# 73 FR 51124: Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FR_PRORULE_E8-20100

## Section

- **Citation:** 73 FR 51124
- **Heading:** Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Federal Register / Vol. 73 / 73 FR 51124

## Text

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 [FWS-R9-MB-2008-0032; 91200-1231-9BPP-L2] RIN 1018-AV62 Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations AGENCY:
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:
Proposed rule; supplemental.

SUMMARY:
The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2008-09 late-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population and habitat conditions.

DATES:
You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting late-season frameworks by September 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES:
You may submit comments on the proposals by one of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: 1018-AV62; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.
We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section below for more information).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 2008
On May 28, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 30712) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20
ents section below for more information).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 2008
On May 28, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 30712) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2008-09 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the May 28 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings.
On June 18, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 34692) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 18 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2008-09 regulatory schedule and announced the SRC and Flyway Council meetings.
On June 25 and 26, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed recommendations for the 2008-09 regulations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2008-09 regular waterfowl seasons
me birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2008-09 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 24, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 43290) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. On August 27, 2008, we published a rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2008-09 season.
On July 30-31, 2008, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl and developed recommendations for the 2008-09 regulations for these species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting hours, areas, and limits.
We have considered all pertinent comments received through August 1, 2008, in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment. The comment period is specified above under DATES . We will publish final regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in the Federal Register on or around September 22, 2008.
Population Status and Harvest
The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of information on the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For more detailed information on methodologies and results, you may obtain complete copies of the various reports at the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/reports.html
Population Status and Harvest
The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of information on the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For more detailed information on methodologies and results, you may obtain complete copies of the various reports at the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/reports.html.
Status of Ducks
Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate the conditions of the habitats. These surveys are conducted using fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and encompass principal breeding areas of North America, and cover over 2.0 million square miles. The Traditional survey area comprises Alaska, Canada, and the northcentral United States, and includes approximately 1.3 million square miles. The Eastern survey area includes parts of Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an area of approximately 0.7 million square miles.
Breeding Ground Conditions
Habitat conditions during the 2008 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized in many areas by a delayed spring compared to several preceding years. Drought in many parts of the traditional survey area contrasted sharply with record snow and rainfall in the eastern survey area. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 4.4 ± 0.2 million ponds, 37 percent below last year's estimate of 7.0 ± 0.3 million ponds and 10 percent lower than the long-term average of 4.9 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2008 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.1 ± 0.1 million. This was a 39 percent decrease from last year's estimate (5.0 ± 0.3 million), and 11 percent below the 1955-2007 average (3.4 ± 0.03 million)
ed States combined) was 4.4 ± 0.2 million ponds, 37 percent below last year's estimate of 7.0 ± 0.3 million ponds and 10 percent lower than the long-term average of 4.9 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2008 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.1 ± 0.1 million. This was a 39 percent decrease from last year's estimate (5.0 ± 0.3 million), and 11 percent below the 1955-2007 average (3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2008 pond estimate for the north-central United States (1.4 ± 0.1 million) was 30 percent lower than last year's estimate (2.0 ± 0.1 million) and 11 percent below the long-term average (1.5 ± 0.02 million).
Breeding Population Status
In the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey traditional survey area (strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77), the total duck population estimate was 37.3 ± 0.6 [SE] million birds. This was 9 percent lower than last year's estimate of 41.2 ± 0.7 million birds, but 11 percent above the 1955-2007 long-term average. Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) abundance was 7.7 ± 0.3 million birds, similar to last year's estimate of 8.3 ± 0.3 million birds and to the long-term average. Blue-winged teal ( A. discors ) estimated abundance was 6.6 ± 0.3 million birds similar to last year's estimate of 6.7 ± 0.4 million birds, and 45 percent above the long-term average. Estimated abundances of gadwall ( A. strepera; 2.7 ± 0.2 million) and northern shovelers ( A. clypeata; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) were lower than those of last year (−19 percent and −23 percent, respectively), but both remained 56 percent above their long-term averages. Estimated abundance of American wigeon ( A. americana; 2.5 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2007 estimate and the long-term average. Estimated abundances of green-winged teal ( A. crecca; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) and redheads ( Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to last year's, but were each >50 percent above their long-term averages. The redhead and green-winged teal estimates were the highest and the second highest ever for the traditional survey area
llion) was similar to the 2007 estimate and the long-term average. Estimated abundances of green-winged teal ( A. crecca; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) and redheads ( Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to last year's, but were each >50 percent above their long-term averages. The redhead and green-winged teal estimates were the highest and the second highest ever for the traditional survey area. The canvasback ( A. valisineria ) estimate of 0.5 ± 0.05 million was down 44 percent relative to 2007's record high, and 14 percent below the long-term average. Northern pintails ( Anas acuta; 2.6 ± 0.1 million) were 22 percent below last year's estimate and 36 percent below their long-term average. The scaup ( Aythya affinis and A. marila combined; 3.7 ± 0.2 million) estimate was similar to that of 2007, and remained 27 percent below the long-term average.
The eastern survey area was restratified in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51-72. Estimates of mallards, scaup, scoters (black [ Melanitta nigra ], white-winged [ M. fusca ], and surf [ M. perspicillata ]), green-winged teal, American wigeon, bufflehead ( B. albeola ), American black duck ( A. rubripes ), ring-necked duck ( Aythya collaris ), mergansers (red-breasted [ Mergus serrator ], common [ M. merganser ], and hooded [ Lophodytes cucullatus ]), and goldeneye (common [ Bucephala clangula ] and Barrow's [ B. islandica ]) all were similar to their 2007 estimates and long-term averages.
Fall Flight Estimate
The mid-continent mallard population is composed of mallards from the traditional survey area (revised in 2008 to exclude Alaska mallards), Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and was estimated to be 7.7 ± 0.3 million. This was similar to the revised 2007 estimate of 8.5 ± 0.3 million. In 2007, we reported a projected mallard fall-flight index of 11.4 million ± 1.0 million
Fall Flight Estimate
The mid-continent mallard population is composed of mallards from the traditional survey area (revised in 2008 to exclude Alaska mallards), Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and was estimated to be 7.7 ± 0.3 million. This was similar to the revised 2007 estimate of 8.5 ± 0.3 million. In 2007, we reported a projected mallard fall-flight index of 11.4 million ± 1.0 million. After the removal of Alaska mallards from the mid-continent stock, the revised 2007 fall-flight estimate was 10.9 ± 1.0 million, which was not significantly different from the 2008 estimate of 9.2 ± 0.8 million. These indices were based on mid-continent mallard population models revised in 2002, and the 2008 updated model weights, and therefore differ from those previously published.
See section 1.A. Harvest Strategy Considerations for further discussion of the implications of this information for this year's selection of the appropriate hunting regulations.
