Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; Notice of Meetings

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 Early-Season Migratory

Bird Hunting Regulations; Notice of Meetings; Proposed Rule

Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AI93

Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season

Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; Notice of Meetings

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we)

is proposing to establish the 2003-04 early-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

maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early

seasons. Early seasons may open as early as September 1, and include

seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of specific

final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels

compatible with population status and habitat conditions.

imum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early

seasons. Early seasons may open as early as September 1, and include

seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of specific

final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels

compatible with population status and habitat conditions.

DATES: The Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee will meet to

consider and develop proposed regulations for late-season migratory

bird hunting and the 2004 spring/summer migratory bird subsistence

seasons in Alaska on July 30 and 31, 2003. All meetings will commence

at approximately 8:30 a.m. You must submit comments on the proposed

migratory bird hunting-season frameworks for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto

Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other early seasons by July 30, 2003, and

for the forthcoming proposed late-season frameworks and subsistence

hunting seasons in Alaska by August 30, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee will meet

in room 200 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Arlington Square

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

comments on the proposals to the Chief, Division of Migratory Bird

Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior,

ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 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 at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive,

Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Millsap, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel,

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

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 at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive,

Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Millsap, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel,

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

(703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2003

On May 6, 2003, we published in the Federal Register (68 FR 24324)

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, the proposed

regulatory alternatives for the 2003-04 duck hunting season, and other

regulations for migratory game birds under Sec. Sec. 20.101 through

20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 23, 2003, we published

in the Federal Register (68 FR 37362) a second document providing

supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird

hunting regulations frameworks and the regulatory alternatives for the

2003-04 duck hunting season. The June 23 supplement also provided

detailed information on the 2003-04 regulatory schedule and announced

the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway

Council meetings.

This document, the third in a series of proposed, supplemental, and

final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations,

deals specifically with proposed frameworks for early-season

regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may

select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession

limits for the 2003-04 season. We have considered all pertinent

comments received through June 27, 2003, on the May 6 and June 23,

2003, rulemaking documents in developing this document. In addition,

new proposals for certain early-season regulations are provided for

public comment

ead to final frameworks from which States may

select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession

limits for the 2003-04 season. We have considered all pertinent

comments received through June 27, 2003, on the May 6 and June 23,

2003, rulemaking documents in developing this document. In addition,

new proposals for certain early-season regulations are provided for

public comment. Comment periods are specified above under DATES. We

will publish final regulatory frameworks for early seasons in the

Federal Register on or about August 20, 2003.

Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee Meetings

Participants at the June 18-19, 2003, meetings reviewed information

on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and

developed 2003-04 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for

these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska,

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 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.

Participants at the previously announced July 30-31, 2003, meetings

will review information on the current status of waterfowl and develop

recommendations for the 2003-04 regulations pertaining to regular

waterfowl seasons and other species and seasons not previously

discussed at the early-season meetings. In accordance with Department

of the Interior policy, these meetings are open to public observation

and you may submit written comments to the Director of the Service on

the matters discussed.

Population Status and Harvest

The following paragraphs provide preliminary information on the

status of waterfowl and information on the status and harvest of

migratory shore and upland game birds.

May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey

erior policy, these meetings are open to public observation

and you may submit written comments to the Director of the Service on

the matters discussed.

Population Status and Harvest

The following paragraphs provide preliminary information on the

status of waterfowl and information on the status and harvest of

migratory shore and upland game birds.

May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey

Habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl have improved over last

year in the prairie survey areas, except for eastern South Dakota. Most

prairie areas had warm temperatures and plenty of rain this spring. Two

areas of dramatic improvement over the past several years were south-

central Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, where conditions went from

poor to good after much-needed precipitation relieved several years of

drought. Other areas in the prairies also improved in condition over

2002, but to a lesser extent. However, years of dry conditions in parts

of the United States and Canadian prairies, combined with agricultural

practices, have lessened the quality and quantity of residual nesting

cover and over-water nest sites in many regions. This could potentially

limit production for both dabbling and diving ducks, if the warm spring

temperatures and good moisture of 2003 does not result in rapid growth

of new cover. Eastern South Dakota was the one area of the prairies

where wetland habitat conditions were generally worse than last year,

mostly due to low soil moisture, little winter precipitation, and no

significant rainfall in April. By the time this region received several

inches of rain in May, most birds probably had overflown the area to

wetter conditions in other regions to the north and west.

