2006-2007 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

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Federal Register › Vol. 71 › 71 FR 41864

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 32 RIN 1018-AU61 2006-2007 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add three refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increase the activities available at six other refuges. We also propose to implement pertinent refuge-specific regulations for those activities and amend certain regulations on other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2006-2007 season.

DATES:

We must receive your comments on or before August 16, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments to Chief, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 670, Arlington, VA 22203. See “Request for Comments” under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for information on electronic submission. For information on specific refuges' public use programs and the conditions that apply to them or for copies of compatibility determinations for any refuge(s), contact individual programs at the addresses/phone numbers given in “Available Information for Specific Refuges” under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397; Fax (703) 358-2248.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 closes national wildlife refuges in all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that such uses are compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System or our/we) mission

ife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 closes national wildlife refuges in all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that such uses are compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System or our/we) mission. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

We annually review refuge hunting and sport fishing programs to determine whether to include additional refuges or whether individual refuge regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant modifications to refuge-specific regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of refuge purposes or the Refuge System's mission.

Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part 32). We regulate hunting and sport fishing on refuges to:

• Ensure compatibility with refuge purpose(s);

• Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource(s);

• Protect other refuge values;

• Ensure refuge visitor safety; and

• Provide opportunities for quality fish and wildlife-dependent recreation

hing on refuges are in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part 32). We regulate hunting and sport fishing on refuges to:

• Ensure compatibility with refuge purpose(s);

• Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource(s);

• Protect other refuge values;

• Ensure refuge visitor safety; and

• Provide opportunities for quality fish and wildlife-dependent recreation.

On many refuges where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On other refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined in the “Statutory Authority” section. We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we open wildlife refuges to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations list the wildlife species that you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or creel (container for carrying fish) limits, methods of hunting or sport fishing, descriptions of areas open to hunting or sport fishing, and other provisions as appropriate. You may find previously issued refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. In this rulemaking, we are also proposing to standardize and clarify the language of existing regulations.

Plain Language Mandate

In this proposed rule we made some of the revisions to the individual refuge units to comply with a Presidential mandate to use plain language in regulations; as such, these particular revisions do not modify the substance of the previous regulations. These types of changes include using “you” to refer to the reader and “we” to refer to the Refuge System, using the word “allow” instead of “permit” when we do not require the use of a permit for an activity, and using active voice (i.e., “We restrict entry into the refuge” vs

lain language in regulations; as such, these particular revisions do not modify the substance of the previous regulations. These types of changes include using “you” to refer to the reader and “we” to refer to the Refuge System, using the word “allow” instead of “permit” when we do not require the use of a permit for an activity, and using active voice (i.e., “We restrict entry into the refuge” vs. “Entry into the refuge is restricted”).

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1977 [Improvement Act]) (Administration Act) and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) govern the administration and public use of refuges.

Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act built upon the Administration Act in a manner that provides an “organic act” for the Refuge System similar to those that exist for other public Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is compatible with the mission for which the refuge was established. The Improvement Act established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses, when compatible, as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System

ct established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses, when compatible, as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These uses are: Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the Refuge System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is practicable and not inconsistent with

The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.

We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and the Refuge System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation plans, specific plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations

ty made at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation plans, specific plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.

New Hunting and Sport Fishing Programs

In preparation for new openings, we prepare and approve, at the appropriate Regional Office and in Washington, documentation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act; and we consult with the State and, where appropriate, Tribal wildlife management agency. The Regional Director(s) certify that the opening of these refuges to hunting and/or sport fishing has been found to be compatible with the purpose(s) for which the respective refuge(s) were established, and the Refuge System mission. Copies of the compatibility determinations for these respective refuges are available by request to the Regional office noted under the heading “Available Information for Specific Refuges.”

The annotated chart below summarize our proposed changes for the 2006-2007 season. The key below the chart explains the symbols used:

Table 1.—Changes for 2006-2007 Hunting/Fishing Season National Wildlife Refuge State Migratory bird hunting Upland hunting Big game hunting Fishing Agassiz MN B B Previously published Hamden Slough MN A A Blackwater MD B B Previously published Previously published. Cape May NJ Previously published Previously published D Whittlesey Creek WI Previously published B Holt Collier* MS A A Bayou Cocodrie** LA E E E E Tensas River LA E E E Previously published. Upper Ouachita LA E E C/E E Black Coulee MT Previously published Previously published F Creedman Coulee MT Previously published F F Hewitt Lake MT Previously published F F Lake Thibadeau MT Previously published F F A = Refuge added and activities opened

ublished D Whittlesey Creek WI Previously published B Holt Collier* MS A A Bayou Cocodrie** LA E E E E Tensas River LA E E E Previously published. Upper Ouachita LA E E C/E E Black Coulee MT Previously published Previously published F Creedman Coulee MT Previously published F F Hewitt Lake MT Previously published F F Lake Thibadeau MT Previously published F F A = Refuge added and activities opened. B = Refuge already listed, added hunt category. C = Refuge already listed, added species to hunt category. D = Refuge already listed, added fishing. E = Refuge already listed and opened to this activity, added land. F = Refuge opened to activity in past but omitted from 50 CFR due to administrative oversight. * Refuge was created from existing land that was part of Yazoo NWR Complex, which was already open to all 3 hunting opportunities in 50 CFR. ** Current regulations not altered even though new land acquired. We are adding three refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing and increasing opportunities at six refuges.

Lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” under the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718d(c)), which we generally manage as part of wetland management districts, are open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland game, big game, and sport fishing subject to the provisions of State law and regulations (see 50 CFR 32.1 and 32.4). We are adding these existing wetland management districts (WMDs) to the list of refuges open for all four activities in 50 CFR part 32 this year: Benton Lake WMD, Bowdoin WMD, Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana WMD, all in the State of Montana.

We are correcting administrative errors in 50 CFR part 32. We are correctly reflecting hunting opportunities for four refuges in the State of Montana (Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, and Lake Thibadeau). These refuges were open to all three hunting activities in the 1983 CFR

in WMD, Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana WMD, all in the State of Montana.

This document proposes to codify in the Code of Federal Regulations all of the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that are applicable at Refuge System units previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. We are doing this to better inform the general public of the regulations at each refuge, to increase understanding and compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these regulations in 50 CFR part 32, visitors to our refuges will usually find them reiterated in literature distributed by each refuge or posted on signs.

We have cross-referenced a number of existing regulations in 50 CFR parts 26, 27, and 32 to assist hunting and sport fishing visitors with understanding safety and other legal requirements on refuges. This redundancy is deliberate, with the intention of improving safety and compliance in our hunting and sport fishing programs.

Fish Advisory

For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about current fish consumption advisories on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fish/.

Request for Comments

You may comment on this proposed rule by any one of several methods:

1. You may comment via e-mail to: refuge system policy comments@fws.gov

e-issued consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about current fish consumption advisories on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fish/.

Request for Comments

You may comment on this proposed rule by any one of several methods:

1. You may comment via e-mail to: refuge system policy comments@fws.gov. Please submit e-mail comments as an ASCII file, avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include: “Attn: 1018-AU61” and your full name and return mailing address in your e-mail message. If you only use your e-mail address, we will consider your comment to be anonymous and will not consider it in the final rule. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your e-mail message, contact us directly at (703) 358-2036.

2. U.S. mail or hand-delivery/courier: Chief, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 670, Arlington, VA 22203. In light of increased security measures, please call (703) 358-2036 before hand delivering comments.

3. You may fax comments to: Chief, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System, at (703) 358-2248.

4. Finally, Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions at that site for submitting comments.

We seek comments on this proposed rule and will accept comments by any of the methods described above. Our practice is to make comments, including the names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home addresses from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. Also, in some circumstances, we would withhold from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law

make comments, including the names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home addresses from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. Also, in some circumstances, we would withhold from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish for us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this request prominently at the beginning of your comment. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses available for public inspection in their entirety.

Public Comment

Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. The process of opening refuges is done in stages, with the fundamental work being performed on the ground at the refuge and in the community where the program is administered. In these stages, the public is given other opportunities to comment, for example, on the comprehensive conservation plans and the compatibility determinations. The second stage is this document, when we publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register for additional comment, commonly a 30-day comment period.

y comment period.

There is nothing contained in this annual regulation outside the scope of the annual review process where we add refuges or determine whether individual refuges need modifications, deletions, or additions made to them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from the refuges nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time available for public review. We believe that a 30-day comment period, through the broader publication following the earlier public involvement, gives the public sufficient time to comment and allows us to establish hunting and fishing programs in time for the upcoming seasons. Many of these rules also relieve restrictions and allow the public to participate in recreational activities on a number of refuges. In addition, in order to continue to provide for previously authorized hunting opportunities while at the same time providing for adequate resource protection, we must be timely in providing modifications to certain hunting programs on some refuges.

We considered providing a 60-day, rather than a 30-day, comment period. However, we determined that an additional 30-day delay in processing these refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would hinder the effective planning and administration of our hunting and sport fishing programs. Such a delay would jeopardize establishment of hunting and sport fishing programs this year, or shorten their duration.

Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept comments, suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate subsequent rulemaking.

When finalized, we will incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing on refuges.

Clarity of This Rule

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are easy to understand

s, suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate subsequent rulemaking.

When finalized, we will incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing on refuges.

Clarity of This Rule

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are easy to understand. We invite your comments on how to make this proposed rule easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated? (2) Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the format of the rule ( e.g. , grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Would the rule be easier to understand if it were divided into more (but shorter) sections? (5) Is the description of the rule in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the preamble helpful in understanding the rule? (6) What else could we do to make the proposed rule easier to understand? Send a copy of any comments on how we could make this proposed rule easier to understand to: Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may e-mail your comments to: Execsec@ios.doi.gov.

