Rule2022-15077
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2022-23 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
Primary source
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Published
July 15, 2022
Effective
July 15, 2022
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing the 2022-23 final frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2022-23 migratory game bird hunting season for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe outside limits (which we call "frameworks") within which States may select hunting seasons. Frameworks specify the outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 135 (Friday, July 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42598-42632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15077]
[[Page 42597]]
Vol. 87
Friday,
No. 135
July 15, 2022
Part III
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2022-23 Frameworks for Migratory Bird
Hunting Regulations; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 135 / Friday, July 15, 2022 / Rules
and Regulations
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2021-0057; FF09M30000-223-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BF07
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2022-23 Frameworks for Migratory
Bird Hunting Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is
establishing the 2022-23 final frameworks from which States may select
season dates, limits, and other options for the 2022-23 migratory game
bird hunting season for certain migratory game birds. We annually
prescribe outside limits (which we call ``frameworks'') within which
States may select hunting seasons. Frameworks specify the outside
dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and
areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. These frameworks are
necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow
harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status
and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide
opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid Federal, State,
and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.
DATES: This rule takes effect on July 15, 2022.
ADDRESSES: States should send their season selections to: Chief,
Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. You may
inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2021-0057. You may
obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or
from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's website at <a href="http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/">http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/</a>, or at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at
Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2021-0057.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerome Ford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, (202) 208-1050. Individuals in the
United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United
States should use the relay services offered within their country to
make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Process for Establishing Annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
As part of the Department of the Interior's retrospective
regulatory review, in 2015, we developed a schedule for migratory game
bird hunting regulations that is more efficient and establishes hunting
season dates earlier than was possible under the previous process.
Under the current process, we develop proposed hunting season
frameworks for a given year in the fall of the prior year. We then
finalize those frameworks a few months later, thereby enabling the
State agencies to select and publish their season dates in early
summer. We provided a detailed overview of the current process in the
August 3, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR 36308). This final rule is the
third in a series of proposed and final rules that establish
regulations for the 2022-23 migratory game bird hunting season.
Regulations Schedule for 2022
The process for promulgating annual regulations for the hunting of
migratory game birds involves the publication of a series of proposed
and final rulemaking documents. On August 31, 2021, we published in the
Federal Register (86 FR 48649) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The
proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird
hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of
seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds
under Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart
K. This document is one of the final rules for promulgating annual
migratory game bird hunting regulations. Major steps in the 2022-23
regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register
notifications were illustrated in the diagram at the end of the August
31, 2021, proposed rule. For this regulatory cycle, we combined
elements of the document that is described in the diagram as
Supplemental Proposals with the document that is described as Proposed
Season Frameworks.
Further, in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule we explained that
all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and
guidelines would be organized under numbered headings, which were set
forth at 86 FR 48651. This and subsequent documents will refer only to
numbered items requiring attention. Because we will omit those items
not requiring attention, the remaining numbered items may be
discontinuous, and the list will appear incomplete.
We provided the meeting dates and locations for the Service
Regulations Committee (SRC) (<a href="https://www.fws.gov/event/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-migratory-bird-regulations-committee-meeting">https://www.fws.gov/event/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-migratory-bird-regulations-committee-meeting</a>) and
Flyway Council meetings (<a href="https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways">https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways</a>) on Flyway calendars posted on our
website. We announced the April SRC meeting in the March 25, 2021,
Federal Register (86 FR 15957) and on our website. The August 31, 2021,
proposed rule provided detailed information on the proposed 2022-23
regulatory schedule and announced the September SRC meeting. The SRC
conducted an open meeting with the Flyway Council on April 6, 2021, to
discuss preliminary issues for the 2022-23 regulations, and on
September 28-29, 2021, to review information on the current status of
migratory game birds and develop recommendations for the 2022-23
regulations for these species.
On February 2, 2022, we published in the Federal Register (87 FR
5946) the proposed frameworks for the 2022-23 season migratory game
bird hunting season. We have considered all pertinent comments
received, which includes comments submitted in response to our August
31 and February 2 proposed rulemaking documents and comments from the
September SRC meeting. This document establishes final regulatory
frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations for the 2022-23
season and includes no substantive changes from the February 2, 2022,
proposed rule except a minor correction (see 3. Mergansers and 4.
Canada and Cackling Geese, below). We will publish State selections in
the Federal Register as amendments to Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107
and 20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20.
Population Status and Harvest
Each year, we publish reports that provide detailed information on
the status and harvest of certain migratory game bird species. These
reports are available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT or from our website at: <a href="https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/population-status">https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/population-status</a>, or <a href="https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/migratory-bird-hunting-activity-and-harvest-reports">https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/migratory-bird-hunting-activity-and-harvest-reports</a>.
[[Page 42599]]
We used the following annual reports published in August 2021 in
the development of proposed frameworks for the migratory bird hunting
regulations: Adaptive Harvest Management, 2022 Hunting Season; American
Woodcock Population Status, 2021; Band-tailed Pigeon Population Status,
2021; Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest During the 2019-20
and 2020-21 Hunting Seasons; Mourning Dove Population Status, 2021;
Status and Harvests of Sandhill Cranes, Mid-continent, Rocky Mountain,
Lower Colorado River Valley and Eastern Populations, 2021; and
Waterfowl Population Status, 2021.
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. Migratory
game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and
sustenance, and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the
management of migratory game birds. 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
conclude that the hunting seasons provided for 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 during the public
comment period.
Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations
The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the August
31, 2021, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for
migratory game bird hunting regulations and described the proposed
regulatory alternatives for the 2022-23 duck hunting season. Comments
and recommendations are summarized below and numbered in the order set
forth in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule (see 86 FR 48649).
We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils at the
April and September SRC meetings; all recommendations are from the
September meeting unless otherwise noted. 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. As
explained earlier in this document, we have included only the numbered
items pertaining to issues for which we received recommendations.
Consequently, the issues do not follow in successive numerical order.
General
Written Comments: Several commenters protested the entire migratory
bird hunting regulations process, protested the killing of all
migratory birds, and questioned the status and habitat data on which
the migratory bird hunting regulations are based.
Service Response: As we indicate above under Population Status and
Harvest, 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. Sustaining
migratory bird populations and ensuring a variety of sustainable uses,
including harvest, is consistent with the guiding principles by which
migratory birds are to be managed under the conventions between the
United States and several foreign nations for the protection and
management of these birds. We have taken into account available
information and considered public comments and continue to conclude
that the hunting seasons provided for herein are compatible with the
current status of migratory bird populations and long-term population
goals. In regard to the regulations process, the Flyway Council system
of migratory bird management has been a longstanding example of State-
Federal cooperative management since its establishment in 1952 in the
regulation development process and bird population and habitat
monitoring. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to
streamline and improve the process and ensure adequate conservation of
the resource.
1. Ducks
A. General Harvest Strategy
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the liberal regulatory
alternative for their respective flyways.
Service Response: As we stated in the August 31, 2021, proposed
rule, we intend to continue use of Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) to
help determine appropriate duck-hunting regulations for the 2022-23
season. AHM is a tool that permits sound resource decisions in the face
of uncertain regulatory impacts and provides a mechanism for reducing
that uncertainty over time. We use an AHM protocol (decision framework)
to evaluate four regulatory alternatives, each with a different
expected harvest level, and choose the optimal regulation for duck
hunting based on the status and demographics of mallards for the
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways, and based on the status and
demographics of a suite of four species (eastern waterfowl) in the
Atlantic Flyway (see below, and the earlier referenced report
``Adaptive Harvest Management, 2022 Hunting Season'' for more details).
We have specific AHM protocols that guide appropriate bag limits and
season lengths for species of special concern, including black ducks,
scaup, and pintails, within the general duck season. These protocols
use the same outside season dates and lengths as those regulatory
alternatives for the 2022-23 general duck season.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we will continue to use independent
optimizations to determine the appropriate regulatory alternative for
mallard stocks in the Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways and for
eastern waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. This means that we will
develop regulations for mid-continent mallards, western mallards, and
eastern waterfowl independently based on the breeding stock(s) that
contributes primarily to each Flyway. We detailed implementation of AHM
protocols for mid-continent and western mallards in the July 24, 2008,
Federal Register (73 FR 43290), and for eastern waterfowl in the
September 21, 2018, Federal Register (83 FR 47868).
We also stated in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule that the
coronavirus pandemic and associated travel restrictions and human
health concerns in the United States and Canada prevented the Service
and their partners from performing the Waterfowl Breeding Population
and Habitat Survey (WBPHS) and estimating waterfowl breeding abundances
and habitat conditions in the spring of 2021 in some cases. As a
result, AHM protocols have been adjusted only as necessary to inform
decisions on duck hunting regulations based on model predictions of
breeding abundances and habitat conditions. In most cases, system
models specific to each AHM decision framework have been used to
predict breeding abundances from the available information (e.g., 2019
observations). However, for some system State
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variables (i.e., pond numbers and mean latitude), we have used updated
time series models to forecast 2021 values based on the most recent
information. These technical adjustments are described in detail in the
report entitled ``Adaptive Harvest Management, 2022 Hunting Season''
referenced above under Population Status and Harvest.
Atlantic Flyway
For the Atlantic Flyway, we set duck-hunting regulations based on
the status and demographics of a suite of four duck species (eastern
waterfowl) in eastern Canada and the Atlantic Flyway States: green-
winged teal, common goldeneye, ring-necked duck, and wood duck. For
purposes of the assessment, eastern waterfowl stocks are those breeding
in eastern Canada and Maine (Federal WBPHS fixed-wing surveys in strata
51-53, 56, and 62-70, and helicopter plot surveys in strata 51-52, 63-
64, 66-68, and 70-72) and in Atlantic Flyway States from New Hampshire
south to Virginia (Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey, AFBWS).
