress, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Marion, McMinn, Meigs,

Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie,

Van Buren, Warren, and White Counties.

East Tennessee Zone - Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter,

Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins,

Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi,

Union, and Washington Counties.

Wisconsin

Early-Season Subzone - That portion of the State encompassed by a

line beginning at the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan, then west along

State Highway 23 to State 67, southerly along State 67 to County

Highway E in Sheboygan County, southerly along County E to State 28,

south and west along State 28 to U.S. Highway U in Washington County,

southerly along County U to County N, southeasterly along County N to

State 60, westerly along State 60 to County Highway P in Dodge County,

southerly along County P to County O, westerly along County O to State

109, south and west along State 109 to State 26, southerly along State

26 to U.S. 12, southerly along U.S. 12 to State 89, southerly along

Sate 89 to U.S. 14, then southerly along U.S. 14 to the Illinois

border.

Pacific Flyway

Oregon

Northwest Oregon Early-Season Canada Goose Zone--All of Benton,

Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk,

Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties.

Washington

Lower Columbia River Zone--Beginning at the Washington-Oregon

border on the I-5 Bridge near Vancouver, Washington; north on I-5 to

Kelso; west on Highway 4 from Kelso to Highway 401; south and west on

Highway 401 to Highway 101 at the Astoria-Megler Bridge; west on

Highway 101 to Gray Drive in the City of Ilwaco; west on Gray Drive to

Canby Road; southwest on Canby Road to the North Jetty; southwest on

the North Jetty to its end; southeast to the Washington-Oregon border;

upstream along the Washington-Oregon border to the point of origin.

Wyoming

Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State

regulations.

Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State

regulations.

Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette

Counties described in State regulations.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

Colorado

Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State

except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale,

Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental

Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).

Kansas

Regular Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line

beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-

135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.

New Mexico

Regular-Season Open Area - Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay,

and Roosevelt Counties.

Middle Rio Grande Valley Area - The Central Flyway portion of New

Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.

Southwest Zone - Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.

Oklahoma

Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of I-35.

Texas

Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line

from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to

Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to

Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-

Oklahoma border.

North Dakota

Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S.

281.

South Dakota

Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S.

281.

Montana

Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State

except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.

Wyoming

Regular-Season Open Area - Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen,

Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.

Riverton-Boysen Unit - Portions of Fremont County.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona

Special-Season Area - Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.

Montana

Special-Season Area - See State regulations.

Utah

Special-Season Area - Rich County.

Wyoming

Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State

regulations.

Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State

regulations.

Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette

Counties described in State regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

North Zone - State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.

Gulf Coast Zone - State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10

- Unimak Island only.

Southeast Zone - State Game Management Units 1-4.

Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone - State Game Management Unit 10

- except Unimak Island.

Kodiak Zone - State Game Management Unit 8.

All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands

Ruth Cay Closure Area - The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St.

Croix.

All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico

Municipality of Culebra Closure Area - All of the municipality of

Culebra.

Desecheo Island Closure Area - All of Desecheo Island.

Mona Island Closure Area - All of Mona Island.

El Verde Closure Area - Those areas of the municipalities of Rio

Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes

956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the

juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands

between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the

north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all

lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of

Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km

14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on

the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest

Boundary whether private or public.

Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas - All of Cidra Municipality

and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio

Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning

on Highway 172 as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge,

north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on

[[Page 45031]]

Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on

Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1,

southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway

729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point

of beginning.

[FR Doc. 95-21315 Filed 8-28-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-F