Regulatory Planning and Review

In accordance with the criteria in Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, the Service asserts that this rule is not a significant regulatory action. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) makes the final determination under E.O. 12866.

a. This proposed rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100 million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government. A cost-benefit and full economic analysis is not required. However, a brief assessment follows to clarify the costs and benefits associated with this proposed rule

kes the final determination under E.O. 12866.

The purpose of this proposed rule is to add three refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increase the activities available at six other refuges. Fishing and hunting are two of the wildlife-dependent uses of national wildlife refuges that Congress recognizes as legitimate and appropriate, and we should facilitate their pursuit, subject to such restrictions or regulations as may be necessary to ensure their compatibility with the purpose of each refuge. Many of the 545 existing national wildlife refuges already have programs which allow fishing and hunting. Not all refuges have the necessary resources and landscape that would make fishing and hunting opportunities available to the public. By opening these refuges to new activities, we have determined that we can make quality experiences available to the public. This proposed rule both establishes hunting and/or fishing programs and expands existing activities at the following refuges: Agassiz and Hamden Slough NWRs in Minnesota, Blackwater NWR in Maryland, Holt Collier NWR in Mississippi, Cape May NWR in New Jersey, Whittlesey Creek NWR in Wisconsin, and Bayou Cocodrie, Tensas River, and Upper Ouachita NWRs in Louisiana.

The annotated table on pages 7 and 8 (Table 1) summarizes proposed changes (new refuges, new refuge hunting and/or fishing categories, added species, added land, and administrative corrections) for the 2006-2007 season. The key below the table explains the symbols used

ay NWR in New Jersey, Whittlesey Creek NWR in Wisconsin, and Bayou Cocodrie, Tensas River, and Upper Ouachita NWRs in Louisiana.

In addition to the proposed changes to refuge activities in Table 1, we are correcting the following administrative errors in 50 CFR part 32. The publication of a 1984 final rule (49 FR 36737, September 19, 1984), which codified the 1984 CFR with administrative technical amendments, resulted in four refuges (Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, and Lake Thibadeau NWRs all in the State of Montana) being mistakenly dropped from the upland and big game hunting lists. This proposed rule corrects this error reflecting those hunting opportunities. There are no new economic impacts resulting from this correction because recreational activities never ceased at those refuges.

We generally manage lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” under the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718d(c) as part of wetland management districts (WMDs). These WMDs are open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland game, big game, and sport fishing subject to the provisions of State law and regulations (see 50 CFR 32.1 and 32.4). We are adding these existing WMDs, all in the State of Montana, to the list of refuges open for all four activities in part 32 this year: Benton Lake WMD, Bowdoin WMD, Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana WMD. We do not expect any change in visitation rates at these wetland management districts because recreationists currently have the option to participate in these activities. Therefore, there are no new economic impacts from the addition of these wetland management districts to the list in 50 CFR part 32

n Lake WMD, Bowdoin WMD, Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana WMD. We do not expect any change in visitation rates at these wetland management districts because recreationists currently have the option to participate in these activities. Therefore, there are no new economic impacts from the addition of these wetland management districts to the list in 50 CFR part 32.

Costs Incurred

Costs incurred by this proposed regulation would be minimal, if any. We expect any law enforcement or other refuge actions related to recreational activities to be included in any usual monitoring of the refuge. Therefore, we expect any costs to be negligible.

Benefits Accrued

Benefits from this proposed regulation would be derived from the new fishing and hunting days from opening the refuges to these activities. If the refuges establishing new fishing and hunting programs were a pure addition to the current supply of such activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 8,352 user days of hunting and 975 user days of fishing (Table 2). These new fishing and hunting days would generate: (1) Consumer surplus, 1 and (2) expenditures associated with fishing and hunting on the refuges.

1 The difference between the total value people receive from the consumption of a particular good and the total amount they pay for the good.

Table 2.—Estimated Change in Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2006/07 Refuge Current hunting and/or fishing days (FY04) Additional fishing days Additional hunting days Total additional fishing and hunting days Agassiz 740 75 75 Hamden Slough 0 325 325 Blackwater 11,390 950 950 Cape May 8,550 500 500 Whittlesey Creek 100 30 30 Bayou Cocodrie 7,400 140 1,122 1,262 Tensas River 28,850 3,175 3,175 Upper Ouachita 18,220 335 2,675 3,010 Total Days Per Year 75,250 975 8,352 9,327 Assuming the new days are a pure addition to the current supply, the additional days would create consumer surplus of approximately $454,000 annually ([975 days × $48.92 CS per day] + [8,352 days × $

Cape May 8,550 500 500 Whittlesey Creek 100 30 30 Bayou Cocodrie 7,400 140 1,122 1,262 Tensas River 28,850 3,175 3,175 Upper Ouachita 18,220 335 2,675 3,010 Total Days Per Year 75,250 975 8,352 9,327 Assuming the new days are a pure addition to the current supply, the additional days would create consumer surplus of approximately $454,000 annually ([975 days × $48.92 CS per day] + [8,352 days × $48.67 CS per day]) (Table 3). However, the participation trend is flat in fishing and hunting activities because the number of

Table 3.—Estimated Change in Annual Consumer Surplus From Additional Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2006/07 (2005 $) Fishing Hunting Total fishing and hunting Total Additional Days 975 8,352 9,327 Avg. Consumer Surplus per Day 2 $48.92 $48.67 Change in Total Consumer Surplus $47,697 $406,492 $454,189 In addition to benefits derived from consumer surplus, this proposed rule would also have benefits from the recreation-related expenditures. Due to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national estimates from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected additional participation on the Refuge System yields approximately $68,700 in fishing-related expenditures and $831,300 in hunting-related expenditures (Table 4).

2 Due to the unavailability of consistent consumer surplus estimates for these various site-specific activities, benefit transfer is used. National average consumer surplus estimates for fishing and for hunting are used for this analysis. The estimates are from: Pam Kaval and John Loomis, “Updated Outdoor Recreation Use Values with Emphasis on National Park Recreation,” October 2003.

Table 4.—Estimation of the Additional Expenditures With an Increase of Activities in 7 Refuges and the Opening of 1 Refuge to Fishing and/or Hunting for 2006/07 U.S

ge consumer surplus estimates for fishing and for hunting are used for this analysis. The estimates are from: Pam Kaval and John Loomis, “Updated Outdoor Recreation Use Values with Emphasis on National Park Recreation,” October 2003.

Table 4.—Estimation of the Additional Expenditures With an Increase of Activities in 7 Refuges and the Opening of 1 Refuge to Fishing and/or Hunting for 2006/07 U.S. total expenditures in 2001 Average expenditures per day Current refuge expenditures w/o duplication (FY2004) Possible additional refuge expenditures Fishing: Total Days Spent 557 Mil 7,045,382 975 Total Expenditures 39.3 Bil $70 $496,671,534 $68,734 Trip Related 16.2 Bil $29 $204,287,312 $28,271 Food and Lodging 6.5 Bil $12 $81,974,145 $11,344 Transportation 3.9 Bil $7 $49,005,482 $6,782 Other 5.8 Bil $10 $73,307,685 $10,145 Hunting: Total Days Spent 228 Mil 2,378,813 8,352 Total Expenditures 22.7 Bil $100 $236,759,998 $831,263 Trip Related 5.8 Bil $25 $60,334,509 $211,834 Food and Lodging 2.7 Bil $12 $28,142,621 $98,809 Transportation 2.0 Bil $9 $20,554,019 $72,165 Other 1.1 Bil $5 $11,637,870 $40,860 By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part of the economic impact of waterfowl hunting. Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.73) derived from the report “Economic Importance of Hunting in America” and a national impact multiplier for sportfishing activities (2.79) from the report “Sportfishing in America” for the estimated increase in direct expenditures yields a total economic impact of approximately $2.5 million (2005 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2003). (Using a local impact multiplier would yield more accurate and smaller results

eport “Economic Importance of Hunting in America” and a national impact multiplier for sportfishing activities (2.79) from the report “Sportfishing in America” for the estimated increase in direct expenditures yields a total economic impact of approximately $2.5 million (2005 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2003). (Using a local impact multiplier would yield more accurate and smaller results. However, we employed the national impact multiplier due to the difficulty in developing local multipliers for each specific region.)

Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most of this spending would be “new” money coming into a local economy; therefore, this spending would be offset with a decrease in some other sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies would be no more than $2.5 million, and most likely considerably less. Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would be on the order of $492,000 annually.

In summary, we estimate that the additional fishing and hunting opportunities would yield approximately $454,000 in consumer surplus and $492,000 in recreation-related expenditures annually. The 10-year quantitative benefit for this rule would be $4.9 million ($4.3 million discounted at 3 percent or $3.7 million discounted at 7 percent).

b. This proposed rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies' actions. This action pertains solely to the management of the Refuge System. The fishing and hunting activities located on national wildlife refuges account for approximately 1 percent of the available supply in the United States. Any small, incremental change in the supply of fishing and hunting

ounted at 7 percent).

c. This proposed rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. This proposed rule does not affect entitlement programs. There are no grants or other Federal assistance programs associated with public use of national wildlife refuges.

d. This proposed rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. This proposed rule adds three refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increases the activities available at seven other refuges. This proposed rule continues the practice of allowing recreational public use of national wildlife refuges. Many refuges in the Refuge System currently have opportunities for the public to hunt and fish on refuge lands.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. ), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities ( i.e. , small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities

make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities ( i.e. , small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a threshold for “significant impact” and a threshold for a “substantial number of small entities.” See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This proposed rule does not increase the number of recreation types allowed on the System but establishes hunting and/or fishing programs on three refuges and expands activities at six other refuges. As a result, opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges will increase. The changes in the amount of allowed use(s) are likely to increase visitor activity on these national wildlife refuges. But, as stated in the Regulatory Planning and Review section, this is likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation rates for the activity. To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the refuge that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses.

Many small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait and tackle shops, etc.) may benefit from some increased refuge visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the majority of affected counties qualify as small businesses (Table 5)

ay, they contribute new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses.

