Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

Part IV

Department of the Interior

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Fish and Wildlife Service

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50 CFR Part 20

Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory

Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule

Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AH79

Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season

Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is

proposing to establish the 2001-02 late-season hunting regulations for

certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or

outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number

of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These

frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and

limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with

population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting

late-season frameworks by September 7, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on these proposals to the Chief, Division

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

Department of the Interior, room 634-Arlington Square, 1849 C Street,

NW, Washington, DC 20240. All comments received, including names and

addresses, will become part of the public record. 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, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, (703) 358-1714.

0. All comments received, including names and

addresses, will become part of the public record. 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, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2001

On April 30, 2001, we published in the Federal Register (66 FR

21298) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a

background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations

process, and dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other

regulations for migratory game birds under Secs. 20.101 through 20.107,

20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 14, 2001, we published in the

Federal Register (66 FR 32297) a second document providing supplemental

proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations

frameworks and the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2001-02

duck hunting season. The June 14 supplement also provided detailed

information on the 2001-02 regulatory schedule and announced the

Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council

meetings.

On June 20-21, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council

Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on the

current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed

recommendations for the 2001-02 regulations 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 2001-02 regular

waterfowl seasons

ds 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 2001-02 regular

waterfowl seasons. On July 24, we published in the Federal Register (66

FR 38494) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed

frameworks for early-season regulations and the final regulatory

alternatives for the 2001-02 duck hunting season. We will publish a

rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season migratory

bird hunting regulations for the 2001-02 season in late August.

On August 1-2, 2001, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council

Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl

and developed recommendations for the 2001-02 regulations for these

species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for

the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to

final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting

hours, areas, and limits.

We have considered all pertinent comments received through August

3, 2001, in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for

certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment.

Comment periods are specified above under DATES. We will publish final

regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in

the Federal Register on or about September 25, 2001.

Population Status and Harvest

The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of information on

the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For

more detailed information on methodologies and results, complete copies

of the various reports are available at the address indicated under the

caption ADDRESSES or from our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

Status of Ducks

ion Status and Harvest

The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of information on

the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For

more detailed information on methodologies and results, complete copies

of the various reports are available at the address indicated under the

caption ADDRESSES or from our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

Status of Ducks

Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring

to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate the

conditions of the habitats. These surveys are conducted using fixed-

wing aircraft and encompass principal breeding areas of North America,

and cover over 2.0 million square miles. The Traditional survey area is

comprised of Alaska, Canada, and the northcentral U.S., and includes

approximately 1.3 million square miles. The Eastern survey area

includes parts of Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,

Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an area of

approximately 0.7 million square miles.

Habitat conditions in the traditional survey area were variable,

and the estimate of May ponds (U.S. and Prairie Canada combined) is up

(4.6 million 0.1 million, +18 percent) compared to 2000,

and slightly below (-6 percent), but not statistically different from

the long-term average. Continued drought produced fair to poor

conditions in most of Alberta, central and southern Saskatchewan, and

eastern Montana. By contrast, North and South Dakota generally had good

to excellent water conditions, with the best conditions in the eastern

portions of these States, and drier conditions to the north and west.

Nesting cover in the Dakotas was in above-average condition. Southern

Manitoba and extreme southeastern Saskatchewan have had higher than

normal water conditions for the past 2 years, and this water, along

with above-normal precipitation due to an early, snowy winter, produced

excellent habitat for breeding ducks

e eastern

portions of these States, and drier conditions to the north and west.

Nesting cover in the Dakotas was in above-average condition. Southern

Manitoba and extreme southeastern Saskatchewan have had higher than

normal water conditions for the past 2 years, and this water, along

with above-normal precipitation due to an early, snowy winter, produced

excellent habitat for breeding ducks. Average to above-average

precipitation also made for excellent wetland conditions across

northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The northernmost portion of Alberta

was the exception to the record drought and poor wetland conditions in

the rest of the province, as above-average winter and spring

precipitation filled nearly all available wetland basins. Good

conditions for breeding ducks prevailed in the Northwest Territories,

except for a small northern area that was rated only fair due to late

spring ice conditions that reduced available breeding habitat for

early-nesting species. Overall, conditions were good in the traditional

survey area, and

average to above-average waterfowl production is expected.

In Alaska, breeding conditions depend largely on the timing of

spring, as wetland conditions are less variable than on the prairies.

Although winter temperatures were mild, spring was late, and waterfowl

production will likely be below average to the north and west, and

average to the south and east.

In the eastern survey area, conditions were variable but generally

good. Southern Ontario and Northern New York had an early spring, and

with wetland basins nearly full, the outlook for breeding ducks is

good. Spring was also early in Quebec, with good to excellent habitat

in the central and northern portions. However, southern Quebec was

drier with conditions ranging from fair to poor. In Maine and the

Maritime provinces, spring was late, with lower than normal

temperatures, but above-average precipitation, and habitat conditions

were good

sins nearly full, the outlook for breeding ducks is

good. Spring was also early in Quebec, with good to excellent habitat

in the central and northern portions. However, southern Quebec was

drier with conditions ranging from fair to poor. In Maine and the

Maritime provinces, spring was late, with lower than normal

temperatures, but above-average precipitation, and habitat conditions

were good. Overall, eastern habitats were in good condition, with

average to above-average production expected.

The 2001 total duck population estimate for the traditional survey

area was 36.1 0.6 million birds, 14 percent below last

year's near-record estimate of 41.8 0.7 million birds, but

still 9 percent above the 1955-2000 average. Mallard abundance was 7.9

0.2 million, which is 17 percent below last year's

estimate but still 5 percent above the 1955-2000 average. Blue-winged

teal abundance was estimated at 5.8 0.3 million. This is

23 percent below last year's record estimate of 7.4 million, but 29

percent above the 1955-2000 average. Gadwall (2.7 0.1

million, +66 percent), green-winged teal (2.5 0.2 million,

+ 39 percent), and northern shovelers (3.3 0.2 million,

+60 percent) all remained above their long-term averages, while

American wigeon (2.5 0.1 million), redheads (0.7

0.07 million), and canvasbacks (0.6 0.05

million) did not differ from their long-term averages. Scaup (3.7

0.2 million, -31 percent) and northern pintail (3.3

0.3 million, -23 percent), were again below their long-

term average.

The 2001 total duck population estimate for the eastern survey area

was 3.3 0.2 million birds, similar to last year's estimate

of 3.2 0.3 million birds. Abundances of individual species

were similar to those of last year, with the exception of ring-necked

ducks (353.0 32 thousand, -43 percent) and buffleheads

(95.0 44 thousand, + 93 percent). Buffleheads, goldeneyes

and lesser scaup were above the 1996-2000 average in the east

. In the central Arctic, spring phenology

was near average. In much of the eastern Arctic, the Hudson Bay

Lowlands, and Ungava Peninsula, phenology appeared to be earlier than

average and nesting conditions for geese and swans generally were

favorable. Of the 27 populations for which current estimates were

available, 6 exhibited declines of more than 10 percent from previous

annual estimates. Ten populations (four resident populations of Canada

geese, cackling Canada geese, Western Central Flyway light geese,

greater snow geese, and both white-fronted goose populations) displayed

significant positive trends, and only Short Grass Prairie Canada geese

exhibited a significant negative trend over the most recent 10-year

period. Forecasts for production of young in 2001 varied regionally,

but generally will be reduced in the western areas and improved in the

eastern portions of North America.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

During the 2000-01 hunting season, duck stamp sales were slightly

above sales in 1999 (+1 percent), and hunter numbers remain well below

the highs observed during the early 1970s. U.S. waterfowl hunters

hunted about 4 percent fewer days and bagged about 4 percent fewer

ducks, 2 percent fewer geese and 58 percent fewer coots than in 1999.

The number of ducks harvested during the 2000-01 hunting season was

similar to the numbers that were harvested during the early 1970s. The

increased harvest during the last few years is a reflection of the more

liberal hunting seasons offered and the increased duck abundance

resulting from the improved water availability and habitat conditions

that occurred in the prairie-pothole area. Of the five species of ducks

that are most important in the bag, in order of importance: the number

of mallards harvested increased 3 percent; the number of green-winged

teal decreased 23 percent; the number of gadwall increased 16 percent;

the number of wood ducks decreased 18 percent; and the number of blue-

winged teal remained the same

conditions

that occurred in the prairie-pothole area. Of the five species of ducks

that are most important in the bag, in order of importance: the number

of mallards harvested increased 3 percent; the number of green-winged

teal decreased 23 percent; the number of gadwall increased 16 percent;

the number of wood ducks decreased 18 percent; and the number of blue-

winged teal remained the same.

The overall harvest of geese last year decreased 2 percent from

that of 2000-01. In the U.S., harvest of Canada geese increased 20

percent, snow geese decreased 49 percent, blue geese decreased 35

percent, Ross' geese decreased 66 percent, white-fronted geese

decreased 19 percent, and brant increased 64 percent from 1999-2000.

Increases in goose harvests over the last decade largely reflect the

increased numbers of resident or giant Canada geese, although increases

in other populations of Canada geese and other goose species, including

snow geese, have occurred.