In the northwestern survey areas, habitat was in generally good

condition and most areas had normal water levels. The exception was

northern Manitoba, where low water levels in small streams

d no

significant rainfall in April. By the time this region received several

inches of rain in May, most birds probably had overflown the area to

wetter conditions in other regions to the north and west.

In the northwestern survey areas, habitat was in generally good

condition and most areas had normal water levels. The exception was

northern Manitoba, where low water levels in small streams

and beaver ponds resulted in overall breeding habitat conditions that

were only fair. Warm spring temperatures arrived much earlier this year

than the exceptionally late spring last year. However, a cold snap in

early May could have hurt early-nesting species such as mallards and

pintails, particularly in the northern Northwest Territories.

Habitat conditions in the eastern survey area ranged from excellent

to fair. In the southern and western part of this survey area, water

and nesting cover were plentiful and temperatures were mild this

spring.

Habitat quality decreased to the north, especially in northern and

western Quebec, where many shallow marshes and bogs were either

completely dry or reduced to mudflats. Beaver-pond habitat was also

noticeably less common than normal. To the east in Maine and most of

the Maritime provinces, conditions were excellent, with adequate water,

vegetation, and warm spring temperatures.

Status of Teal

Breeding population estimates for blue-winged teal from surveyed

areas total 5.5 million blue-winged teal, which is above the 4.7

million needed to trigger the 16-day teal season in the Central and

Mississippi Flyways, and the 3.3 million needed to trigger the 9-day

teal season in the Atlantic Flyway.

Sandhill Cranes

adequate water,

vegetation, and warm spring temperatures.

Status of Teal

Breeding population estimates for blue-winged teal from surveyed

areas total 5.5 million blue-winged teal, which is above the 4.7

million needed to trigger the 16-day teal season in the Central and

Mississippi Flyways, and the 3.3 million needed to trigger the 9-day

teal season in the Atlantic Flyway.

Sandhill Cranes

The Mid-Continent Population of Sandhill Cranes has generally

stabilized at comparatively high levels, following increases in the

1970s. The Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, spring index for

2003, uncorrected for visibility, was 316,676 cranes. The most recent

photo-corrected 3-year average (for 2000-2002) was 375,875, which is

within the established population-objective range of 343,000-465,000

cranes. All Central Flyway States, except Nebraska, allowed crane

hunting in portions of their respective States in 2002-03. About 8,800

hunters participated in these seasons, which was 10 percent higher than

the number participating in the previous year. An estimated 16,650

cranes were harvested in the Central Flyway during 2001-02 seasons,

which was 11% higher than the previous year's estimate. Retrieved

harvests in the Pacific Flyway, Canada, and Mexico were estimated to be

about 11,650 cranes for the 2002-03 period. The total North American

sport harvest, including crippling losses, was estimated at 31,830,

which is similar to the previous year's estimate. The long-term trend

analysis for the Mid-Continent Population during 1982-2000 indicates

that harvests have been increasing at a higher rate than the trend in

population growth over the same period.

The fall 2002 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain

Population of sandhill cranes was 18,803, which was 12% higher than the

previous year's estimate of 16,559

ious year's estimate. The long-term trend

analysis for the Mid-Continent Population during 1982-2000 indicates

that harvests have been increasing at a higher rate than the trend in

population growth over the same period.

The fall 2002 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain

Population of sandhill cranes was 18,803, which was 12% higher than the

previous year's estimate of 16,559. Limited special seasons were held

during 2002 in portions of Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,

and Wyoming, resulting in a harvest of 639 cranes, which is 29% below

the previous year's record high harvest of 898 cranes.

Woodcock

Singing-Ground and Wing-Collection Surveys were conducted to assess

the population status of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor).

Singing-Ground Survey data for 2003 indicate that the numbers of

displaying woodcock in the Eastern and Central Regions were unchanged

from 2002 (P0.10); although the point estimates of the

trends were higher. Trends from the Singing-Ground Survey during 1993-

2003 were -1.3 and -1.6 percent change per year for the Eastern and

Central regions, respectively (P[email protected].