Status of Geese and Swans
We provide information on the population status and productivity of North American Canada geese ( Branta canadensis ), brant ( B. bernicla ), snow geese ( Chen caerulescens ), Ross' geese ( C. rossii ), emperor geese ( C. canagica ), white-fronted geese ( Anser albifrons ), and tundra swans ( Cygnus columbianus ). In May of 2008, much of eastern Arctic and subarctic Canada experienced well above-average temperatures which contributed to average or early availability of nesting sites. Reports from most other important goose and swan nesting areas indicated near-average nesting phenology and average production of young in 2008. Poor nesting conditions were reported from Wrangel Island, Russia and relatively small areas along western Hudson Bay, Bristol Bay (Alaska), and interior Alaska. Reduced wetland abundance in the Canadian and U.S. prairies, and a cool and wet spring in other southern areas may have reduced the production of some temperate-nesting Canada geese in 2008
enology and average production of young in 2008. Poor nesting conditions were reported from Wrangel Island, Russia and relatively small areas along western Hudson Bay, Bristol Bay (Alaska), and interior Alaska. Reduced wetland abundance in the Canadian and U.S. prairies, and a cool and wet spring in other southern areas may have reduced the production of some temperate-nesting Canada geese in 2008. Primary abundance indices increased for 17 goose populations and decreased for 9 goose populations in 2008 compared to 2007. Primary abundance indices for both populations of tundra swans decreased in 2008 from 2007 levels. The following populations displayed significant positive trends during the most recent 10-year period (P < 0.05): Mississippi Flyway Giant, Aleutian, Atlantic Canada geese, Western Arctic/Wrangel Island snow geese, and Pacific white-fronted geese. No populations showed a significant negative 10-year trend. The forecast for the production of geese and swans in North America in 2008 is regionally variable, but production for many populations will be improved from the generally low production observed in 2007.
Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity
National surveys of migratory bird hunters were conducted during the 2006 and 2007 hunting seasons. About 1.2 million waterfowl hunters harvested 13,808,100 (± 4 percent) ducks and 3,579,100 (± 5 percent) geese in 2006, and harvested 14,578,900 (± 4 percent) ducks and 3,666,100 (± 6 percent) geese in 2007. Mallard, green-winged teal, gadwall, blue-winged/cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), and wood duck (Aix sponsa) were the most-harvested duck species, and Canada goose was the predominant goose species in the harvest. Coot hunters (about 39,400 in 2006 and 33,700 in 2007) harvested 199,100 (± 29 percent) coots in 2006 and 198,300 (± 29 percent) in 2007
ducks and 3,666,100 (± 6 percent) geese in 2007. Mallard, green-winged teal, gadwall, blue-winged/cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), and wood duck (Aix sponsa) were the most-harvested duck species, and Canada goose was the predominant goose species in the harvest. Coot hunters (about 39,400 in 2006 and 33,700 in 2007) harvested 199,100 (± 29 percent) coots in 2006 and 198,300 (± 29 percent) in 2007.
Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations
The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the May 28, 2008, Federal Register , opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which appeared in the June 18, 2008, Federal Register , discussed the regulatory alternatives for the 2008-09 duck hunting season. Late-season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in the May 28 and June 18 Federal Register documents. We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-season issues for which we received written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive numerical or alphabetical order.
We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are summarized below.
We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, Federal Register documents.
General
Written Comments: An individual commenter protested the entire migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and the Flyway Council process
ormation and comments on the recommendations in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, Federal Register documents.
General
Written Comments: An individual commenter protested the entire migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and the Flyway Council process.
Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information received as public comment. While there are problems inherent with any type of representative management of public-trust resources, we believe that the Flyway-Council system of migratory bird management has been a longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative management since its establishment in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to streamline and improve the process.
1. Ducks
Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are: (A) Harvest Strategy Considerations, (B) Regulatory Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below.
A
e and improve the process.
1. Ducks
Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are: (A) Harvest Strategy Considerations, (B) Regulatory Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below.
A. Harvest Strategy Considerations
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Pacific Flyway Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the adoption of the “liberal” regulatory alternative.
The Mississippi Flyway Council opposed the implementation of the western mallard Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) protocol and recommended the midcontinent mallard AHM protocol should be used for all three western Flyways.
The Central Flyway Council also recommended the “liberal” alternative. However, as part of their Hunter's Choice experiment, they recommended continuation of the following bag limits:
In Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, the daily bag limit would be six ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: five mallards (no more than two of which may be females), two redheads, two scaup, two wood ducks, one pintail, one mottled duck, and one canvasback. For pintails and canvasbacks, the season length would be 39 days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each State.
In Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the daily bag limit would be five ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: two scaup, two redheads, and two wood ducks, and only one from the following group—hen mallards, mottled ducks, pintails, canvasbacks.
Service Response: We are continuing development of an AHM protocol that would allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in a manner that recognizes each Flyway's unique breeding-ground derivation of mallards
ks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: two scaup, two redheads, and two wood ducks, and only one from the following group—hen mallards, mottled ducks, pintails, canvasbacks.
Service Response: We are continuing development of an AHM protocol that would allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in a manner that recognizes each Flyway's unique breeding-ground derivation of mallards. In the July 24 Federal Register , we described and adopted a protocol for regulatory decision-making for the newly defined stock of western mallards. For the 2008 hunting season, we believe that the prescribed regulatory choice for Pacific Flyway should be based on the status of this western mallard breeding stock, while the regulatory choice for the Mississippi and Central Flyways should depend on the status of the recently redefined mid-continent mallard stock. In defining the western breeding stock, based on available data, mallards breeding in Alaska were disassociated with the mid-continent mallard stock and reassigned to the western stock. We also recommend that the regulatory choice for the Atlantic Flyway continue to depend on the status of eastern mallards.
For the 2008 hunting season, we are continuing to consider the same regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of the restrictive, moderate, and liberal alternatives has remained essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended framework dates have been offered in the moderate and liberal regulatory alternatives since 2002. Also, in 2003, we agreed to place a constraint on closed seasons in the western three Flyways whenever the midcontinent mallard breeding-population size (as defined prior to 2008; traditional survey area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) was ≥5.5 million
changed since 1997, except that extended framework dates have been offered in the moderate and liberal regulatory alternatives since 2002. Also, in 2003, we agreed to place a constraint on closed seasons in the western three Flyways whenever the midcontinent mallard breeding-population size (as defined prior to 2008; traditional survey area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) was ≥5.5 million. As we described in the July 24 Federal Register , redefinition of the midcontinent mallard stock through the removal of Alaska necessitated that both the population constraint (North American Waterfowl Management Plan goal plus Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) and the closed season constraint in the midcontinent mallard objective function be rescaled to 4.75 million in order to achieve performance of the mid-continent mallard strategy that is comparable to performance prior to the stock redefinition.
Optimal AHM strategies for the 2008 hunting season were calculated using: (1) Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard stock; (2) the 2008 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population models and associated weights for midcontinent, western, and eastern mallards. Based on this year's survey results of 7.87 million midcontinent mallards (traditional survey area minus Alaska plus Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), 3.06 million ponds in Prairie Canada, 913.8 thousand western mallards (381.1 and 532.4 thousand respectively in California-Oregon and Alaska) and 815 thousand eastern mallards, the prescribed regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the liberal alternative.
Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding selection of the “liberal” regulatory alternative and propose to adopt the “liberal” regulatory alternative, as described in the June 18 Federal Register
ka) and 815 thousand eastern mallards, the prescribed regulatory choice for all four Flyways is the liberal alternative.
Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils regarding selection of the “liberal” regulatory alternative and propose to adopt the “liberal” regulatory alternative, as described in the June 18 Federal Register .
Regarding Hunter's Choice, we support continuation of the Central Flyway Council's recommendation for a 3-year evaluation of the Central Flyway's Hunter's Choice duck bag limit. The Central Flyway's Hunter's Choice regulations are intended to limit harvest on pintails and canvasbacks in a manner similar to the season-within-a-season regulations. Hunter's Choice regulations should also reduce harvests of mottled ducks and hen mallards, while maintaining full hunting opportunity on abundant species such as drake mallards. For the species included in the aggregate bag limit, the harvest of one species is intended to “buffer” the harvest of the others, thus reducing the harvest of all species included in the one-bird category. The Central Flyway has accumulated 4 years of baseline information on harvests resulting from “season-within-a-season” regulations in the Central Flyway; the season length for pintails and canvasbacks in season-within-a-season States under the “liberal” alternative will be 39 days.