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 30

Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game

bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which

appeared in the June 14 Federal Register, defined the public comment

period for the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2001-02 duck

hunting season. The public comment period for the proposed regulatory

alternatives ended July 6, 2001. Late-season comments and comments

pertaining to the proposed alternatives are summarized below and

numbered in the order used in the April 30 Federal Register document.

We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-season

issues and the proposed regulatory alternatives for which we received

written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in direct

numerical or alphabetical order.

We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some

recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks

0 Federal Register document.

We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-season

issues and the proposed regulatory alternatives for which we received

written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in direct

numerical or alphabetical order.

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.

We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations

in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to

previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible,

they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items

in the April 30, 2001, Federal Register document.

1. Ducks

Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest

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

Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/

Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published

issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial

recommendations are discussed below.

B. Regulatory Alternatives

1. Ducks

Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest

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

Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/

Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published

issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial

recommendations are discussed below.

B. Regulatory Alternatives

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and

Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the ``liberal''

regulations package for duck hunting seasons in 2001-02.

Service Response: The original Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM)

protocol was based solely on the dynamics of midcontinent mallards, but

efforts to account for eastern and western mallard stocks are

progressing. For the 2001 hunting season, we recommend the

consideration of a regulatory alternative for the Atlantic Flyway that

depends exclusively on the status of eastern mallards. This arrangement

should remain provisional, however, until the management implications

of this approach are better understood. The recommended regulatory

alternative for the western three flyways should continue to depend

exclusively on the status of midcontinent mallards. The set of

regulatory alternatives for this year, including specification of

season lengths, bag limits, and framework dates, was finalized in the

July 24 Federal Register, with the finalization of the 2001-02

regulatory alternatives.

For the 2001-02 hunting season, we propose the ``liberal''

regulatory alternative (as described in the July 24 Federal Register)

for all Flyways, based on 8.7 million mallards, and 2.7 million ponds

in Prairie Canada, and 1.0 million eastern mallards.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

inalized in the

July 24 Federal Register, with the finalization of the 2001-02

regulatory alternatives.

For the 2001-02 hunting season, we propose the ``liberal''

regulatory alternative (as described in the July 24 Federal Register)

for all Flyways, based on 8.7 million mallards, and 2.7 million ponds

in Prairie Canada, and 1.0 million eastern mallards.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Black Ducks

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

allowing States to increase the daily bag limit on black ducks to 2 per

day for 10 consecutive hunting days, provided the black duck season is

closed for an equivalent number of days. During the remainder of the

season, the black duck bag daily bag limit would be 1 bird per day.

Service Response: We remain concerned about the current level of

black duck populations and believe the best approach is to focus on the

International Harvest strategy that has not yet been completed. We

encourage the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to work

cooperatively with the Service and Canada to develop and implement an

international harvest strategy as soon as possible so that

recommendations such as this may be evaluated in a broader context. In

the absence of this strategy, significant changes in harvest

regulations likely would complicate negotiations with Canada. Further,

we are uncertain that the proposed changes would not increase harvest.

We believe that the current level of harvest reduction on black ducks,

achieved since the 1983 Environmental Assessment, must be maintained.

ii. Canvasbacks

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that the Canvasback Harvest Strategy be modified to allow for a limited

canvasback hunting season of 20 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi

Flyways, 25 days in the Central Flyway and 39 days in the Pacific

Flyway during the 2001-02 season, with a daily bag limit of one bird

per day

sessment, must be maintained.

ii. Canvasbacks

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended

that the Canvasback Harvest Strategy be modified to allow for a limited

canvasback hunting season of 20 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi

Flyways, 25 days in the Central Flyway and 39 days in the Pacific

Flyway during the 2001-02 season, with a daily bag limit of one bird

per day. States can select these days during any time period within

their regular duck season.

The Mississippi and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended an open

canvasback season with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the entire duck

season in all four flyways for the 2001-02 season.

The Central Flyway Council recommended modifying the current

strategy and recommended two options for individual state selections.

First, allow a within-season closure for canvasbacks during the regular

duck hunting season. Season length (daily bag of 1, either sex) would

be determined by the AHM regulatory alternative when the harvest

predicted by the canvasback model is less than the allowable harvest.

For the 2001-2002 duck hunting season, the season length for

canvasbacks would be 39 days in the Central Flyway, 30 days in the

Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, and 60 days in the Pacific Flyway.

States would be allowed to select days during any time period of the

regular duck hunting season within established criteria for zones and

splits. Second, offer an aggregate daily bag of 1 canvasback or 1

redhead for the entire length of the duck hunting season.

Service Response: Since 1994, the Service has followed a canvasback

harvest strategy that if population status and production are

sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for

the entire length of the regular duck season, while attaining a spring

population objective of 500,000 birds, the season on canvasbacks should

be opened. Otherwise, the season on canvasbacks should be closed

nationwide

94, the Service has followed a canvasback

harvest strategy that if population status and production are

sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for

the entire length of the regular duck season, while attaining a spring

population objective of 500,000 birds, the season on canvasbacks should

be opened. Otherwise, the season on canvasbacks should be closed

nationwide. This spring, the estimate of canvasback abundance was

580,000 birds and the number of ponds in Prairie Canada in May (2.7

million) was 20% below the long-term average. The size of the spring

population, together with natural mortality and below-average expected

production due to the relatively dry conditions, is insufficient to

offset expected mortality associated with a canvasback season lasting

the entire length of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative and still

attain the population objective of 500,000 canvasbacks in the spring of

2002.

We continue to support the harvest strategy and the model adopted

in 1994. However, despite reduced numbers and below-average production

forecast this year, we believe there is still some opportunity to allow

a limited harvest this fall without compromising the population's

ability to reach 500,000 canvasbacks next spring. Thus, we propose a

very restrictive, shortened season for canvasbacks for the 2001-02

season. In the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, the season length

would be 20 days, in the Central Flyway, 25 days, and in the Pacific

Flyway, 38 days. The days for this limited season must be used

consecutively. Our objective in making this proposal is to provide some

hunting opportunity but still assure that the spring population will

remain above the 500,000 objective level.

Over the next year, we are willing to discuss the possibility of

revising the strategy

e 20 days, in the Central Flyway, 25 days, and in the Pacific

Flyway, 38 days. The days for this limited season must be used

consecutively. Our objective in making this proposal is to provide some

hunting opportunity but still assure that the spring population will

remain above the 500,000 objective level.

Over the next year, we are willing to discuss the possibility of

revising the strategy. Because the population model has performed

relatively well to date, we believe that the most productive area for

discussion involves subjective aspects of the strategy, such as the

setting of population objectives. Any proposed changes should have

broad-based support and reflect the interests of all stakeholders.

However, we emphasize that discontent with the canvasback strategy this

year is symptomatic of difficulties associated with the larger issue of

multi-stock management in the existing AHM framework. For example, how

should hunting seasons be designed to

accommodate species' varying abilities to support harvest, when all

species are subjected to a common sport harvest? We urge the Flyway

Councils to begin internal discussions toward a strategic, long-term

view regarding approaches to this and other critical harvest-management

issues. Such discussions, complemented by ongoing work by the AHM

working group, will be useful as we begin the development of a new

Environmental Impact Statement for the sport hunting of migratory

birds.

Due to relative lateness of this development, the generally earlier

opening of duck seasons in Alaska (September 1), and the anticipated

level of harvest in Alaska, we propose to exempt Alaska from the

proposed shorter season length. However, we believe that Alaska should

fully engage in review of population objectives and remain a part of

the overall harvest strategy for this species.

iii

.

Due to relative lateness of this development, the generally earlier

opening of duck seasons in Alaska (September 1), and the anticipated

level of harvest in Alaska, we propose to exempt Alaska from the

proposed shorter season length. However, we believe that Alaska should

fully engage in review of population objectives and remain a part of

the overall harvest strategy for this species.

iii. Pintails

Council Recommendations: All four Flyway Councils recommended a

daily bag limit of one pintail in the 2001-02 hunting season as

prescribed by the Interim Pintail Harvest Strategy.

Service Response: We propose to continue use of the interim harvest

strategy for a fifth year. Considering the current status of the

population (3.3 million breeding birds) and the expected recruitment

rate (1.01), the strategy prescribes a bag limit of 1 pintail for all

Flyways under the ``liberal'' alternative.

Further, we propose that the interim strategy be revised for future

years by adjusting the equations used to predict pintail harvest to

more accurately reflect realized harvest based on the experience gained

during the past four years. The proposed method of adjustment, as well

as a brief review of the first four years of interim strategy, will be

provided to the Technical Sections for their review and comment. The

interim strategy would be used until the development and adoption of a

direct methodology for incorporation of pintails into the formal AHM

process. We believe that such an action may be possible by the 2002-03

hunting season, but several issue remain to be resolved as described in

this year's AHM report. Recognizing that some of these issues may not

be resolved by next year, we believe that adjustment to the existing

interim strategy is a prudent step, and intend to employ the interim

strategy until formal incorporation of pintail harvest into the

existing AHM process is accomplished.

iv

e 2002-03

hunting season, but several issue remain to be resolved as described in

this year's AHM report. Recognizing that some of these issues may not

be resolved by next year, we believe that adjustment to the existing

interim strategy is a prudent step, and intend to employ the interim

strategy until formal incorporation of pintail harvest into the

existing AHM process is accomplished.

iv. Scaup

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central

Flyway Councils recommended a daily bag limit of three scaup for the

2001-02 hunting season.

