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

SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks which

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

limits, and other options for the 1999-2000 migratory bird hunting

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

1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin

Islands. 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 20.101 through 20.107, and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part

20.

DATES: This rule takes effect on August 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections

to: Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife

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

Washington, DC 20240. You may inspect comments during normal business

hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive,

Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Andrew, Chief, or Ron W.

Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife

Service, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1999

On May 3, 1999, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter

Service or we) published in the Federal Register (64 FR 23742) a

proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt with the

establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for migratory

game birds under 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart

K. On June 17, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 32758) a

second document providing supplemental proposals for early-and late-

season migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks and the proposed

regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. The June

17 supplement also provided detailed information on the 1999-2000

regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird

Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings.

On June 22-23, we held meetings that reviewed information on the

current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed

1999-2000 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these

species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto

Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in

designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and

extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed

preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the

development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 1999-2000

regular waterfowl seasons. On July 22, we published in the Federal

Register (64 FR 39460) a third document specifically dealing with the

proposed frameworks for early-season regulations for the 1999-2000 duck

hunting season.

This document is the fourth in a series of proposed, supplemental,

and final rulemaking documents. It establishes final frameworks from

which States may select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and

possession limits for the 1999-2000 season.

Review of Public Comments

The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the May 3

Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game

bird hunting regulations. The public comment period for early season

issues ended on August 2, 1999. We have considered all pertinent

comments received in developing this document. Early-season comments

are summarized below and numbered in the order used in the May 3

Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to early seasons

issues for which written comments were received are included. We

received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some

recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due

to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks

performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's

frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were

received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are

summarized below.

General

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

believed that all migratory bird seasons should be closed or severely

restricted for those species either lacking reliable population data or

which data indicates significant and sustained declines. HSUS

recommended all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the large

kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings and that

hunting during the one-half hour before sunrise be eliminated.

Service Response: The long-term objectives of the Service continue

to 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, we evaluate the status of populations and considers

the potential impacts of hunting. We believe that the hunting seasons

provided herein are consistent with the current status of populations

and long-term population goals and there is no evidence to suggest the

frameworks provided are not appropriate.

Regarding mid-week season openings, we have previously stated in

the Federal Register (58 FR 50190) that 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.

In regard to shooting hours, we have compiled information which

demonstrates that shooting hours beginning 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.

1. Ducks

Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest

management are: (A) Harvest Strategy Considerations, (B) Framework

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

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

categories correspond to previous published issues/discussion and only

those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below.

[[Page 47073]]

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

iv. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of

the Mississippi Flyway Council requested that the Service clarify the

linkage between the Flyway-wide wood duck harvest strategy, September

teal seasons, and regional (reference area) September wood duck

seasons. They further recommended the continuation of the experimental

September teal/wood duck seasons in Kentucky and Tennessee in 1999 with

no changes from the 1998 season.

Written Comments: The Wildlife Management Institute supported the

decision to discontinue special teal and wood duck seasons in Florida,

Kentucky, and Tennessee after September 2000 and to replace those

seasons with Flyway-wide prescriptions.

An individual in Alabama, citing Tennessee's experimental September

teal/wood duck season requested we allow wood ducks in the daily bag

limit during Alabama's September teal season.

Service Response: In the July 17, 1998, Federal Register (63 FR

38707) we indicated that September wood duck seasons would be allowed

to continue for a maximum of 3 years. Results from the Wood Duck

Population Monitoring Initiative indicate that sufficient monitoring

capabilities currently do not exist at the sub-Flyway level to support

continuation of September wood duck seasons. Therefore, the seasons in

Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee will be discontinued after September

2000. Flyway harvest strategies that address regular-season wood duck

regulations will then be implemented for the 2001-2002 season. We see

no linkage between the Flyway-wide wood duck strategy, September teal

seasons, and regional September wood duck seasons.

v. Youth Hunt

Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of

the Mississippi Flyway Council and the Central Flyway Council

recommended expansion of the special youth waterfowl hunt to 2 days.

Written Comments: The Alabama Division of Game and Fish recommended

expansion of the special youth hunt to 2 consecutive days.