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.). In 1998, we analyzed the economic impacts of the

annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail, and

issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis). The 1998

Analysis documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a

substantial number of small entities and estimated that migratory bird

hunters would spend between $429 million and $1.084 billion at small

businesses in 1998. The primary source of information about hunter

expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Survey of

Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, which is

conducted at 5-year intervals

al economic effect on a

substantial number of small entities and estimated that migratory bird

hunters would spend between $429 million and $1.084 billion at small

businesses in 1998. The primary source of information about hunter

expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Survey of

Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, which is

conducted at 5-year intervals. The 1998 Analysis utilized the 1996

National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of

Commerce's County Business Patterns. In 2002, the results from the 2001

National Hunting and Fishing Survey were released. This year, we will

update the 1998 Analysis with information from the 2001 National

Hunting and Fishing Survey. Copies of the 1998 Analysis are available

upon request from the Division of Migratory Bird Management.

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 required by 5 U.S.C. 801 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

clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 10/31/2004). 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

hunting regulations.

Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements

of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned

clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 10/31/2004). This information is

used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to

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

better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information

collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and

assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 07/31/2003). The

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

geographical and temporal distribution of the harvest, and the portion

it constitutes of the total population.

A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not

required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays

a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements

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

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

year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this

rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded

Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 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 Executive Order 12988.

Takings Implication Assessment

rder 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of

Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this proposed

rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it

is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or

use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no

Statement of Energy Effects is required.

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 regarding the hunting of migratory

birds, and we 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

process 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 Executive Order 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 2003-04

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

a-j.

Dated: July 9, 2003.

Craig Manson,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

tion 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 2003-04

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

a-j.

Dated: July 9, 2003.

Craig Manson,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2003-04 Early Hunting Seasons on

Certain Migratory Game Birds

Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated

authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following

proposed frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, bag limits,

shooting hours, and outside dates within which States may select

hunting seasons for certain migratory game birds between September 1,

2003, and March 10, 2004.

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

Mourning Dove Management Units

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

and Louisiana.

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

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

Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

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

Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Woodcock Management Regions

Eastern Management Region--Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,

Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,

North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont,

Virginia, and West Virginia.

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

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

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

Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of

this document.

Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway

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

Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, 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).

Special September Teal Season

portion of

this document.

Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway

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

Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, 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).

Special September Teal Season

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

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

delineated by State regulations:

Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and

Virginia.

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

Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.

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

Mexico (part), Oklahoma, and Texas. The season in Nebraska is

experimental.

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 16 consecutive

days, except in the Atlantic Flyway and Nebraska in the Central Flyway,

where

the season may not exceed 9 consecutive days. The daily bag limit is 4

teal.

Shooting Hours:

Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset except in

Maryland, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

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

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

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

Special September Duck Seasons

ays. The daily bag limit is 4

teal.

Shooting Hours:

Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset except in

Maryland, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

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

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

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

Special September Duck Seasons

Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September

teal season, a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September.

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

aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.

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

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

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

season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest

September 20 (September 20). The daily bag and possession limits will

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

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

regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

Outside Dates: States may select two consecutive days (hunting days

in Atlantic Flyway States with compensatory days) per duck-hunting

zone, designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' in addition to

their regular duck seasons. The days must be held outside any regular

duck season on a weekend, holidays, or other non-school days when youth

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

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

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

other open season on migratory birds.

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

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

those allowed in the regular season

the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may

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

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

other open season on migratory birds.

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

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

those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area

restrictions would remain in effect.

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

Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age

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

accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt

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

day.

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits

l

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

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

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

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

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

exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons

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

selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland and Delaware. Seasons not to

exceed 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected for the Northeast

Hunt Unit of North Carolina, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Except for

experimental seasons described below, seasons may not exceed 25 days

during September 1-25 in the remainder of the Flyway. Areas open to the

hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated

as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 8 Canada geese

ted for the Northeast

Hunt Unit of North Carolina, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Except for

experimental seasons described below, seasons may not exceed 25 days

during September 1-25 in the remainder of the Flyway. Areas open to the

hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated

as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 8 Canada geese.