The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a daily bag limit of four

scaup in the Pacific Flyway for the 2001-02 hunting season.

Service Response: In 1999, we restricted the bag limit of scaup to

three in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways and four in the

Pacific Flyway. It is still too early to judge the effects of the

harvest restriction with only two years' data. This year, we propose

that the restrictions put in place 2 years ago continue. We note that

last year, the lesser scaup immature/adult ratio, a measure of annual

production, was the lowest on record; we remain concerned about the

status of this species and ask the Flyway Councils to direct their

technical committees to continue dialog with us, building toward a

strategy to guide the harvest management of this species.

4. Canada Geese

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council made a number

of recommendations regarding Canada geese. For Atlantic Population (AP)

Canada geese, the Council recommended expansion of regular seasons to

move toward a 10 percent harvest rate on adult AP geese over the 2001-

2002 season. This would allow for a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily

bag limit in AP areas of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New

England and for 30-day seasons with a 1-bird daily limit in AP areas of

Maryland, Delaware and Virginia except for Back Bay

geese, the Council recommended expansion of regular seasons to

move toward a 10 percent harvest rate on adult AP geese over the 2001-

2002 season. This would allow for a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily

bag limit in AP areas of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New

England and for 30-day seasons with a 1-bird daily limit in AP areas of

Maryland, Delaware and Virginia except for Back Bay. The regular season

would remain closed in Back Bay, Virginia and the Northeast Hunt Unit

in North Carolina. Recommended framework dates in New York, New Jersey,

Pennsylvania, and New England would be the last Saturday in October to

January 20; while in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, they would be

November 15 to January 20.

In North Carolina, the Council recommended allowing modification of

the boundary of the Northeast Hunt Unit, and, that North Carolina be

allowed to select a 50 day season with a 2 bird daily bag limit with

framework dates of October 1 to December 31 in its Southern James Bay

Population (SJBP) zone.

In North Atlantic Population (NAP) hunt areas, the Council

recommended a 45-day season with a 2 bird daily bag limit between

October 1 and January 20.

For resident populations, the Council recommended allowing regular

seasons designed to maximize harvest of Resident Population (RP) Canada

geese in designated areas of the Atlantic Flyway beginning in 2001. The

Council defined designated areas as accounting for no more than 10

percent of migrant geese (AP, NAP, SJBP) band recoveries during 1950-

1999 in any State, and collectively accounting for less than 5 percent

of all flyway recoveries of any migrant population. Regular seasons in

designated RP harvest areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia,

would be 70 days, between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird

daily bag limit. In North Carolina, Massachusetts, and New York, the

framework would be 70 days between the last Saturday in October and

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit

rcent

of all flyway recoveries of any migrant population. Regular seasons in

designated RP harvest areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia,

would be 70 days, between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird

daily bag limit. In North Carolina, Massachusetts, and New York, the

framework would be 70 days between the last Saturday in October and

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. These seasons would be in

lieu of any special late seasons and subject to annual evaluation of

band recovery and harvest data.

The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a number of changes in

season lengths, bag limits, zones, and quotas for Canada geese. All of

these changes are based on improved population status and current

management plans. The Council also recommended that Mississippi Valley

Population (MVP) and Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) harvest zones

be established in Michigan.

Service Response: This spring, the estimated number of AP goose

breeding pairs in northern Quebec increased by more than 50 percent

overall from 93,200 to 147,000 pairs. In addition, production prospects

this year appear to be very good and a larger fall flight is expected.

In view of this strong recovery, we believe this year presents a good

opportunity to increase harvest opportunity within the AP zones of the

Atlantic Flyway. Thus, we concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's

recommendation and believe the this proposal continues the responsible

approach the Council has taken in previous years. Given past history,

we encourage the States to closely monitor the harvest of this

population in the next few years.

We also support the boundary modifications and framework date

changes in North Carolina and the recommendation for NAP geese.

Regarding the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation for resident

goose areas, while we support the overall intent of this season, we

have concerns about how these ``RP'' zones are delineated and would be

evaluated in the future

is

population in the next few years.

We also support the boundary modifications and framework date

changes in North Carolina and the recommendation for NAP geese.

Regarding the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation for resident

goose areas, while we support the overall intent of this season, we

have concerns about how these ``RP'' zones are delineated and would be

evaluated in the future. The proposal, based on a portion (10 percent)

of historic band

recoveries of migrant geese, is difficult to assess because these

populations are not banded on a representative basis. Also, fall and

winter distributions are subject to changes over time and often vary

with habitat and environmental changes. While this proposal would

appear to take a cautious approach, we are concerned that regular

seasons continue to provide adequate protection for migrant geese for

which they were originally designed. Also, we have concerns about how

these RP zones would continue to be monitored and on what basis they

would be discontinued if migrant geese are harvested above some

identified level. For these reasons, we do not support this proposal.

We concur with the recommended changes in the Mississippi Flyway.

Most of these changes are based on the current population status of

geese and are consistent with current management plans.

C. Special Late Seasons

Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended

that the experimental late season for Canada geese in the Central

Michigan Goose Management Unit be made operational.

Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

6. Brant

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

allowing Washington's brant season to be split into two segments.

Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

8. Swans

recommended

that the experimental late season for Canada geese in the Central

Michigan Goose Management Unit be made operational.

Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

6. Brant

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

allowing Washington's brant season to be split into two segments.

Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

8. Swans

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended

swan frameworks as outlined in the Service's 2001 Environmental

Assessment ``Proposals to establish operational/experimental general

swan hunting seasons in the Pacific Flyway.''

Written Comments: The Trumpeter Swan Society requested

reconsideration of the recent decision regarding tundra and trumpeter

swan hunting seasons and to close all areas south of the Idaho-Utah

State border to the take of all trumpeter swans and further to close

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to all swan hunting.

Service Response: The Service has authorized the take of a limited

number of trumpeter swans in the previously existing tundra swan

seasons in the Pacific Flyway (excluding Alaska) since the 1995-96

hunting season. The regulations establishing this limited take were

first based on a 1995 Environmental Assessment (EA) (Bartonek et

al.1995) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Last year, we

issued a supplemental EA (Trost et al. 2000) and new FONSI. The

supplemental EA reviewed the first 5 years of the experimental swan

season and made modifications to the existing season in an attempt to

reconcile potentially conflicting management strategies for tundra and

trumpeter swans in the Pacific Flyway.

During the past year since the release of the supplemental EA,

actions occurred that have contributed to the Service revising and

reissuing both a draft and final EA on this issue

t 5 years of the experimental swan

season and made modifications to the existing season in an attempt to

reconcile potentially conflicting management strategies for tundra and

trumpeter swans in the Pacific Flyway.

During the past year since the release of the supplemental EA,

actions occurred that have contributed to the Service revising and

reissuing both a draft and final EA on this issue. First, the Service

and cooperators (Canadian Wildlife Service, numerous States and

Provinces, and private conservation groups) conducted a comprehensive

survey of the number and distribution of breeding trumpeter swans

throughout their known North American breeding range during the summer

of 2000, providing new information on the status and population trends

of trumpeter swans (Caithamer 2001). This new comprehensive survey

information documents the continued increase of the three recognized

Trumpeter swan populations in North America, both in numerical

abundance and in geographic range since the last comprehensive survey

in 1995. Second, we were challenged in a lawsuit directed at our

decision last year to allow a limited take of trumpeter swans in the

2000-01 swan hunting season, and as part of settling that lawsuit, we

agreed to re-initiate the NEPA process in 2001.

A swan season that also permitted the take of a limited number of

trumpeter swans in the Pacific Flyway was instituted in 1995. Prior to

that time, and beginning in 1962, a tundra swan only season had been in

effect. During the tundra swan seasons, it was known that some number

of trumpeter swans were taken by swan hunters who mistook them for

tundra swans. We looked at this very small take and concluded that any

impact on trumpeter swan populations would be minor. Because of that

conclusion, we decided to authorize a limited take incidental to the

hunting of tundra swans. This limited take was authorized in an attempt

to reconcile potentially conflicting strategies for managing two swan

species in the Pacific Flyway

took them for

tundra swans. We looked at this very small take and concluded that any

impact on trumpeter swan populations would be minor. Because of that

conclusion, we decided to authorize a limited take incidental to the

hunting of tundra swans. This limited take was authorized in an attempt

to reconcile potentially conflicting strategies for managing two swan

species in the Pacific Flyway. The potentially conflicting strategies

are: (1) To enhance the winter range distribution of the less abundant

RMP of trumpeter swans by severely restricting or eliminating swan

hunting in portions of the Pacific Flyway currently open to hunting

these species, and (2) to optimize hunting of the more numerous and

widely distributed Western Population (WP) of tundra swans in the

Pacific Flyway.

We issued a FONSI in August of 1995 and again in July of 2000 after

assessing impacts in two previous EAs on this issue. The proposed

actions in these EAs represented a balance between the two competing

management strategies by establishing a general swan season in portions

of Montana, Utah, and Nevada that allowed the taking of any species of

swan (Cygnus sp.) subject to the following conditions:

(1) A limited quota on the take of trumpeter swans, which, upon

being reached, would trigger the cessation of all swan hunting in the

designated area,

(2) Modification of the already limited take and restricted seasons

on tundra swans to enhance the likelihood that trumpeter swans would be

successful in expanding their winter range, and,

swan (Cygnus sp.) subject to the following conditions:

(1) A limited quota on the take of trumpeter swans, which, upon

being reached, would trigger the cessation of all swan hunting in the

designated area,

(2) Modification of the already limited take and restricted seasons

on tundra swans to enhance the likelihood that trumpeter swans would be

successful in expanding their winter range, and,

(3) The development and implementation of a program to monitor the

effectiveness of this action.