Abundance estimates for green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, and
goldeneyes are derived annually by integrating fixed-wing and
helicopter survey data from eastern Canada and Maine (WBPHS strata 51-
53, 56, and 62-72). Counts of green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, and
goldeneyes in the AFBWS are negligible and therefore excluded from
population estimates for those species. Abundance estimates for wood
ducks in the Atlantic Flyway (Maine south to Florida) are estimated by
integrating data from the AFBWS and the North American Breeding Bird
Survey. Counts of wood ducks from the WBPHS are negligible and
therefore excluded from population estimates.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for eastern waterfowl using: (1) A management objective of
98 percent of maximum long-term sustainable harvest for eastern
waterfowl; (2) the 2022-23 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current
stock-specific population models and associated weights. Based on the
liberal regulatory alternative selected for the 2021-22 duck hunting
season, the 2021 abundances of 1.02 million observed wood ducks, and of
0.34 million American green-winged teal, 0.71 million ring-necked
ducks, and 0.59 million goldeneyes predicted for the eastern survey
area and Atlantic Flyway, the optimal regulation for the Atlantic
Flyway is the liberal alternative. Therefore, we concur with the
recommendation of the Atlantic Flyway Council regarding selection of
the liberal regulatory alternative as described in the August 31, 2021,
proposed rule for the 2022-23 season.
The mallard bag limit in the Atlantic Flyway is based on a separate
assessment of the harvest potential of eastern mallards (see xi. Other,
below, for further discussion on the mallard bag limit in the Atlantic
Flyway).
Mississippi and Central Flyways
For the Mississippi and Central Flyways, we set duck-hunting
regulations based on the status and demographics of mid-continent
mallards and habitat conditions (pond numbers in Prairie Canada). For
purposes of the assessment, mid-continent mallards are those breeding
in central North America (Federal WBPHS strata 13-18, 20-50, and 75-
77), and in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (State surveys).
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for mid-continent mallards using: (1) A management
objective of maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) the 2022-23
regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population models and
associated weights. Based on a liberal regulatory alternative selected
for the 2021-22 hunting season, the 2021 model predictions of 8.62
million mid-continent mallards and 2.94 million ponds in Prairie
Canada, the optimal regulation for the Mississippi and Central Flyways
is the liberal alternative. Therefore, we concur with the
recommendations of the Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils
regarding selection of the liberal regulatory alternative as described
in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule for the 2022-23 season.
Pacific Flyway
For the Pacific Flyway, we set duck-hunting regulations based on
the status and demographics of western mallards. For purposes of the
assessment, western mallards consist of two substocks and are those
breeding in Alaska and Yukon Territory (Federal WBPHS strata 1-12) and
those breeding in the southern Pacific Flyway including California,
Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (State and Provincial surveys)
combined.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for western mallards using: (1) A management objective of
maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) the 2022-23 regulatory
alternatives; and (3) the current population model. Based on a liberal
regulatory alternative selected for the 2021-22 hunting season, and
2021 abundances of 1.17 million western mallards observed in Alaska
(0.64 million) and predicted for the southern Pacific Flyway (0.53
million), the optimal regulation for the Pacific Flyway is the liberal
alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendation of the
Pacific Flyway Council regarding selection of the liberal regulatory
alternative as described in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule for the
2022-23 season.
B. Regulatory Alternatives
Council Recommendations: At the April SRC meeting, the Atlantic,
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended that AHM
regulatory alternatives for duck hunting during the 2022-23 season
remain the same as those used in the previous season.
Service Response: Consistent with Flyway Council recommendations,
the AHM regulatory alternatives proposed for the Atlantic, Mississippi,
Central, and Pacific Flyways in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule (86
FR 48649) will be used for the 2022-23 hunting season (see accompanying
table at the end of that document for specific information). The AHM
regulatory alternatives consist only of the maximum season lengths,
framework dates, and bag limits for total ducks and mallards.
Restrictions for certain species within these frameworks that are not
covered by existing harvest strategies will be addressed elsewhere in
these frameworks. For those species with specific harvest strategies
(pintails, black ducks, and scaup), those strategies will again be used
for the 2022-23 hunting season.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. Early Teal Seasons
Because a spring 2021 abundance estimate from the WBPHS for blue-
winged teal was not available, we used time series models to predict
their abundance. The predicted estimate was 5.83 million birds. Because
this estimate is greater than 4.7 million birds, the special early teal
season guidelines (see 79 FR 51403, August 28, 2014) indicate that a
16-day special early (September) teal season with a 6-teal daily bag
limit is appropriate for States in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and
Central flyways.
ii. Early Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
In Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, in lieu of a special early
teal season, a 5-consecutive-day teal-wood duck season may be selected
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 6 teal and wood ducks
in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. In
addition, a 4-consecutive-day
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special early teal-only season may be selected in September either
immediately before or immediately after the 5-consecutive-day teal/wood
duck season. The daily bag limit is 6 teal.
iii. Black Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
Councils recommended continued use of the AHM protocol for black ducks,
and adoption of the moderate regulatory alternative for their
respective flyways. The Flyway-specific regulations consist of a daily
bag limit of two black ducks and a season length of 60 days.
Service Response: The Service, Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
Councils, and Canada adopted an international AHM protocol for black
ducks in 2012 (77 FR 49868; August 17, 2012), whereby we set black duck
hunting regulations for the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways (and
Canada) based on the status and demographics of these birds. The AHM
protocol clarifies country-specific target harvest levels and reduces
conflicts over regulatory policies.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated country-specific
alternative harvest regulations using: (1) A management objective of 98
percent of maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) country-specific
regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population models and
associated weights. Based on the moderate regulatory alternative
selected for the 2021-22 hunting season and the 2021 model predictions
of 0.54 million breeding black ducks and 0.39 million breeding mallards
(Federal WBPHS strata 51, 52, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, and 72; core
survey area), the optimal regulation for the Atlantic and Mississippi
Flyways is the moderate alternative (and the liberal alternative in
Canada). Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic
and Mississippi Flyway Councils.
iv. Canvasbacks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the liberal regulatory
alternative for their respective flyways. The Flyway-specific
regulations consist of a daily bag limit of two canvasbacks and a
season length of 60 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74
days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway.
Service Response: As we discussed in the March 28, 2016, Federal
Register (81 FR 17302), the canvasback harvest strategy that we had
relied on until 2015 was not viable under our new regulatory process
because it required biological information that was not yet available
at the time a decision on season structure needed to be made. We do not
yet have a new harvest strategy to propose for use in guiding
canvasback harvest management in the future. However, we have worked
with technical staff of the four Flyway Councils to develop a decision
framework (hereafter, decision support tool) that relies on the best
biological information available to develop recommendations for annual
canvasback harvest regulations. The decision support tool uses
available information (1994-2014) on canvasback breeding population
size in Alaska and north-central North America (Federal WBPHS
traditional survey area, strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77), growth rate,
survival, and harvest, and a population model to evaluate alternative
harvest regulations based on a management objective of maximum long-
term sustainable harvest. The decision support tool calls for a closed
season when the population is below 460,000, a 1-bird daily bag limit
when the population is between 460,000 and 480,000, and a 2-bird daily
bag limit when the population is greater than 480,000. Because
abundance estimates were not available from the WBPHS, we used two
different methods to predict canvasback abundance during spring 2021.
One used a population model initially developed in the 1990s, and the
other used the time series of recent abundances from the WBPHS. Based
on the resulting predictions of 639,239 and 677,422 canvasbacks,
respectively, for the two approaches, we concur with the
recommendations of the four Flyway Councils regarding selection of the
liberal regulatory alternative for the 2022-23 season.
v. Pintails
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the liberal regulatory
alternative with a 1-pintail daily bag limit for their respective
flyways. The Flyway-specific regulations consist of a season length of
60 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central
Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway.
Service Response: The Service and four Flyway Councils adopted an
AHM protocol for pintail in 2010 (75 FR 44856; July 29, 2010), whereby
we set pintail hunting regulations in all four Flyways based on the
status and demographics of these birds.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for pintails using: (1) A management objective of maximum
long-term sustainable harvest, including a closed-season constraint of
1.75 million birds; (2) the regulatory alternatives; and (3) current
population models and associated weights. Based on a liberal regulatory
alternative with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the 2021-22 season, and
the 2021 model predictions of 2.50 million pintails with the center of
the population predicted to occur at a mean latitude of 55.47 degrees
(Federal WBPHS traditional survey area, strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77),
the optimal regulation for all four Flyways is the liberal alternative
with a 1-pintail daily bag limit. Therefore, we concur with the
recommendations of the four Flyway Councils.
vi. Scaup
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the restrictive
regulatory alternative for the 2022-23 season. The Flyway-specific
regulations consist of a 60-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit
during 40 consecutive days and a 2-bird daily bag limit during 20
consecutive days in the Atlantic Flyway, a 60-day season with a 2-bird
daily bag limit during 45 consecutive days and a 1-bird daily bag limit
during 15 consecutive days in the Mississippi Flyway, a 1-bird daily
bag limit for 74 days in the Central Flyway (which may have separate
segments of 39 days and 35 days), and an 86-day season with a 2-bird
daily bag limit in the Pacific Flyway.
Service Response: The Service and four Flyway Councils adopted an
AHM protocol for scaup in 2008 (73 FR 43290, July 24, 2008; and 73 FR
51124, August 29, 2008) whereby we set scaup hunting regulations in all
four Flyways based on the status and demographics of these birds.
For the 2022-23 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for scaup using: (1) A management objective of 95 percent
of maximum sustainable harvest; (2) the regulatory alternatives; and
(3) the current population model. Based on a moderate regulatory
alternative for the 2021-22 season, and the 2021 model prediction of
3.53 million scaup (Federal WBPHS traditional survey area, strata 1-18,
20-50, and 75-77), the optimal regulation for all four Flyways is the
restrictive alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendations
of the four Flyway Councils regarding selection of the restrictive
alternative for the 2022-23 season.
[[Page 42602]]
xi. Other
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a
mallard daily bag limit of two birds, only one of which could be
female, for the Atlantic Flyway.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendation for a mallard daily bag limit of two birds, of which
only one may be female, for the Atlantic Flyway. The Atlantic Flyway
Council's eastern waterfowl AHM protocol (see above) did not
specifically address bag limits for mallards. The number of breeding
mallards in the northeastern United States (about two-thirds of the
eastern mallard population in 1998) has decreased by about 38 percent
since 1998, and the overall population has declined by about 1 percent
per year during that time period. This situation has resulted in
reduced harvest potential for that population. The Service conducted a
Prescribed Take Level (PTL) analysis to estimate the allowable take
(kill rate) for eastern mallards and compared that with the expected
kill rate under the most liberal season length (60 days) considered as
part of the eastern waterfowl AHM regulatory alternatives.