Experimental Seasons

Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 25 days during September

1-25 may be selected for the Montezuma Region of New York and the Lake

Champlain Region of New York and Vermont. Experimental seasons of up to

30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by Connecticut, Florida,

Georgia, New York (Long Island Zone), North Carolina (except in the

Northeast Hunt Unit), and South Carolina. Areas open to the hunting of

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

each State's hunting regulations.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 8 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons

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

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

may not extend beyond September 10, and in Minnesota (except in the

Northwest Goose Zone), where a season of up to 22 days during September

1-22 may be selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada

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

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

An experimental Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days

during September 1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw,

and Tuscola Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife

Refuge, Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point

Wildlife Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not

exceed 2 Canada geese.

Central Flyway

ing regulations.

An experimental Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days

during September 1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw,

and Tuscola Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife

Refuge, Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point

Wildlife Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not

exceed 2 Canada geese.

Central Flyway

General Seasons

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

selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open

to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and

designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Experimental Seasons

An experimental Canada goose season of up to 12 consecutive days

during September 16-27 may be selected by South Dakota. The daily bag

limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese.

An experimental Canada goose season of up to 9 consecutive days

during September 22-30 may be selected by Oklahoma. The daily bag limit

may not exceed 5 Canada geese.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons

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

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

Colorado may select a 9-day season during the period of September

1-15. The daily bag limit is 3.

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

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

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

period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 Canada geese.

Idaho may select a 7-day season in the special East Canada Goose

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

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

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

bag limit is 2.

Idaho may select a 7-day Canada goose season during the period

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

a 7-day season in the special East Canada Goose

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

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

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

bag limit is 2.

Idaho may select a 7-day Canada goose season during the period

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

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

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

5 Canada geese.

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

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

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

September portion of the sandhill crane season.

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

season.

3. A daily bag limit of 3, with season and possession limits of 6,

will apply to the special season.

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

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

regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 16 in

Wisconsin and Michigan. Season lengths, bag and possession limits, and

other provisions will be established during the late-season regulations

process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.

Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be

selected in designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas

(Area 2). Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in

designated portions of the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana,

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93

consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of the

following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

ay be

selected in designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas

(Area 2). Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in

designated portions of the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana,

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93

consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of the

following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, except 2 sandhill cranes in

designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2).

Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane

seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit and/or,

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

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

game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:

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

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

Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) subject to the following conditions:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.

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

days.

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

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

appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.

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

protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons

must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central

and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:

1. In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition

of the harvest in the experimental season is waived, and 100 percent of

the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;

2. In Arizona, the annual requirement for monitoring the racial

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

3

pproved by the Central

and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:

1. In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition

of the harvest in the experimental season is waived, and 100 percent of

the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;

2. In Arizona, the annual requirement for monitoring the racial

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

3. In Idaho, seasons are experimental, and the requirement for

monitoring the racial composition of the harvest is waived; 100 percent

of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota; and

4. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is

experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial

composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will

be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

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

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

(January 18) in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. States in the

Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons

between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are

late-season frameworks, and no frameworks are provided in this

document.

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

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

split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and

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

Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck

hunting.

Rails

no frameworks are provided in this

document.

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

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

split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and

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

Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck

hunting.

Rails

Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between

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

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

split into 2 segments.

Daily Bag Limits:

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

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

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

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

aggregate of the two species.

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

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

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

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

the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

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

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

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

where the season must end no later than January 31.

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

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

snipe.

Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck

hunting.

American Woodcock

Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select

hunting

ey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,

where the season must end no later than January 31.

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

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

snipe.

Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck

hunting.

American Woodcock

Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select

hunting

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

Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday

nearest September 22 (September 20) and January 31.

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

days in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the Central Region. The daily

bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two segments.

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

season in each zone may not exceed 24 days.

Band-tailed Pigeons

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

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.

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

days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band-tailed pigeons.

Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9

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

must close by October 3.

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

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.

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

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

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

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

not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

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

otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag

limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit

a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.

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

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

not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

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

otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag

limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit

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

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

of 15.

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

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

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

Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, may commence no earlier than September

20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season length, and

shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting zones.