We expect that the incremental recreational opportunities will be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a significant economic effect (benefit) on a substantial number of small entities in any region or nationally. Using the estimate derived in the Regulatory Planning and Review section, we expect approximately $492,000 to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The maximum increase ($2.5 million if all spending were new money) at most would be less than 1 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 5).

Table 5.—Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation for 2006/2007 [Thousands, 2005 dollars] Refuge/county(ies) Retail trade in 2002 Estimated maximum addition from new activities Addition as a percent of total Total number retail establish. Establish. with <10 emp. Agassiz: Marshall, MN $77,841.0 $3.7 0.005 43 35 Hamden Slough: Becker, MN 340,523.3 15.8 0.005 159 117 Blackwater: Dorchester, MD 251,552.7 46.2 0.018 123 91 Cape May: Cape May, NJ 1,501,452.1 24.5 0.002 776 643 Whittlesey Creek: Ashland, WI 179,600.0 1.5 0.001 94 70 Bayou Cocodrie: Concordia, LA 131,726.0 61.5 0.047 82 60 Tensas River: Franklin, LA 199,210.3 51.5 0.026 83 63 Madison, LA 75,763.2 51.5 0.068 42 31 Tensas, LA 23,183.1 51.5 0.222 26 22 Upper Ouachita: Morehouse, LA 224,510.3 73.3 0.033 115 91 Union, LA 123,511.2 73.3 0.059 70 57 With the small increase in overall spending anticipated from this proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have more than a small benefit from the increased spending near the affected refuges

Madison, LA 75,763.2 51.5 0.068 42 31 Tensas, LA 23,183.1 51.5 0.222 26 22 Upper Ouachita: Morehouse, LA 224,510.3 73.3 0.033 115 91 Union, LA 123,511.2 73.3 0.059 70 57 With the small increase in overall spending anticipated from this proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have more than a small benefit from the increased spending near the affected refuges. Therefore, we certify that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ). An initial/final Regulatory

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no significant employment or small business effects. This rule:

a. Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The additional fishing and hunting opportunities at these refuges would generate angler and hunter expenditures with an economic impact estimated at $2.5 million per year (2005 dollars). Consequently, the maximum benefit of this rule for businesses both small and large would not be sufficient to make this a major rule. The impact would be scattered across the country and would most likely not be significant in any local area.

b. Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions. This proposed rule would have only a slight effect on the costs of hunting and fishing opportunities for Americans. Under the assumption that any additional hunting and fishing opportunities would be of high quality, participants would be attracted to the refuge. If the refuge were closer to the participants' residences, then a reduction in travel costs would occur and benefit the participants

ns. This proposed rule would have only a slight effect on the costs of hunting and fishing opportunities for Americans. Under the assumption that any additional hunting and fishing opportunities would be of high quality, participants would be attracted to the refuge. If the refuge were closer to the participants' residences, then a reduction in travel costs would occur and benefit the participants. The Service does not have information to quantify this reduction in travel cost but assumes that, since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt and fish, the reduced travel cost would be small for the additional days of hunting and fishing generated by this proposed rule. We do not expect this proposed rule to affect the supply or demand for fishing and hunting opportunities in the United States and, therefore, it should not affect prices for fishing and hunting equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment. Additional refuge hunting and fishing opportunities would account for less than 0.001 percent of the available opportunities in the United States.

c. Would not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of United States'based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. This proposed rule represents only a small proportion of recreational spending of a small number of affected anglers and hunters, approximately a maximum of $2.5 million annually in impact. Therefore, this rule would have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide. Refuges that establish hunting and fishing programs may hire additional staff from the local community to assist with the programs, but this would not be a significant increase because we are only opening three refuges to hunting and/or fishing and only six refuges are increasing activities by this proposed rule

which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide. Refuges that establish hunting and fishing programs may hire additional staff from the local community to assist with the programs, but this would not be a significant increase because we are only opening three refuges to hunting and/or fishing and only six refuges are increasing activities by this proposed rule.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Since this proposed rule would apply to public use of federally owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule would not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) is not required.

Takings (E.O. 12630)

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule would not have significant takings implications. This regulation would affect only visitors at national wildlife refuges and describe what they can do while they are on a refuge.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded Mandates Reform Act sections above, this proposed rule would not have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment under E.O. 13132. In preparing this proposed rule, we worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has determined that the proposed rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. The regulation would clarify established regulations and result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O

ce of the Solicitor has determined that the proposed rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. The regulation would clarify established regulations and result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. Because this proposed rule would add three refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing and increase the activities at six refuges, and make minor changes to other refuges open to those activities, it is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866 and is not expected to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, and use. Therefore, this action is a not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. 13175)

In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on national wildlife refuges with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This regulation does not contain any information collection requirements other than those already approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) (OMB Control Number is 1018-0102). See 50 CFR 25.23 for information concerning that approval. An 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. We are seeking further OMB approval for other necessary information collection

et under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) (OMB Control Number is 1018-0102). See 50 CFR 25.23 for information concerning that approval. An 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. We are seeking further OMB approval for other necessary information collection.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

In preparation for new openings, we comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Copies of the section 7 evaluations may be obtained by contacting the regions listed under Available Information for Specific Refuges. For the proposals to open, or to add opportunities at, national wildlife refuges for hunting and/or fishing, we have determined that: At Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge (for the Louisiana black bear), and Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge the actions are not likely to adversely affect listed species or designated critical habitat. For the proposals at Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge (with regard to proposed black bear critical habitat and the bald eagle), Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Cape

We also comply with section 7 of the ESA when developing Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) and step-down management plans for public use of refuges, and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32.

National Environmental Policy Act

We analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 6, Appendix 1. This proposed rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An environmental impact statement/assessment is not required

l Environmental Policy Act

A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to publication of proposed amendments to refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations since it is technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10). Concerning the actions that are the subject of this proposed rulemaking, NEPA has been complied with at the project level where each proposal was developed. This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document (516 DM 3.2A).

Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge hunting and fishing activities in the refuge CCPs and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these CCPs and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the refuges at the addresses provided below

prepare these CCPs and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the refuges at the addresses provided below.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and maps of their respective areas. If the specific refuge you are interested in is not mentioned below, then contact the appropriate Regional offices listed below:

Region 1—California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214 Region 2—Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 1306, 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 248-7419 Region 3—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5401. Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 21212 210th Street, Audubon, Minnesota 56511; Telephone (218) 439-6319 Region 4—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166

ildlife Refuge, 21212 210th Street, Audubon, Minnesota 56511; Telephone (218) 439-6319 Region 4—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166. Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge, 728 Yazoo Refuge Road, Hollandale, Mississippi 38748; Telephone (662) 839-2638 Region 5—Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8306. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, 24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210; Telephone (609) 463-0994 Region 6—Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145 Region 7—Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545 Primary Author

Leslie A. Marler, Management Analyst, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System is the primary author of this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend title 50, Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 32—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i.

shing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend title 50, Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 32—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i.

2. Amend § 32.7 “What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing?” by:

a. Adding Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Mississippi;

b. Adding Benton Lake Wetland Management District, Bowdoin Wetland Management District, Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, Northeast Montana Wetland Management District, and Northwest Montana Wetland Management District in the State of Montana; and

c. Revising the name of ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge to read Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge in the State of South Carolina and placing the revised listing in the correct alphabetical order.

3. Amend § 32.20 Alabama by:

a. Revising paragraph C.2. of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising paragraph B.7. of Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge; and

c. Revising paragraphs B.5. and C.4. of Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.20 Alabama.

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

2. We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge. However, you may archery hunt in the portions of the refuge that are open for deer hunting during the archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons established by the State.

Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

7. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

5. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from 1 1/2 hours after legal sunset to 1 1/2 hours before legal sunrise.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

the State.

Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

7. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

5. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from 1 1/2 hours after legal sunset to 1 1/2 hours before legal sunrise.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

4. All youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. We allow youth gun deer hunting (ages 10-15) within the Bradley Unit on weekends during October where an adult must supervise youth age 15 or under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

4. Amend § 32.22 Arizona by:

a. Revising paragraphs A.1 through A.3, B., and C.2. of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge; and

b. Revising paragraph A.11.viii. and adding paragraphs A.13. and A.14. of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge;

§ 32.22 Arizona.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We allow portable or temporary blinds and stands, but you must remove them at the end of each hunt day.

2. We prohibit the use of flagging tape, reflective tape, or other signs or markers used to identify paths to mark tree stands, blinds, or other areas.

3. The No-Hunt Zones include all Service property east of milepost 7 of Arivaca Road within the Arivaca Creek Management Area, all Service property in Brown Canyon, all Service property within 1/4 mile (.4 km) of refuge residences, and the posted No-Hunt Zone encompassing refuge headquarters and area bounded by the 10-Mile (16 km) Pronghorn Drive auto tour loop.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, coyote, and skunk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A3 apply.

mile (.4 km) of refuge residences, and the posted No-Hunt Zone encompassing refuge headquarters and area bounded by the 10-Mile (16 km) Pronghorn Drive auto tour loop.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, coyote, and skunk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A3 apply.

2. We require hunting groups using more than four horses to possess and carry a refuge special use permit.

3. We require each hunter using horses to provide water and feed and clear all horse manure from campsites.

4. We prohibit upland game hunting on the refuge from June 1 through August 19.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

2. Conditions A1 through A3, B2, and B3 apply.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

11. * * *

viii. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Waterfowl hunting ends at 12 p.m. (noon) MST. Hunters must be out of the slough area by 1 p.m. MST.

13. We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats and/or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

14. Hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

5. Amend § 32.23 Arkansas by:

a. Revising paragraphs B.6., B.12., adding paragraphs B.13., and B.14., revising paragraphs C., D.1., D.7., D.8., D.9., D.10., and adding paragraphs D.11. through D.14. of Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge; and

b. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.6., A.8., A.10., A.15., C.7., C.8., C.12., and C.16. of White River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.23 Arkansas.

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

6. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while hunting (see § 32.2(j)).

12. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use.

13. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any other substance other than biodegradable materials

§ 32.23 Arkansas.

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

6. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while hunting (see § 32.2(j)).

12. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use.

13. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any other substance other than biodegradable materials.

14. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats during the hunting season, but we prohibit hunters leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B1 and B4 through B14 apply.

2. Archery/crossbow season for deer and turkey begins October 1 and continues through December 10.

3. The refuge will conduct one youth-only (between ages 12-15 at the beginning of the gun deer season in Zone 7) quota deer hunt. This hunt will take place after the archery season (typically in December). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in September. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

4. We open spring and fall archery turkey hunting during the State spring and fall turkey season for this zone.

5. We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota gun hunts.

6. The refuge will conduct one 2-day youth-only (age 15 and under at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring turkey hunt and one 2-day quota spring turkey hunt (typically in April). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

e beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring turkey hunt and one 2-day quota spring turkey hunt (typically in April). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

7. An adult age 21 or older must accompany and be within sight or normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

8. We only allow portable deer stands. Hunters may erect stands 2 days before the start of the season and must remove the stands from the refuge within 2 days after the season ends (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

9. Hunters must permanently affix the owner's name and address to all deer stands on the refuge.

10. We prohibit the use of dogs during big game hunting.

11. We prohibit hunting from paved, graveled, and mowed roads and mowed trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

12. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait, salt, or ingestible attractant (see § 32.2(h)).

13. We prohibit all forms of organized drives.

14. You must check all game at the refuge check station.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing and frogging in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B7, B8, and B10 apply.

7. We will allow only bank fishing in Long Lake year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset. Access to this bank fishing area is through the parking area off of Hwy 155.

8. We only allow bow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset during August.

9. We allow frogging from May 1 to May 31. We only allow frogging on those areas of the old river channel that connect with the Arkansas River.

10. Anglers must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads and parking areas.

nset. Access to this bank fishing area is through the parking area off of Hwy 155.

8. We only allow bow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset during August.

9. We allow frogging from May 1 to May 31. We only allow frogging on those areas of the old river channel that connect with the Arkansas River.

10. Anglers must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads and parking areas.

11. We prohibit anglers from leaving their boats unattended overnight on any portion of the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

12. We require a Special Use Permit for all commercial fishing activities on the refuge.

13. We prohibit possessing turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

14. We prohibit hovercraft, personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.), and airboats.

White River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

2. We allow duck hunting from legal shooting hours until 12:00 p.m (noon).

6. You may take coot and woodcock during the State season.

8. Waterfowl hunters may enter and access the refuge no earlier than 4:30 a.m.

10. We prohibit boating December 1 through January 31 in the South Unit Waterfowl Hunt Area, except from 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on designated hunt days.

15. We prohibit loaded weapons in a vehicle or boat while under power (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter). We define “loaded” as shells in the gun or ignition device on a muzzleloader.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

7. You may hunt the North or South Unit by muzzleloader or modern gun with a quota hunt permit. You may only take one deer of either sex. We list the season in the refuge hunt brochure/permit.

8. We allow muzzleloader hunting on the North Unit for 4 consecutive days following the 3-day muzzleloader quota hunt.

12. If you harvest deer and turkey on the refuge, you must immediately record the zone number on your hunting license and later at an official check station.

16. We allow access and refuge use during quota hunt to anglers and nonconsumptive users.

brochure/permit.

8. We allow muzzleloader hunting on the North Unit for 4 consecutive days following the 3-day muzzleloader quota hunt.

12. If you harvest deer and turkey on the refuge, you must immediately record the zone number on your hunting license and later at an official check station.

16. We allow access and refuge use during quota hunt to anglers and nonconsumptive users.

6. Amend § 32.28 Florida by:

a. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., A.11., A.13., A.14., A.15., and adding paragraphs A.16., and A.17., revising paragraphs D.8., D.9., and removing paragraph D.10. of Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising paragraphs D.2., D.4., D.5., and adding paragraphs D.6., D.7., and D.8. of Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising paragraphs D.4. through D.14. and adding paragraphs D.15. through D.20. of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising paragraphs A.7. and A.10., adding paragraph A.16., revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., B.3., C.1., C.7., and C.23., removing paragraph C.24., and redesignating paragraphs C.25. and C.26. as paragraphs C.24. and C.25. of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Revising paragraphs A., D.2., D.3., D.9., and D.11. of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising paragraphs B.3. through B.9., revising the introductory text of paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.7. through C.10., and C.12. of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; and

g. Revising paragraphs C., D.6., and D.7. and removing paragraphs D.8. and D.9. of St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.28 Florida.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit while hunting. Only original permits are lawful. Internet copies are not valid.

2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14

s follows:

§ 32.28 Florida.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit while hunting. Only original permits are lawful. Internet copies are not valid.

2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14. We prohibit hunting from canals, levees, or those areas posted as closed.

3. The refuge open waterfowl season is concurrent with the State season. The refuge participates in both the early experimental and regular seasons. Hunters may only take duck and coot.

11. Hunters must complete a daily bag report card and place it in an entrance fee canister each day prior to exiting the refuge.

13. We only allow boats equipped with outboards or electric motors and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).

14. We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area, to fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.

15. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

16. Hunters, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.

17. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring VHF Channel 16.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

8. Conditions A13, A14, A15, and A17 apply.

9. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

lations, contact law enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring VHF Channel 16.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

8. Conditions A13, A14, A15, and A17 apply.

9. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

2. We allow salt-water fishing along the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River

4. We only allow the use of rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times.

5. We allow only two poles per angler and those poles must be attended at all times (In conjunction with the Martin County, Florida two-pole ordinance.)

6. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the fire roads, undesignated routes, and areas posted as closed (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

7. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.

8. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring VHF Channel 16.

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

4. We allow the take of blue crab with the use of dip nets only.

5. The daily limit of blue crab is 20 per person (including no more than 10 females).

6. We prohibit kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, sail boarding, and any similar type of activities.

7. We only allow vessels propelled by polling, paddling, or floating in the post “no-motor zone” of the Ding Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “no-motor zone.”

8. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring of vessels on all refuge waters.

9. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.

ls propelled by polling, paddling, or floating in the post “no-motor zone” of the Ding Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “no-motor zone.”

8. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring of vessels on all refuge waters.

9. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.

10. We allow public access to Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail beginning at 7:30 a.m., except on Fridays, when we close Wildlife Drive to all public access.

11. All visitors (e.g., anglers and photographers) must exit refuge lands and waters no later than 1/2 hour after legal sunset.

12. We allow fishing and crabbing from the bank on the impoundment side only (left side) of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit all public entry into the impoundments.

13. We prohibit commercial fishing and crabbing (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

14. We prohibit the possession or use of seines or trot lines.

15. We prohibit the use of cast nets from Wildlife Drive or any structure affixed to shore.

16. All fish must remain in whole condition.

17. We prohibit consumption of alcohol or possession of open alcohol containers on refuge lands and waters (see § 32.2(j)).

18. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).

19. Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters.

20. We close to public entry islands (including rookery islands) except for designated trails.

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

7. We prohibit hunting from all refuge roads open to public vehicle travel. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the Dixie Mainline and Lower Suwannee Nature Drive (Levy Loop Road).

10. We prohibit guiding or participating in a guided hunt where a fee is charged.

16. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.

t hunting from all refuge roads open to public vehicle travel. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the Dixie Mainline and Lower Suwannee Nature Drive (Levy Loop Road).

10. We prohibit guiding or participating in a guided hunt where a fee is charged.

16. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.

2. You may only possess .22 caliber rimfire rifle (.22 magnum prohibited) firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter), shotguns with shot no larger than 4 common and bows with arrows that have judo or blunt tips. We prohibit possession of arrows capable of taking big game during the upland game hunting season.

3. We allow night hunting in accordance with State regulations for raccoon and opossum on Wednesday through Saturday nights from legal sunset until legal sunrise during the month of February.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.

7. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been inserted (see § 32.2(i)).

23. You may only take bearded turkeys and only during the State spring turkey season.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a current signed Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hunt permit at all times while hunting waterfowl on the refuge.

2. You must possess and carry (or hunt within 30 yards (27 m) of a hunter who possesses) a valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit while hunting areas 1 or 4 from the beginning of the regular waterfowl season through December 31. No more than four hunters will hunt using a single valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit.

hunt permit at all times while hunting waterfowl on the refuge.

3. You may hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and all Federal holidays that fall within the State's waterfowl season.

4. You may hunt in four designated areas of the refuge as delineated in the refuge hunting regulations map. We prohibit hunters to enter the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center.

5. You may only hunt waterfowl on refuge-established hunt days from the legal shooting time until 1 p.m.

6. You may enter no earlier than 4 a.m. for the purpose of waterfowl hunting.

7. We require all hunters to successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course.

8. We require an adult, age 18 or older, to supervise hunters under age 18.

9. We prohibit accessing a hunt area from Black Point Wildlife Drive. You may not leave vehicles parked on Black Point Wildlife Drive, Playalinda Beach Road, or Scrub Ridge Trail (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

10. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter) or digging into dikes.

11. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 15 feet (4.5 m) or shooting from any portion of a dike, dirt road, or railroad grade.

12. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 yards (135 m) of SR 402, SR 406, or any paved road right-of-way.

13. All hunters must stop at posted refuge waterfowl check stations and report statistical hunt information to refuge personnel.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

2. We prohibit fishing after legal sunset or before legal sunrise, except that we allow fishing at night from a vessel in the open waters of Mosquito

ed road.

9. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any residence, developed public recreation area, or game check station.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and either-sex turkey in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

7. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective trail markers.