Using contemporary data and assuming a management objective of
maximum long-term sustainable harvest, the PTL analysis estimated an
allowable kill rate of 0.194-0.198. The expected kill rate for eastern
mallards under a 60-day season and a 2-mallard daily bag limit in the
U.S. portion of the Atlantic Flyway was 0.193 (SE = 0.016), which is
slightly below (but not significantly different from) the point
estimate of allowable kill at maximum long-term sustainable harvest.
This estimate indicates that a 2-bird daily bag limit is sustainable at
this time.
2. Sea Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
three changes to the sea duck hunting regulations in the Atlantic
Flyway: (1) Elimination of the special sea duck season; (2) reduction
of the sea duck daily bag limit within the regular duck season to 4 sea
ducks of which no more than 3 may be scoters, long-tailed ducks, or
eiders, and no more than 1 may be a female eider; and (3) retention of
the exception that allows shooting of crippled waterfowl from a boat
under power in the currently defined special sea duck areas in the
Atlantic Flyway. These recommendations were consistent with the
recommendations presented by the Atlantic Flyway Council during the
April 6, 2021, SRC meeting for initial discussion. We announced these
possible changes to sea duck hunting regulations in the Atlantic Flyway
in the August 31, 2021, proposed rule to allow the greatest opportunity
for public review and comment.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendations for the sea duck harvest regulations in the Atlantic
Flyway. Special season regulations are used to provide additional
hunting opportunity for species considered to be underutilized. We have
authorized a special sea duck season (including eiders, long-tailed
duck, and scoters) in the Atlantic Flyway since 1938. By 1973, 13 of
the 17 Atlantic Flyway States allowed special seasons consisting of 107
days with a daily bag limit of 7 sea ducks. We reduced the scoter daily
bag limit to 4 ducks in 1993. In 2016, we reduced the season length
from 107 to 60 days and the daily bag limit from 6 to 5 sea ducks of
which no more than 4 may be eiders, long-tailed ducks, or scoters. We
anticipated the 2016 restrictions would reduce average annual sea duck
harvest by approximately 25 percent compared to average annual harvest
during the period 2011-2015. See the March 28, 2016, Federal Register
(81 FR 17305) for a discussion of the Sea Duck Harvest Potential
Assessment completed at that time.
The changes to the 2016 Atlantic Flyway sea duck regulations did
not achieve the target reduction in total sea duck harvest. Therefore,
we are supportive of the changes recommended by the Atlantic Flyway
Council due to the continued concern regarding the status and trends of
sea duck populations in the Atlantic Flyway, and our desire to reduce
sea duck harvest in the Atlantic Flyway below the average annual
harvest observed during 2011-2015. Regarding existing regulation that
allows shooting of crippled waterfowl from a boat under power in the
currently defined special sea duck area, the purpose of this regulation
is to protect human safety and minimize duck crippling loss associated
with hunting ducks at sea in the Atlantic Flyway.
3. Mergansers
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
removing the species-specific restriction of two hooded mergansers
beginning with the 2022-23 season. Hooded mergansers would become part
of an aggregate merganser (common, red-breasted, and hooded) bag limit.
The Mississippi Flyway Council supported the recommendation if an
evaluation was conducted to determine the effects of the change on
merganser populations and harvest.
Written Comments: The Central Flyway Council noted that their
recommendation on the merganser bag limit presented to and approved by
the SRC on September 28-29, 2021, was not reflected in the February 2,
2022, proposed rule for the 2022-2023 season. The Central Flyway
Council recommended eliminating the separate merganser bag limit of 5
birds, of which no more than 2 may be hooded mergansers, and including
mergansers in the general duck season bag limit of 6 ducks (including
mergansers in the aggregate) with no merganser species-specific bag
limit restrictions.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council
recommendation to remove the 2 hooded merganser daily bag limit and
implementation of an aggregate merganser bag (common, red-breasted, and
hooded) beginning with the 2022 season. The Service also agrees with
the recommendation from the Mississippi Flyway Council that the
Atlantic Flyway Council should conduct an evaluation of the regulation
change on merganser populations and harvest. This assessment should be
conducted following the completion of the 2024-25 season.
Also, we agree with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to
eliminate the separate merganser daily bag limit of 5 birds and include
mergansers in the general duck season bag limit of 6 birds in the
aggregate with no merganser species-specific bag limit restrictions.
This is more liberal in that it removes the species-specific
restriction of two hooded mergansers in the daily bag limit, but is
more restrictive in that mergansers would be part of an aggregate 6-
bird daily bag limit with ducks rather than allowing a 5-bird merganser
daily bag limit in addition to a 6-bird duck daily bag limit. We expect
this to have negligible impact to hooded and other merganser population
status. It will reduce potential overall duck and merganser harvest,
and States already have the option of including mergansers in the duck
bag limit of 6 birds in the aggregate. Also, this change will result in
more simple duck (including merganser) hunting regulations and be more
consistent across States split between the Central and Pacific Flyways.
[[Page 42603]]
4. Canada and Cackling Geese
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
three changes to the dark goose season framework in the Atlantic Flyway
including:
1. Adopting the restrictive regulatory option as described in the
Atlantic Flyway Council's Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Geese Harvest
Strategy (30-day season between December 25 through January 25 with a
daily bag limit of 1 goose) for all AP Canada geese zones in the U.S.
portion of the Atlantic Flyway, including North Carolina;
2. The addition of a special late season in Vermont, the Lake
Champlain Zone of New York, and the AP Canada geese zones in
Connecticut and Massachusetts. The season may be December 1-February 15
in Vermont and the Lake Champlain Zone of New York, and December 15-
February 15 in the AP Canada geese zones of Connecticut and
Massachusetts. The daily bag limit is 5 geese; and
3. Eliminating the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) of Canada
geese zone in Pennsylvania with this area becoming part of
Pennsylvania's Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (RP) of Canada geese
zone.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several changes to the
Canada and cackling goose and brant season framework in the Pacific
Flyway. Specifically:
1. Increasing the daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese and
brant in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah,
and Wyoming from 4 to 5 geese in the aggregate;
2. Changing the closing date for Canada and cackling geese and
brant in Utah's Wasatch Front Zone from the first Sunday in February to
February 15;
3. Approving a 3-segment season option for Canada and cackling
geese in California's Balance of State Zone; and
4. Decreasing the daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese in
Washington's Southwest Permit Zone and Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone
from 4 to 3 geese in the aggregate.
Written Comments: The Atlantic Flyway Council noted the February 2,
2022, proposed frameworks (87 FR 5946) incorrectly listed the season
dates for AP Canada geese zones as between December 25 through January
25 for all AP Canada geese zones. The Atlantic Flyway Council requested
the text be revised to reflect the correct framework dates as:
New England (CT, MA, VT) and Lake Champlain Zone of New York:
October 10-February 5;
Mid-Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA): fourth Saturday in October-February 5;
Chesapeake (DE, MD, VA): November 15-February 5; and
North Carolina (Northeast Unit): the Saturday prior to December 25-
January 31.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's three
recommended changes to the Canada and cackling goose season framework
in the Atlantic Flyway. The Service and Atlantic Flyway Council have
been concerned with the status of AP Canada geese for several years,
and the restrictive regulatory alternative is commensurate with the
population's status. More specifically, AP Canada geese declined in
abundance precipitously (from 118,000 to 34,000 breeding pairs) between
1988 and 1995, due to high harvest pressure and poor production.
Hunting season restrictions were enacted in response to the decline.
These restrictions and several years of favorable nesting conditions
and good gosling production resulted in a rapid recovery of the
population, and by 2002, the breeding pair estimate had rebounded to
182,000. For the next 15 years, pair counts remained relatively stable,
fluctuating between 161,000 and 216,000 breeding pairs. However, in the
2018 breeding season, the breeding pair estimate dropped abruptly to
112,000, and gosling productivity was almost nonexistent. The 2019
breeding pair estimate was statistically similar to 2018, and
productivity was near the long-term average. No breeding pair survey
was conducted in 2020 or 2021, due to logistical constraints arising
from the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2021, the Atlantic Flyway Council, in collaboration with the
Service, updated their 2013 harvest strategy for AP Canada geese. The
revision incorporated several additional years of experience on effects
of contemporary harvest regulations on AP Canada geese abundance and
recent advances in population modeling and other analytical tools. The
harvest strategy supports the Council's 2008 management plan for AP
Canada geese and is consistent with the overarching goal of the plan:
To maintain AP Canada geese and their habitats at a level that provides
optimum opportunities for people to use and enjoy geese on a
sustainable basis.
Regarding the additional special late seasons in three areas, these
areas account for a small proportion of the AP Canada goose harvest.
Since 1999, the New England region (including AP, NAP, and RP Canada
goose zones) has accounted for only 1.3 percent of all AP Canada goose
band recoveries. The special late season occurs after most AP Canada
geese have migrated from the region (early to mid-December). The
objective of the special late season is to increase harvest of RP
Canada geese while minimizing impacts to AP Canada geese. An existing
late special season with a similar objective has been allowed in parts
of New Jersey since 1994. The additional special late seasons will
provide increased opportunity for hunters and an additional tool for
State agencies to manage resident populations of geese.
Regarding the Council's recommendation to eliminate the SJBP Canada
geese zone in Pennsylvania, the SJBP of Canada geese is no longer
recognized as a separate population by the Service or the Atlantic and
Mississippi Flyway Councils. The SJBP of Canada geese is now considered
part of the larger Southern Hudson Bay Population (SHBP) of Canada
geese, which is monitored and managed according to the Mississippi
Flyway Council's management plan. Elimination of the SJBP Canada geese
zone in Pennsylvania and incorporation of this area into the RP Canada
geese zone will expose Canada geese in the area to slightly more
liberal regulations but will not appreciably increase harvest of AP
Canada geese. This change will simplify regulations, provide increased
hunting opportunity, and provide increased opportunity to manage
resident population of geese.