Under the new proposed action, identified in the 2001 EA (Trost et

al. 2001), we would continue to establish a hunting season for tundra

swans with an authorization of a small take of trumpeter swans in

designated portions of Montana, Utah and Nevada, within the Pacific

Flyway. Constraints imposed upon swan hunting seasons implemented last

year would be continued. Additionally, specific areas open to swan

hunting in Montana, Utah and Nevada would remain as defined in the

2000-01 regulations. Further, included is a new requirement for the

development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the State of

Utah and the Service detailing monitoring, hunter training, and season

closure procedures for the experimental swan hunt in Utah.

A notice of availability of the draft EA was published in the

Federal Register on April 25, 2001 (66 FR 20828). In addition, the

draft EA was posted on the Division of Migratory Bird Management's web

page and mailed to all organizations and private individuals who

requested copies. We carefully reviewed all public comments. The

comments were considered in light of the analysis in the EA. The EA

addressed all substantive comments received during the 30-day comment

period. Copies of the EA and the Finding of No Significant Impact are

available at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES or from

our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov

s who

requested copies. We carefully reviewed all public comments. The

comments were considered in light of the analysis in the EA. The EA

addressed all substantive comments received during the 30-day comment

period. Copies of the EA and the Finding of No Significant Impact are

available at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES or from

our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

Additionally, although not directly related to the issue of hunting

seasons, we have continued to provide a leadership role in attempting

to enhance trumpeter swan status and breeding

distribution within the Pacific Flyway through increased efforts

directed at establishment of breeding trumpeter swans in suitable

habitats throughout the Pacific Flyway. We have recently provided

funding for production of cygnets for later reintroduction into

suitable habitat. We would also continue to support cooperative efforts

to address the winter distribution issues by working with State, non-

governmental organizations (NGO) and individual partners. We would

support limited winter capture and translocation on a case-by-case

basis when circumstances develop that warrant such activity. We do not

plan to employ winter translocations as the primary method to address

the winter distribution problem of RMP trumpeter swans. Rather,

translocation will be employed as a method to limit risk to swans from

direct over-winter mortality, on an as needed basis.

Continued progress toward development of the implementation plan

(Bouffard et al. 2001) has occurred. We believe the actions outlined in

the plan will help address concerns regarding the number of swans

nesting in the Tristate area and help establish new winter distribution

patterns. Evidence suggests current and past management activities have

made progress toward improving the winter distribution situation

(Bouffard 2000). We expect that further actions will continue to

improve the status and distribution of RMP trumpeter swans

plan will help address concerns regarding the number of swans

nesting in the Tristate area and help establish new winter distribution

patterns. Evidence suggests current and past management activities have

made progress toward improving the winter distribution situation

(Bouffard 2000). We expect that further actions will continue to

improve the status and distribution of RMP trumpeter swans. We will

continue implementation efforts to the greatest extent possible.

We appreciate the continued support of The Trumpeter Swan Society

(TSS) in the development of a more comprehensive implementation plan to

achieve the goals and objectives of the 1998 Pacific Flyway Management

Plan for the RMP of trumpeter swans. We remain committed to the goals

and objectives of this plan and will continue to work with all partners

to achieve these objectives. We have carefully considered all the input

received from the TSS and other concerned agencies, organizations and

individuals. In particular, we reconsidered the request to close all

areas in Utah and Nevada to any legal take of Trumpeter swans and to

close the Bear River Refuge in Utah to all swan hunting. After a review

of the situation, the Service stands behind it's conclusions in the

most recent Environmental Assessment regarding the need to implement

the specific recommendations of the TSS (Trost et al. 2001: pages 31-32

and 41-45). We acknowledge a wide disparity of opinion regarding the

potential impact of a limited take of trumpeter swans in Utah and

Nevada on achieving the goals and objectives of the 1998 plan. Our

independent assessment is that the limited take allowed in these

seasons will not adversely impact management intended to achieve these

objectives and we conclude that the existing seasons should be

maintained as described in the Final EA on this issue.

Public Comment Invited

t of a limited take of trumpeter swans in Utah and

Nevada on achieving the goals and objectives of the 1998 plan. Our

independent assessment is that the limited take allowed in these

seasons will not adversely impact management intended to achieve these

objectives and we conclude that the existing seasons should be

maintained as described in the Final EA on this issue.

Public Comment Invited

The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable,

to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking

process. We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as

possible to all concerned interests and, therefore, seek the comments

and suggestions of the public, other concerned governmental agencies,

nongovernmental organizations, and other private interests on these

proposals. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written

comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed

regulations to the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Special circumstances involved in the establishment of these

regulations limit the amount of time that we can allow for public

comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time in which

the rulemaking process must operate: (1) The need to establish final

rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected State

agencies to adjust their licensing and regulatory mechanisms; and (2)

the unavailability, before mid-June, of specific, reliable data on this

year's status of some waterfowl and migratory shore and upland game

bird populations. Therefore, we believe that to allow comment periods

past the dates specified is contrary to the public interest.

Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting

regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received.

Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to

final regulations that differ from these proposals

ore and upland game

bird populations. Therefore, we believe that to allow comment periods

past the dates specified is contrary to the public interest.

Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting

regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received.

Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to

final regulations that differ from these proposals. You may inspect

comments received on the proposed annual regulations during normal

business hours at the Service's office in room 634, 4401 North Fairfax

Drive, Arlington, Virginia. For each series of proposed rulemakings, we

will establish specific comment periods. We will consider, but possibly

may not respond in detail to, each comment. However, as in the past, we

will summarize all comments received during the comment period and

respond to them in the final rule.

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.

Additionally, issues pertaining to swan hunting in the Pacific

Flyway were covered under a separate NEPA document, ``Swan Hunting in

the Pacific Flyway,'' issued June 14, 2001, with a Finding of No

Significant Impact issued June 14, 2001. Copies are available from the

address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

s indicated

under the caption ADDRESSES.

Additionally, issues pertaining to swan hunting in the Pacific

Flyway were covered under a separate NEPA document, ``Swan Hunting in

the Pacific Flyway,'' issued June 14, 2001, with a Finding of No

Significant Impact issued June 14, 2001. Copies are available from the

address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

Prior to issuance of the 2001-02 migratory game bird hunting

regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act

of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act) to

ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence

of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or

destroy its critical habitat and that the proposed action is consistent

with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under

Section 7 of this Act may cause us to change proposals in this and

future supplemental proposed rulemakings.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

While this individual supplemental rule was not reviewed by the

Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the migratory bird hunting

regulations are economically significant and are annually reviewed by

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?

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 on a substantial

number of small entities. 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

million and $1.084 billion at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the

Analysis are available upon request from the address indicated under

the caption ADDRESSES.

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

airness 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. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed

under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are

utilized 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 control

number 1018-0015 (expires 09/30/2001). 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. 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 Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this

rulemaking will not ``significantly or uniquely'' affect small

governments, and will not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or

more in any given year on local or State government or private

entities. Therefore, this proposed rule is not a ``significant

regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform--E.O. 12988

The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined

that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the

requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Energy Effects--E.O. 13211

nt or private

entities. Therefore, this proposed rule is not a ``significant

regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform--E.O. 12988

The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined

that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the

requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Energy Effects--E.O. 13211

On May 18, 2001, the President issued an Executive Order (E.O.

13211) on regulations that significantly affect energy supply,

distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare

Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While

this supplemental proposed rule is a significant regulatory action

under E.O. 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy

supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this proposed action is not

a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is

required.

Takings Implication Assessment

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule 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, this rule

will allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges, and,

therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public

property.

Federalism Effects

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, this rule

will allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges, and,

therefore, reduces 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 and employ guidelines to establish

special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands.

This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to

determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe

may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The

frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with 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. 13132,

these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not

have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a

Federalism Assessment.

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 2001-02

hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742

a-j.

Dated: August 15, 2001.

Joseph E. Doddridge,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

lism Assessment.

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 2001-02

hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742

a-j.

Dated: August 15, 2001.

Joseph E. Doddridge,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2001-02 Late Hunting Seasons on

Certain Migratory Game Birds

Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated

authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths,

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

which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between

the dates of September 1, 2001, and March 10, 2002.

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)

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

High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that

portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian.

Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below,

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

species:

Dark geese--Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all other

goose species except light geese.

Light geese--snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.

Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related

to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this

document.

Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season

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

listed below by Flyway.

Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway

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

Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday

hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to

all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots).

Atlantic Flyway

l provisions are

listed below by Flyway.

Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway

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

Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday

hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to

all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots).

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between October 1 and

January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except canvasbacks which

may not exceed 20 consecutive days, and daily bag limit of 6 ducks,

including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1

pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2

redheads, 1 canvasback, and 4 scoters.

Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.

Sea Ducks: 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.

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

which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

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

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

Champlain Zone of Vermont.

Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and

shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone

of New Hampshire

which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

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

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

Champlain Zone of Vermont.

Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and

shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone

of New Hampshire.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland,

North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split

their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,

New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West

Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their

seasons into two segments in each zone.

Canada Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific

regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. Unless specified

otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within

States where the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP)

goose seasons overlaps with special late season frameworks for resident

geese, the framework closing date for AP goose seasons is January 14.

Connecticut: North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: A 45-day season

may be held between October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag

limit.

Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 30-day season may be held between

last Saturday in October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird

daily bag limit.

South Zone: A special experimental season may be held between

January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Delaware: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and

January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between

November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit

en

January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Delaware: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and

January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between

November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Maine: A 45-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and

January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

Maryland: Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone: A 40-day

season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 2-bird

daily bag limit. The season may be split 3-ways. Additionally, an

experimental season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a

5-bird daily bag limit.

AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and

January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

Massachusetts: NAP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between

October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a

special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-

bird daily bag limit.

AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in

October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

New Hampshire: A 45-day season may be held statewide between

October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

New Jersey: Statewide: A 30-day season may be held between last

Saturday in October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag

limit.

Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held

in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

New York: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 1

and January 30, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

NAP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 1 and January

20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit

pecial Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held

in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to

February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

New York: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 1

and January 30, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

NAP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 1 and January

20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held

between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in

designated areas of Chemung, Delaware, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan,

Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland

Counties.

AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in

October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

North Carolina: A 50-day season may be held between October 1 and

December 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit, except for the Northeast

Hunt

Unit and Northampton County, which is closed.

Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between

November 15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in

October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held

from January 15 to February 15 with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Pymatuning Zone: A 35-day season may be held between October 1 and

January 20, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

Rhode Island: A 45-day season may be held between October 1 and

January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. An experimental season may be

held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird

daily bag limit.

South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held

during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Vermont: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in

October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit

daily bag limit. An experimental season may be

held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird

daily bag limit.

South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held

during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

Vermont: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in

October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.

Virginia: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November

15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an

experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15,

with a 5-bird daily bag limit.

AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and

January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.

Back Bay Area: Season is closed.

West Virginia: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and

January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Light Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may

select a 107-day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird

daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons

into three segments, except in Delaware and Maryland, where, following

the completion of their duck season, and until March 10, Delaware and

Maryland may split the remaining portion of the season to hunt on

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.

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

a 50-day season between October 1 and January 20, with a 2-bird daily

bag limit. States may split their seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

etion of their duck season, and until March 10, Delaware and

Maryland may split the remaining portion of the season to hunt on

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.

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

a 50-day season between October 1 and January 20, with a 2-bird daily

bag limit. States may split their seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between the Saturday

nearest October 1 (September 29) and the Sunday nearest January 20

(January 20). Seasons in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee may extend

to January 31.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days (51 days in Alabama,

Mississippi, and Tennessee), except that the season for canvasbacks may

not exceed 20 consecutive days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks,

including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be

females), 3 mottled ducks, 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood

ducks, 1 canvasback, and 2 redheads.

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

a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag

limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only one of

which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

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

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

may select hunting seasons by zones.

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

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

each zone.

In Arkansas, Minnesota, and Mississippi, the season may be split

into three segments.

Geese: Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three

segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi

Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year

evaluation by each participating State

nsin, the season may be split into two segments in

each zone.

In Arkansas, Minnesota, and Mississippi, the season may be split

into three segments.

Geese: Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three

segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi

Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year

evaluation by each participating State.

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

seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily

between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and March 10; for

white-fronted geese not to exceed 86 days with 2 geese daily or 107

days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest October 1

(September 29) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17); and

for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1

brant daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and

January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific

regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general

provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside

dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest October 1 (September

29) and January 31.

Alabama: In the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Goose Zone,

the season for Canada geese may not exceed 50 days. Elsewhere, the

season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-

hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days. The

season may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

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

limited to 54,800 birds. The possession limit is 10 Canada geese.

(a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 70

days or when 7,250 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois

Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

o February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

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

limited to 54,800 birds. The possession limit is 10 Canada geese.

(a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 70

days or when 7,250 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois

Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

(b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 70

days or when 9,250 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois

Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

(c) South Zone--The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern

Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 16,550 and 2,100

birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will

close after 70 days or when the harvest limit has been reached,

whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the

Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of the following conditions exist

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

close the season by emergency order with 48 hours notice:

(1) Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200

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

(2) Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed

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

exceeding 10,000 birds.

In the remainder of the South Zone, the season may extend for 70

days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones have

been closed, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

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

limited to 19,200 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(a) North Zone: The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.

(b) SJBP Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.

(c) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 56 days.

whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

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

limited to 19,200 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(a) North Zone: The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.

(b) SJBP Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.

(c) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 56 days.

(d) Ohio River Zone

(1) Posey County--The season for Canada geese will close after 56

days or when the Canada goose harvest at Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife

Area

exceeds 960 birds, whichever occurs first.

(2) Remainder of the Ohio River Zone--The season may extend for 56

days.

Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2

Canada geese.

Kentucky: (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend

for 50 days (65 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited

to 11,520 birds. Of the 11,520-bird quota, 7,490 birds will be

allocated to the Ballard Reporting Area and 2,880 birds will be

allocated to the Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either

reporting area is reached prior to completion of the 50-day season, the

season in that reporting area will be closed. If the quotas in both the

Ballard and Henderson/Union reporting areas are reached prior to

completion of the 50-day season, the season in the counties and

portions of counties that comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in

State regulations) may continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed

a total of 50 days (65 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton

County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

(b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 50 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

es and

portions of counties that comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in

State regulations) may continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed

a total of 50 days (65 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton

County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada

geese.

(b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 50 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 50 days. The

daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days.

During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white-

fronted geese with an 86-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-

fronted goose with a 107-day season. Hunters participating in the

Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.

Michigan: (a) MVP Zone--The total harvest of Canada geese will be

limited to 30,950 birds. The framework opening date for all geese is

September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 17 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(1) Allegan County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 25

days or when 1,100 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The Canada goose season will close

after 25 days or when 350 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs

first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) SJBP Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is

September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50

days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50

days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The

daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

ys.

The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50

days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50

days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The

daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(c) Southern Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be

held between January 5 and February 3. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada

geese.

(d) Central Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be held

between January 5 and February 3. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada

geese.

Minnesota: (a) West Zone

(1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for

40 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 40 days

or when 12,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.

Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada

goose.

(2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend

for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40

days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

(c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend

for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--An experimental special

Canada goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in

the West Central and Lac qui Parle Goose zones. During the special

season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, except in the Southeast

Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2.

Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days.

The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.

Missouri: (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may

extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November

30. The season may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2

Canada geese.

ese, except in the Southeast

Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2.

Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days.

The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.

Missouri: (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may

extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November

30. The season may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2

Canada geese.

(b) Southeast Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70

days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1

segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada

geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.

(c) Remainder of the State--(1) North Zone--The season for Canada

geese may extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after

November 30. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1

segment of at least 9 days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag

limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese

thereafter.

(2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70

days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season

may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9

days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese

through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.

(3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days.

The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1

segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada

geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.

Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the

respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada

geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not

exceed 35 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special

experimental Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first

Saturday after January 10, may be held in selected areas of the State

season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the

respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada

geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not

exceed 35 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special

experimental Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first

Saturday after January 10, may be held in selected areas of the State.

During the special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

Tennessee: (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese will

close after 65 days or when 4,300 birds have been harvested, whichever

occurs first. The season may extend to February 15. A 3,000-bird

harvest quota will be monitored in the Reelfoot Quota Zone. The

remaining 1,300 quota will be assigned to the area outside the Reelfoot

Zone. If the quota in the Reelfoot Quota Zone is reached prior to

completion of the 65-day season, the season in the entire Northwest

Zone will close. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50

days, and the harvest will be limited to 500 birds. The daily bag limit

is 2 Canada geese.

(c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese may

extend for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

(d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend

for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.

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

limited to 46,000 birds. (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date

for all geese is September 17. The harvest of Canada geese is limited

to 16,900 birds. The season may not exceed 94 days. All Canada geese

harvested must be tagged.

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose, and the season limit will be the

number of tags issued to each permittee.

l harvest of Canada geese in the State will be

limited to 46,000 birds. (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date

for all geese is September 17. The harvest of Canada geese is limited

to 16,900 birds. The season may not exceed 94 days. All Canada geese

harvested must be tagged.

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose, and the season limit will be the

number of tags issued to each permittee.

(b) Collins Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is

September 17. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 600 birds. The

season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be

tagged. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose, and the season limit

will be the number of tags issued to each permittee.

(c) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is

September 22. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 24,000 birds,

with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season

may not exceed 70 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where

the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada

goose. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi

River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the

season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed

24,000 birds.

Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the

respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken

in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits

of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi

River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the

season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed

24,000 birds.

Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the

respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken

in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of

Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois,

Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois; Posey County

in Indiana; the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky; the

Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron

Goose Management Units in Michigan; the Lac Qui Parle Zone in

Minnesota; the Northwest Zone in Tennessee; and the Exterior Zone in

Wisconsin will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese in

the respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be closed

by either the Director upon giving public notice through local

information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of

closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and

time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between September 29

and January 20.