8. There are two fall archery hunts: hunters may harvest either-sex deer, either-sex turkey, or feral hog during the fall archery hunts. There will be a fall archery hunt on the Panacea and Wakulla Units. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt area (see § 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

9. There are two modern gun hunts. Modern guns must meet State requirements. We will hold one hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the Wakulla Unit. See condition C10 for game limits. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

10. The bag limit for white-tailed deer is two deer per scheduled hunt period. We allow hunters to harvest two antlerless deer per scheduled hunt period. We define antlerless deer as no visible antler above the hairline. State daily bag limits apply to antlerless deer. Or hunters may harvest one antlerless deer and one antlered deer per hunt. Antlered deer must have at least 3 points, 1 inch (2.5 cm) or greater in length on one antler to be harvested. We prohibit harvesting of spike-antlered bucks. There is no limit on feral hogs. The scheduled hunt periods vary, contact the refuge office for specific dates.

12. There is one mobility-impaired hunt on the Panacea Unit in the area west of County Road 372. Hunters may have an able-bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-tailed deer and feral hog within the limits described in condition C10. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting

on the Panacea Unit in the area west of County Road 372. Hunters may have an able-bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-tailed deer and feral hog within the limits described in condition C10. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, sambar deer, raccoon, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge permits. The permits are nontransferable, and the hunter must possess and carry them while hunting. Only signed permits are valid. We only allow people with a signed refuge hunt permit on the island during the hunt periods. Contact the refuge office for details on obtaining a permit. We will charge fees for the hunts.

2. We restrict hunting to three hunting periods: sambar deer, raccoon, and feral hog (primitive weapons); white-tailed deer, raccoon, and feral hog (archery); and white-tailed deer, raccoon, and feral hog (primitive weapons). Contact the refuge office for specific dates. Hunters may check in and set up campsites and stands 1 day prior to the scheduled hunt. Hunters must leave the island and remove all equipment by 11 a.m. the day following the scheduled hunt.

3. Hunters must check in at the check stations on the island. We restrict entry onto St. Vincent Island to the Indian Pass and West Pass Campsites. We restrict entry during the sambar deer hunt to the West Pass Campsite. All access to hunt areas will be on foot or by bicycle from these areas.

4. Hunt hours are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 3 p.m. for the sambar deer hunt. All other hunt times will be in accordance with State regulations.

5. We restrict camping and fires ( see § 27.95(a) of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.

ss Campsite. All access to hunt areas will be on foot or by bicycle from these areas.

4. Hunt hours are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 3 p.m. for the sambar deer hunt. All other hunt times will be in accordance with State regulations.

5. We restrict camping and fires ( see § 27.95(a) of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.

6. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages during the refuge hunt period ( see § 32.2(j)).

7. You may only set up tree stands after you check in, and you must remove them from the island at the end of the hunt ( see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

8. You may only retrieve game from the closed areas if accompanied by a refuge officer.

9. We issue permits for the sambar deer hunt by random drawing. You may obtain applications from the refuge office.

10. We limit weapons to primitive weapons on the sambar deer hunt and the primitive weapons white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the archery hunt to bow and arrow. Weapons must meet all State regulations. We prohibit crossbows during our hunts except with State permit.

11. We only allow stand, still, and stalk hunting. We prohibit game drives.

12. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective trail markers.

13. We prohibit target practice on the refuge ( see § 27.42 of this chapter). You may discharge muzzleloaders at the designated discharge area between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

14. Nonmovement stand hours for all hunts will be from legal morning shooting time until 9 a.m.

15. We prohibit discharging of weapons (including cap firing) in campgrounds ( see § 27.42 of this chapter).

16. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.

17. Hunters must check out at the check station prior to leaving the refuge at the end of their hunt. A refuge staff member or volunteer must check the campsites before the hunters leave the refuge.

apons (including cap firing) in campgrounds ( see § 27.42 of this chapter).

16. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.

17. Hunters must check out at the check station prior to leaving the refuge at the end of their hunt. A refuge staff member or volunteer must check the campsites before the hunters leave the refuge.

18. We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles).

19. Bag limits:

i. Sambar deer hunt—one sambar deer of either sex, no limit on feral hog or raccoon.

ii. Archery hunt—one white-tailed deer of either sex (no spotted fawns or spike bucks), no limits on feral hog or raccoon.

iii. Primitive weapons hunt—one white-tailed deer buck having one or more forked antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline with points greater than 1 inch (12.5 cm) in length; we issue a limited number of either-sex permits. If you have an either-sex permit, the bag limit is one deer that may be antlerless or a buck legal antler configuration. There is no limit on feral hog or raccoon.

20. We prohibit bringing live game into the check station.

21. Hunters must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.

22. We prohibit domestic animals.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

6. We only allow the use of rods and reels or poles and lines in the refuge lakes. You must attend your fishing equipment at all times.

7. You may only take fish species and fish limits authorized by State regulations. We prohibit the taking of frog or turtle.

7. Amend § 32.29 Georgia by:

a. Revising paragraph D.4. of Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Adding paragraph C.22. of Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising paragraphs C.2., C.9., and D.3. of Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising paragraph C.2.v. of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Adding paragraph C.18

ns. We prohibit the taking of frog or turtle.

7. Amend § 32.29 Georgia by:

a. Revising paragraph D.4. of Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Adding paragraph C.22. of Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising paragraphs C.2., C.9., and D.3. of Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising paragraph C.2.v. of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Adding paragraph C.18. of Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising paragraphs C.3., C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6. through C.10. as paragraphs C.7. through C.11. and adding a new paragraph C.6. of Savannah National Wildlife Refuge; and

g. Revising paragraphs C.8. and C.9. of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.29 Georgia.

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

4. We prohibit swimming, wading, jet skiing, water skiing, and the use of airboats.

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

22. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

2. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week preceding each hunt, but you must remove stands by the end of each hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

9. During the archery hunt we allow only bows (no crossbows).

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

3. We close the Barbour River Landing (boat ramp and parking areas) to the public from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

2. * * *

v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags. There is a limit of two deer of either sex per day.

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

Fishing. * * *

3. We close the Barbour River Landing (boat ramp and parking areas) to the public from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

2. * * *

v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags. There is a limit of two deer of either sex per day.

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

3. We only allow bows (no crossbows) for deer and hog hunting during the archery hunt.

5. We only allow shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and bows (no crossbows) for deer and hog hunting throughout the designated hunt area during the November gun hunt and the March hog hunt. However, we allow high-powered rifles north of Interstate Highway 95 only. We prohibit handguns.

6. You may place one stand on the refuge for 2 consecutive days during the October archery hunt, the November gun hunt, and the March hog hunt. You must remove your stand by legal sunset of the second day of each 2-day period. Your name, address, and phone number must be marked on your stand.

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

8. We allow bows (no crossbows) and muzzleloading rifles during the primitive weapons hunt.

9. We allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger (slugs only), centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger, bows (no crossbows), and primitive weapons during the gun hunt.

8. Amend § 32.32 Illinois by:

a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph A.2., adding paragraph A.3., and revising paragraph D. of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising paragraphs A., B.1., C.1., and D. of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge;

ssbows), and primitive weapons during the gun hunt.

8. Amend § 32.32 Illinois by:

a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph A.2., adding paragraph A.3., and revising paragraph D. of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising paragraphs A., B.1., C.1., and D. of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D.1. of Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Revising paragraphs D.3. and D.4. of Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D. of Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge; and

g. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D.4. of Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.32 Illinois.

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow fishing on Lake Chautauqua from January 15 through

2. We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset from October 16 to January 14 between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in the North Pool and from Goofy Ridge Public Access to the west gate of the north pool water control structure.

3. Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

4. The public may not enter Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit of the refuge from October 16 through January 14.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting

between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in the North Pool and from Goofy Ridge Public Access to the west gate of the north pool water control structure.

3. Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

4. The public may not enter Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit of the refuge from October 16 through January 14.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Hunters may hunt waterfowl, by daily permit drawing, on the controlled areas of Grassy Point, Carterville, and Greenbriar land areas, as well as on Orchard, Sawmill, Turkey, and Grassy islands from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to posted closing times each day during the goose season. Hunters may hunt waterfowl in these areas, including the lake shoreline, only from existing refuge blinds during the goose season.

2. We prohibit waterfowl hunting in the restricted use area of Crab Orchard Lake.

3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, platforms, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

4. Hunting blinds must be a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.

5. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, and other personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.

6. Goose hunters outside the controlled goose hunting area on Crab Orchard Lake must hunt from a blind that is on shore or anchored a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) away from any shoreline. Waterfowl hunters may also hunt on the east shoreline in Grassy Bay.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit upland game hunting in the controlled goose hunting areas during the goose hunting season, except we allow furbearer hunting from legal sunset to legal sunrise.

s may also hunt on the east shoreline in Grassy Bay.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit upland game hunting in the controlled goose hunting areas during the goose hunting season, except we allow furbearer hunting from legal sunset to legal sunrise.

2. We prohibit upland game hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of all designated public use facilities, including but not limited to parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads, and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.

3. We prohibit hunters using rifles or handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire, except they may use black powder firearms up to and including .40 caliber.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require all deer and turkey hunters using the restricted use area to check in at the refuge visitor contact station prior to hunting.

2. We allow deer hunting with archery equipment only in the following areas:

i. In the controlled goose hunting area;

ii. On all refuge lands north of Illinois State Route 13; and

iii. In the area north of the Crab Orchard Lake emergency spillway and west of Crab Orchard Lake.

3. We prohibit big game hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of all designated public use facilities, including but not limited to parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads, and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.

4. You must remove all portable hunting stands, blinds, and other hunting equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

5. Condition A3 applies.

D. Sport Fishing

ities, including but not limited to parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads, and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.

4. You must remove all portable hunting stands, blinds, and other hunting equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

5. Condition A3 applies.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. On Crab Orchard Lake west of Wolf Creek Road:

i. Anglers may fish from boats all year.

ii. Anglers must remove all trotlines/jugs from legal sunrise until legal sunset from the Friday immediately prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day.

2. On Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road:

i. Anglers may fish from boats March 15 through September 30.

ii. Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeways.