Five States (Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)
While we continue to support the Central Flyway's Hunter's Choice experiment, we reiterate that we believe implementation of this experiment should not preclude any future changes in hunting regulations that may be deemed necessary on an annual basis for any other duck species in the Central Flyway, if such changes are deemed necessary
tes (Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)
While we continue to support the Central Flyway's Hunter's Choice experiment, we reiterate that we believe implementation of this experiment should not preclude any future changes in hunting regulations that may be deemed necessary on an annual basis for any other duck species in the Central Flyway, if such changes are deemed necessary.
Regarding the Mississippi Flyway Council's opposition to the western mallard AHM protocol, we have cooperated with the Pacific Flyway during the past several years to develop a protocol for managing the harvest of the western stock of mallards. As we discussed above, in July 2008, we formally adopted the western mallard protocol (73 FR 43290). This decision resulted in Alaska mallards being removed from the midcontinent mallard stock and placing them in the western mallard stock. This change resulted in an increase (+7 percent) in the frequency of closed seasons in the Central and Mississippi Flyways under the midcontinent mallard AHM protocol. As we also discussed above, to address this concern, we modified the closed season constraint for midcontinent mallards from 5.25 to 4.75 million mallards.
We recognize the concerns expressed by the Mississippi Flyway Council with regard to implementation of the western mallard protocol. However, we believe that establishment of a western mallard protocol is justified, and we have made an appropriate adjustment to the midcontinent mallard protocol to reduce the impact of removing Alaska from that stock of birds. With regard to potential impacts of higher frequency of liberal seasons in the Pacific Flyway on midcontinent mallards, a preliminary joint optimization of western and midcontinent mallards was assessed. The preliminary analysis suggested that joint optimization does not result in a significant difference in the performance of either protocol. Therefore, we believe an independent harvest strategy for western mallards poses little risk to the midcontinent stock
seasons in the Pacific Flyway on midcontinent mallards, a preliminary joint optimization of western and midcontinent mallards was assessed. The preliminary analysis suggested that joint optimization does not result in a significant difference in the performance of either protocol. Therefore, we believe an independent harvest strategy for western mallards poses little risk to the midcontinent stock. With regard to the potential impacts of near-permanent liberal regulations in the Pacific Flyway on other species of waterfowl, it is presently unclear how such impacts would be assessed. However, we are committed to monitoring of these potential impacts and will discuss any findings with all of the Flyway Councils prior to implementing any appropriate regulatory changes to address such impacts.
B. Regulatory Alternatives
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the Service propose a process and time line by June 2009 for review and modification of the regulatory alternatives for implementation by the 2011 season.
Service Response: We plan to address this issue within the context of the new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting program (see NEPA Consideration for further discussion) and anticipate the issuance of the draft SEIS by the date desired by the Atlantic Flyway Council.
C. Special Seasons/Species Management
iii. Black Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that black duck harvest regulations remain unchanged for the 2008-09 season.
Service Response: In the July 24 Federal Register we described the black duck interim harvest strategy developed by U.S. and Canadian waterfowl managers that will be employed by both countries to make regulatory decisions over the next three seasons (2008-09 to 2010-11), allowing time for the development of a formal strategy based on the principles of AHM
remain unchanged for the 2008-09 season.
Service Response: In the July 24 Federal Register we described the black duck interim harvest strategy developed by U.S. and Canadian waterfowl managers that will be employed by both countries to make regulatory decisions over the next three seasons (2008-09 to 2010-11), allowing time for the development of a formal strategy based on the principles of AHM. The interim harvest strategy is prescriptive, in that it calls for no substantive changes in hunting regulations unless the black duck breeding population, averaged over the most recent 3 years, exceeds or falls below the long-term average breeding population by 15 percent or more. The strategy is designed to share the black duck harvest equally between the two countries; however, recognizing incomplete control of harvest through regulations, it will allow realized harvest in either country to vary between 40 and 60 percent.
The 2008 composite estimate (based on hierarchical modeling and both Service and Canadian Wildlife Service survey data) for the Eastern Survey Area is 683.4 thousand. The 1998-2007 mean estimate is 713.8 thousand and the most recent 3-year running mean estimate is 721.6 thousand. Based on these estimates, we agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council that no restriction or liberalization of harvest is warranted.
iv. Canvasbacks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a full season for canvasbacks consisting of a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Atlantic Flyway.
The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council reiterated their recommended alternative canvasback harvest management strategy that uses threshold levels based on breeding population size in order to determine bag limits (detailed in the June 18 Federal Register ). Using their strategy would result in a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Mississippi Flyway
and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council reiterated their recommended alternative canvasback harvest management strategy that uses threshold levels based on breeding population size in order to determine bag limits (detailed in the June 18 Federal Register ). Using their strategy would result in a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Mississippi Flyway.
The Central Flyway Council, as part of their Hunter's Choice experiment, recommended a full season (74 days) for canvasbacks with a 1-bird daily bag limit in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming and a 39-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a closed season for canvasbacks.
Service Response: Since 1994, we have followed a canvasback harvest strategy that if canvasback population status and production are sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for the entire length of the regular duck season, while still attaining a projected spring population objective of 500,000 birds, the season on canvasbacks should be opened. A partial season would be permitted if the estimated allowable harvest was within the projected harvest for a shortened season. If neither of these conditions can be met, the harvest strategy calls for a closed season on canvasbacks nationwide. In the July 24 Federal Register we announced our decision to modify the Canvasback Harvest Strategy to incorporate the option for a 2-bird daily bag limit for canvasbacks when the predicted breeding population the subsequent year exceeds 725,000 birds.
This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 489,000 canvasbacks. This was 44 percent below the 2007 estimate of 865,000 canvasbacks and 14 percent below the 1955-2007 average. The estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.06 million, which was 39 percent below last year and 11 percent below the long-term average
he predicted breeding population the subsequent year exceeds 725,000 birds.
This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 489,000 canvasbacks. This was 44 percent below the 2007 estimate of 865,000 canvasbacks and 14 percent below the 1955-2007 average. The estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.06 million, which was 39 percent below last year and 11 percent below the long-term average. According to the Canvasback Harvest Strategy, the allowable harvest in the conterminous United States is 24,700 birds, which is less than the expected harvest in the United States for all four flyways under their respective restrictive season
Last year, the estimate of canvasback abundance was a record-high of 865,000 birds. In response to Flyway requests for additional harvest opportunities due to that estimate, we increased the daily bag limit to 2 birds per day. As expected, the harvest of canvasbacks increased last year, but not to the extent that could explain the large decrease in the estimate of canvasback abundance this spring. We have conducted a comprehensive review of canvasback survey information, with a particular focus on the change in estimates between 2007 and 2008. Investigations into the estimation procedures for canvasbacks revealed that numbers of canvasbacks observed during the May survey increased across many survey areas last year, but counts were consistently lower in those same areas this spring. We found no anomalies in the data, leading us to conclude with confidence that the estimate this year is as reliable as previous estimates. Annual canvasback estimates typically have higher variances than for most other species counted during May, and large changes from year-to-year have happened historically. It is possible that the discrepancy between this year's estimate and last year's record-high estimate is purely the result of sampling variation, but other factors may have contributed.