We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to
increase the daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese and brant in
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and
Wyoming from 4 to 5 geese in the aggregate. Cackling geese and brant
are uncommon in interior States in the Pacific Flyway. The basic goose
season framework for the Pacific Flyway includes these species in an
aggregate bag limit for interior States because of the difficulty in
hunter differentiation of these species and because harvest of cackling
geese and brant is negligible to their population status. The western
Canada goose is the primary subspecies of Canada goose occurring in
interior States in the Pacific Flyway. There are two populations of
western Canada goose in the Pacific Flyway: Rocky Mountain Population
(RMP) and Pacific Population (PP). The most recent 3-year (2017-2019)
average population estimate for RMP western Canada geese is 205,338 and
is well above the Council's population objective of 117,000 geese.
Similarly,
[[Page 42604]]
the most recent 3-year (2017-2019) average population estimate for PP
western Canada geese is 330,725 and is well above the Council's
population objective of about 120,000 geese. Since 1970, western Canada
goose abundance in the Pacific Flyway has increased 5.4 percent per
year based on the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey. The
Pacific Flyway Council's management plans for PP and RMP Canada geese
prescribe liberalized hunting seasons when population status is over
objective levels. The change will simplify regulations in States split
into two flyways (i.e., Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico).
Currently, there is a daily bag limit of 4 geese in the Pacific Flyway
portions of these States and 5 geese in the Central Flyway portions.
We also agree with the Council's recommendation to change the
closing date for Canada and cackling geese and brant in Utah's Wasatch
Front Zone from the first Sunday in February to February 15. The
western Canada goose is the primary subspecies of Canada goose in Utah.
Abundance of RMP Canada geese is well above the Council's population
objective (see above). The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been
collecting data on Canada geese in urban areas along the Wasatch Front
(i.e., Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, and Utah Counties) since 2006. Data
indicate abundance of urban geese has increased up to about 10,000
geese. Approximately 58.3 percent of all resident RMP Canada geese
banded in Utah are harvested during the last 3 weeks of the season in
the Wasatch Front Zone. Allowing a later closing date will provide
additional flexibility to the State to address increasing depredation
and nuisance complaints associated with Canada geese in urban areas and
provide hunting opportunity.
We also agree with the Council's recommendation to allow a 3-
segment split hunting season for Canada and cackling geese in
California's Balance of State Zone. Current frameworks allow a 3-
segment split for Canada and cackling geese, but this arrangement
requires Pacific Flyway Council and Service approval and a 3-year
evaluation by each participating State. The primary subspecies of
white-cheeked geese in California are the western Canada goose and
Aleutian cackling goose. The current 3-year (2019-2021) average
population estimate for Aleutian cackling geese is 168,009 and is well
above the Council's population objective of 60,000 geese. Similarly,
abundance of PP Canada geese is well above the Council's population
objective (see above). Allowing the Canada and cackling geese season to
be split into 3 segments will provide additional flexibility to the
State to address increasing depredation and nuisance complaints
associated with Canada and cackling geese and provide hunting
opportunity. In addition, a 3-segment season will be consistent with
the current light goose and white-fronted goose seasons in California's
Balance of State Zone, which will help simplify regulations.
Finally, we also agree with the Council's recommendation that the
daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese in Washington's Southwest
Permit Zone and Oregon's Northwest Permit Zone be reduced from 4 to 3
geese in the aggregate. The most recent 3-year (2018, 2019, 2021)
average of available fall projected population estimates for minima
cackling geese is 206,763 and is below the Council's population
objective of 250,000 <plus-minus> 10 percent (225,000-275,000). Band
recovery data from hunter harvest of minima cackling geese indicate
that most (77 percent) of the fall-winter harvest occurs in northwest
Oregon and southwest Washington, and the next highest harvest area (6
percent) is western Alaska (Units 9, 17, and 18). Accordingly, the
Pacific Flyway Council also recommended that the daily bag limit for
Canada and cackling geese in parts of Alaska be reduced from 6 to 4
geese in the aggregate. The decrease in the daily bag limits is
specifically intended to maintain objective abundance of minima
cackling geese and is consistent with the Council's harvest strategy
for these birds.
Regarding the Atlantic Flyway Council's request for correction to
frameworks dates for AP Canada geese, we have made the suggested
corrections. The changes correspond to the season dates and structure
identified in the Atlantic Flyway Council's AP Canada geese harvest
strategy and have been supported by the SRC.
6. Brant
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
that the 2022-23 brant season frameworks be determined based on the
harvest strategy in the Council's management plan for the Pacific
population of brant pending results of the 2022 Winter Brant Survey
(WBS). If results of the 2022 WBS are not available, results of the
most recent WBS should be used.
Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's
recommendation. As we discussed in the August 21, 2020, Federal
Register (85 FR 51854), the harvest strategy used to determine the
Pacific brant season frameworks does not fit well within the current
regulatory process. In developing the annual proposed frameworks for
Pacific brant, the Pacific Flyway Council and the Service use the 3-
year average number of brant counted during the WBS in the Pacific
Flyway to determine annual allowable season length and daily bag
limits. The WBS is conducted each January, which is after the date that
proposed frameworks are formulated in the regulatory process. However,
the data are typically available by the expected publication of these
final frameworks. When we acquire the survey data, we determine the
appropriate allowable harvest for the Pacific brant season according to
the harvest strategy in the Pacific Flyway Council's management plan
for the Pacific population of brant published in the August 21, 2020,
Federal Register (see 85 FR 51861).
The recent 3-year average (2020-2022) WBS count of Pacific brant
was 150,717. Based on the harvest strategy, the appropriate season
length and daily bag limit framework for Pacific brant in the 2022-23
season is a 107-day season with a 4-bird daily bag limit in Alaska, and
a 37-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit in California, Oregon,
and Washington.
8. Swans
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
the initial allocation of swan hunting permits of 347 in Delaware,
4,721 in North Carolina, and 532 in Virginia (5,600 total) for the
2022-23 seasons and allowing unissued swan hunting permits to be
reallocated to States within the Atlantic Flyway.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendations for changes to the swan hunting permit allocation in
the Atlantic Flyway. In 2021, the Atlantic Flyway Council updated an
assessment to allocate allowable tundra swan hunting permits among
States in the Atlantic Flyway based on the distribution of tundra swans
from the 3 most recent Mid-winter Survey counts. The permit allocation
is reevaluated every 3 years. The evaluation in 2021 provided that the
3-year (2019-2021) average distribution of tundra swan abundance during
the Mid-winter Survey was 6.2 percent in Delaware, 84.3 percent in
North Carolina, and 9.5 percent in Virginia. Given the current
allowable harvest of 5,600 tundra swans in the Atlantic Flyway, again
the Council's recommended allocation of swan hunting permits is 347 in
Delaware, 4,721 in North Carolina, and
[[Page 42605]]
532 in Virginia. This is a minor change from the 2021 season permit
allocation, which was 67 in Delaware, 4,895 in North Carolina, and 638
in Virginia. Distributing allowable tundra swan harvest among States
based on the distribution of tundra swans during winter is consistent
with the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Council's
management plan for the Eastern Population (EP) of tundra swans and
provides equitable hunting opportunity among States. Finally, a State
may have insufficient applicants to issue all available swan hunting
permits. The swan season framework currently allows a second permit to
be issued to hunters from unissued permits remaining after the first
drawing. Should permits still remain unissued, any portion of these
unused permits would be available for temporary redistribution to other
States with swan seasons in the flyway. This procedure is consistent
with the Councils' management plan for EP tundra swans, provides the
greatest tundra swan hunting opportunity, and maintains harvest within
allowable limits for the population and within each flyway.
9. Sandhill Cranes
Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
a 1-year extension to the 3-year (2019, 2020, and 2021) experimental
sandhill crane season in Alabama. The Central and Pacific Flyway
Councils recommended that allowable harvest of Rocky Mountain
Population (RMP) of cranes be determined based on the formula described
in the Pacific and Central Flyway Councils' Management Plan for RMP
cranes pending results of the fall 2021 abundance and recruitment
surveys.
Service Response: We agree with the Mississippi Flyway Council's
recommendation for a 1-year extension to the 3-year (2019, 2020, and
2021) experimental sandhill crane season in Alabama. As we provided
above under Process for Establishing Annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting
Regulations, we now develop proposed hunting season frameworks for a
given year in the fall of the prior year. According to the Eastern
Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan and Memorandum of Agreement
between the Service and Atlantic Flyway Council, 3 years of data are
needed for evaluation before experimental seasons can be approved as
operational. Alabama administered the third year of an experimental
sandhill crane season during the 2021 hunting season and has only 2
years of data to evaluate at the time we proposed regulations for the
2022-23 season. Approval of an additional year for the 3-year
experimental sandhill crane season in Alabama allows the season to
continue during the 2022 hunting season when 3 years of experimental
season data will be available and allow consideration of an operational
season beginning with the 2023 hunting season.
We agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils'
recommendations to determine allowable harvest of RMP cranes using the
formula in the Pacific and Central Flyway Councils' management plan for
RMP cranes pending results of the fall 2021 abundance and recruitment
surveys. As we discussed in the March 28, 2016, Federal Register (81 FR
17302), the harvest strategy used to calculate the allowable harvest of
RMP cranes does not fit well within the current regulatory process. In
developing the annual proposed frameworks for RMP cranes, the Flyway
Councils and the Service use the fall abundance and recruitment surveys
of RMP cranes to determine annual allowable harvest. Results of the
fall abundance and recruitment surveys of RMP cranes are released
between December 1 and January 31 each year, which is after the date
proposed frameworks are developed. However, the data are typically
available by the expected publication of these final frameworks. When
we acquire the survey data, we determine the appropriate allowable
harvest for the RMP crane season according to the harvest strategy in
the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils' management plan for RMP cranes
published in the March 28, 2016, Federal Register (see 81 FR 17307).
The 2021 fall RMP crane abundance estimate was 23,963 cranes,
resulting in a 3-year (2019-2021) average of 23,630 cranes, similar to
the previous 3-year average, which was 22,909 cranes. The RMP crane
recruitment estimate was 8.75 percent young in the fall population,
resulting in a 3-year (2019-2021) average of 9.12 percent, which is
higher than the previous 3-year average of 8.25 percent. Using the
current harvest strategy and the above most recent 3-year average
abundance and recruitment estimates, the allowable harvest for the
2022-23 season is 2,778 cranes.