3. Anglers must check and remove fish from all jugs and trotlines daily.

4. We prohibit using stakes to anchor any trotlines.

5. Anglers must tag all trotlines with their name and address.

6. We prohibit anglers using jugs or trotlines with any flotation device that has previously contained any petroleum-based material or toxic substance.

7. Anglers must attach a buoyed device that is visible on the water's surface to all trotlines.

8. Anglers may use all noncommercial fishing methods, except they may not use any underwater breathing apparatus.

9. On A-41, Bluegill, Managers, Honkers, and Vistors Ponds:

i. Anglers may fish only from legal sunrise to legal sunset March 15 through September 30.

ii. We prohibit anglers from using boats or floatation devices.

10. Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or locate any fish.

11. Organizers of all fishing events must possess a refuge-issued permit.

12. We prohibit anglers from fishing within 250 yards (225 m) of an occupied waterfowl hunting blind.

om legal sunrise to legal sunset March 15 through September 30.

ii. We prohibit anglers from using boats or floatation devices.

10. Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or locate any fish.

11. Organizers of all fishing events must possess a refuge-issued permit.

12. We prohibit anglers from fishing within 250 yards (225 m) of an occupied waterfowl hunting blind.

13. We restrict motorboats to slow speeds leaving “no wake” in Cambria Neck, and within 150 feet (45 m) of any shoreline, swimming area, marina entrance, boat ramp, or causeway tunnel on Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, or Devils Kitchen Lakes.

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, woodcock, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require hunters to possess and carry a free refuge hunting permit while hunting on the refuge.

2. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, and platforms (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.

3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, and scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit outboard motors larger than 10 hp.

5. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or other manmade materials to mark trails or hunting locations.

6. We allow dove hunting beginning on September 1 and continuing on the following Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the State season.

7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

8. On the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve:

i. We prohibit all upland game hunting, big game hunting, and duck hunting.

ii. You may only hunt goose following the closure of the State duck hunting season.

iii

d Saturdays throughout the State season.

7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

8. On the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve:

i. We prohibit all upland game hunting, big game hunting, and duck hunting.

ii. You may only hunt goose following the closure of the State duck hunting season.

iii. We only allow goose hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

iv. We allow hunting from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 1 p.m.

v. Hunters must exit the Reserve by 2 p.m.

vi. We prohibit entry to the Reserve prior to 4:30 a.m.

vii. We prohibit hunting during the special snow goose seasons after closure of the regular goose seasons.

viii. We prohibit construction or use of pit blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

ix. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of any private property boundary.

x. All hunting parties must be at least 200 yards (180 m) apart.

xi. All hunters must sign in and out and report daily harvest at the hunter registration station.

xii. All hunting parties must hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys at each blind site.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A7 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 apply.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A4 applies.

2. Anglers must remove all boats and fishing equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's fishing activity.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, jugs, yo-yos, nets, or any commercial fishing equipment except in areas where State regulation authorizes commercial tackle.

4. We prohibit the use of more than two poles per angler and more than two hooks or lures per pole.

5. We prohibit possession of bass less than 15 inches (37.5 cm) in length from refuge ponds.

end of each day's fishing activity.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, jugs, yo-yos, nets, or any commercial fishing equipment except in areas where State regulation authorizes commercial tackle.

4. We prohibit the use of more than two poles per angler and more than two hooks or lures per pole.

5. We prohibit possession of bass less than 15 inches (37.5 cm) in length from refuge ponds.

6. We prohibit possession of more than six channel catfish from refuge ponds.

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the area at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

3. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

. * * *

1. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

3. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, scaffolds, or platforms (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Hunters must remove boats, blinds, blind materials, stands, decoys, and other hunting equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We allow hunting of furbearers only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. The Harlow and Meissner Island Divisions are only open to archery hunting.

2. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.

3. On refuge lands where archery and firearm hunting seasons (shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader) run concurrent, archery hunters must comply with firearm blaze-orange, safety requirements for the State in which they are hunting (i.e., Missouri or Illinois).

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We close the Meissner Island Division to all sport fishing.

2. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

3. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

4. Anglers must remove all fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We close the Meissner Island Division to all sport fishing.

2. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

3. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

4. Anglers must remove all fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, scaffolds, or platforms (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting only on the Apple Creek Division and the portion of the Calhoun Division east of the Illinois River Road in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on the Apple Creek Division and the portion of the Calhoun Division east of the Illinois River Road in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Hunters must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

4. Anglers must remove boats and all other fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing activity.

9. Amend § 32.33 Indiana by:

a. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge; and

c. Revising Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area to read as follows:

§ 32.33 Indiana.

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting

each day's fishing activity.

9. Amend § 32.33 Indiana by:

a. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge; and

c. Revising Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area to read as follows:

§ 32.33 Indiana.

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel in accordance with

1. We require a refuge access permit.

2. We allow the use of hunting dogs only during the squirrel hunting season. Hunters must ensure that all hunting dogs wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.

3. Hunters must hunt only in assigned areas. We prohibit trespass into an unassigned hunt area.

4. In areas posted “Area Closed,” we prohibit entry, including hunting.

5. We prohibit the use of flagging tape and reflective tacks.

6. We allow the use of squirrel hunting dogs only in the day-use area.

7. Permitted squirrel hunters are the only hunters authorized to possess a rifle (only .22 rimfire) on the refuge.

8. Squirrel hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

9. We prohibit the use or possession of handguns on the refuge.

10. We require that hunters check all harvested game taken on the refuge at the refuge check station.

11. We require all refuge hunters to hunt with a partner. We require hunting partners to know the location of their partner while hunting. Youth hunters, anyone age 17 or under, must be directly supervised by a responsible adult age 18 or older.

12. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages on the refuge (see § 32.2(j)).

13. Hunters must possess and carry a compass while hunting on the refuge.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B1, B3, B4, B5, B9, B10, B11, B12, and B13 apply.

prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages on the refuge (see § 32.2(j)).

13. Hunters must possess and carry a compass while hunting on the refuge.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions B1, B3, B4, B5, B9, B10, B11, B12, and B13 apply.

2. The refuge access permit will contain bag limits and license requirements.

3. We allow the use of portable hunting stands and blinds. All hunting stands and blinds may be left in the field overnight only if the hunter will be hunting that same location the following day. We prohibit tree steps or screw-in steps (see § 32.2(i)).

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Old Timbers Lake in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a refuge access permit.

2. We only allow fishing with a rod and reel or pole and line.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines.

4. We allow only boats rowed, paddled, or powered by an electric trolling motor on the Old Timbers Lake.

5. We prohibit retaining black bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 37.5 cm).

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit discharge of firearms within 100 yards (90 m) of an occupied dwelling.

2. We only allow the use of hunting dogs for hunting rabbit and quail, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

3. We only allow .22 caliber rifles with rimfire ammunition and shotgun for upland game hunting.

4. We prohibit quail, squirrel, and rabbit hunting during refuge deer hunts.

C. Big Game Hunting

cupied dwelling.

2. We only allow the use of hunting dogs for hunting rabbit and quail, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

3. We only allow .22 caliber rifles with rimfire ammunition and shotgun for upland game hunting.

4. We prohibit quail, squirrel, and rabbit hunting during refuge deer hunts.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition B1 applies.

2. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the State muzzleloader deer season.

3. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the deer archery hunting season that overlaps with the State muzzleloader deer season.

4. Our late archery season deer hunt opens at the end of the State muzzleloader season and ends at the conclusion of the State late archery season.

5. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

6. Hunters may take only one deer per day from the refuge.

7. We only allow spring turkey hunting on the refuge, and hunters must possess a refuge permit.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow the use of boats on Stanfield Lake. We prohibit the use of gasoline-or electric-powered boat motors. We allow manual-(foot or hand) propelled boats.

2. We allow the use of belly boats or float tubes in all designated fishing areas.

3. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.

4. We prohibit harvest of frog and turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting

ine-or electric-powered boat motors. We allow manual-(foot or hand) propelled boats.

2. We allow the use of belly boats or float tubes in all designated fishing areas.

3. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.

4. We prohibit harvest of frog and turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge and the White River Wildlife Management Area in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, platforms, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials after each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

3. We only allow motorboats on Snakey Point Marsh east of the South Fork River and the Patoka River. All other areas are open to either manual-powered boats or boats with battery-driven motors only.

4. Motorboats must not exceed “no wake” speeds.

5. We prohibit the use of powered airboats on the refuge.

6. We close the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area to all hunting.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, squirrel (gray and fox), turkey, red and gray fox, coyote, opossum, and raccoon in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for all furbearer hunting.

2. We allow the use of dogs for hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, platforms, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Condition A6 applies.

provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, platforms, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).

2. Condition A6 applies.

3. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbons, paper, paint, tacks, tree blazes, or other devices.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow sport fishing in accordance with State regulations on the main channel of the Patoka River.

2. All other refuge waters are subject to the following conditions:

i. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

ii. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.

iii. The minimum size limit for large-mouth bass on Snakey Point Marsh is 14 inches (35 cm).

iv. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to take bait fish, crayfish, snapping turtle, and bullfrog.

3. Anglers must remove boats at the end of each day's fishing activity (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

4. Conditions A2 through A5 apply.

10. Amend § 32.34 Iowa by revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.34 Iowa.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow youth hunting of ring-necked pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations. The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting seasons, dates, and designated areas.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations subject to the following conditions:

ated areas of the refuge in accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations. The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting seasons, dates, and designated areas.

1. The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting seasons and dates and include them in the refuge access permit.

2. You must possess and carry a refuge access permit at all times while in the hunting area. Hunters may only enter the hunting areas within the dates listed on the Refuge Access Permit.

3. All areas open to hunting may be accessed by hunters with a valid Iowa or Nebraska resident hunting permit. Reciprocity exists, with both States allowing hunters with either resident permit to access refuge hunting land in either State.

4. Hunters holding nonresident Nebraska or nonresident Iowa permits may only hunt on the ground that lies within the State that issued the nonresident permit.