However, we support the completion of the Hunter's Choice experiment in the Central Flyway
variances than for most other species counted during May, and large changes from year-to-year have happened historically. It is possible that the discrepancy between this year's estimate and last year's record-high estimate is purely the result of sampling variation, but other factors may have contributed.
However, we support the completion of the Hunter's Choice experiment in the Central Flyway. For the last 2 years, the average harvest of canvasbacks in the U.S. portion of the Central Flyway has been about 14,800 birds. This, together with the average expected harvest in Alaska (350 birds), is below the allowable U.S. harvest resulting from the strategy this year. Thus, we propose that the States in the Central Flyway be allowed an open season on canvasbacks this year according to the Hunter's Choice experimental design, but the seasons on canvasbacks would be closed in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Pacific Flyways.
v. Pintails
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Pacific Flyway Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a full season for pintails consisting of a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 60-day season in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, and a 107-day season in the Pacific Flyway.
The Central Flyway Council, as part of their Hunter's Choice experiment, recommended a full season (74 days) for pintails with a 1-bird daily bag limit in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming and a 39-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Service Response: Based on the current strategy, along with an observed spring breeding population of 2.61 million, an overflight-bias-corrected breeding population of 4.24 million and a projected fall flight of 4.47 million pintails, the Pintail Harvest Strategy prescribes a full season and a 1-bird bag in all Flyways
ird daily bag limit in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Service Response: Based on the current strategy, along with an observed spring breeding population of 2.61 million, an overflight-bias-corrected breeding population of 4.24 million and a projected fall flight of 4.47 million pintails, the Pintail Harvest Strategy prescribes a full season and a 1-bird bag in all Flyways. Under the “liberal” season length, this regulation is expected to result in a harvest of 569,000 pintails and an observed breeding population estimate of 3.53 million in 2009, not considering any potential effect from continuation of the Hunter's Choice evaluation in the Central Flyway.
Furthermore, we agree with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to adopt a 39-day “season-within-a-season” for pintails in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We understand that this departure from the pintail strategy is a necessary part of the experimental “Hunter's Choice” season.
vi. Scaup
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the following regulatory packages for scaup be allowed for the Atlantic Flyway for the next 3 years and that we use their harvest prediction methodology to predict scaup harvests in the Atlantic Flyway:
(1) Under the restrictive harvest policy, a 40-day season with a 1-bird daily bag and a 20-day season with a 2-bird daily bag. The 20 days with the 2-bird daily bag shall be 20 consecutive hunting days;
(2) Under the moderate harvest policy, a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag; and
years and that we use their harvest prediction methodology to predict scaup harvests in the Atlantic Flyway:
(1) Under the restrictive harvest policy, a 40-day season with a 1-bird daily bag and a 20-day season with a 2-bird daily bag. The 20 days with the 2-bird daily bag shall be 20 consecutive hunting days;
(2) Under the moderate harvest policy, a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag; and
(3) Under the liberal harvest policy, a 60-day season with a 4-bird daily bag.
For 2008-09, the Council recommended implementation of the restrictive season package, based on results of the scaup harvest model.
The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a 60-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit for the 2008-09 season. They further recommended a restrictive and moderate regulatory package of 60 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit and a liberal regulatory package of 60 days with a 4-bird daily bag limit.
The Central Flyway Council recommended the continuation of the Hunter's Choice bag limit for the 2008-09 season. After completion of the Hunter's Choice experiment, the Central Flyway Council recommends the following potential scaup regulatory alternatives (season lengths and daily bag limits) for Central Flyway States:
(1) Restrictive Policy—74 days with a 1-bird daily bag limit;
(2) Moderate Policy—74 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit; and
(3) Liberal Policy—74 days with a 6-bird daily bag limit.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the adoption of the following scaup regulation packages for the Pacific Flyway for the next three years:
(1) Restrictive season package: 86 days, 2 bag limit.
(2) Moderate season package: 86 days, 3 bag limit.
rd daily bag limit;
(2) Moderate Policy—74 days with a 2-bird daily bag limit; and
(3) Liberal Policy—74 days with a 6-bird daily bag limit.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the adoption of the following scaup regulation packages for the Pacific Flyway for the next three years:
(1) Restrictive season package: 86 days, 2 bag limit.
(2) Moderate season package: 86 days, 3 bag limit.
(3) Liberal season package: 107 days, 7 bag limit.
In addition, the Pacific Flyway Council requested that split and zone configurations be available to individual States for scaup seasons, similar to the split and zone options we previously provided for pintail seasons. For 2008-09, the Council recommended implementation of the restrictive season package, based on results of the scaup harvest model.
Service Response: As we have stated over the last several years, the continental scaup (greater Aythya marila and lesser Aythya affinis combined) population has experienced a long-term decline over the past 20 years. Over the past several years in particular, we have continued to express our growing concern about the status of scaup (see the May 28 Federal Register for a review of the actions we have taken over the last few years to synthesize data relevant to scaup harvest management and frame a scientifically-sound scaup harvest strategy or for a complete list of reports see http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/reports.html ).
In the July 24 Federal Register , we adopted a scaup harvest strategy that resulted from three years of development and review in cooperation with the Flyway Councils. The 2008 scaup breeding population estimate was 3.74 million. Total estimated scaup harvest in 2007-08 was 295,000. Employing these estimates as the input to the scaup harvest strategy, the optimal harvest for the 2008-09 hunting season is 200,000 (including the 40,000 scaup harvest expected in Canada and
We appreciate the time and attention that the Flyways have given this issue
lyway Councils. The 2008 scaup breeding population estimate was 3.74 million. Total estimated scaup harvest in 2007-08 was 295,000. Employing these estimates as the input to the scaup harvest strategy, the optimal harvest for the 2008-09 hunting season is 200,000 (including the 40,000 scaup harvest expected in Canada and
We appreciate the time and attention that the Flyways have given this issue. We further support the recommendations received from the Atlantic, Central and Pacific Flyways for their restrictive, moderate and liberal packages for scaup. We also support the packages recommended by the Mississippi Flyway for their moderate and liberal packages. However, the restrictive package recommended by the Mississippi Flyway is not projected to be sufficient to achieve the required harvest reductions. In further consultation with the Mississippi Flyway Consultants, we accepted the same season structure recommended by the Atlantic Flyway for restrictive seasons in the Mississippi Flyway. These season structures will be used for the next three years and evaluated at the end of that period.
In addition, we have adopted the alternative harvest prediction models suggested by the Atlantic and Central Flyways. We also support the proposal by the Pacific Flyway to afford States the opportunity to use their existing zone/split rules for their respective States when choosing scaup season frameworks.
vii. Mottled Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended continuation of a 60-day season and a 3-bird daily bag limit for mottled ducks for the 2008-09 waterfowl season. They further recommended that given adequate justification for a 30 percent reduction in harvest, and no further analyses of effects of harvest regulations on mottled duck harvests sometime in the future, the following:
(a) Season length of 45 days with a daily bag limit of 1 per day in years when AHM prescribes a liberal or moderate regulations package.
ducks for the 2008-09 waterfowl season. They further recommended that given adequate justification for a 30 percent reduction in harvest, and no further analyses of effects of harvest regulations on mottled duck harvests sometime in the future, the following:
(a) Season length of 45 days with a daily bag limit of 1 per day in years when AHM prescribes a liberal or moderate regulations package.
(b) Season length of 30 days with a daily bag limit of 2 per day in years when AHM prescribes a restrictive regulations package.
(c) Outside the mottled duck breeding range, mottled duck season length and bag limits would be the same as for hen mallards.