Central Management Unit

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

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

of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.

Zoning and Split Seasons:

States may select hunting seasons in each of two zones. The season

within each zone may be split into not more than three periods.

Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three zones subject to

the following conditions:

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

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

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

concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove

frameworks).

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

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

and January 25.

C

ore than two periods,

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

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

concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove

frameworks).

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

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

and January 25.

C. Daily bag limits are aggregate bag limits with mourning, white-

winged, and white-tipped doves (see white-winged dove frameworks for

specific daily bag limit restrictions).

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

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

hunting zone.

Western Management Unit

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:

Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington--Not more than 30 consecutive

days with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning doves.

Nevada--Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag limit of

10 mourning doves, except in Clark and Nye Counties where the daily bag

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

aggregate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

limit is 10 mourning doves, except in Imperial, Riverside, and San

Bernardino Counties where the daily bag limit may not exceed 10

mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.

White-winged and White-tipped Doves

s in the aggregate, of which no more

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

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

limit is 10 mourning doves, except in Imperial, Riverside, and San

Bernardino Counties where the daily bag limit may not exceed 10

mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.

White-winged and White-tipped Doves

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:

Except as shown below, seasons must be concurrent with mourning

dove seasons.

Eastern Management Unit:

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

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

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

In the remainder of the Eastern Management Unit, the season is

closed.

Central Management Unit:

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

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

aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. In

addition, Texas also may select a hunting season of not more than 4

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

September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10

white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of

which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped

doves.

In the remainder of the Central Management Unit, the daily bag

limit may not exceed 12 (15 under the alternative) mourning and white-

winged doves in the aggregate.

Western Management Unit:

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

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

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

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

doves

eed 12 (15 under the alternative) mourning and white-

winged doves in the aggregate.

Western Management Unit:

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

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

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

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

doves.

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

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

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

aggregate.

In the remainder of the Western Management Unit, the season is

closed.

Alaska

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.

Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for

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

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

each zone must be concurrent.

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

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

emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's eiders.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits:

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

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

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

24, respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1

canvasback daily and 3 in possession and may not include sea ducks.

In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck

limits of 10 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate,

including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks.

Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks,

long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers.

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

6.

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

8

0 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate,

including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks.

Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks,

long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers.

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

6.

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

8.

Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:

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

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

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

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

must check in and check out. The bag limit is 1 daily and 1 in

possession. The season will close if incidental harvest includes 5

dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada

goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length

between 40 and 50 millimeters.

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

prohibited.

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

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

Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.

Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.

Sandhill cranes--Bag and possession limits of 2 and 4,

respectively, in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones,

and Unit 17 in the Northern Zone. In the remainder of the Northern Zone

(outside Unit 17), bag and possession limits of 3 and 6, respectively.

Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject

to the following conditions:

1. All seasons are by registration permit only.

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

3. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, an experimental season may be

selected. No more than 200 permits may be issued for this during the

experimental season

limits of 3 and 6, respectively.

Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject

to the following conditions:

1. All seasons are by registration permit only.

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

3. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, an experimental season may be

selected. No more than 200 permits may be issued for this during the

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

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

evaluation of the season must be completed, adhering to the guidelines

for experimental seasons as described in the Pacific Flyway Management

Plan for the Western Population of (tundra) Swans.

4. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 18, no more than 500 permits may

be issued during the operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be

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

per season.

5. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the

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

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

per season.

6. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the

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

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

Hawaii

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative)

for mourning doves.

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

doves.

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

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

subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Between October 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative)

for mourning doves.

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

doves.

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

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

subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 15 Zenaida,

mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which not more

than 3 may be mourning doves. Not to exceed 5 scaly-naped pigeons.

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

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

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

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.

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

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

two segments.

Daily Bag Limits:

Ducks--Not to exceed 6.

Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.

Common snipe--Not to exceed 8.

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

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

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

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

and Caribbean coot.

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

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

Virgin Islands

y duck, white-

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

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

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

and Caribbean coot.

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

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

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons:

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.

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

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

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

doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.

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

Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).

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

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

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

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

pigeon.

Ducks

Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.

Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.

Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.