5. We allow hunters in the designated area from 3 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.

6. We require all hunters using the designated archery hunting areas to individually register their name and vehicle at the parking area prior to entering the archery area. After hunting, hunters must complete the daily registration by recording the number of hours hunted and kill information.

7. All hunters must be in possession of a valid Entrance Fee Permit.

8. Hunters may use only portable stands. Hunters must remove all portable stands and other property after the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

9. We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road open to vehicle traffic within 30 feet (9 m) of the centerline.

10. We prohibit field dressing of any big game within 100 feet (30 m) of the centerline of any refuge road.

ters may use only portable stands. Hunters must remove all portable stands and other property after the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

9. We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road open to vehicle traffic within 30 feet (9 m) of the centerline.

10. We prohibit field dressing of any big game within 100 feet (30 m) of the centerline of any refuge road.

11. We prohibit use of two-way mobile radio transmitters to communicate the location or direction of game or to coordinate the movement of other hunters.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in DeSoto Lake in accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow ice fishing in DeSoto Lake January 2 through the end of February. The refuge manager may open DeSoto Lake to ice fishing before January 2 or after the end of February, depending on ice conditions.

2. We allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel fishing in DeSoto Lake from April 15 through October 14. The refuge manager may open DeSoto Lake to fishing as early as April 1, depending on waterfowl usage each year.

3. We allow the use of archery and spear fishing for nongame fish only from April 15 through October 14.

4. When the lake is open to ice fishing, we prohibit motor-or wind-driven conveyances on the lake.

5. We allow the use of portable ice fishing shelters on a daily basis from January 2 through the end of February. The refuge manager may open DeSoto Lake to the use of ice fishing shelters before January 2 or after the end of February, depending on ice conditions.

6. Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line, including ice fishing.

7. We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.

8. Anglers must adhere to minimum length and creel limits as posted.

9. We prohibit anglers leaving any personal property, litter, fish or any parts thereof, on the banks, in the water, or on the ice.

10. We prohibit digging or seining for bait.

more than two lines and two hooks per line, including ice fishing.

7. We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or setlines.

8. Anglers must adhere to minimum length and creel limits as posted.

9. We prohibit anglers leaving any personal property, litter, fish or any parts thereof, on the banks, in the water, or on the ice.

10. We prohibit digging or seining for bait.

11. We prohibit take or possession of turtle or frog at any time (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

12. We limit boating to “no-wake” speeds, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.

13. We allow anglers on the refuge from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.

11. Amend § 32.35 Kansas by revising paragraphs A.1. through A.3., adding paragraph A.4., revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., adding paragraphs B.3. and B.4., revising paragraphs C.1. through C.3., adding paragraphs C.4. and C.5., and revising paragraph D. of Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.35 Kansas.

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We restrict outboard motor use to the westernmost 5 1/2 miles (8.8 km) of the Marais des Cygnes River. You may only use nonmotorized boats and electric trolling motors on remaining waters in designated areas of the refuge.

2. We prohibit discharge of firearms within 150 yards (135 m) of any residence or occupied building.

3. We only allow temporary portable blinds and blinds made from natural vegetation.

4. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Condition A2 applies.

2. We prohibit centerfire and rimfire rifles and pistols.

3. You may only possess bow and arrow or shotguns smaller than 10 gauge while hunting upland game.

4. We require the use of approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A2, A3, A4, B2, and B4 apply.

27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Condition A2 applies.

2. We prohibit centerfire and rimfire rifles and pistols.

3. You may only possess bow and arrow or shotguns smaller than 10 gauge while hunting upland game.

4. We require the use of approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A2, A3, A4, B2, and B4 apply.

2. You must possess and carry a refuge access permit to hunt deer and spring turkey.

3. We prohibit hunting with the aid of or distribution of any feed, salt, or other mineral (see § 32.2(h)).

4. We allow the use of portable tree stands. You must label portable tree stands left overnight with your name and phone number so it is visible from the ground.

5. You may install portable tree stands no sooner than September 15, and you must remove them by January 15 of each year.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Condition A1 applies.

12. Amend § 32.36 Kentucky by revising paragraphs A.6. and A.8., removing paragraph A.10., redesignating paragraphs A.11. through A.18. as paragraphs A.10. through A.17., and revising paragraphs B.1., B.3., B.5., B.6., and C.1. of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.36 Kentucky.

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

6. To track game in or retrieve game from a posted closed area of the refuge, the hunter must first receive authorization from the refuge manager at 270-527-5770 or the law enforcement officer at 270-703-2836.

8. We close portions of abandoned railroad tracks within the refuge boundary to vehicle access (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A13 apply.

3. You may not kill or cripple a wild animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the animal and harvest a reasonable portion to be included in your daily bag limit.

70-703-2836.

8. We close portions of abandoned railroad tracks within the refuge boundary to vehicle access (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A13 apply.

3. You may not kill or cripple a wild animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the animal and harvest a reasonable portion to be included in your daily bag limit.

5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting small game.

6. You may hunt coyote only during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A17 and B3 apply.

13. Amend § 32.37 Louisiana by:

a. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge;

b. Revising paragraphs D.1. and D.2. of Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge;

c. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., and A.4., removing paragraph A.10., redesignating paragraphs. A.11. through A.13. as paragraphs A.10. through A.12., revising newly designated paragraph A.10., and revising paragraphs B.4., B.6., C.1., C.2., C.7., C.9., D.3., and D.5. of Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge;

d. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs A.1., A.7., and A.10., adding paragraph A.14., revising the introductory text of paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.3., B.4., C.4., C.5., C.6., and C.8., removing paragraphs C.9. and C.10., and revising paragraphs D.1. and D.3. of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge;

e. Adding paragraph C.8. of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge;

Wildlife Refuge;

f. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., A7., and A.8., adding paragraph A.11., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.2., removing paragraph B.3., redesignating paragraphs B.4. through B.8. as paragraphs B.3. through B.7., revising paragraph B.3., removing paragraph B.9., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.4., and C.5., removing paragraph C.8., redesignating paragraphs C.9 through C.11. as paragraphs C.8. through C.10., revising newly designated paragraph C.8., revising the introductory text of paragraph D., and revising paragraph D.2. of Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge;

g. Revising paragraphs A., D.2., D.4., D.5., D.7., D.14., and D.15. of Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge;

h. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.5., A.10., A.17., and A.18., adding paragraphs A.26. through A.28., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.3., adding paragraph B.6., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.4., D.2., and D.7., and removing paragraph D.11. of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge;

i. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph A.4., adding paragraph A.17., revising paragraph B.1., adding paragraph B.11., revising paragraph C.1., adding paragraphs C.12. and C.13., and revising paragraph D.1. of Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge;

j. Revising paragraph A.6. and adding paragraph C.11. of D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge;

k. Revising paragraphs A.1. and A.7., removing paragraph A.10., redesignating paragraphs A.11. through A.13. as paragraphs A.10. through A.12., revising newly designated paragraphs A.10. and A.12., revising paragraph B.4., the introductory text of paragraph C., and paragraphs C.1., D.1., and D.4. of Delta National Wildlife Refuge;

l. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs A.5., A.15., A.19., A.21., adding paragraph B.8., revising paragraphs C.1. and C.2., removing paragraph C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6. through C.9. as paragraphs C.5. through C.8., and revising paragraphs C.6., D.6., D.8., and D.15

xt of paragraph C., and paragraphs C.1., D.1., and D.4. of Delta National Wildlife Refuge;

m. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.7., and A.8., revising the introductory text of paragraph C., removing paragraph C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6. through C.12. as paragraphs C.5. through C.11., and revising paragraphs C.6. and D.5. of Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge;

n. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs A.5., A.11., and A.13., adding paragraph A.24., revising paragraph B.2., adding paragraph B.7., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., and C.3., removing paragraph C.4., and redesignating paragraphs C.5. through C.17. as paragraphs C.4. through C.16., revising paragraphs C.4. and C.10., and adding paragraphs C.17. and C.18. of Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge;

o. Revising paragraphs A.3., A.5., C.1., C.3., C.6., D.3., and D.4. of Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge;

p. Adding paragraph C.9. of Red River National Wildlife Refuge;

q. Revising paragraph A., D.4., D.7., D.7.i., D.8., D.8.ii., D.8.viii., and D.8.xii. of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge;

r. Revising paragraphs A.4., A.5., A.7., A.10., A.11., A.13., B.2., B.5., B.6., B.7., C.3., C.4., C.6., C.7., C.8., and C.9. through C.15., adding paragraphs C.16. through C.18., and revising paragraph D. of Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge; and

s. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.3., A.4., A.8., A.12., and B.2., the introductory text of paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.3. and C.4., and adding paragraphs C.11. and C.12. of Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.37 Louisiana.

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting

ising paragraph D. of Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge; and

§ 32.37 Louisiana.

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunting must be in accordance with State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunting must be in accordance with State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. The refuge is open from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset.

2. We allow sport fishing and shellfishing year-round on all refuge lands south of the Intracoastal Waterway, from the banks of U.S. Highway 11, and within the banks of the borrow canal and borrow pits between U.S. Highway 11 and Interstate 10. We close the remainder of the refuge from November 1 through January 31.

Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt permit while hunting on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge brochure.

3. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a State-approved Hunter Education Course and possess and carry a card or certification of completion

fuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt permit while hunting on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge brochure.

3. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a State-approved Hunter Education Course and possess and carry a card or certification of completion. Each youth hunter under age 16 must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two refuge-permitted youth hunters. We require all adult supervisors and hunters of migratory waterfowl to possess and carry a State hunter safety course card or certificate.

4. We require waterfowl hunters to remove all portable blinds, boats, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.

10. We allow waterfowl hunting in Centerville, Garden City, and Bayou Sale Units during the State waterfowl season. We open no other units to migratory waterfowl hunting.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

4. We allow hunting 7 days per week beginning with the opening of the State season in Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West Units through the last day of the State waterfowl season in the West Zone. We open no other units to the hunting of upland game.

6. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A5, A6, A7, A8, and A12 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. We only allow hunting of deer with firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) during 5 specific days during October and November. A youth gun hunt will occur during the last weekend of October. The general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November. The general gun hunt will be a lottery hunt. We will require a Lottery Hunt Permit. Hunters will find permit application procedures in the refuge brochure. The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday. The general gun hunt includes the Friday immediately before the weekend.

ur during the last weekend of October. The general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November. The general gun hunt will be a lottery hunt. We will require a Lottery Hunt Permit. Hunters will find permit application procedures in the refuge brochure. The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday. The general gun hunt includes the Friday immediately before the weekend.

2. We allow hunting of deer with archery equipment from the start of the State archery season until the last day of November in the following units: Garden City, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West. The following units are open to archery deer hunting from the start of State archery season until January 31: Centerville, Bayou Sale, and Garden City (south of Garden City levee only). We close refuge archery hunting on those days that the refuge deer gun hunts occur.

7. We allow the use of portable deer stands according to State of Louisiana Wildlife Management Area regulations.

9. Conditions A1, A2, with the following exception to A3: One adult may supervise only one youth, A5, A6, A7, A8, B3, and B5 apply.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

3. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless stated otherwise.

5. Conditions A6 and A8 apply.

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge during the State waterfowl season in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.

7. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact)

esdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.

10. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any road open to vehicle travel, any residence, or Boy Scout Road (see § 27.31 of this chapter).

14. We prohibit horses.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

3. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for quail.

4. Conditions A5 through A14 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

4. You may take deer of either sex in accordance with State regulations. The State season limits apply.

5. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 14 days prior to the start of deer season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 14 days of the end of the refuge deer season (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

6. Hunters may take hogs only during the refuge deer archery hunt.

8. Conditions A5 through A14 apply, except in condition A7: One adult may supervise only one youth while hunting big game.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. You may only fish from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset, except for in the Lake Road area.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets, or alligator lines on the refuge. You may take bait with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

ing. * * *

1. You may only fish from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset, except for in the Lake Road area.

3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets, or alligator lines on the refuge. You may take bait with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).

Boque Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

1. We allow hunting from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).

2. We allow woodcock hunting in accordance with State regulations using only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) size #4 or smaller.

3. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters.

7. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, designated trail, building, residence, designated public facility, or

8. We prohibit possession of slugs, buckshot, rifle, or pistol ammunition unless otherwise specified.

11. We prohibit horses.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot size #4 or smaller or .22 caliber rimfire or smaller.

2. You may use dogs for rabbit and squirrel from November 1 to the end of the State season except during the refuge gun and muzzleloader season.

3. You may use dogs for raccoon and opossum from January 1 through the last day of February.

6. Conditions A3 and A5 through A11 apply.

* *

1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot size #4 or smaller or .22 caliber rimfire or smaller.

2. You may use dogs for rabbit and squirrel from November 1 to the end of the State season except during the refuge gun and muzzleloader season.

3. You may use dogs for raccoon and opossum from January 1 through the last day of February.

6. Conditions A3 and A5 through A11 apply.

7. During the refuge deer gun season, all hunters except waterfowl hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A3 (one adult may only supervise one youth hunter during refuge gun deer hunts), A5 through A7, A10, B4, and B7 apply.

2. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 14 days prior to the start of deer season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 14 days of the end of the refuge deer season (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

4. We list specific dates for general gun big game hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.

5. We list specific dates for primitive weapons big game hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.

8. You may take hog as incidental game while participating in the refuge archery, primitive weapon, and general gun deer hunts only. We list specific dates for the special hog hunts in January and February in the refuge hunt brochure. During the special hog hunts you must use trained hog-hunting dogs to aid in the take of hog. During the special hog hunts you may take hog from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset, and you must use pistol or rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotgun with nontoxic shot to take the hog after it has been caught by dogs.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow recreational fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

2. Conditions A9 and B4 apply.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting

ust use pistol or rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotgun with nontoxic shot to take the hog after it has been caught by dogs.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow recreational fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

2. Conditions A9 and B4 apply.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of light and white-fronted goose, duck, coot, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. The waterfowl hunt is a youth hunt only. We set dates in September, and you may obtain information from the refuge. We will accept permit applications September 1 through October 20 and limit applications to a choice of three dates. We will notify successful applicants.

2. All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969, must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter (age 16 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. For waterfowl hunts, one adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

3. We require every hunter to possess and carry signed refuge hunting regulations and permit.

4. Each hunter must complete a Hunter Information Card at a self-clearing check station after each hunt and before leaving the refuge.

5. We allow dove hunting on designated areas during the first split of the State dove season only.

6. We allow snipe hunting on designated areas for the remaining portion of the State snipe season following closure of the State duck and coot season in the West Zone.

7. We prohibit hunting closer than 50 yards (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.

hunting on designated areas during the first split of the State dove season only.

6. We allow snipe hunting on designated areas for the remaining portion of the State snipe season following closure of the State duck and coot season in the West Zone.

7. We prohibit hunting closer than 50 yards (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.

8. We prohibit any person or group from acting as guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity in which any other individual(s) pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

2. You may recreationally fish, crab, or cast net in the East Cove Unit year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except during the State waterfowl season and when we close the Grand Bayou Boat Bay.

4. On East Cove Unit, we prohibit walking, wading, or climbing in or on the marsh, levees, or structures.

5. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and cast netting in the canal and waterways adjacent to the Gibbstown Unit Bank Fishing Road and the Outfall Canal from March 15 through October 15.

7. We only allow recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or dropnets up to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit using floats on crab lines.

14. We prohibit the use of ATVs, air-thrust boats, and personal motorized watercraft (Jet Skis) in any refuge area (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).

15. You may operate outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. In the marsh we only allow trolling motors.

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

2. Hunters must fill out a free daily “check-in” and “check out” refuge hunting permit obtained at designated check stations and must properly display the associated windshield permit while in parking lots.

perate outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. In the marsh we only allow trolling motors.

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

5. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any refuge public use activity.

10. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter). For muzzleloaders, we define loaded as cap on primer.

17. We prohibit all other hunting during refuge lottery deer hunts.

18. We allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the designated State duck season.

26. We prohibit blocking of gates or trails (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter) with vehicles or ATVs.

27. We prohibit ATVs on trails/roads (see § 27.31 of this chapter) not specifically designated by signs for ATV use.

28. We prohibit handguns for hunting (see § 27.42 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A17 and A19 through A28 apply.

3. We allow the use of squirrel and rabbit dogs from the day after the close

6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A17, A19 through A28, and B6 apply.

2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on the refuge during the State archery deer season.

me Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A17, A19 through A28, and B6 apply.

2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on the refuge during the State archery deer season.

4. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect stands 2 days before the beginning of the refuge archery season and must remove them the last day of the State archery season (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). Hunters may erect stands 2 days before hunting season; however, they must place them in a nonhunting position at the conclusion of each day's hunt.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

2. Conditions A1, A3, A4, A5, A9 (on the open portions of Wood Duck ATV Trail for wildlife-dependent activities throughout the year), A13 through A16, A19, and A21 through A28 apply.

7. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge subject to specific dates (see refuge brochure for details). The harvest limit is 100 pounds (45 kg) per permit per day.

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, gallinule, woodcock, rail, and snipe on designated areas of the Bushley Bayou Unit in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:

4. We open the following ATV trails year-round: Round Lake Road; portions of Black Lake and Dempsey Lake Roads beginning at the designated parking areas; portions of Minnow Ponds Road at Highway 8 to Green's Creek Road and then south to Green's Creek Bridge.

17. We prohibit parking on the refuge for access to adjoining nonrefuge property.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A14, A16, and A17 apply.

11. We require hunters participating in special dog seasons for rabbit and squirrel to wear a minimum of a hunter-orange cap. All other hunters and archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters, also must wear a minimum of a hunter-orange cap during the special dog seasons for rabbit and squirrel.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

shley Bayou Unit), A7 through A14, A16, and A17 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A9, A12 through A14, A16, A17, B4 through B8 (big game hunting), and B11 apply.

12. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).

13. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of hunter orange above or around their blinds visible from 360°.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. Conditions A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7, A9, A13 (as a fishing guide), A14, A16, A17, B5, and B7 apply.

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

6. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained rights of way of roads (see § 27.31 of this chapter), and from aboveground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

11. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).

Delta National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

7. We prohibit air-thrust boats, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *

7. We prohibit air-thrust boats, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

12. We open the refuge from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset with the exception that hunters may enter the refuge earlier, but not before 4 a.m.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

4. Conditions A4 through A10 (each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters during upland game hunting), A11, and A12 apply.

C. Big Game Hunting. We only allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer and hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State archery regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A4 through A12 apply, with the following exception to condition A10: Each adult can only supervise one youth hunter.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. We only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 1/2 hour after legal sunset. During State waterfowl hunting seasons; however, we only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from after 12 p.m. (noon) until 1/2 hour after legal sunset.

4. Conditions A8, A10, and A11 apply.

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting

* *

4. Conditions A8, A10, and A11 apply.

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, mourning dove, snipe, rail, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge (shown on the refuge hunting brochure map) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

5. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any refuge public use activity.

15. We only allow nonmotorized boats or electric-powered motors.

19. We prohibit handguns for hunting (see § 27.42 of this chapter).

21. We allow only incidental take of mourning dove and snipe while migratory bird hunting on days open to waterfowl hunting.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1 through A16, A20, A26, and B8 apply.

2. We allow archery hunting in special designated units (see refuge brochure map) from the beginning of the State archery deer season until the end of the State archery deer season subject to refuge closures resulting from high water conditions.

6. Hunters may take one deer of either sex per day during the deer season except during State-designated “bucks” only seasons.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

6. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge subject to specific date restrictions (see refuge brochure for details).

8. You may harvest 100

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