Service Response: We appreciate the Flyway Councils' support of the

youth waterfowl hunting day, but do not support the recommendation of

the Mississippi Flyway Council's Lower-Region Regulations Committee and

the Central Flyway Council to expand the youth hunt to two consecutive

days. Our intent in establishing this special day of opportunity was to

introduce youth to the concepts of ethical utilization and stewardship

of waterfowl and other natural resources, encourage youngsters and

adults to experience the outdoors together, and to contribute to the

long-term conservation of the migratory bird resource. We view the

special youth hunting day as a unique educational opportunity, above

and beyond the regular season, which helps ensure high-quality learning

experiences for those youth indicating interest in hunting. We believe

that the youth hunting day will help develop a conservation ethic in

our youth and is consistent with the Service's responsibility to foster

an appreciation for our nation's valuable wildlife resources. We do not

believe an extensive evaluation of the effects of youth hunting day is

cost effective but believe waterfowl populations can support this

limited additional opportunity. Increases in the duration of this

unique opportunity would increase the pressure to conduct additional

evaluations. With the above objectives and potential costs in mind,

there is not a compelling reason to extend the opportunity beyond the

1-day period.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council made several

recommendations concerning September goose seasons. They recommended

the approval of operational status for a September 1 to 25 framework in

Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and a September 1 to 30 framework in New

Jersey. They further recommended the expansion of the September goose

season framework closing date around Montezuma National Wildlife

Refuge, New York from September 15 to 20.

The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council recommended that Minnesota be allowed to have an experimental

extension of their September special season from September 16 to 22,

except in the Northwest Goose Zone, for the 1999-2001 hunting seasons.

The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway

Council urged the Service to use caution in changing or expanding

special goose seasons.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the addition of the Bridger

Valley hunt unit to the existing September RMP Canada goose seasons in

western Wyoming, with frameworks of September 1 to 7.

Written Comments: The Alabama Division expressed appreciation for

the caution demonstrated by the Service in changing or expanding

special Canada goose seasons.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau recommended lengthening hunting

seasons for resident geese to provide relief from excessive crop

damage. An individual in Pennsylvania also supported increasing hunting

seasons to help farmers control excessive goose damage.

The Friends of Lake Shelbyville Wildlife opposed any hunting of

Canada geese in the Lake Shelbyville, Illinois area due to declining

populations in this area. They further request that the Service and the

Illinois Department of Natural Resources examine the circumstances for

the population decline.

The Wildlife Management Institute supported the proposed changes in

Canada goose special seasons in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York,

Minnesota, and Wyoming.

Service Response: We concur with the recommendations regarding the

change in status for the New Jersey and Pennsylvania special seasons.

Additionally, we concur with the recommendations for experimental

extensions of the special September Canada goose seasons in New York

and Minnesota, with the provisions and evaluation outlined in their

proposals. We also concur with the proposal to add the Bridger Valley

Hunt Unit in Wyoming.

Regarding the specific area of concern in Illinois, we note that

the Mississippi Flyway Giant Population (MFGP) of Canada geese (i.e.,

resident Canada geese) now numbers almost 1.4 million according to the

1999 spring survey. Additionally, conditions were favorable to

extremely favorable for nesting geese throughout their breeding range

this year and we expect another large fall flight. While localized

populations may have experienced recent declines, we believe the

current population status of MFGP supports the continued use of special

seasons. Further, we note that, as always, Illinois may be more

restrictive than Federal frameworks. As such, we have forwarded the

comments in question to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

B. Regular Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of

the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 1999 regular goose

season opening date be as early as

[[Page 47074]]

September 18 in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Service Response: We concur with the recommendations for a

September 18 opening date in Wisconsin and the North Zone (Upper

Peninsula) of Michigan. For the Lower Peninsula (Middle and South

Zones) of Michigan, we concur with the recommendation for a September

18 opening under the conditions for Canada geese identified in the

following frameworks. Continuation of an opening date earlier than the

Saturday nearest October 1 in the Lower Peninsula beyond the 1999-2000

hunting season will be contingent upon the State's developing a

proposal for evaluating the population composition of the Canada goose

harvest during the earlier regular seasons in comparison to seasons

with a traditional opening date. In addition to identifying the kinds

of data to be collected and analyzed during the next few years, the

proposal should include a summary of data collected during the earlier

regular seasons in 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Michigan should submit the

proposal to us and the Mississippi Flyway Council prior to the

Council's March 2000 meeting.