The Central Flyway Council recommended that no further harvest reductions were warranted at this time.
Service Response: We are not proposing any changes to mottled duck regulations for the 2008-09 season. Because of our long-standing concern about the status of mottled ducks, we are encouraged by the progress made to date on improving population monitoring programs for this species in the Gulf Coast region. We look forward to working with the Flyways on continued development of such surveys. Further, we appreciate the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendations on potential regulatory packages that could serve to reduce harvest pressure on mottled ducks if deemed necessary at some future date. We will take under consideration the Council's recommendation regarding regulations in areas outside the mottled duck breeding range. We also recognize that the Central Flyway Council has taken voluntary restrictions in mottled duck regulations in the past and, together with reductions in harvest resulting from the Hunter's Choice experiment, has reduced harvest pressure on mottled ducks, primarily in Texas.
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consideration the Council's recommendation regarding regulations in areas outside the mottled duck breeding range. We also recognize that the Central Flyway Council has taken voluntary restrictions in mottled duck regulations in the past and, together with reductions in harvest resulting from the Hunter's Choice experiment, has reduced harvest pressure on mottled ducks, primarily in Texas.
viii. Wood Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Central Flyway Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the wood duck bag limit in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways be increased to 3 birds per day during the regular duck season for an experimental 3-year period beginning in 2008.
Service Response: We support the proposal to increase the daily bag limit for wood ducks from 2 to 3 birds in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways beginning in 2008. We do not, however, believe that this change warrants an experiment because the assessment work that justifies the bag limit increase has already been done. However, we recognize the importance of maintaining the current wood duck banding effort that is needed to assess the effects of the change. Further, we look forward to continuing involvement by the Flyways in developing a wood duck harvest strategy, including (1) determining specific harvest management objectives; (2) determining regulatory alternatives; (3) designation of and support for appropriate population monitoring programs; and (4) designation of the appropriate test criteria for making management decisions. We would like the Flyways to develop this strategy for implementation during the 2010-2011 hunting season.
viii. Youth Hunt
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the Service allow States to select any two weekend days, holidays or other non-school days for their youth waterfowl hunting days
nation of the appropriate test criteria for making management decisions. We would like the Flyways to develop this strategy for implementation during the 2010-2011 hunting season.
viii. Youth Hunt
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the Service allow States to select any two weekend days, holidays or other non-school days for their youth waterfowl hunting days.
Service Response: We do not support the Atlantic Flyway's proposal to allow the selection of any two weekend days, holidays, or other non-school days for their youth waterfowl hunting days. In 2000, we expanded the special youth waterfowl hunt to two consecutive days in order to reduce travel and scheduling conflicts for youth hunt participants—issues identified by the Flyways as problems with promoting participation under the original 1-day youth hunt guidelines (65 FR 51496). The following year, we further supported a change to two consecutive hunting days to address the inability of some States in the Atlantic Flyway to hunt on Sundays (66 FR 44010). As we stated in 2003 when presented with a similar proposal by the Atlantic Flyway, we believe the proposal is inconsistent with the original purpose put forth by the Flyway Councils in 2000 to facilitate travel and scheduling of youth hunt participants (68 FR 51658).
4. Canada Geese
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council forwarded a number of recommendations concerning Canada geese. First, the Council recommended that we modify the existing criteria for delineation of Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada goose hunting zones in the Atlantic Flyway by proposing that AFRP hunting zones may not contain more than 10 percent of all Atlantic Population (AP) band recoveries, or more than 10 percent of all North Atlantic Population (NAP) recoveries, within a State from 2002-2007
the Council recommended that we modify the existing criteria for delineation of Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada goose hunting zones in the Atlantic Flyway by proposing that AFRP hunting zones may not contain more than 10 percent of all Atlantic Population (AP) band recoveries, or more than 10 percent of all North Atlantic Population (NAP) recoveries, within a State from 2002-2007.
Second, the Council recommended that we adopt the following criteria for evaluation of AFRP hunting zones in the Atlantic Flyway during 2008-2010:
(1) All areas holding an AFRP regular season must collectively account for no more than a 1 percent direct recovery rate for adults for any migrant goose population during the open AFRP regular seasons. Areas contributing disproportionately to the cumulative recovery rate will be identified and these areas may be eliminated to stay below the 1 percent threshold;
(2) AFRP hunting zones must not account for more than 10 percent of all AP band recoveries, or more than 10 percent of all NAP recoveries, in any State during the 3-year period 2008-2010;
(3) If a season is closed for any migrant population, AFRP hunting zones would remain open as long as
(4) Band recovery data will be examined annually, and at 3-year intervals all available data will be examined to determine if zone modifications and/or changes to opening and closing framework dates are needed to ensure continued compliance with the above criteria.
As a result of the above delineation criteria modifications, the Council recommended modifications to existing AFRP hunting zones in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland beginning in 2008, and that we extend the opening and closing framework dates for Canada geese in AFRP harvest zones in Pennsylvania (from the fourth Saturday in October to March 10), Maryland and Virginia (from November 15 to March 10), and North Carolina (from October 1 to March 10)
ions, the Council recommended modifications to existing AFRP hunting zones in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland beginning in 2008, and that we extend the opening and closing framework dates for Canada geese in AFRP harvest zones in Pennsylvania (from the fourth Saturday in October to March 10), Maryland and Virginia (from November 15 to March 10), and North Carolina (from October 1 to March 10). They also recommended allowing Connecticut and New York to establish new AFRP harvest zones with framework dates between 1 October and 15 February and bag limits of 5 geese per day.
With regard to frameworks in Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) harvest zones, the Council recommended allowing Pennsylvania a 70-day Canada goose hunting season, with a 3-bird daily bag limit, between the second Saturday in October and February 15; Virginia, a 40-day season between November 15 and January 14 with a 3-bird daily bag limit and an experimental season between January 15-February 15 with a 5-bird daily bag limit; and North Carolina a 70-day season with a 5-bird daily bag limit between October 1 and December 31. In addition, they recommended modifying the SJBP harvest zone in Pennsylvania to include the former Pymatuning Zone and that portion of Mercer, Crawford and Erie Counties north of Interstate 80 and west of Interstate 79 including Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the area within 150 yards of the Lake Erie shoreline.
The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a number of changes in Canada goose zones, seasons lengths, and bag limits for several States in the Flyway. These changes are a result of approved revisions to the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Canada goose harvest strategy and management plan that were made in agreement with the Atlantic Flyway. These changes are consistent with the revised harvest strategies for Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway
hanges in Canada goose zones, seasons lengths, and bag limits for several States in the Flyway. These changes are a result of approved revisions to the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Canada goose harvest strategy and management plan that were made in agreement with the Atlantic Flyway. These changes are consistent with the revised harvest strategies for Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended revising Idaho zone designations for 2 counties (Adams and Valley Counties from Zone 2 to Zone 1), and reducing the bag limit on dark geese in Wyoming from 4 to 3 geese.