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:

(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that

portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian):

97 days, except canvasbacks which may not exceed 25 consecutive days,

and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no

more than 2 of which may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1

pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may

start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 8).

l Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian):

97 days, except canvasbacks which may not exceed 25 consecutive days,

and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no

more than 2 of which may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1

pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may

start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 8).

(2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days, except canvasbacks

which may not exceed 25 consecutive days, and a daily bag limit of 6

ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may

be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup,

and 2 wood ducks.

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

which may be a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in

the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck

bag limit, only one of which may be a hooded merganser.

Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.

Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana,

Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains

portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains

portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.

In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma,

South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into

two segments.

In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.

Geese: Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three

segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central

Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-

year evaluation by each participating State.

Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the

outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and the

Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17). For light geese, outside

dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October

1 (September 29) and March 10

Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-

year evaluation by each participating State.

Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the

outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and the

Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17). For light geese, outside

dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October

1 (September 29) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area

(East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions

consistent with the experimental late-winter snow goose hunting

strategy endorsed by the Central Flyway Council in July 1999, are

required.

Season Lengths and Limits:

Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed

107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession

limit.

Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South

Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season

for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted

geese) not to exceed 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Additionally,

in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season of 107 days

with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. For white-

fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 86 days with

a bag limit of 2 or a 107-day season with a bag limit of 1.

In South Dakota, for Canada geese in the Big Stone Power Plant Area

of Dark Goose Unit 1, the daily bag limit is 3 until November 30 and 2

thereafter.

In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select

seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5

in the aggregate.

In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 107

days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose

species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for

white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

n Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select

seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5

in the aggregate.

In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 107

days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose

species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for

white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules:

Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days and daily bag

limit of 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female

mallards, 1 pintail, 4 scaup, 2 redheads. The season on canvasbacks is

closed, except one canvasback may be included in the daily bag for 38

consecutive days within the Pacific Flyway duck season. A single

canvasback may also be included in the 7-bird daily bag limit for

designated youth-hunt days.

The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside

dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.

Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag

and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules

are 25, singly or in the aggregate.

Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September

29) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 20).

Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,

Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.

Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington

may split their seasons into two segments.

Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons

into three segments.

Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the

same as seasons and limits selected in the

ifornia, Idaho, Nevada,

Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.

Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington

may split their seasons into two segments.

Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons

into three segments.

Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the

same as seasons and limits selected in the

adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).

Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as

subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates

between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29), and the Sunday

nearest January 20 (January 20), and the basic daily bag limits are 3

light geese and 4 dark geese, except in California, Oregon, and

Washington, where the dark goose bag limit does not include brant.

Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be

split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese

and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each

participating State.

Brant Season--A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in

Oregon. A 16-day season may be selected in Washington, and this season

may be split into 2-segments. A 30-consecutive-day season may be

selected in California. In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant

and is in addition to dark goose limits.

Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.

California: Northeastern Zone--White-fronted geese and cackling

Canada geese may be taken only during the first 44 days of the goose

season. The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2

dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or 1

Aleutian Canada goose.

Balance-of-the-State Zone--A 79-day season may be selected

na: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.

California: Northeastern Zone--White-fronted geese and cackling

Canada geese may be taken only during the first 44 days of the goose

season. The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2

dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or 1

Aleutian Canada goose.

Balance-of-the-State Zone--A 79-day season may be selected. Limits

may not include more than 3 geese per day, of which not more than 2 may

be white-fronted geese and not more than 1 may be a cackling Canada

goose or Aleutian Canada goose. Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State

Zone are restricted in the hunting of certain geese:

(1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no

open season for Canada geese, except for the Special September Canada

goose hunt in Humboldt County.

(2) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the

season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 14, and,

in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East), there will be

no open season for Canada geese.

(3) In the San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area, there will

be no open season for Canada geese.

Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag

limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or Aleutian

Canada goose.

Lake County Zone--The daily dark goose bag limit may not include

more than 2 white-fronted geese.

Western Zone--In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except

for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. In

the designated areas, individual quotas will be established that

collectively will not exceed 165 dusky Canada geese. See section on

quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark

geese is 4 and may include no more than 1 Aleutian Canada goose.

Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties west of US

101 and all of Tillamook and Lincoln Counties

Canada geese. In

the designated areas, individual quotas will be established that

collectively will not exceed 165 dusky Canada geese. See section on

quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark

geese is 4 and may include no more than 1 Aleutian Canada goose.

Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties west of US

101 and all of Tillamook and Lincoln Counties.

Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese

but not more than 3 light geese.

Southwest Quota Zone--In the Special Goose Management Area, except

for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. In

the designated areas, individual quotas will be established that

collectively will not exceed 85 dusky Canada geese. See section on

quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and

may include 4 cackling Canada geese. In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B

(Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties) the dark goose bag limit may

include 1 Aleutian Canada goose.

Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.

Idaho: Northern Unit--The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4

dark geese, but not more than 3 light geese.

Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit--The daily bag limit on dark

geese is 4.

Montana: West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone--The daily bag

limit of dark geese is 4.

Nevada: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 except in the

Lincoln and Clark County Zone, where the daily bag limit of dark geese

is 2.

New Mexico: The daily bag limit of dark geese is 3.

Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.

Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.

Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of

individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated

areas of Oregon and Washington

the

Lincoln and Clark County Zone, where the daily bag limit of dark geese

is 2.

New Mexico: The daily bag limit of dark geese is 3.

Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.

Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.

Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of

individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated

areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the

regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any

extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days, and the

established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting

of dark geese in those designated areas will only be by hunters

possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a

Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative

information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing

the take of dusky Canada geese. If the monitoring program cannot be

conducted, for any reason, the season must immediately close. In the

designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a special late dark

goose season may be held between the Saturday following the close of

the general goose season and March 10. In the Special Canada Goose

Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing date is extended to

the Sunday closest to March 1 (March 3). Regular dark goose seasons may

be split into 3 segments within the Oregon and Washington quota zones.

The 3-way split seasons are considered experimental for this year. An

evaluation of the 3-way split seasons is required and must be submitted

by July 2002.

Swans: In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway

portion of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans

may be selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize

each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may

open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29)

s is required and must be submitted

by July 2002.

Swans: In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway

portion of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans

may be selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize

each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may

open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29). The

States must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the

species composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the

harvest-monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or

their species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal

biologists for the purpose of species classification. All States should

use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing

bagged swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting

bill-measurement and color information. All States must achieve at

least an 80-percent compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be

reduced by 10 percent. All States must provide to the Service by June

30, 2002, a report covering harvest, hunter participation, reporting

compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt

areas. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions:

In Utah, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued. The season must

end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 9) or upon

attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs

earliest. Utah must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the

Service regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and

education requirements for swan seasons in Utah.

ditions:

In Utah, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued. The season must

end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 9) or upon

attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs

earliest. Utah must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the

Service regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and

education requirements for swan seasons in Utah.

In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must

end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 6) or upon

attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs

earliest.

In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must

end no later than December 1.

Tundra Swans: In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in

North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota (east of the Missouri

River), and Virginia, an open season for taking a limited number of

tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by States that

authorize the take of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second

permit may be issued to hunters from unused permits remaining after the

first drawing. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation

data. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions:

In the Atlantic Flyway

--The season will be experimental.

--The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31.

--In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued.

--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.

In the Central Flyway

--The season may be 107 days, from the Saturday nearest October 1

(September 29) to January 31.

--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits

may be issued.

--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.

--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and

Coots

Atlantic Flyway

way

--The season may be 107 days, from the Saturday nearest October 1

(September 29) to January 31.

--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits

may be issued.

--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.

--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and

Coots

Atlantic Flyway

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

South Zone: Remainder of the State.

Maine: North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east

along Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire and Maine border

to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north

and east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in

Auburn; then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of

Interstate Highway 95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to

Route 15 in Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east

along Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony

Brook to the United States border.

South Zone: Remainder of the State.

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

3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west

to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards

inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the

MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St.

bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.

Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the

Central Zone.

New Hampshire: Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a

line extending west from the Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the

city of Dover, south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury,

Durham, and Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter,

east to NH 51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire

Turnpike) in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border.

Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above

boundary and along the Massachusetts border crossing the Connecticut

River to Interstate 91 and northward in Vermont to Route 2, east to

102, northward to the Canadian border.

New Jersey: Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a

line beginning at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west

along the New York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to

the Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the

shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware

Bay.

North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and

north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70

to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on

U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania

border in the Delaware River.

South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or

the Coastal Zone.

New York: Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain

and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the

Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S

he turnpike to U.S. 206, north on

U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania

border in the Delaware River.

South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or

the Coastal Zone.

New York: Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain

and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the

Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of

Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and

around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South

Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the

Vermont border.

Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk

County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their

tidal waters.

Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.

Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake

Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81 to NY

31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along NY 13 to NY 49, east along

NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29,

east along NY 29 to I-87, north along I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20),

north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along

U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.

Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Pennsylvania: Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania

and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to

Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of

Presque Isle Peninsula.

Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone

and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of

Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80

ia: Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania

and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to

Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of

Presque Isle Peninsula.

Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone

and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of

Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.

North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone

and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-

180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.

South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.