Regarding the Lower-Region Regulation Committee's concern for

cumulative impacts of special-season harvests on migrant Canada goose

populations of concern, we are aware of the Committee's concern and are

monitoring the harvests occurring during these seasons.

9. Sandhill Cranes

Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended

removal of the ``float'' portion (10% of the total allowable harvest)

of the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) greater sandhill crane annual

harvest allocation for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. The Council

recommended removal of this harvest portion to allow a research study.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several changes in sandhill

crane seasons. For greater sandhill cranes, the Council recommended the

establishment of a new experimental crane hunt in Box Elder County,

Utah, between September 1 and September 30. For RMP cranes, the Council

recommended that the frameworks be modified to include Bear Lake and

Fremont Counties in Idaho, and that the current requirement for hunter

check stations in these counties be waived. The Council further

recommended that the annual check station requirement for the Arizona

RMP Greater Sandhill Crane hunt be modified to a required check station

every 3 years.

Written Comments: The HSUS recommends that all crane seasons be

closed. The HSUS believes that these seasons are held largely to

sustain hunter interest.

Service Response: We concur with the various proposals from the

Central and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding RMP Cranes. We note that

several of the proposals received from the Pacific Flyway Council were

requests for exemptions from specific provisions of the management plan

for this population. We believe the biological information was clearly

in support of the recommended exemptions, however, we would also note

that it is our strong preference to see the Councils address these

types of issues through management plan revisions rather than through

exemptions to procedures placed in Federal regulations. Therefore, we

have approved these recommendations but require that the management

plan for this population be revised to reflect these changes in

procedures by July, 2001. Further, we request that the Pacific Flyway

Council give consideration to changing management plans rather than

requesting federal regulatory changes if similar situations should

develop with this or other populations of migratory game birds in the

future.

Regarding HSUS's recommendations for closed seasons, available

information indicates that harvest pressure on cranes is commensurate

with the population status and the various crane management plans.

Crane harvest is closely monitored by the Service, the Flyway Councils,

and the States and there is no evidence to suggest the frameworks

provided are not appropriate.

18. Alaska

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council made several

recommendations concerning Alaska. For sea ducks, the Council

recommended reducing the separate sea duck bag and possession limits

from 15/30 to 10/20 king and common eiders, scoters, and mergansers in

the aggregate. Long-tailed ducks (oldsquaws) and harlequins would be

included in general duck limits and seasons would remain closed for

spectacled and Steller's eiders. For Canada geese, the Council

recommended removal of Canada goose bag limit restrictions within dark

goose bag limits (4/8) in Alaska Game Management Subunit 9E (Alaska

Peninsula) and Unit 18 (Y-K Delta). Further, for tundra swans, the

Council recommended that tundra swan permits issued for swan hunts in

Alaska allow the take of up to 3 swans per permit, with no change in

reporting requirements or other framework conditions.

Written comments: The HSUS recommended 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.

A constituent from Alaska wrote regarding the need for greater

reductions in sea duck harvest regulations than had been proposed by

the Pacific Flyway Council. The constituent noted the declining trends

seen in sea ducks, the differing reproductive strategy of sea ducks,

pertinent biological considerations, cumulative mortality factors,

historical bag limits, and additive mortality considerations.

Service Response: We concur with the recommendations regarding

Alaska's migratory game birds regulations for the 1999-2000 hunting

season. We have carefully reviewed the recommendation regarding changes

in Alaska's sea duck regulations from both the Council and from a

concerned constituent. The population status of sea ducks remains a

concern. We believe that the Council's proposed changes constitute a

good first step in developing a more comprehensive strategy for the

long-term harvest management of sea ducks in Alaska. We are convinced

that the long-term solution will involve both sport and subsistence

harvest as well as meeting many of the pressing information needs for

this important waterfowl group. We look forward to working with our

partners in the newly formed Sea Duck Joint Venture to meet these

challenges.