16. Doves
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the standard regulatory
alternative as prescribed in the national mourning dove harvest
strategy for their respective Mourning Dove Management Units. The
standard regulatory alternative consists of a 90-day season and 15-bird
daily bag limit for States within the Eastern and Central Management
Units, and a 60-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit for States in
the Western Management Unit.
Service Response: Based on the harvest strategies and current
population status, we agree with the recommended selection of the
standard season frameworks for doves in the Eastern, Central, and
Western Management Units for the 2022-23 season.
17. Alaska
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
that the daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese (i.e., minima
cackling geese) be reduced from 6 to 4 geese in the aggregate in Units
9, 17, and 18.
Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's
recommendation. The most recent 3-year (2018, 2019, 2021) average of
available fall projected population estimates for minima cackling geese
is 206,763 and is below the Council's population objective of 250,000
<plus-minus> 10 percent (225,000-275,000). Band recovery data from
hunter harvest of minima cackling geese indicates that most (77
percent) of the fall-winter harvest occurs in northwest Oregon and
southwest Washington, and the next highest harvest area (6 percent) is
western Alaska (Units 9, 17, and 18). Accordingly, the Pacific Flyway
Council also recommended that the daily bag limit for Canada and
cackling geese in parts of Oregon and Washington be reduced from 4 to 3
geese in the aggregate. The decrease in the daily bag limits is
specifically intended to maintain objective abundance of minima
cackling geese and is consistent with the Council's harvest strategy
for these birds.
Required Determinations
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration
The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013,
addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual
framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We
published a notice of availability in the
[[Page 42606]]
Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of
Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA
compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual
preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent
being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2021-22,'' with its corresponding
March 2021 finding of no significant impact. 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 person listed above under the caption FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that the Secretary shall insure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out is not likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical
habitat. After we published the August 31, 2021, proposed rule, we
conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from
these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence
of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or
adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these
consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded
that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of any endangered or threatened species. The biological
opinion resulting from this section 7 consultation is available for
public inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.
Regulatory Planning and Review--Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant
rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is
significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or
more on the economy.
E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for
improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
E.O. 13563 directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the
public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent
with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that
regulations must be based on the best available science and that the
rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent
with these requirements.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2022-23 migratory bird
hunting season. This analysis was based on data from the 2016 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
(National Survey), the most recent year for which data are available
(see discussion under Regulatory Flexibility Act, below). This analysis
estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting
regulations. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in
Circular A-4, consumers' surplus is the difference between what a
consumer pays for a unit of a good or service and the maximum amount
the consumer would be willing to pay for that unit. The duck hunting
regulatory alternatives are (1) issue restrictive regulations allowing
fewer days than those issued during the 2021-22 season, (2) issue
moderate regulations allowing more days than those in Alternative 1,
and (3) issue liberal regulations similar to the regulations in the
2021-22 season. For the 2021-22 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an
estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $270-$358 million with
a mid-point estimate of $314 million. We also chose Alternative 3 for
the 2009-10 through 2020-21 seasons. The 2022-23 analysis is part of
the record for this rule and is available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2021-0057.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting 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 prepare
regulatory flexibility analyses, updated annually, to analyze the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures
for migratory game bird hunting is the National Survey, which is
generally conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2021 analysis is based on
the 2016 National Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it is estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $2.2 billion at small businesses in
2022. Copies of the analysis are available upon request from the person
listed above under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, or from
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2021-0057.
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 will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, which are
time sensitive, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the
exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain any new collection of information that
requires approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). OMB has
previously approved the information collection requirements associated
with migratory bird surveys and the procedures for establishing annual
migratory bird hunting seasons under the following OMB control numbers:
<bullet> 1018-0019, ``North American Woodcock Singing Ground
Survey'' (expires 02/29/2024).
<bullet> 1018-0023, ``Migratory Bird Surveys, 50 CFR 20.20''
(expires 04/30/2023). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information
Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and
Parts Collection Survey.
<bullet> 1018-0171, ``Establishment of Annual Migratory Bird
Hunting Seasons, 50 CFR part 20'' (expires 10/31/2024).
You may view the information collection request(s) at <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
[[Page 42607]]
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule, authorized by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings
implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected
property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of
property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking
of any property. In fact, this rule will allow hunters to exercise
otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, will reduce
restrictions on the use of private and public property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare statements of energy
effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under E.O. 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.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have
evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian Tribes and
have determined that there are de minimis effects on Indian trust
resources. Tribal proposals are contained in separate rulemaking
documents. Through this process to establish annual hunting
regulations, we regularly coordinate with Tribes that are affected by
this rule.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and Tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Tribe may be more restrictive in its
regulations 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 make selections, thereby having an
influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a
substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or
responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State
policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact statement.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Final Regulations Frameworks for 2022-23 Hunting Seasons on Certain
Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Department of the Interior is establishing the
following frameworks for outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours,
bag and possession limits, and areas within which States may select
seasons for hunting migratory game birds between the dates of September
1, 2022, and March 10, 2023. These frameworks are summarized below.
Table of Contents
a. General
i. Flyways and Management Units
1. Waterfowl Flyways
2. Mallard Management Units
3. Mourning Dove Management Units
4. Woodcock Management Regions
ii. Definitions
iii. Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway
b. Season Frameworks
i. Special Youth and Veterans-Active Military Personnel
Waterfowl Hunting Days
ii. Special Early Teal Seasons
iii. Special Early Teal-Wood Duck Seasons
iv. Duck, Merganser, Coot and Goose Seasons
1. Atlantic Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser and Coot Seasons
B. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
C. Dark Goose Seasons
D. Light Goose Seasons
E. Brant Seasons
2. Mississippi Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
B. Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
C. White-fronted Goose Seasons
D. Brant Seasons
E. Dark Goose Seasons
F. Light Goose Seasons
3. Central Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
B. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
C. Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, and Brant Seasons
D. White-fronted Goose Seasons
E. Light Goose Seasons
4. Pacific Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, Coot, and Gallinule Seasons
B. Goose Seasons
i. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
ii. Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, and Brant Seasons
iii. Brant Seasons
iv. White-fronted Goose Seasons
v. Light Goose Seasons
5. Swan Seasons
6. Sandhill Crane Seasons
7. Gallinule Seasons
8. Rail Seasons
9. Snipe Seasons
10. American Woodcock Seasons
11. Band-tailed Pigeon Seasons
12. Dove Seasons
13. Alaska
A. Duck, Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Snipe Seasons
B. Tundra Swan Seasons
14. Hawaii
A. Mourning Dove Seasons
15. Puerto Rico
A. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
B. Duck, Coot, Gallinule, and Snipe Seasons
16. Virgin Islands
A. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
B. Duck Seasons
17. Special Falconry Regulations
c. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
a. General
Outside Dates: Outside dates are the earliest and latest dates
within which States may establish hunting seasons. All outside dates
specified below are inclusive.
Season Lengths: Season lengths are the maximum number of days
hunting may occur within the outside dates for hunting seasons. Days
are consecutive and concurrent for all species included in each season
framework unless otherwise specified.
Season Segments: Season segments are the maximum number of
consecutive-day segments the season lengths may be divided. The sum of
the hunting days for all season segments may not exceed the season
lengths allowed.
Zones: Unless otherwise specified, States may select hunting
seasons by zones. Zones for duck seasons (and associated youth and
veterans--active military waterfowl hunting days, gallinule seasons,
and snipe seasons) and dove seasons may be selected only
[[Page 42608]]
in years we declare such changes can be made (i.e., open seasons for
zones and splits) and according to federally established guidelines for
duck and dove zones and split seasons.
Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Areas open to hunting must be
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting
regulations, and, except for early teal seasons, these areas must also
be published in the Federal Register as a Federal migratory bird
hunting frameworks final rule. Geographic descriptions related to
regulations are contained in a later portion of this document.
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 three times the daily bag limits.
Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service
authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take
by hunters, or both. In such cases, the Service determines the amount
of harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal
regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to
hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized
by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not
be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations.
These federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory
birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions
of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The
permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions
and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The
permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and
may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another
person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit
becomes invalid.
i. Flyways and Management Units
We generally set migratory bird hunting frameworks for the
conterminous U.S. States by Flyway or Management Unit/Region.
Frameworks for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are
contained in separate sections near the end of the frameworks portion
of this document. The States included in the Flyways and Management
Units/Regions are described below.
1. 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 Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.
2. Mallard Management Units
High Plains Management Unit: Roughly defined as that portion of the
Central Flyway that lies west of the 100th meridian. See c. Area, Unit,
and Zone Descriptions, Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots, below,
for specific boundaries in each State.
Columbia Basin Management Unit: In Washington, all areas east of
the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in
Klickitat County; and in Oregon, the counties of Gilliam, Morrow, and
Umatilla.
3. Mourning Dove Management Units
Eastern Management Unit: All States east of the Mississippi River,
and Louisiana.
Central Management Unit: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Western Management Unit: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
4. Woodcock Management Regions
Eastern Management Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont,
Virginia, and West Virginia.
Central Management Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
ii. Definitions
For the purpose of the hunting regulations listed below, the
collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following
species:
Dark geese: Canada geese, cackling geese, white-fronted geese,
brant (except in Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and the
Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese.
Light geese: Snow (including blue) geese and Ross's geese.
iii. Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway
In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania,
where Sunday hunting of migratory birds is prohibited statewide by
State law or regulation, all Sundays are closed to the take of all
migratory game birds.
b. Season Frameworks
i. Special Youth and Veterans--Active Military Personnel Waterfowl
Hunting Days
Outside Dates and Season Lengths: States may select 2 days per
duck-hunting zone, designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' and
2 days per duck-hunting zone, designated as ``Veterans and Active
Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' in addition to their
regular duck seasons. The days may be held concurrently or may be
nonconsecutive. The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days must be held outside
any regular duck season on weekends, holidays, or other non-school days
when youth hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate.
Both sets of 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,
swans, mergansers, coots, and gallinules. Bag limits are the same as
those allowed in the regular season except in States that implement a
hybrid season for scaup (i.e., different bag limits during different
portions of the season), in which case the bag limit will be 2 scaup
per day.
[[Page 42609]]
Flyway species and area restrictions would remain in effect.