Vermont: Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain

and that area north and west of the line extending from the New York

border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at

Vergennes; U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.

Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain

Zone and eastward of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at

Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to US 2; east along US 2 to VT

102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the Canadian

border.

Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of

the Interior Zone.

West Virginia: Zone 1: That portion outside the boundaries in Zone

2.

Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line

extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV

93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to

Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64

west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79

north to I-68; I-68 east to the Maryland border; and along the border

to the point of beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

ending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV

93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to

Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64

west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79

north to I-68; I-68 east to the Maryland border; and along the border

to the point of beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama: South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.

Illinois: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line

extending east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to

Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80

to the Indiana border.

Central Zone: That portion of the State 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.

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

t

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.

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 Road 56, east along State

Road 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 Highway 37, southeast along State Highway 37 to U.S. Highway 59,

south along U.S. 59 to Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to

the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Kentucky: West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler,

Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.

East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.

Louisiana: West Zone: That portion of the State west and south of a

line extending south from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3

to Bossier City, east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south

along Louisiana 7 to Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro,

south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to

the Mississippi State line.

East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.

Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those

portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's

Arm. See State regulations for additional information.

Michigan: North Zone: The Upper Peninsula

g Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro,

south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to

the Mississippi State line.

East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.

Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those

portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's

Arm. See State regulations for additional information.

Michigan: North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

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, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10

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

to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the

centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of

the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles

into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to

the Canadian border.

South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Missouri: North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line

running west from the Illinois border (Lock and Dam 25) on Lincoln

County Highway N to Missouri Highway 79; south on Missouri Highway 79

to Missouri Highway 47; west on Missouri Highway 47 to Interstate 70;

west on Interstate 70 to U.S. Highway 54; south on U.S. Highway 54 to

U.S. Highway 50; west on U.S. Highway 50 to the Kansas border.

South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west

from the Illinois border on Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 55; south

on Interstate 55 to U.S. Highway 62; west on U.S

y 79

to Missouri Highway 47; west on Missouri Highway 47 to Interstate 70;

west on Interstate 70 to U.S. Highway 54; south on U.S. Highway 54 to

U.S. Highway 50; west on U.S. Highway 50 to the Kansas border.

South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west

from the Illinois border on Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 55; south

on Interstate 55 to U.S. Highway 62; west on U.S. Highway 62 to

Missouri Highway 53; north on Missouri Highway 53 to Missouri Highway

51; north on Missouri Highway 51 to U.S. Highway 60; west on U.S.

Highway 60 to Missouri Highway 21; north on Missouri Highway 21 to

Missouri Highway 72; west on Missouri Highway 72 to Missouri Highway

32; west on Missouri Highway 32 to U.S. Highway 65; north on U.S.

Highway 65 to U.S. Highway 54; west on U.S. Highway 54 to the Kansas

border.

Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.

Ohio: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line

extending east from the Indiana border along U.S. Highway 30 to State

Route 37, south along SR 37 to SR 95, east along SR 95 to LaRue-

Prospect Road, east along LaRue-Prospect Road to SR 203, south along SR

203 to SR 739, east along SR 739 to SR 4, north along SR 4 to SR 309,

east along SR 309 to U.S. 23, north along U.S. 23 to SR 231, north

along SR 231 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 42, north along SR 42

to SR 603, south along SR 603 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 60,

south along SR 60 to SR 39/60, east along SR 39/60 to SR 39, east along

SR 39 to SR 241, east along SR 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30

to the West Virginia border.

South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.

Tennessee: Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion

Counties.

State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.

Wisconsin: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line

extending east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to

State 27, south along State 27 and 77 to U.S

R 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30

to the West Virginia border.

South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.

Tennessee: Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion

Counties.

State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.

Wisconsin: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line

extending east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to

State 27, south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and

continuing south along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east

along County B to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south

along State 27 to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along

State 27 to U.S. 12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10,

east on U.S. 10 to State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north

along State 42 to State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north

along State 163 to Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A

to State 57, north along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line,

west along the Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line,

west along the Door/Brown County Line

to the Door/Oconto/Brown County Line, northeast along the Door/Oconto

County Line to the Marinette/Door County Line, northeast along the

Marinette/Door County Line to the Michigan border.

South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.

Central Flyway

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

283.

Low Plains Early Zone: That area of Kansas east of U.S. 283, and

generally west of a line beginning at the Junction of the Nebraska

border and KS 28; south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. 36 to KS 199;

south on KS 199 to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co. Road

563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on

Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road

765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281;

north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on

U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to

U.S

to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co. Road

563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on

Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road

765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281;

north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on

U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to

U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I-135; south on I-

135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S.

56; west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; and west

on U.S. 54 to U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; southwest on U.S.

56 to U.S. 283.

Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion): Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine,

Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden

Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder

River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley,

Wheatland, Wibaux, and Yellowstone.

Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.

Nebraska: High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of

highways U.S. 183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota border to

Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 92 to Arnold,

NE 40 and NE 47 through Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S.

283 to the Kansas border.

Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High

Plains Zone and north and west of a line extending from the South

Dakota border along NE 26E Spur to NE 12, west on NE 12 to the Knox/

Boyd County line, south along the county line to the Niobrara River and

along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 (the High Plains Zone line). Where

the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1.

Low Plains Zone 2: Area bounded by designated Federal and State

highway's and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska

border on U.S. Hwy. 73; north to NE Hwy. 67 north to U.S

ounty line, south along the county line to the Niobrara River and

along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 (the High Plains Zone line). Where

the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1.

Low Plains Zone 2: Area bounded by designated Federal and State

highway's and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska

border on U.S. Hwy. 73; north to NE Hwy. 67 north to U.S. Hwy 136; east

to the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north to Federal Levee R-562; north and

west to the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way; north to

NE Hwy 2; west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE Hwy. 43;

north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east to NE Hwy. 63; north and west to U.S. Hwy.

77; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 81; south to NE Hwy. 66;

west to NE Hwy. 14; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; south to

U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrrel Rd. (Hall/Hamilton county line);

south to Giltner Rd.; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to U.S. Hwy. 34;

west to NE Hwy 10; north to County Road ``R'' (Kearney County) and

County Road #742 (Phelps County); west to County Road #438 (Gosper

County line); south along County Road #438 (Gosper County line) to

County Road #726 (Furnas County Line); east to County Road #438 (Harlan

County Line); south to U. S. Hwy 34; south and west to U.S. Hwy. 136;

east to NE Hwy. 10; south to the Kansas-Nebraska border.

Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding

Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.

Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south

of Zone 2.

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.

North Dakota: High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and

west of a line from the South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to

ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then

north along the County line to the Canadian border.

Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota

at portion of

the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.

South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

North Dakota: High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and

west of a line from the South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to

ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then

north along the County line to the Canadian border.

Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.

Oklahoma: High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and

Texas.

Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High

Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas border

along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S.

183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK

33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along

U.S. 412 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas border.

Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.

South Dakota: High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a

line beginning at the North Dakota border and extending south along

U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Road in Blunt,

south along Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34, east to SD 47, south to I-90,

east to SD 47, south to SD 49, south to Colome and then continuing

south on U.S. 183 to the Nebraska border.

North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the

High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along US 212 to SD

15, then north along SD 15 to Big Stone Lake at the Minnesota border.

South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles

Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to

Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S.

18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the

Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union

County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.

Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota

ry County east of SD 47, Charles

Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to

Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S.

18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the

Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union

County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.

Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.

Texas: High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line

extending south from the Oklahoma border along U.S. 183 to Vernon,

south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene,

south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio

International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.

Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of

the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International

Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San

Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana border at

Orange, Texas.

Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.

Wyoming (Central Flyway portion): Zone 1: The Counties of Converse,

Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Platte, and Washakie Counties; and the

portion of Park County east of the Shoshone National Forest boundary

and south of a line beginning where the Shoshone National Forest

boundary meets Park County Road 8VC, east along Park County Road 8VC to

Park County Road 1AB, continuing east along Park County Road 1AB to

Wyoming Highway 120, north along WY Highway 120 to WY Highway 294,

south along WY Highway 294 to Lane 9, east along Lane 9 to Powel and WY

Highway 14A, and finally east along WY Highway 14A to the Park County

and Big Horn County line.

Zone 2: The reminder of Wyoming.

Pacific Flyway

ad 8VC, east along Park County Road 8VC to

Park County Road 1AB, continuing east along Park County Road 1AB to

Wyoming Highway 120, north along WY Highway 120 to WY Highway 294,

south along WY Highway 294 to Lane 9, east along Lane 9 to Powel and WY

Highway 14A, and finally east along WY Highway 14A to the Park County

and Big Horn County line.

Zone 2: The reminder of Wyoming.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows: South Zone: Those

portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and GMUs 10 and 12B-45.

North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within

Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.

California: Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying

east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of the Klamath

River with the California-Oregon line; south and west along the Klamath

River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; along Shovel Creek to its

intersection with Forest Service Road 46N05 at Burnt Camp; west to its

junction with Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east to its Junction

with County Road 7K007; south and west to its junction with Forest

Service Road 45N22; south and west to its junction with Highway 97 and

Grass Lake Summit; south along to its junction with Interstate 5 at the

town of Weed; south to its junction with Highway 89; east and south

along Highway 89 to main street Greenville; north and east to its

junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond

Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road;

south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the

junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89;

south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to

Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection

with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California-

Nevada state line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon state

lines west along the California-Oregon line state to the point of

origin

Colorado

st to the junction of Highway 89;

south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to

Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection

with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California-

Nevada state line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon state

lines west along the California-Oregon line state to the point of

origin

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

jon Pass; east and north along the crest

of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to

U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on

CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada

border.