Additionally, we note that the tundra swan permit request for

Alaska is another instance where the Council is requesting an exemption

from procedures outlined in approved management plans. While we

recognize the special circumstances that have led to this

recommendation and have approved the change in procedures as

recommended by the Council, we strongly prefer that future deviations

from procedures in the management plan be addressed through management

plan revisions rather than Federal regulation. Further, it is our

belief that changes in total harvest allocation were not intended to

result from the proposed changes in the permit procedure. Therefore, we

have not changed the total swan harvest allocated to Alaska. We

strongly recommend that the western tundra swan management and hunt

plans be revised in a timely fashion and prior to any further requests

[[Page 47075]]

for exceptions to the procedures outlined in the management and hunt

plans. We suggest that July of 2001 would seem a reasonable target date

for completion of such a revision and will work with the Council to

achieve this goal.

Regarding Alaska's opening date, we reiterate previous responses

that hunting pressure on migratory birds is comparatively light. Many

species migrate from Alaska before seasons opening in September and

there is no evidence indicating regulated hunting has adversely

impacted local populations.

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 the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988.

We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June

16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August

18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). Copies are available from the address indicated

under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

As in the past, we design hunting regulations to remove or

alleviate chances of conflict between migratory game bird hunting

seasons and the protection and conservation of endangered and

threatened species. We conducted consultations to ensure that actions

resulting from these regulatory proposals will not likely jeopardize

the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result

in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat.

Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion

and may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously

proposed. Final frameworks reflect any modifications. The biological

opinions resulting from section 7 consultation are public documents

available for inspection in the Service's Division of Endangered

Species and MBMO, at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.

E.O. 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are easy

to understand. We invite comments on how to make this rule easier to

understand, including answers to questions such as the following: (1)

Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated? (2) Does the rule

contain technical language or jargon that interferes with its clarity?

(3) Does the format of the rule (grouping and order of sections, use of

headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Would the

rule be easier to understand if it were divided into more (but shorter)

sections? (5) Is the description of the rule in the Supplementary

Information section of the preamble helpful in understanding the rule?

What else could we do to make the rule easier to understand?

Regulatory Flexibility Act

These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial

numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5

U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual

hunting regulations on small business entities in detail and issued a

Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis

documented the significant beneficial economic effect. The primary

source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird

hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted

at 5-year intervals. The Analysis was based on the 1996 National

Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County

Business Patterns from which it was estimated that migratory bird

hunters would spend between $429 and $1,084 million at small businesses

in 1998. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business

Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above,

this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.

However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan

to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C.

808(1).

Paperwork Reduction Act

We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements

imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, subpart K, in

the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations.

Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements

of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned

clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 9/30/2001). This information is

used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to

improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to

better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information

collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and

assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 9/30/2000). The

information from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude, the

geographical and temporal distribution of harvest, and the portion it

constitutes of the total population. A Federal agency may not conduct

or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of

information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements

of the Unfunded Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this

rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given

year on local or State government or private entities.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that

these regulations meet the applicable standards found in sections 3(a)

and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Takings Implication Assessment

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule, authorized by the

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings

implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected

property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of

property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking

of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise

otherwise unavailable privileges; and, therefore, reduce restrictions

on the use of private and public property.

Federalism Effects

Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the

Federal government has been given responsibility over these species by

the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from

which the States make selections. This process preserves the ability of

the States to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any

State may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks. The

frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with

[[Page 47076]]

the States and the Flyway Councils. This allows States to participate

in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections,

thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do

not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the

roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude

on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with E.O.

12612, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and

do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,

``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal

Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we evaluated possible effects

on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there

are no effects.

Regulations Promulgation

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

nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that

the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the

regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was

published, we established what we believed were the longest periods

possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that when the

comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there

were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this

final rulemaking, the States would have insufficient time to select

season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to

establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to

implement their decisions. We therefore find 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.

Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July

3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe 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 will select hunting season dates

and other options. Upon receipt of season and option selections from

these officials, we 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 1999-2000

season.

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 1999-2000

hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712,

and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j.

Dated: August 16, 1999.

Stephen C. Saunders,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 1999-2000 Early Hunting Seasons on

Certain Migratory Game Birds Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

and delegated authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the

following frameworks which prescribe season lengths, bag limits,

shooting hours, and outside dates within which States may select for

certain migratory game birds between September 1, 1999, and March 10,

2000.