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

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

and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

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

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

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

accordance with the following:

Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined

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

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

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

into a maximum of 3 segments.

select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in

accordance with the following:

Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined

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

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

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

into a maximum of 3 segments.

Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March

10.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession

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

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

falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular

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

extended falconry season.

Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and

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

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

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

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Mourning and White-winged Doves

Alabama

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

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

North Zone--Remainder of the State.

California

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

Bernardino Counties.

Florida

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

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

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

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

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

and east of the St. Marks River).

South Zone--Remainder of State.

Georgia

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

running west to east along U.S

nta Rosa, Walton,

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

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

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

and east of the St. Marks River).

South Zone--Remainder of State.

Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence

southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of Jeff

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

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

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

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

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

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

thence east along the northern border of Evans County to U.S. Highway

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

line.

South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Louisiana

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

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

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

Mississippi State line.

South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Nevada

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

Carolina

line.

South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Louisiana

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

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

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

Mississippi State line.

South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Nevada

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

Texas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of Mexico.

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

Willacy Counties.

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

South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

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

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

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

of Mexico.

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

Willacy Counties.

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

South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

California

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

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

Counties.

South Zone--The remainder of the State.

New Mexico

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

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

Socorro to the Texas State line.

South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Washington

Western Washington--The State of Washington excluding those

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

White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

New Jersey

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

South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Special September Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

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

South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Maryland

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

Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot,

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

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

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

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

Prince George's Counties west of I-95.

Massachusetts

Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending

south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10,

south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut

border

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

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

Prince George's Counties west of I-95.

Massachusetts

Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending

south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10,

south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut

border.

Central Zone--That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone

and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-

95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on

MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west

to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards

inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the

MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St.

bridge will be in the Coastal Zone.

Coastal Zone--That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the

Central Zone.

New York

Lake Champlain Zone--The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that

area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian

border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south

along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the

shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay;

southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont

border.

Long Island Zone--That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk

County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their

tidal waters.

Western Zone--That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone.

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

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

of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34

al waters.

Western Zone--That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone.

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

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

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

Northeastern Zone--That area north of a line extending from Lake

Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south

along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to

NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along

I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along

NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive

of the Lake Champlain Zone.

Southeastern Zone--The remaining portion of New York.

North Carolina

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

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

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 U.S. 2; east along U.S. 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.

Mississippi Flyway

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 U.S. 2; east along U.S. 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.

Mississippi Flyway

Illinois

Northeast Canada Goose Zone--Cook, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee,

Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

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

Goose Zone and north of a line extending east from the Iowa border

along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280

to I-80, then east along I-80 to the Indiana border.

Central Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast

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

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

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

Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along

Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161,

east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to

Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north

and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east

along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along

the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana

border.

South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.

Iowa

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,

southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to

Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula

order.

South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.

Iowa

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,

southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to

Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line

beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the

mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

line directly northeast to the Canada border.

South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Minnesota

Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone--

A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

C

es.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco

Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco

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

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

along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; thence north

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

on CSAH 10 to CSAH 30; thence north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25;

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

the Carver County line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

east to the east boundary of the State.

ninger.

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

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

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

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

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

east to the east boundary of the State.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southeast Goose Zone--That part of the State within the following

described boundaries: beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52

and the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone;

thence along the U.S. Highway 52 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 57;

thence along STH 57 to the municipal boundary of Kasson; thence along

the municipal boundary of Kasson County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13,

Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 to STH 30; thence along STH 30 to

U.S. Highway 63; thence along U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary of

the State; thence along the south and east boundaries of the State to

the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence

along said boundary to the point of beginning.

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

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

Southeast Goose Zone

along U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary of

the State; thence along the south and east boundaries of the State to

the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence

along said boundary to the point of beginning.

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

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

Southeast Goose Zone.

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

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

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

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

to the North Dakota border.

Tennessee

Middle Tennessee Zone--Those portions of Houston, Humphreys,

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

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

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

Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson

Counties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Counties.

Wisconsin

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

line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan

border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22,

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

State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State

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

ies.

Wisconsin

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

line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan

border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22,

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

State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State

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

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

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

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

the Illinois border.

Early-Season Subzone B--The remainder of the State.