Participation Restrictions for Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: States
may use their established definition of age for youth hunters. However,
youth hunters must be under the age of 18. 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. Swans may be taken only by
participants possessing applicable swan permits.
Participation Restrictions for Veterans and Active Military
Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days: Veterans (as defined in section 101
of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on
active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on
active duty (other than for training), may participate. Swans may be
taken only by participants possessing applicable swan permits.
ii. Special Early Teal Seasons
Areas:
Atlantic Flyway: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Mississippi Flyway: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio,
Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The season in Minnesota is experimental.
Central Flyway: Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico
(part), Oklahoma, and Texas.
Outside Dates: September 1-30.
Season Lengths: 16 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 6 teal.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in
the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, where the hours are from
sunrise to sunset.
iii. Special Early Teal-Wood Duck Seasons
Areas: Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Seasons: In lieu of a special early teal season, a 5-consecutive-
day teal-wood duck season may be selected in September. The daily bag
limit may not exceed 6 teal and wood ducks in the aggregate, of which
no more than 2 may be wood ducks. In addition, a 4-consecutive-day
teal-only season may be selected in September either immediately before
or immediately after the 5-day teal-wood duck season. The daily bag
limit is 6 teal.
iv. Duck, Merganser, Coot, and Goose Seasons
1. Atlantic Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit
is 6 ducks, including no more than 2 mallards (no more than 1 of which
can be female), 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous
whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, and 4 sea
ducks (including no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, or 3
eiders and no more than 1 female eider). The season for scaup may be
split into 2 segments, with one segment consisting of 40 consecutive
days with a 1-scaup daily bag limit, and the second segment consisting
of 20 consecutive days with a 2-scaup daily bag limit. The daily bag
limit of mergansers is 5. In States that include mergansers in the duck
bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit. The daily
bag limit of coots is 15.
Closed Seasons: There is no open season on the harlequin duck.
Zones and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island,
South Carolina, and West Virginia may split their seasons into 3
segments. Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont
may select seasons in each of 3 zones; Pennsylvania may select seasons
in each of 4 zones; New York may select seasons in each of 5 zones; and
all these States may split their season in each zone into 2 segments.
Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia may select seasons
in each of 2 zones; and all these States may split their season in each
zone into 3 segments. Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, and
Virginia must conduct an evaluation of the impacts of zones and splits
on hunter dynamics (e.g., hunter numbers, satisfaction) and harvest
during the 2021-25 seasons.
Special Provisions: The seasons, limits, and shooting hours should
be the same between New York's Lake Champlain Zone and Vermont's Lake
Champlain Zone, and between Vermont's Connecticut River Zone and New
Hampshire's Inland Zone.
A craft under power may be used to shoot and retrieve dead or
crippled birds in the Sea Duck Area in the Atlantic Flyway. The Sea
Duck Area includes all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and
streams seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in New Jersey,
all coastal waters seaward from the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Demarcation Lines shown on
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Nautical Charts
and further described in 33 CFR 80.165, 80.501, 80.502, and 80.503; in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
that are separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in South Carolina and Georgia; and in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
that are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina,
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,
delineated, and designated as special sea duck hunting areas under the
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.
B. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
Outside Dates and Season Lengths: 15 days during September 1-15 in
the Eastern Unit of Maryland; 30 days during September 1-30 in
Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Long Island Zone of New
York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina; and 25 days
during September 1-25 in the remainder of the Atlantic Flyway.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 geese in the aggregate.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during any special early Canada and cackling goose season, shooting
hours may extend to one-half hour after sunset if all other waterfowl
seasons are closed in the specific applicable area.
C. Dark Goose Seasons
[[Page 42610]]
Outside Dates, Season Lengths, and Daily Bag Limits: Regulations
are State and zone specific as provided below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Daily bag
Area Outside dates Season length segments limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut:
Atlantic Population (AP) Zone..... Oct 10-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
AP Zone Late Season Area (Special Dec 15-Feb 15........... 54 1 5
season).
North Atlantic Population (NAP) Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
Zone.
NAP Late Season Area (Special Jan 15-Feb 15........... 27 1 5
season).
Resident Population (RP) Zone..... Oct 1-Feb 15............ 80 3 5
Delaware.............................. Nov 15-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
Florida............................... Oct 1-Mar 10............ 80 3 5
Georgia............................... Oct 1-Mar 10............ 80 3 5
Maine:................................ ........................ .............. .............. ..............
North NAP-H Zone.................. Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
South NAP-H Zone.................. Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
Coastal NAP-L Zone................ Oct 1-Feb 15............ 70 2 3
Maryland:
AP Zone........................... Nov 15-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
RP Zone........................... Nov 15-Mar 10........... 80 3 5
Massachusetts:
AP Zone........................... Oct 10-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
AP Zone Late Season Area (Special Dec 15-Feb 15........... 54 1 5
season).
NAP Zone.......................... Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
NAP Late Season Area (Special Jan 15-Feb 15........... 27 1 5
season).
New Hampshire......................... Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
New Jersey:
AP Zone........................... Fourth Saturday in Oct 30 2 1
(22)-Feb 5.
NAP Zone.......................... Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
Special Late Season Area (Special Jan 15-Feb 15........... 27 1 5
season).
New York:
AP Zone........................... Fourth Saturday in Oct 30 2 1
(22)-Feb 5.
AP (Lake Champlain) Zone.......... Oct 10-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
NAP High Harvest Zone............. Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
NAP Low Harvest Zone.............. Oct 1-Feb 15............ 70 2 3
Western Long Island RP Zone....... Saturday nearest Sep 24 107 3 8
(24)-last day of Feb
(28).
Remainder of RP Zone.............. Fourth Saturday in Oct 80 3 5
(22)-last day of Feb
(28).
AP (Lake Champlain) Zone Late Dec 1-Feb 15............ 77 1 5
Season (Special season).
North Carolina:
Northeast Zone.................... Saturday prior to Dec 25 30 1 1
(24)-Jan 31.
RP Zone........................... Oct 1-Mar 10............ 80 3 5
Pennsylvania:
AP Zone........................... Fourth Saturday in Oct 30 2 1
(22)-Feb 5.
RP Zone........................... Fourth Saturday in Oct 80 3 5
(22)-Mar 10.
Rhode Island:
Statewide......................... Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
Late Season Area (Special season). Jan 15-Feb 15........... 32 2 5
South Carolina........................ Oct 1-Mar 10............ 80 3 5
Vermont:
Connecticut River Zone............ Oct 1-Jan 31............ 60 2 2
Interior Zone..................... Oct 10-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
Lake Champlain Zone............... Oct 10-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
Interior, and Lake Champlain Zones Dec 1-Feb 15............ 77 1 5
Late Season (Special Season).
Virginia:
AP Zone........................... Nov 15-Feb 5............ 30 2 1
SJBP Zone......................... Nov 15-Jan 14........... 40 2 3
RP Zone........................... Nov 15-Mar 10........... 80 3 5
SJBP Zone Late Season (Special Jan 15-Feb 15........... 32 1 5
season).
West Virginia:........................ Oct 1-Mar 10............ 80 3 5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42611]]
D. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: October 1-March 10.
Season Lengths: 107 days. Seasons may be split into 3 segments.
Daily Bag limits: 25 light geese. There is no possession limit.
E. Brant Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths: 50 days. Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 2 brant.
2. Mississippi Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 60 days. The daily bag limit
is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which
may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 3 wood
ducks, 2 canvasbacks, and 2 redheads. The season for scaup may be split
into 2 segments, with one segment consisting of 45 days with a 2-scaup
daily bag limit, and the second segment consisting of 15 days with a 1-
scaup daily bag limit. 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. The daily bag limit of coots
is 15.
Zones and Split Seasons: Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi may
split their seasons into 3 segments. Kentucky and Tennessee may select
seasons in each of 2 zones; Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin may select seasons in each of 3 zones;
and all these States may split their season in each zone into 2
segments. Illinois may select seasons in each of 4 zones. Louisiana may
select seasons in each of 2 zones and may split their season in each
zone into 3 segments. Louisiana must conduct an evaluation of the
impacts of zones and splits on hunter dynamics (e.g., hunter numbers,
satisfaction) and harvest during the 2021-25 seasons.
B. Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-February 15.
Season Lengths: 107 days, which may be split into 4 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 geese in the aggregate.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after
sunset for Canada and cackling geese if all other waterfowl and crane
seasons are closed in the specific applicable area.
C. White-fronted Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-February 15.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 74 days with a daily bag limit
of 3 geese, 88 days with a daily bag limit of 2 geese, or 107 days with
a daily bag limit of 1 goose. Seasons may be split into 4 segments.
D. Brant Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-February 15.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 70 days with a daily bag limit
of 2 brant or 107 days with a daily bag limit of 1 brant. Seasons may
be split into 4 segments.
Special Provisions: In lieu of a separate brant season, brant may
be included in the season for Canada and cackling geese with a daily
bag limit of 5 geese in the aggregate.
E. Dark Goose Seasons
Areas: Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and
Wisconsin in lieu of separate seasons for Canada and cackling geese,
white-fronted geese, and brant.
Outside Dates: September 1-February 15.
Season Lengths: 107 days, which may be split into 4 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 geese in the aggregate.
F. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-February 15.
Season Lengths: 107 days, which may be split into 4 segments.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is 20 geese.
There is no possession limit for light geese.
3. Central Flyway
A. Ducks, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths and Duck Daily Bag Limits: 74 days, except in the
High Plains Mallard Management Unit where the season length is 97 days
and the last 23 days must be consecutive and may start no earlier than
the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 10). The daily bag limit is
6 ducks and mergansers in the aggregate, including no more than 5
mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 2 redheads, 3 wood
ducks, 1 pintail, and 2 canvasbacks. The daily bag limit for scaup is
1, and the season for scaup may be split into 2 segments, with one
segment consisting of 39 consecutive days and another segment
consisting of 35 consecutive days. In Texas, the daily bag limit on
mottled ducks is 1, except that no mottled ducks may be taken during
the first 5 days of the season. In addition to the daily limits listed
above, the States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming,
in lieu of selecting an experimental September teal season, may include
an additional daily bag and possession limit of 2 and 6 blue-winged
teal, respectively, during the first 16 days of the regular duck season
in each respective duck hunting zone. These extra limits are in
addition to the regular duck bag and possession limits.