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.

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

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.

Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,

Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri,

Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

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).

Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho,

Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado,

Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.

Management Units

Mourning Dove Management Units

Eastern Management Unit--All States east of the Mississippi River,

and Louisiana.

Central Management Unit--Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,

Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota,

Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Western Management Unit--Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,

Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Woodcock Management Regions:

Eastern Management Region--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.

Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,

Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,

Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota,

Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of

this document.

Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway

States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New

Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia,

where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays

are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and

coots).

Special September Teal Season

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

on all species of teal may be selected by the following States in areas

delineated by State regulations:

Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina,

Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. All seasons

are experimental.

Mississippi Flyway--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,

Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Central Flyway--Colorado (part), Kansas, New Mexico (part),

Oklahoma, and Texas.

[[Page 47077]]

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

days in the Atlantic Flyway and 16 consecutive days in the Mississippi

and Central Flyways. The daily bag limit is 4 teal.

Shooting Hours:

Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, if

evaluated; otherwise sunrise to sunset.

Mississippi and Central Flyways--One-half hour before sunrise to

sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri,

and Ohio, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

Florida: A 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,

a 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 18). The daily bag and possession limits will

be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change

during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the

regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day

Outside Dates: States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone,

designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day,'' in addition to their

regular duck seasons. The day must be held outside any regular duck

season on a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth

hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The day may

be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season

frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any

other open season on migratory birds.

Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limit may include ducks, geese,

mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as

that allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area

restrictions would remain in effect.

Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age

or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must

accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult could not duck

hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special

youth day.

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 are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to

exceed 4 scoters) 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 for the Montezuma Region of New York, the Lake Champlain

Region of New York and Vermont, the Eastern Unit of Maryland, and

Delaware. Seasons not to exceed 20 days during September 1-20 may be

selected for the Northeast Hunt Unit of North Carolina. Seasons not to

exceed 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by New Jersey.

Seasons may not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder

of the Flyway, except Georgia and Florida, where the season is closed.

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 20 days during September

1-20 may be selected by New York (Montezuma Region). Experimental

seasons of up to 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by New

York (Long Island Zone), North Carolina (except in the Northeast Hunt

Unit), and South 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.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons

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

selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season

may not extend beyond September 10, and in the Michigan Counties of

Huron, Saginaw and Tuscola, where no special season may be held. 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

An experimental Canada goose season of up to 7 consecutive days

during September 16-22 may be selected by Minnesota, except in the

Northwest Goose Zone. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada

geese.

Central Flyway

General Seasons

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

selected. 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.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons

Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between

September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:

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

September portion of the sandhill crane season.

[[Page 47078]]

2. All participants must have a valid State permit for the special

season.

3. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of 4

will apply to the special season.

Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days

during the period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW goose

management zone, a 15-day season may be selected during the period

September 1-20. Any portion of the season selected between September 16

and 20 will be considered experimental. Daily bag limits may not exceed

5 Canada geese. In the NW goose zone, at a minimum, Oregon must provide

an annual evaluation of the number of dusky Canada geese present in the

hunt zone during the period September 16-20 and agree to adjust seasons

as necessary to avoid any potential harvest of dusky Canada geese.

Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15

days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed

3 Canada geese.

Idaho may select a 15-day season in the special East Canada Goose

Zone, as described in State regulations, during the period September 1-

15. All participants must have a valid State permit and the total

number of permits issued is not to exceed 110 for this zone. The daily

bag limit is 2.

Idaho may select a 7-day Canada Goose Season during the period

September 1-15 in Nez Perce County, with a bag limit of 4.

California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the

period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.

Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be

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

regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 18 in

Wisconsin and Michigan. In Wisconsin, and in Michigan for all geese

except Canada geese, season lengths and bag and possession limits will

be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change

during the late-season regulations process. In the Middle and South

Zones of Michigan, for Canada goose seasons opening September 18, the

season may not exceed 23 days. The daily bag limit will be 2 Canada

geese, except that in the South Zone, during that portion of the season

that overlaps the duck season, the daily bag limit will be one Canada

goose. Provision for seasons opening October 2 or later will be

contained in the late-season frameworks.