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare

Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.

Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included

in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Idaho: Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall

Indian Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County;

Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir

drainage; and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.

Zone 2: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties:

Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir

drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of

U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the

Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas;

Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore

within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson;

Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within

the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley

Counties.

Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties:

Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that

additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S

he Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson;

Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within

the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley

Counties.

Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties:

Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that

additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 within the

Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; Cassia except within the Minidoka

National Wildlife Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem;

Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID

37 and ID 39 except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife

Refuge; Twin Falls; and Washington Counties.

Nevada: Lincoln and Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln

Counties.

Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.

Oregon: Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos,

Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill,

Washington, Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman,

Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla Counties.

Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and

Umatilla Counties.

Zone 2: The remainder of the State.

Utah: Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne,

Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber

Counties and that part of Toole County north of I-80.

Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.

Washington: East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail

and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.

West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

alt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber

Counties and that part of Toole County north of I-80.

Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.

Washington: East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail

and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.

West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut: NAP Zone: Statewide, except for Hartford and

Litchfield Counties west of the Connecticut River.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

South Zone: Same as for ducks.

North Zone: Same as for ducks.

Maryland: SJBP Zone: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett,

Washington counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of

Interstate 270 and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

Massachusetts: NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that

portion of the Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green

Harbor.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

Special Late Season Area: That portion of the Coastal Zone (see

duck zones) that lies north of Route 14, east of St. George Road, and

east of the Powder Point Bridge.

New Hampshire: Same zones as for ducks.

New Jersey: North--that portion of the State within a continuous

line that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the

Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to its

intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to

its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its

intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along

Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west along Route 94

to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State

boundary

ong the New York State boundary to its

intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to

its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its

intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along

Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west along Route 94

to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State

boundary

in the Delaware River to the beginning point.

South--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs

west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70;

then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to

Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along

Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck

Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40

to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue);

then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road

to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along

Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then

north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route

47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548

to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along

Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle

City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then

north to the beginning point.

New York: Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: That area of

Chemung County lying east of a continuous line extending south along

State Route 13 from the Schuyler County line to State Route 17 and then

south along Route 17 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary; all of

Tioga and Broome Counties; that area of Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange

Counties lying southwest of a continuous line extending east along

State Route 17 from the Broome County line to U.S

Chemung County lying east of a continuous line extending south along

State Route 13 from the Schuyler County line to State Route 17 and then

south along Route 17 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary; all of

Tioga and Broome Counties; that area of Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange

Counties lying southwest of a continuous line extending east along

State Route 17 from the Broome County line to U.S. Route 209 at

Wurtsboro and then south along Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania

boundary at Port Jervis, excluding areas on or within 50 yards of the

Delaware River between the confluence of the West Branch and East

Branch below Hancock and the mouth of the Shingle Kill (3 miles

upstream from Port Jervis); that area of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess,

Putnam and Westchester Counties lying southeast of a continuous line

extending north along Route 17 from the New York-New Jersey boundary at

Suffern to Interstate Route 87, then north along Route 87 to Interstate

Route 84, then east along Route 84 to the northern boundary of Putnam

County, then east along that boundary to the New York-Connecticut

boundary; that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying north of State

Route 25A and west of a continuous line extending northward from State

Route 25A along Randall Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road,

then east to Sound Road and then north to Long Island Sound and then

due north to the New York-Connecticut boundary.

Long Island (NAP) Zone: Same as Long Island Duck Zone.

Southwest (SJBP) Zone: All of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautaugua

Counties; that area of Erie, Wyoming and Niagara Counties lying south

and west of a continuous line extending from the Rainbow Bridge below

Niagara Falls, north along the Robert Moses Parkway to U.S. Route 62A,

then east along Route 62A to U.S. Route 62, then southeast along U.S

land (NAP) Zone: Same as Long Island Duck Zone.

Southwest (SJBP) Zone: All of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautaugua

Counties; that area of Erie, Wyoming and Niagara Counties lying south

and west of a continuous line extending from the Rainbow Bridge below

Niagara Falls, north along the Robert Moses Parkway to U.S. Route 62A,

then east along Route 62A to U.S. Route 62, then southeast along U.S.

Route 62 to Interstate Route 290, then south along Route 290 to Exit 50

of the NYS Thruway, then east along I-90 to State Route 98, then south

along State Route 98 to the Cattaraugus County line; and that area of

Steuben and Chemung Counties lying south of State Route 17.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

North Carolina: Regular Season for Canada Geese: Statewide, except

for the Northeast Hunt Unit.

Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie (that portion east of NC-

45, and that portion which is both west of U.S. 17, and east of U.S.-

13), Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Northhampton (that portion

which is both north of U.S.-158 and east of NC-35), Pasquotank,

Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.

Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: Area from the New York State line west of

U.S. Route 220 to intersection of I-180, west of I-180 to intersection

of SR 147, west of SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, west of

U.S. Route 322 to intersection of I-81, west of I-81 to intersection of

I-83, west of I-83 to I-283, west of I-283 to SR 441, west of SR 441 to

U.S. Route 30, west of U.S. Route 30 to I-83, west of I-83 to Maryland

State line, except for the Pymatuning Zone.

Pymatuning Zone: Area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to

the intersection of SR 18, to the intersection of U.S. Route 322/SR 18,

to the intersection of SR 3013, then south to the Crawford/Mercer

County line.

Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: Same as SJBP Zone and

the area from New York State line east of U.S. Route 220 to

intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, east of

SR 147 to intersection of U.S

o State line to

the intersection of SR 18, to the intersection of U.S. Route 322/SR 18,

to the intersection of SR 3013, then south to the Crawford/Mercer

County line.

Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: Same as SJBP Zone and

the area from New York State line east of U.S. Route 220 to

intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, east of

SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of Route 322 to

intersection of I-81, north of I-81 to intersection of I-80, north of

I-80 to New Jersey State line.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

Rhode Island: Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence

Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within

Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).

South Carolina: Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon

County and that portion of Lake Marion in Orangeburg County and

Berkeley County.

Vermont: Same zones as for ducks.

Virginia: SJBP Zone and Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese:

All areas west of I-95.

Back Bay Area: The waters of Back Bay and its tributaries and the

marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and marshes between Back Bay

and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and

on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent

thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly

known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent

thereto.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

West Virginia: Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

tween Back Bay

and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and

on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent

thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly

known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent

thereto.

AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

West Virginia: Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31,

north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of

Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County

south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.

Illinois: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

North Zone:

Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake, Kane,

DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north of

Interstate Highway 80.

Central Zone:

Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford,

Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun, and

Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of

Interstate Highway 80.

South Zone:

Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and

Williamson Counties.

Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.

Indiana: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties,

and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in

Pulaski County.

Iowa: Same zones as for ducks.

Kentucky: Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line

beginning at the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along

the Purchase

son Counties.

Indiana: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties,

and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in

Pulaski County.

Iowa: Same zones as for ducks.

Kentucky: Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line

beginning at the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along

the Purchase

Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641,

north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the

Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the

Henderson County line to the Indiana border.

Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning

at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and

extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along

the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on

the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along

the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to

U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the

northeast city limits of Wickliffe.

Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion

of Union County within the Western Zone.

Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and

Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the

Western Goose Zone.

Michigan: MVP Zone: The MVP Zone consists of an area north and west

of the point beginning at the southwest corner of Branch county, north

continuing along the western border of Branch and Calhoun counties to

the northwest corner of Calhoun county, then easterly to the southwest

corner of Eaton county, then northerly to the southern border of Ionia

county, then easterly to the southwest corner of Clinton county, then

northerly along the western border of Clinton County continuing

northerly along the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm counties to

the southern border of Isabella county, then easterl

northwest corner of Calhoun county, then easterly to the southwest

corner of Eaton county, then northerly to the southern border of Ionia

county, then easterly to the southwest corner of Clinton county, then

northerly along the western border of Clinton County continuing

northerly along the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm counties to

the southern border of Isabella county, then easterly to the southwest

corner of Midland county, then northerly along the west Midland county

border to Highway M-20, then easterly to U.S. Highway 10, then easterly

to U.S. Interstate 75/U.S. Highway 23, then northerly along I-75/U.S.

23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, then easterly on U.S. 23 to the

centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of

the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles

into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to

the Canadian border.

SJBP Zone is the rest of the state, that area south and east of the

boundary described above.

Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of

Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138

and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the

north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end

of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the

west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north

off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the

north boundary

he south by Michigan Highway 138

and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the

north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end

of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the

west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north

off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the

north boundary.

Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at

the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town

Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway

40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th

Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th

Street, northerly \1/2\ mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue,

westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly

along I-196 to the point of beginning.

Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by

Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57

on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.

Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the

boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the

Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29,

30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and

25, T10N R15W, as posted.

Special Canada Goose Seasons:

Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the

Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan

County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the

Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and

southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to

Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly

along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45)

in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake

Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Mi

ter Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and

southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to

Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly

along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45)

in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake

Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive

to the Wisconsin border.

Central Michigan GMU: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of

the Southern Michigan GMU but south of a line beginning at the

Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of

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