Coot Daily Bag Limits: 15 coots.
Zones and Split Seasons: Colorado, Kansas (Low Plains portion),
Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South
Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming
may select hunting seasons by zones.
North Dakota may split their season into 3 segments. Montana, New
Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas may select seasons in each of 2 zones; and
Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming may select seasons in each
of 3 zones; and all these States may split their season in each zone
into 2 segments. Nebraska may select seasons in each of 4 zones.
B. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
Outside Dates and Seasons Lengths: In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma,
South Dakota, and Texas, 30 days between September 1-30; in Colorado,
New Mexico, Montana, and Wyoming, Canada and cackling goose seasons of
not more than 15 days between September 1-15; and in North Dakota, 22
days between September 1-22.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 geese in the aggregate in Colorado, New Mexico,
Montana, Wyoming, and Texas; 8 geese in the aggregate in Kansas,
Nebraska, and Oklahoma; and 15 geese in the aggregate in North Dakota
and South Dakota.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after
sunset if all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed in the
specific applicable area.
C. Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, and Brant Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-the
[[Page 42612]]
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12).
Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, 107 days
with a daily bag limit of 8 geese; in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
and Wyoming, 107 days with a daily bag limit of 5 geese; and in Texas
(Western Goose Zone), 95 days with a daily bag limit of 5 geese.
Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 3 segments. Three-segment
seasons require Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
D. White-fronted Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-the
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 12).
Season Length and Daily Bag Limits: Except as subsequently
provided, either 74 days with a daily bag limit of 3 geese, or 88 days
with a daily bag limit of 2 geese, or 107 days with a daily bag limit
of 1 goose. In Texas (Western Goose Zone), 95 days with a daily bag
limit of 2 geese. Seasons may be split into 3 segments.
E. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-March
10.
Season Lengths: 107 days. Seasons may be split into 3 segments.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is 50 with no
possession limit.
Special Provisions: 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.
4. Pacific Flyway
A. Duck, Merganser, Coot, and Gallinule Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 107 days. The daily bag limit
is 7 ducks and mergansers in the aggregate, including no more than 2
female mallards, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 scaup, and 2 redheads. For
scaup, the season length is 86 days, which may be split according to
applicable zones and split duck hunting configurations approved for
each State. The daily bag limit of coots and gallinules is 25 in the
aggregate.
Zones and Split Seasons: Montana and New Mexico may split their
seasons into 3 segments. Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Washington,
and Wyoming may select seasons in each of 2 zones; Nevada may select
seasons in each of 3 zones; California may select seasons in each of 5
zones; and all these States may split their season in each zone into 2
segments. Idaho may select seasons in each of 4 zones.
Special Provisions: The seasons, limits, and shooting hours should
be the same between the Colorado River Zone of California and the South
Zone of Arizona.
B. Goose Seasons
i. Special Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-20.
Season Lengths: 15 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 geese in the aggregate, except in Pacific
County, Washington, where the daily bag limit is 15 geese in the
aggregate.
ii. Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, and Brant Seasons
Outside Dates: Except as subsequently provided, September 24
(September 24)-January 31.
Season Lengths: Except as subsequently provided, 107 days.
Daily Bag Limits: Except as subsequently provided, in Arizona,
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, the
daily bag limit is 5 Canada and cackling geese and brant in the
aggregate. In Oregon and Washington, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada
and cackling geese in the aggregate. In California, the daily bag limit
is 10 Canada and cackling geese in the aggregate.
Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 3 segments. Three-segment
seasons require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
iii. Brant Seasons
Areas: California, Oregon, and Washington.
Outside Dates: September 24 (September 24)-January 31.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 37 days and 2 brant.
Zones: Washington and California may select seasons in each of 2
zones.
Special Provisions: In Oregon and California, the brant season must
end no later than December 15.
iv. White-Fronted Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-March
10.
Season Lengths: 107 days.
Daily Bag Limits: Except as subsequently provided, 10 geese.
Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 3 segments. Three-segment
seasons require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State.
v. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-March
10.
Season Lengths: 107 days. Seasons may be split into 3 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 20 geese, except in Washington where the daily
bag limit for light geese is 10 on or before the last Sunday in January
(January 29).
California
Balance of State Zone: A Canada and cackling goose season may be
selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24
(September 24) and March 10, and may be split into 3 segments. In the
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, the season on white-fronted
geese must end on or before December 28, and the daily bag limit is 3
white-fronted geese. In the North Coast Special Management Area,
hunting days that occur after January 31 should be concurrent with
Oregon's South Coast Zone.
Northeastern Zone: The white-fronted goose season may be split into
3 segments.
Oregon
Eastern Zone: For Lake County only, the daily white-fronted goose
bag limit is 1.
Northwest Permit Zone: A Canada and cackling goose season may be
selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24
(September 24) and March 10 with a daily bag limit of 3 geese in the
aggregate. Canada and cackling goose and white-fronted goose seasons
may be split into 3 segments. In the Tillamook County Management Area,
the hunting season is closed on geese.
South Coast Zone: A Canada and cackling goose season may be
selected with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24
(September 24) and March 10 with a daily bag limit of 6 geese in the
aggregate. Canada and cackling goose and white-fronted goose seasons
may be split into 3 segments. Hunting days that occur after January 31
should be concurrent with California's North Coast Special Management
Area.
Utah
Wasatch Front Zone: A Canada and cackling goose and brant season
may be selected with outside dates between the
[[Page 42613]]
Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and February 15.
Washington
Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coastal (Southwest Permit Zone): A Canada and
cackling goose season may be selected in each zone with outside dates
between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24) and March 10
with a daily bag limit of 3 geese in the aggregate. Canada and cackling
goose and white-fronted goose seasons may be split into 3 segments.
Area 4: Canada and cackling goose and white-fronted goose seasons
may be split into 3 segments.
Permit Zones
In Oregon and Washington permit zones, the hunting season is closed
on dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada
goose (Munsell 10 YR color value 5 or less) with a bill length between
40 and 50 millimeters. Hunting of geese will only be by hunters
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. Shooting
hours for geese may begin no earlier than sunrise. Regular Canada and
cackling goose seasons in the permit zones of Oregon and Washington
remain subject to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the
Service regarding monitoring the impacts of take during the regular
Canada and cackling goose season on the dusky Canada goose population.
5. Swan Seasons
Pacific Flyway
Areas: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah.
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 24)-January
31.
Season Lengths: 107 days. Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
Permits: Hunting is by permit only. Permits will be issued by the
State. The total number of permits issued may not exceed 50 in Idaho,
500 in Montana, 650 in Nevada, and 2,750 in Utah. Permits will
authorize the take of no more than 1 swan per permit. Only 1 permit may
be issued per hunter in Montana and Utah; 2 permits may be issued per
hunter in Nevada.
Quotas: The swan season in the respective State must end upon
attainment of the following reported harvest of trumpeter swans: 20 in
Utah and 10 in Nevada. There is no quota in Idaho and Montana.
Monitoring: Each State must evaluate hunter participation, species-
specific swan harvest, and hunter compliance in providing either
species-determinant parts (at least the intact head) or bill
measurements (bill length from tip to posterior edge of the nares
opening, and presence or absence of yellow lore spots on the bill in
front of the eyes) of harvested swans for species identification. Each
State should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance
with the State's program for swan harvest reporting. Each State must
achieve a hunter compliance of at least 80 percent in providing
species-determinant parts or bill measurements of harvested swans for
species identification, or subsequent permits will be reduced by 10
percent in the respective State. Each State must provide to the Service
by June 30 following the swan season a report detailing hunter
participation, species-specific swan harvest, and hunter compliance in
reporting harvest. In Idaho and Montana, all hunters that harvest a
swan must complete and submit a reporting card (bill card) with the
bill measurement and color information from the harvested swan within
72 hours of harvest for species determination. In Utah and Nevada, all
hunters that harvest a swan must have the swan or species-determinant
parts examined by a State or Federal biologist within 72 hours of
harvest for species determination.
Other Provisions: In Utah, the season is subject to the terms of
the Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in January
2019 regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and
education requirements to minimize take of trumpeter swans during the
swan season.
Atlantic and Central Flyways
Areas: Delaware, North Carolina, and Virginia in the Atlantic
Flyway and North Dakota, South Dakota east of the Missouri River, and
part of Montana in the Central Flyway.
Outside Dates: October 1-January 31 in the Atlantic Flyway and the
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1)-January 31 in the Central
Flyway.
Season Lengths: 90 days in the Atlantic Flyway and 107 days in the
Central Flyway.
Permits: Hunting is by permit only. Permits will be issued by the
States. No more than 5,600 permits may be issued in the Atlantic Flyway
including 347 in Delaware, 4,721 in North Carolina, and 532 in
Virginia. No more than 4,000 permits may be issued in the Central
Flyway including 500 in Montana, 2,200 in North Dakota, and 1,300 in
South Dakota. Permits will authorize the take of no more than 1 swan
per permit. A second permit may be issued to hunters from unissued
permits remaining after the first drawing. Unissued permits may be
reallocated to States within a Flyway.
Monitoring: Each State must evaluate hunter participation, species-
specific swan harvest, and hunter compliance in providing measurements
of harvested swans for species identification. Each State should use
appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance with the State's
program for swan harvest reporting. Each State must achieve a hunter
compliance of at least 80 percent in providing species-determinant
measurements of harvested swans for species identification. Each State
must provide to the Service by June 30 following the swan season a
report detailing hunter participation, species-specific swan harvest,
and hunter compliance in reporting harvest.
Other Provisions: In lieu of a general swan hunting season, States
may select a season only for tundra swans. States selecting a season
only for tundra swans must obtain harvest and hunter participation
data. The season in Delaware is experimental.
6. Sandhill Crane Seasons
Mississippi Flyway
Areas: Alabama, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Tennessee.
Outside Dates: September 1-February 28 in Minnesota, and September
1-January 31 in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Season Lengths: 37 days in the designated portion of Minnesota's
Northwest Goose Zone, and 60 days in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is 1 crane in
Minnesota, 2 cranes in Kentucky, and 3 cranes in Alabama and Tennessee.
In Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the seasonal bag limit is 3
cranes.
Permits: Hunting is by permit only. Permits will be issued by the
State.
Other Provisions: The number of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with Council management plans and approved by the
Mississippi Flyway Council. The season in Alabama is experimental.