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 and/or,

in those States where a Federal sandhill crane permit is not issued, a

State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for

game bird hunting, 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 with the management plan and approved by the Central

and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:

(1) In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition

of the harvest in the experimental season is waived and 100% of the

harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;

(2) In Arizona, the annual requirement for monitoring the racial

composition of the harvest is changed to once every 3 years; and

(3) In Idaho, seasons are experimental and the requirement for

monitoring the racial composition of the harvest is waived, 100% of the

harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota.

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

(January 23) 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 2 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 2 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 Eastern Management Region may select

hunting seasons between October 6 and January 31. States in the Central

Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday

nearest September 22 (September 25) and January 31.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30

days in the Atlantic Flyway and 45 days in

[[Page 47079]]

the Central and Mississippi Flyways. The daily bag limit is 3. 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 24 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.

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 4.

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.

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

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

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 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.

Western Management Unit

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 doves (15 under the

alternative) in the aggregate, of which 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 duck limits, there is a sea duck daily bag

limit of 10, with a possession limit of 20, scoter, common and king

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

aggregate. Alaska may choose to allow these sea duck limits in addition

to regular duck bag limits. However, the

[[Page 47080]]

total daily bag limit for any duck species may not exceed 10.

Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 3 and a possession limit of

6.

Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of

8.

Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:

1. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from

September 28 through December 16. A special, permit only Canada goose

season may be offered on Middleton Island. No more than 10 permits can

be issued. A mandatory goose identification class is required . Hunters

must check-in and check-out. Bag limit of 1 daily and 1 in possession.

Season to close if incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A

dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR

color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50

millimeters.

2. In Unit 10 (except Unimak Island), the taking of Canada geese is

prohibited.

3. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the

limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.

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. All seasons are by registration permit only.

2. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.

3. In GMU 18, no more than 500 swans may be harvested during the

operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be authorized per permit.

No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.

4. In GMU 22, no more than 300 swans may be harvested during the

operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3

tundra swan per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter

per season.

5. In GMU 23, no more than 300 swans may be harvested during the

experimental season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per

permit with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season. The

experimental season evaluation must adhere to the guidelines for

experimental seasons as described in the Pacific Flyway Management Plan

for the Western Population of (Tundra) Swans.

Hawaii

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 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--Not to exceed 6.

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.

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: Not to exceed 6.

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

Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Alabama

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

Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.

North Zone--Remainder of the State.

[[Page 47081]]

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 east along the northern border of Evans 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.

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 Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

North Zone--That portion of the State north of I-95.

Maryland

Eastern Unit--Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles,

Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Annes, St. Marys, Somerset, Talbot,

Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, and those portions of Baltimore,

Howard, and Prince George's Counties east of I-95.

Western Unit--Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery,

and Washington Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and

Prince George's Counties east of I-95.

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 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

[[Page 47082]]

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, except for the Montezuma Zone.

Montezuma Zone--Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne,

and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south

of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34.

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.

North Carolina

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

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

South Carolina

Early-season Hunt Unit--Clarendon County and those portions of

Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6 and Berkeley County north of SC

Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC

Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and west of the Santee Dam.

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.

Mississippi Flyway

Illinois

Northeast Canada Goose Zone--Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee,

Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada

Goose Zone and 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 outside the Northeast

Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending east

from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc Ferry

Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly along

Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road 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.

South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.

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.

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north 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 easterly

and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive,

easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly

along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along

Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of

Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to

Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the

U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac

County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a

line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a

line directly northeast to the Canada border.

South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Minnesota

Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone--

A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County

State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey,

Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop,

Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and

Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying

north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.

C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following

described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco

Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco

Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along

the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west

along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (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 to STH 25;

thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to

the Carver County line.

D. In Scott County, all of the cities or Shakopee, Savage, Prior

Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St.

Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.

E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan,

Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple

Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St.

Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.

F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following

described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the

west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61;

thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence

east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due

east to the east boundary of the State.

Northwest Goose Zone--That portion of the State encompassed by a

line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2

to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east

along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north

along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to

STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along

CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in

Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH

310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.

[[Page 47083]]

Two Goose Zone--That portion of the state lying east of Interstate

Highway 35 and south of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone.