Service Response: We concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendations to modify existing criteria for delineation and subsequent evaluation of AFRP hunting zones. Evaluations of AFRP seasons since 2002 have demonstrated that these seasons have met the established criteria of less than a 1 percent direct recovery rate of migrant geese. We note that a migrant (AP, NAP, SJBP) direct recovery rate of 0.35 percent was realized for the 2005-2007 period. AFRP zones have resulted in higher hunter opportunity and higher AFRP goose harvests, and current North Atlantic Population Canada Goose Low Harvest zones have shown to be effective in minimizing NAP harvest. The Atlantic Flyway Council's proposed modification to allow certain portions of existing NAP Harvest zones to become AFRP zones will allow for greater harvest opportunity on AFRP geese while further protecting NAP stocks. Current direct recovery rates of NAP geese in the United States are 2.9 percent, equating to a harvest rate of <6 percent. As band return data accumulate, adjustments to existing AFRP zones and establishment of new zones should utilize these data. We will continue to evaluate these AFRP seasons annually through leg band recoveries and at 3-year intervals a comprehensive evaluation of all available data will occur to ensure compliance with established criteria
are 2.9 percent, equating to a harvest rate of <6 percent. As band return data accumulate, adjustments to existing AFRP zones and establishment of new zones should utilize these data. We will continue to evaluate these AFRP seasons annually through leg band recoveries and at 3-year intervals a comprehensive evaluation of all available data will occur to ensure compliance with established criteria. Lastly, we note that these proposed modifications for delineation of new AFRP zones in certain portions of existing NAP harvest zones are in accordance with the current North Atlantic Population Canada Goose Management Plan.
We also concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendations to modify AFRP hunting zones in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania, establish new AFRP zones in Connecticut and Long Island, New York, and modify the AFRP zone season opening and closing framework dates in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These recommended changes all conform to the existing criteria, as amended above, for delineating AFRP hunting zones and establishing AFRP season framework dates. We further note that resident Canada geese are overabundant in many areas of the Atlantic Flyway and currently number approximately 1.0 million birds, significantly above the goal in the Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada Goose Management Plan of 650,000 geese. All of the Flyway's objectives to increase the harvest of resident Canada geese are consistent with those identified in the Service's 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement on Resident Canada Goose Management (70 FR 69985, November 18, 2005).
We also concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommended frameworks for the SJBP harvest zones in the Atlantic Flyway. We note that the SJBP Management Plan was recently revised and approved by both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils and guides management decisions in both flyways
Environmental Impact Statement on Resident Canada Goose Management (70 FR 69985, November 18, 2005).
We also concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommended frameworks for the SJBP harvest zones in the Atlantic Flyway. We note that the SJBP Management Plan was recently revised and approved by both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils and guides management decisions in both flyways. The plan goal is to maintain the SJBP at a level that can sustain use throughout its current range, while allowing for the management of resident Canada geese. A key part of the plan is a harvest strategy designed to test the resident Canada goose buffering hypothesis. This hypothesis states that large populations of resident Canada geese are now buffering the harvest of SJBP geese, and therefore liberalization in hunting regulations will result in more harvest of resident Canada geese, and not SJBP Canada geese. Further, genetic studies and analysis of band recoveries indicate SJBP harvest zones in many States no longer function as concentration zones for SJBP geese and may therefore be ineffective at protecting SJBP geese. We agree that these reductions in hunting opportunity and hunting pressure on resident Canada geese may not be warranted when many SJBP harvest zones hold a smaller proportion of SJBP geese than they did historically. The newly revised SJBP plan also calls for holding regulations stable for a 5-year period (2008-2013). If the spring population estimate falls below 50,000 in combination with either an unabated negative trend in the estimate over 3 years or more, and evidence of unsustainable harvest rates, then appropriate regulation changes will be implemented as/when necessary in both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways. We believe that these proposed regulation changes will provide for increased hunting opportunity and harvest of AFRP geese, while maintaining the SJBP at levels identified in the 2008 plan.
We also concur with all of the recommendations forwarded by the Pacific Flyway Council
, then appropriate regulation changes will be implemented as/when necessary in both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways. We believe that these proposed regulation changes will provide for increased hunting opportunity and harvest of AFRP geese, while maintaining the SJBP at levels identified in the 2008 plan.
We also concur with all of the recommendations forwarded by the Pacific Flyway Council. Some of these changes are designed to afford greater protection to Tule white-fronted geese and the Service strongly supports these efforts (see discussion under 5. White-fronted Geese). In addition, the other changes in Canada goose seasons are relatively minor and are being
5. White-fronted Geese
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the following area, bag, and season length changes described below:
(1) In the Lake County portion of the Harney, Lake, and Malheur County Zone reduce the daily bag limit for white-fronted geese from 2 to 1;
(2) In the Klamath County Zone of Oregon, for hunting days occurring after the last Sunday in January, change the daily bag limit of 2 white-fronted geese to a bag limit of 1 white-fronted goose and 3 white geese; and
(3) Reduce the bag limit on dark geese in Wyoming from 4 to 3 geese.
Service Response: We concur with the proposed changes in goose frameworks proposed by the Pacific Flyway Council. In general, these changes are designed to afford greater protection to Tule white-fronted geese and we strongly support these efforts. Tule greater white-fronted geese continue to be of concern because of low population numbers. In Oregon, Tule white-fronted geese are predominantly encountered in Lake County where the bag limit for white-fronted geese has been two for some time. Because of the continued concern for Tule geese, and uncertainty about their true population size, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council that a reduction in harvest is warranted
geese continue to be of concern because of low population numbers. In Oregon, Tule white-fronted geese are predominantly encountered in Lake County where the bag limit for white-fronted geese has been two for some time. Because of the continued concern for Tule geese, and uncertainty about their true population size, we agree with the Pacific Flyway Council that a reduction in harvest is warranted. This proposed change will keep Tule goose harvest in Oregon at minimum levels and support ongoing research efforts to assess population status.
We note, however, that indices to the Pacific population of white-fronted geese exceed management plan goals and this population is responsible for numerous agricultural depredation complaints in the Klamath Basin as well. However, given the concerns over the status of population of Tule white-fronted geese, which, as documented through telemetry observations, are present in at least very low numbers in the Oregon portion of the Klamath Basin during this time period, further assessment is warranted.
6. Brant
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommends a 60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit for Atlantic brant.
Service Response: We concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation. The 2008 Mid-Winter Index (MWI) for Atlantic brant was 160,618 brant. The Brant Management Plan prescribes a 60-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit when the MWI estimate is above 150,000 and productivity and food supplies are deemed sufficient to sustain additional harvest opportunity. We note that productivity for 2008 looks very good on the main breeding grounds and that productivity in 2007 was good, with approximately 28-31 percent young in the fall productivity surveys. Thus, we agree with the Council that an increase of 10 days with the associated daily bag limit increase is the proper approach for the upcoming season.
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ficient to sustain additional harvest opportunity. We note that productivity for 2008 looks very good on the main breeding grounds and that productivity in 2007 was good, with approximately 28-31 percent young in the fall productivity surveys. Thus, we agree with the Council that an increase of 10 days with the associated daily bag limit increase is the proper approach for the upcoming season.
7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several area, bag, and season length changes for light geese:
(1) In the States of California, Oregon, and Washington increase the light goose season length to 107 days, and in the States of California and Oregon increase the bag limit to 6 light geese per day and extend the light goose framework ending date to March 10;
(2) Increase the bag limit to 10 light geese per day in all other states of the Pacific Flyway with a framework ending date of March 10; and
(3) In the Klamath County Zone of Oregon, for hunting days occurring after the last Sunday in January, change the daily bag limit of 2 white-fronted geese to a bag limit of 1 white-fronted goose and 3 white geese.