Central Flyway

Kansas

September Canada Goose Kansas City/Topeka Unit--That part of Kansas

bounded by a line from the Kansas-Missouri State line west on K-68 to

its junction with K-33, then north on K-33 to its junction with U.S.

56, then west on U.S. 56 to its junction with K-31, then west-northwest

on K-31 to its junction with K-99, then north on K-99 to its junction

with U.S. 24, then east on U.S. 24 to its junction with K-63, then

north on K-63 to its junction with K-16, then east on K-16 to its

junction with K-116, then east on K-116 to its junction with U.S. 59,

then northeast on U.S. 59 to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri

line, then south on the Kansas-Missouri line to its junction with K-68.

September Canada Goose Wichita Unit--That part of Kansas bounded by

a line from I-135 west on U.S. 50 to its junction with Burmac Road,

then south on Burmac Road to its junction with 279 Street West

(Sedgwick/Harvey County line), then south on 279 Street West to its

junction with K-96, then east on K-96 to its junction with K-296, then

south on K-296 to its junction with 247 Street West, then south on 247

Street West to its junction with U.S. 54, then west on U.S

ne from I-135 west on U.S. 50 to its junction with Burmac Road,

then south on Burmac Road to its junction with 279 Street West

(Sedgwick/Harvey County line), then south on 279 Street West to its

junction with K-96, then east on K-96 to its junction with K-296, then

south on K-296 to its junction with 247 Street West, then south on 247

Street West to its junction with U.S. 54, then west on U.S. 54 to its

junction with 263 Street West, then south on 263 Street West to its

junction with K-49, then south on K-49 to its junction with 90 Avenue

North, then east on 90 Avenue North to its junction with KS-55, then

east on KS-55 to its junction with KS-15, then east on KS-15 to its

junction with U.S. 77, then north on U.S. 77 to its junction with Ohio

Street, then north on Ohio to its junction with KS-254, then east on

KS-254 to its junction with KS-196, then northwest on KS-196 to its

junction with I-135, then north on I-135 to its junction with U.S. 50.

South Dakota

September Canada Goose North Unit--Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel,

Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, and Roberts Counties.

September Canada Goose South Unit--Beadle, Brookings, Hanson,

Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, and

Turner Counties,

Pacific Flyway

Idaho

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

Oregon

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

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

Yamhill Counties.

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

Klamath Counties.

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

Union, and Wasco Counties.

Washington

Area 1--Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.

Area 2A (SW Quota Zone)--Clark County, except portions south of the

Washougal River; Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.

Area 2B (SW Quota Zone)--Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.

Area 3--All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the

Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B

on, and Wasco Counties.

Washington

Area 1--Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.

Area 2A (SW Quota Zone)--Clark County, except portions south of the

Washougal River; Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.

Area 2B (SW Quota Zone)--Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.

Area 3--All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the

Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.

Area 4--Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas,

Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties.

Area 5--All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the

Big White Salmon River that are not included in Area 4.

Wyoming

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

regulations.

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

regulations.

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

Counties described in State regulations.

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

regulations.

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

Unit in State regulations.

Little Snake River--That portion of the Little Snake River drainage

in Carbon County.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

New York

Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that

area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian

border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south

along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the

shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay;

southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont

border.

Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk

County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their

tidal waters.

Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border

heast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont

border.

Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk

County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their

tidal waters.

Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario

east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along

I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.

Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake

Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south

along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to

NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along

I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along

NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive

of the Lake Champlain Zone.

Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Mississippi Flyway

Indiana

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31,

north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then

southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.

Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line

extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to

New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56

to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North

Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along

U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.

South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio

River Zone boundaries.

Iowa

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,

southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to

Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Central Flyway

portion of the State between the North and Ohio

River Zone boundaries.

Iowa

North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending

east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,

southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to

Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.

South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Central Flyway

Colorado

Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that

portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.

Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

283.

Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.

Nebraska

Special Teal Season Area: That portion of the State south of a line

beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska

Highway L62A; east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east

along NE 92 to NE 61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S. 30

to the Iowa border.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

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

South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

Pacific Flyway

a line

beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska

Highway L62A; east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east

along NE 92 to NE 61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S. 30

to the Iowa border.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

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

South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

Pacific Flyway

California

Northeastern Zone: 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 state line 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

5 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 state line 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 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south

on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.

Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding

the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the

Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City

of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the

crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along

the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on

CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58;

east on CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the

Nevada border.

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare

Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.

Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included

in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Canada Geese

Michigan

on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the

Nevada border.

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare

Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.

Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included

in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the

Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Canada Geese

Michigan

North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.

Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line

beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the

mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

line directly northeast to the Canada border.

South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

Colorado--The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San

Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande,

and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park

(Jackson County).

Kansas--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the

Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-135 to Salina,

and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.

New Mexico

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

and Roosevelt Counties.

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

Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties

unty).

Kansas--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the

Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-135 to Salina,

and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.

New Mexico

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

and Roosevelt Counties.

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

Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.

Estancia Valley Area--Those portions of Santa Fe, Torrance and

Bernallilo Counties within an area bounded on the west by New Mexico

Highway 55 beginning at Mountainair north to NM 337, north to NM 14,

north to I-25; on the north by I-25 east to U.S. 285; on the east by

U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S. 285

west to NM 55 in Mountainair.

Southwest Zone--Sierra, Luna, Dona Ana Counties, and those portions

of Grant and Hidalgo Counties south of I-10.

Oklahoma--That portion of the State west of I-35.

Texas

Area 1--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the

International Bridge at Laredo, north along I-35 to the Oklahoma

border.

Area 2--That portion of the State east and south of a line from the

International Bridge at Laredo northerly along I-35 to U.S. 290;

southeasterly along U.S. 290 to I-45; south and east on I-45 to State

Highway 87, south and east on TX 87 to the channel in the Gulf of

Mexico between Galveston and Point Bolivar; EXCEPT: That portion of the

State lying within the area bounded by the Corpus Christi Bay Causeway

on U.S. 181 at Portland; north and west on U.S. 181 to U.S. 77 at

Sinton; north and east along U.S. 77 to U.S. 87 at Victoria; east and

south along U.S. 87 to Texas Highway 35; north and east on TX 35 to the

west end of the Lavaca Bay Bridge; then south and east along the west

shoreline of Lavaca Bay and Matagorda Island to the Gulf of Mexico;

then south and west along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico to the

Corpus Christi Bay Causeway.

North Dakota

Area 1--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281

at Victoria; east and

south along U.S. 87 to Texas Highway 35; north and east on TX 35 to the

west end of the Lavaca Bay Bridge; then south and east along the west

shoreline of Lavaca Bay and Matagorda Island to the Gulf of Mexico;

then south and west along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico to the

Corpus Christi Bay Causeway.

North Dakota

Area 1--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.

Area 2--That portion of the State east of U.S. 281.

South Dakota--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.

Montana--The Central Flyway portion of the State except that area

south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.

Wyoming

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

Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.

Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.

Park and Big Horn County Unit--Portions of Park and Big Horn

Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona

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

Montana

Special-Season Area--See State regulations.

Utah

Special-Season Area--Rich, Cache, and Unitah Counties and that

portion of Box Elder County beginning on the Utah-Idaho State line at

the Box Elder-Cache County line; west on the State line to the

Pocatello Valley County Road; south on the Pocatello Valley County Road

to I-15; southeast on I-15 to SR-83; south on SR-83 to Lamp Junction;

west and south on the Promontory Point County Road to the tip of

Promontory Point; south from Promontory Point to the Box Elder-Weber

County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County line to the Box Elder-

Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the

Utah-Idaho State line.

Wyoming

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

regulations.

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

regulations.

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

Counties described in State regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

ache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the

Utah-Idaho State line.

Wyoming

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

regulations.

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

regulations.

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

Counties described in State regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

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

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

(Unimak Island only).

Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.

Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10

(except Unimak Island).

Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.

All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin Islands

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

Croix.

All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico

Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the municipality of

Culebra.

Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.

Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of

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

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

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

Boundary whether private or public

and 966 on the

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

lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of

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

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

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

Boundary whether private or public.

Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality

and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities

as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning on Highway 172

as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, north to

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

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

to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, southwest on

Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 729, north on

Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point of the

beginning.

[FR Doc. 03-18096 Filed 7-16-03; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P