Five Goose Zone--That portion of the state not included in the Twin

Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Northwest Goose Zone, or the

Two Goose Zone.

West Zone--That portion of the state encompassed by a line

beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa

border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north

along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94

to the North Dakota border.

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, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson

Counties.

East Tennessee Zone--Anderson, Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell,

Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Grainger,

Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson,

Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe,

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

Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, and

White Counties.

Wisconsin

Early-Season Subzone A--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 41, southerly along U.S.

41 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to County 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 State 89 to U.S. 14, southerly along U.S. 14 to the

Illinois border, east along the Illinois border to the Michigan border

in Lake Michigan, north along the Michigan border in Lake Michigan to a

point directly east of State 23 in Sheboygan, then west along that line

to the point of beginning on the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan.

Early-Season Subzone B--That portion of the State between Early-

Season Subzone A and a line beginning at the intersection of U.S.

Highway 141 and the Michigan border near Niagara, then south along U.S.

141 to State Highway 22, west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45,

south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west and south along State 22 to State

110, south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49,

south along State 49 to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73,

south along State 73 to State 60, west along State 60 to State 23,

south along State 23 to State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then

south along State 78 to the Illinois border.

Central Flyway

Kansas

September Canada Goose Unit--That part of Kansas bounded by a line

from the Kansas-Missouri state line west on KS-68 to its junction with

KS-33, then north on KS-33 to its junction with US-56, then west on US-

56 to its junction with KS-31, then west-northwest on KS-31 to its

junction with KS-99, then north on KS-99 to its junction with US-24,

then east on US-24 its junction with KS-63, then north on KS-63 to its

junction with KS-16, then east on KS-16 to its junction with KS-116,

then east on KS-116 to its junction with US-59, then northeast on US-59

to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri line, then south on the

Kansas-Missouri line to its junction with KS-68.

North Dakota

Special Early Canada goose Unit--Richland and Sargent Counties.

South Dakota

September Canada Goose Unit--Brookings, Clark, Codington, Day,

Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, McCook, Moody

Counties, and Miner County east of SD 25, and that portion of Minnehaha

County north and west of a line beginning at the junction of County 130

(Renner Road) and the Minnesota border, then west on County 130 to I-29

and along I-29 to the Lincoln County line.

Pacific Flyway

Idaho

East Zone--Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont and Teton Counties.

Oregon

Northwest Zone--Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane,

Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and

Yamhill Counties.

Southwest Zone--Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and

Klamath Counties.

East Zone--Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla,

Union and Wasco Counties.

Washington

Southwest Zone--Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.

East Zone--Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, and

Whitman Counties.

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.

Farson-Edon Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette

Counties described in State regulations.

Teton Area--Those portions of Teton County described in State

regulations.

Bridger Valley Area--The area described as the Bridger Valley Hunt

Unit in State regulations.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

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

[[Page 47084]]

Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.

Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Mississippi Flyway

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.

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.

Central Flyway

Kansas

High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.

Low Plains Early Zone: That portion of the State east of the High

Plains Zone and west of a line extending south from the Nebraska border

along KS 28 to U.S. 36, east along U.S. 36 to KS 199, south along KS

199 to Republic County Road 563, south along Republic County Road 563

to KS 148, east along KS 148 to Republic County Road 138, south along

Republic County Road 138 to Cloud County Road 765, south along Cloud

County Road 765 to KS 9, west along KS 9 to U.S. 24, west along U.S 24

to U.S. 281, north along U.S. 281 to U.S. 36, west along U.S. 36 to

U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 to KS 18,

southeast along KS 18 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to KS 4, east

along KS 4 to I-135, south along I-135 to KS 61, southwest along KS 61

to KS 96, northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56, west along U.S. 56 to U.S.

281, south along U.S. 281 to U.S. 54, then west along U.S. 54 to U.S.

283.

Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.

South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

Pacific Flyway

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.

Canada Geese

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north 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 easterly

and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive,

easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly

along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along

Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of

Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to

Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the

U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac

County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a

line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a

line directly northeast to the Canada border.

South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

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.

[[Page 47085]]

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.

Park and Bighorn County Unit--Portions of Park and Bighorn

Counties.

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, Cache, and Box Elder Counties.

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

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. 99-22363 Filed 8-26-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P