Service Response: We support the proposed changes for light geese in the Pacific Flyway. Last year the Flyway's December goose count exceeded 1 million for the first time, representing a doubling of this index since 1999. Light goose indices (Snow and Ross' geese combined) indicate that all recognized populations currently exceed management plan goals. In some areas of the Pacific Flyway, these goose populations are leading to increasing depredation complaints. In addition, numbers of light geese breeding on Wrangle Island, Russia, a colony that has been of concern in the past, has recovered to near record levels in the past few years
(Snow and Ross' geese combined) indicate that all recognized populations currently exceed management plan goals. In some areas of the Pacific Flyway, these goose populations are leading to increasing depredation complaints. In addition, numbers of light geese breeding on Wrangle Island, Russia, a colony that has been of concern in the past, has recovered to near record levels in the past few years. We support efforts to increase harvest of these geese in aid of limiting further population growth and perhaps avoiding the overabundance problems associated with the species that have been documented in several of the mid-continent region.
Public Comments
The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed regulations. Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received. Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals.
You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not consider comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not listed in the ADDRESSES section. Finally, we will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section.
We will post your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—on http://www.regulations.gov . If you provide personal identifying information in your comment, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so
are not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section.
We will post your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—on http://www.regulations.gov . If you provide personal identifying information in your comment, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov , or by appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Room 4107, 4501 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.
For each series of proposed rulemakings, we will establish specific comment periods. We will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. As in the past, we will summarize all comments received during the comment period and respond to them after the closing date in any final rules.
NEPA Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document “Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-14),” filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled “Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands” is available from the address indicated FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .
In a notice published in the September 8, 2005 Federal Register (70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the migratory bird hunting program
al assessment entitled “Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands” is available from the address indicated FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .
In a notice published in the September 8, 2005 Federal Register (70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the migratory bird hunting program. Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as detailed in a March 9, 2006 Federal Register (71 FR 12216). We have prepared a scoping report summarizing the scoping comments and scoping meetings. The report is available by either writing to the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or by viewing on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds .
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Prior to issuance of the 2008-09 migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will comply with provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter, the Act), to ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species designated as endangered or threatened, or modify or destroy its critical habitat, and is consistent with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under section 7 of this Act may cause us to change proposals in this and future supplemental rulemaking documents.
Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this rule is significant and has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. OMB bases its determination upon the following four criteria:
(a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
(b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal agencies' actions.
reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. OMB bases its determination upon the following four criteria:
(a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
(b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal agencies' actions.
(c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients.
(d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.
Clarity of the Rule
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis discussed under Executive Order 12866. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis discussed under Executive Order 12866. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2008 Analysis was based on the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.2 billion at small businesses in 2008. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/reports.html or at http://www.regulations.gov.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ). The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of our Migratory Bird Surveys and assigned control number 1018-0023 (expires 2/28/2011)
oposed rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property.
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211
On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this proposed rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils
employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2008-09 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j.
Dated: August 25, 2008. David M. Verhey, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2008-09 Late Hunting Seasons on Certain Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 2008, and March 10, 2009.
General
Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily
season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 2008, and March 10, 2009.
General
Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits are twice the daily bag limit.
Flyways and Management Units
Waterfowl Flyways
Atlantic Flyway —includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Mississippi Flyway —includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Central Flyway —includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
Pacific Flyway —includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.
Management Units
High Plains Mallard Management Unit —roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian.
Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, the collective terms “dark” and “light” geese include the following species:
Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese
defined as that portion of the Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian.
Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, the collective terms “dark” and “light” geese include the following species:
Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese.
Light geese: snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.
Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this document.
Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are listed below by Flyway.
Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway
In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots).
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
Outside Dates: States may select two consecutive days (hunting days in Atlantic Flyway States with compensatory days) per duck-hunting zone, designated as “Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,” in addition to their regular duck seasons. The days must be held outside any regular duck season on a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any other open season on migratory birds.
Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, tundra swans, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area restrictions would remain in effect.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
within any split of a regular duck season, or within any other open season on migratory birds.
Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese, tundra swans, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area restrictions would remain in effect.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth day. Tundra swans may only be taken by participants possessing applicable tundra swan permits.
Atlantic Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 4 scoters. For scaup, the daily bag limit may be 2 for up to 20 consecutive hunting days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each State, and 1 for the remainder of the season. A daily bag limit of 2 scaup may also be included in the 6-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
Closures: The season on canvasbacks and harlequin ducks is closed.
Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits
special sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake Champlain Zone of Vermont.
Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone of New Hampshire.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone.
Canada Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. These seasons also include white-fronted geese. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within States where the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons overlaps with special late-season frameworks for resident geese, the framework closing date for AP goose seasons is January 14.
Connecticut:
North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag limit
e split into two segments. In areas within States where the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons overlaps with special late-season frameworks for resident geese, the framework closing date for AP goose seasons is January 14.
Connecticut:
North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
South Zone: A special season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
Resident Population (RP) Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Delaware: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Florida: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Georgia: In specific areas, an 80-day season may be held between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Maine: A 60-day season may be held statewide between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Maryland:
RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Massachusetts:
NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 20 and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit
d between November 15 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
Massachusetts:
NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 20 and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
New Hampshire: A 60-day season may be held statewide between October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
New Jersey:
Statewide: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
New York:
NAP Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held, with a 2-bird daily bag limit in the High Harvest areas; and between October 1 and February 15, a 70-day season may be held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Low Harvest areas.
Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in designated areas of Chemung, Delaware, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland Counties.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25), except in the Lake Champlain Area where the opening date is October 20, and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Western Long Island RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments
January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Western Long Island RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Rest of State RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
North Carolina:
SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and December 31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Northeast Hunt Unit: A 30-day experimental season (1,000 permits) may be held concurrent with the season selected for the Back Bay Area of Virginia. The seasonal bag limit is 1 bird.
Pennsylvania:
SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between the second Saturday in October (October 11) and February 15.
RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Rhode Island: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and January
South Carolina: In designated areas, an 80-day season may be held during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Vermont: A 45-day season may be held between the fourth Saturday in October (October 25), except in the Lake Champlain Zone and Interior Zone where the opening date is October 20, and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Virginia:
SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit
day in October (October 25), except in the Lake Champlain Zone and Interior Zone where the opening date is October 20, and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Virginia:
SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
RP Zone: An 80-day season may be held between November 15 and March 10, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Back Bay Area: A 30-day experimental season may be held between December 22 and January 24 in the AP Zone, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
West Virginia: An 80-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split into 2 segments in each zone.
Light Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into 3 segments, except in Delaware and Maryland, where, following the completion of their duck season, and until March 10, Delaware and Maryland may split the remaining portion of the season to allow hunting on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
Brant
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 60-day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. States may split their seasons into 2 segments.
Mississippi Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25)
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 60-day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. States may split their seasons into 2 segments.
Mississippi Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: The season may not exceed 60 days, with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 mottled ducks, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 3 wood ducks, and 2 redheads. For scaup, the daily bag limit may be 2 for up to 20 consecutive hunting days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each State, and 1 for the remainder of the season. The season for canvasbacks is closed. A daily bag limit of 2 scaup may also be included in the 6-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into 2 segments in each zone.
In Arkansas and Mississippi, the season may be split into 3 segments.
Geese
Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into 3 segments
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into 2 segments in each zone.
In Arkansas and Mississippi, the season may be split into 3 segments.
Geese
Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into 3 segments.
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and March 10; for white-fronted geese not to exceed 72 days with 2 geese daily or 86 days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 15); and for brant not to exceed 70 days, with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 brant daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and January 31.
Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may not exceed 70 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Arkansas: In the Northwest Zone, the season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days. In the remainder of the State, the season may not exceed 40 days. The season may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Illinois: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days in the North and Central Zones and 66 days in the South Zone. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Indiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 74 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese
remainder of the State, the season may not exceed 40 days. The season may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Illinois: The season for Canada geese may extend for 85 days in the North and Central Zones and 66 days in the South Zone. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Indiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 74 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Late Canada Goose Season Zone —an experimental special Canada goose season of up to 15 days may be held during February 1-15. During this special season the daily bag limit cannot exceed 5 Canada geese.
Iowa: The season for Canada geese may extend for 90 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Kentucky:
(a) Western Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days (85 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone —The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Remainder of the State —The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 16 days. During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white-fronted geese with a 72-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-fronted goose with an 86-day season. Hunters participating in the Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.
Michigan:
(a) North Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Middle Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
possess a special permit issued by the State.
Michigan:
(a) North Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Middle Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) South Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may
(1) Allegan County and Muskegon Wastewater GMU —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(3) Saginaw County and Tuscola/Huron GMUs —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 45 days through December 30 and an additional 30 days may be held between December 31 and February 7. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(d) Southern Michigan Late Season Canada Goose Zone —A 30-day special Canada goose season may be held between December 31 and February 7. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
Minnesota:
(a) West Zone.
(1) West Central Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 41 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(2) Remainder of West Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 60 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Remainder of the State —The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
nada geese.
Minnesota:
(a) West Zone.
(1) West Central Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 41 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(2) Remainder of West Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 60 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Remainder of the State —The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Special Late Canada Goose Season —A special Canada goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in the West Central Goose zone. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, except in the Southeast Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2.
Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Missouri: The season for Canada geese may extend for 79 days and may be split into 3 segments provided that at least 1 segment of at least 9 days occurs prior to October 16. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese through October 15 and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
Ohio:
(a) Lake Erie Zone —The season may extend for 70 days with no more than one split and must close no later than December 28, 2008. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) North Zone —The season may extend for 70 days with no more than one split and must close no later than January 11, 2009. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) South Zone —The season may extend for 70 days with no more than one split and must close no later than January 25, 2009. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Tennessee:
(a) Northwest Zone —The season for Canada geese may not exceed 72 days, and may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Southwest Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
se.
Tennessee:
(a) Northwest Zone —The season for Canada geese may not exceed 72 days, and may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Southwest Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone —The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(d) Remainder of the State —The season for Canada geese may extend for 72 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Wisconsin:
(a) Horicon Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16. The season may not exceed 92 days. All Canada geese harvested must be tagged. The season limit will be 6 Canada geese per permittee.
(b) Collins Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16. The season may not exceed 70 days. All Canada geese harvested must be tagged. The season limit will be 6 Canada geese per permittee.
(c) Exterior Zone —The framework opening date for all geese is September 16. The season may not exceed 85 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.
Central Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Hunting Seasons:
(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian ): 97 days. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 13).
(2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days.
Bag Limits:
nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Hunting Seasons:
(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian ): 97 days. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 13).
(2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days.
Bag Limits:
(1) Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 wood ducks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 canvasback. For pintails and canvasbacks, the season length would be 39 days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each State. A single canvasback and pintail may also be included in the 6-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
(2) Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 5 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 2 scaup, 2 redheads, and 2 wood ducks, and only 1 duck from the following group—hen mallard, mottled duck, pintail, canvasback.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck bag limit, only two of which may be hooded mergansers.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into two segments.
In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments
a, Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into two segments.
In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.
Geese
Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 15). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions that are consistent with the late-winter snow goose hunting strategy cooperatively developed by the Central Flyway Council and the Service are required.
Season Lengths and Limits:
Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession limit.
Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas,
In Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate.
In Colorado, the season may not exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese in the aggregate.
In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) is 4. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is 1
d 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate.
In Colorado, the season may not exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese in the aggregate.
In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) is 4. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is 1.
Pacific Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days. The daily bag limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 2 scaup, and 2 redheads. For scaup, the season length would be 86 days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each State. The season on canvasbacks is closed. A daily bag limit of 2 scaup may also be included in the 7-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may split their seasons into two segments.
Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico may split their seasons into three segments.
Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone)
n, and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may split their seasons into two segments.
Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico may split their seasons into three segments.
Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).
Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits:
California, Oregon, and Washington:
Dark geese: Except as subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and the last Sunday in January (January 25). The basic daily bag limit is 4 dark geese, except the dark goose bag limit does not include brant.
Light geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and March 10. The daily bag limit is 6 light geese.
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming:
Dark geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27), and the last Sunday in January (January 25). The basic daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.
Light geese: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27), and March 10. The basic daily bag limit is 10 light geese.
Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
Brant Season
Oregon may select a 16-day season, Washington a 16-day season, and California a 30-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and California may select hunting seasons by up to two zones
ree-way split seasons for Canada geese and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
Brant Season
Oregon may select a 16-day season, Washington a 16-day season, and California a 30-day season. Days must be consecutive. Washington and California may select hunting seasons by up to two zones. The daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits. In Oregon and California, the brant season must end no later than December 15.
Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
California:
Northeastern Zone: The daily bag limit is 6 dark geese and may include no more than 1 cackling Canada goose or 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
Balance-of-the-State Zone: Limits may not include more than 6 dark geese per day. In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the season on white-fronted geese must begin no earlier than the last Saturday in October and end on or before December 14, and the daily bag limit shall contain no more than 2 white-fronted geese. In the North Coast Special Management Area, 107-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4) and March 10. Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January shall be concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone.
Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
Nevada: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling or Aleutian goose.
Harney, Lake, and Malheur County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily dark goose bag limit may not include more than 1 white-fronted goose.
Klamath County Zone: A 107-day season may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and March 10. A 3-way split season may be selected
se daily bag limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling or Aleutian goose.
Harney, Lake, and Malheur County Zone: For Lake County only, the daily dark goose bag limit may not include more than 1 white-fronted goose.
Klamath County Zone: A 107-day season may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and March 10. A 3-way split season may be selected. The daily goose bag limit is 4 dark geese and 4 white geese except for hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January when only light geese and white-fronted geese may be taken. The daily bag limit of geese is 4 of which only 3 may be light geese and only 1 may be a white-fronted goose.
Northwest Special Permit Zone: Outside dates are between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and the Sunday closest to March 1 (March 1). The daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 including not more than 2 cackling or Aleutian geese and daily bag limit of light geese is 4. In those designated areas of Tillamook County open to hunting, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 2.
South Coast Zone: The daily dark goose bag limit is 4 including cackling and Aleutian geese. In Oregon's South Coast Zone 107-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4) and March 10. Hunting days that occur after the last Sunday in January shall be concurrent with California's North Coast Special Management Area. A 3-way split season may be selected.
Southwest Zone: The daily dark goose bag limit is 4 including cackling and Aleutian geese.
Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese.
Area 1: Outside dates are between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Quota Zone): Except for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. See section on quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit may include 2 cackling geese
for dark geese is 3.
Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese.
Area 1: Outside dates are between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4), and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
Areas 2A and 2B (Southwest Quota Zone): Except for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. See section on quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit may include 2 cackling geese. In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B (Pacific County), the daily bag limit may include 1 Aleutian goose.
Areas 4 and 5: A 107 day season may be selected for dark geese.
Wyoming: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
Quota Zones
Seasons on geese must end upon attainment of individual quotas of dusky geese allotted to the designated areas of Oregon (165) and Washington (85). The September Canada goose season, the regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days, and the established quota of dusky geese must not be exceeded. Hunting of geese in those designated areas will only be by hunters possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a Service approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative information on h

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/FR_PRORULE_E8-20100. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.