Central Flyway
Areas: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Outside Dates: September 1-February 28.
Season Lengths: 37 days in Texas (Zone C), 58 days in Colorado,
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, and 93 days
in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
[[Page 42614]]
Daily Bag Limits: 3 cranes, except 2 cranes in North Dakota (Area
2) and Texas (Zone C).
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting
permit.
Central and Pacific Flyways
Areas: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and
Wyoming within the range of the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of
sandhill cranes.
Outside Dates: September 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 60 days. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Daily Bag and Possession limits: The daily bag limit is 3 cranes,
and the possession limit is 9 cranes per season.
Permits: Hunting is by permit only. Permits will be issued by the
State.
Other Provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with Councils' management plan and approved by the
Central and Pacific Flyway Councils, with the following exceptions:
1. In Utah, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP
crane quota;
2. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest
must be conducted at 3-year intervals unless 100 percent of the harvest
will be assigned to the RMP crane quota;
3. In Idaho, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP
crane quota; and
4. In the Estancia Valley hunt area of New Mexico, the level and
racial composition of the harvest must be monitored; greater sandhill
cranes in the harvest will be assigned to the RMP crane quota.
7. Gallinule Seasons
Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways
Outside Dates: September 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 70 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 gallinules.
Zones and Split Seasons: Seasons may be selected by zones
established for duck hunting. The season in each zone may be split into
2 segments.
Pacific Flyway
States in the Pacific Flyway may select their hunting seasons
between the outside dates for the season on ducks, mergansers, and
coots; therefore, Pacific Flyway frameworks for gallinules are included
with the duck, merganser, and coot frameworks.
8. Rail Seasons
Areas: Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways and the Pacific
Flyway Portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Outside Dates: September 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 70 days. Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits
Clapper and King Rails: In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New
Jersey, and Rhode Island, 10 rails in the aggregate. In Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, 15 rails in the aggregate.
Sora and Virginia Rails: 25 rails in the aggregate.
9. Snipe Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-February 28, except in Connecticut,
Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,
New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, where the season must
end no later than January 31.
Season Lengths: 107 days.
Daily Bag limits: 8 snipe.
Zones and Split Seasons: Seasons may be selected by zones
established for duck seasons. The season in each zone may be split into
2 segments.
10. American Woodcock Seasons
Areas: Eastern and Central Management Regions
Outside Dates: September 13-January 31.
Season Lengths: Except as subsequently provided, 45 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 woodcock.
Zones and Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 2 segments. New
Jersey may select seasons in each of 2 zones. The season in each zone
may not exceed 36 days.
11. Band-Tailed Pigeon Seasons
California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada
Outside Dates: September 15-January 1.
Seasons Lengths: 9 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 2 pigeons.
Zones: California may select seasons in each of 2 zones. The season
in each zone may not exceed 9 days. The season in the North Zone must
close by October 3.
Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah
Outside Dates: September 1-November 30.
Season Lengths: 14 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 2 pigeons.
Zones: New Mexico may select seasons in each of 2 zones. The season
in each zone may not exceed 14 days. The season in the South Zone may
not open until October 1.
12. Dove Seasons
Eastern Management Unit
Outside Dates: September 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 90 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate.
Zones and Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 3 segments;
Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi may select seasons in each of 2
zones and may split their season in each zone into 3 segments.
Central Management Unit
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
Season Lengths: 90 days.
All States Except Texas
Daily Bag Limits: 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate.
Zones and Split Seasons: Seasons may be split into 3 segments; New
Mexico may select seasons in each of 2 zones and may split their season
in each zone into 3 segments.
Texas
Daily Bag Limits: 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves
in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
Zones and Split Seasons: Texas may select hunting seasons for each
of 3 zones subject to the following conditions:
1. The season may be split into 2 segments, except in that portion
of Texas in which the special white-winged dove season is allowed,
where a limited take of mourning and white-tipped doves may also occur
during that special season (see Special White-winged Dove Area in
Texas, below).
2. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 14
and January 25.
Special White-Winged Dove Season in Texas
In addition, Texas may select a hunting season of not more than 6
days, consisting of two 3-consecutive-day periods, for the Special
White-winged Dove Area between September 1 and September 19. The daily
bag limit may not exceed 15 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be mourning doves
and no more than 2
[[Page 42615]]
may be white-tipped doves. Shooting hours are from noon to sunset.
Western Management Unit
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
Season Lengths: 60 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate.
Zones and Split Seasons: Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington may
split their seasons into 2 segments. Oregon may select hunting seasons
in each of 2 zones and may split their season in each zone into 2
segments.
Arizona and California
Season Lengths: 60 days, which may be split between 2 segments,
September 1-15 and November 1-January 15.
Daily Bag Limits: In Arizona, during the first segment of the
season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in
the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged doves.
During the remainder of the season, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning
doves. In California, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-
winged doves.
13. Alaska
A. Duck, Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Snipe Seasons
Outside Dates: Except as subsequently provided, September 1-January
26.
Season Lengths: Except as subsequently provided, 107 days for
ducks, geese (except brant), sandhill cranes, and snipe. The season
length for brant will be determined based on the upcoming brant winter
survey results and the Pacific brant harvest strategy.
Zones and Split Seasons: A season may be established in each of 5
zones. The season in the Southeast Zone may be split into 2 segments.
Closed Seasons: The hunting season is closed on the spectacled
eider and Steller's eider.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits and Special Conditions
Ducks: The basic daily bag limit is 7 ducks. The basic daily bag
limit in the North Zone is 10 ducks, and in the Gulf Coast Zone is 8
ducks. The basic daily bag limits may include 2 canvasbacks and may not
include sea ducks.
In addition to the basic daily bag limits, the sea duck daily bag
limit is 10, including 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks.
Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks,
long-tailed ducks, and common, hooded, and red-breasted mergansers.
Light Geese: The daily bag limit is 6 geese.
Canada and Cackling Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 Canada and
cackling geese in the aggregate with the following exceptions, and
subject to the following conditions:
1. In Game Management Units (Units) 5 and 6, in the Gulf Coast
Zone, outside dates are September 28-December 16.
2. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, in the Gulf Coast Zone, all
hunting is by permit only. Each hunter is required to complete a
mandatory Canada and cackling goose identification class prior to being
issued a permit. Hunters must check in and check out when hunting. The
daily bag and possession limits are 1 goose. The season will close if
incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose
is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value 5 or less)
with a bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters.
3. In Unit 10, in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone, the daily
bag limit is 6 geese in the aggregate.
White-fronted Geese: The daily bag limit is 4 geese with the
following exceptions:
1. In Unit 9, in the Gulf Coast Zone, Unit 10, in the Pribilof and
Aleutian Islands Zone, and Unit 17, in the North Zone, the daily bag
limit is 6 geese.
2. In Unit 18, in the North Zone, the daily bag limit is 10 geese.
Emperor Geese: The emperor geese season is subject to the following
conditions:
1. All hunting is by permit only.
2. One goose may be harvested per hunter per season.
3. Total harvest may not exceed 500 geese.
4. In Unit 8, in the Kodiak Zone, the Kodiak Island Road Area is
closed to hunting. The Kodiak Island Road Area consists of all lands
and water (including exposed tidelands) east of a line extending from
Crag Point in the north to the west end of Saltery Cove in the south
and all lands and water south of a line extending from Termination
Point along the north side of Cascade Lake extending to Anton Larsen
Bay. Marine waters adjacent to the closed area are closed to harvest
within 500 feet from the water's edge. The offshore islands are open to
harvest, for example: Woody, Long, Gull, and Puffin islands.
Brant: The daily bag limit is 4 brant.
Snipe: The daily bag limit is 8 snipe.
Sandhill Cranes: The daily bag limit is 2 cranes in the Southeast,
Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zones, and Unit
17 in the North Zone. In the remainder of the North Zone (outside Unit
17), the daily bag limit is 3 cranes.
B. Tundra Swan Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-October 31.
Season Lengths: 31 days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits and Special Conditions: All hunting
is by permit only according to the following conditions.
1. In Unit 17, in the North Zone, 200 permits may be issued; 3
tundra swans may be authorized per permit, and 1 permit may be issued
per hunter per season.
2. In Unit 18, in the North Zone, 500 permits may be issued; 3
tundra swans may be authorized per permit, and 1 permit may be issued
per hunter per season.
3. In Unit 22, in the North Zone, 300 permits may be issued; 3
tundra swans may be authorized per permit, and 1 permit may be issued
per hunter per season.
4. In Unit 23, in the North Zone, 300 permits may be issued; 3
tundra swans may be authorized per permit, and 1 permit may be issued
per hunter per season.
14. Hawaii
A. Mourning Dove Seasons
Outside Dates: October 1-January 31.
Season Lengths and Daily Bag Limits: 65 days with a daily bag limit
of 15 doves or 75 days with a daily bag of 12 doves.
Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.
15. Puerto Rico
A. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
Season Lengths: 60 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 30 Zenaida, mourning, and white-winged doves in
the aggregate, of which 10 may be Zenaida doves and 3 may be mourning
doves, and 5 scaly-naped pigeons.
Closed Seasons: There is no open season on the white-crowned pigeon
and the plain pigeon, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island,
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.
[[Page 42616]]
B. Duck, Coot, Gallinule, and Snipe Seasons
Outside Dates: October 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 55 days. The season may be split into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 6 ducks, 6 common gallinules, and 8 snipe.
Closed Seasons: There is no open season on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. There is no open season on the purple gallinule, American coot,
and Caribbean coot.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, gallinules, and
snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.
16. Virgin Islands
A. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
Season Lengths: 60 days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 Zenaida doves.
Closed Seasons: There is no open season for ground-doves, quail-
doves, and pigeons.
Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;
common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled
pigeon.
B. Duck Seasons
Outside Dates: December 1-January 31.
Season Lengths: 55 days.
Daily Bag Limits: 6 ducks.
Closed Seasons: There is no open season on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling-duck, fulvous whistling-duck,
and masked duck.
17. Special Falconry Regulations
In accordance with 50 CFR 21.82, falconry is a permitted means of
taking migratory game birds in any State except for Hawaii. States may
select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in accordance
with the following:
Outside Dates: September 1-March 10.
Season Lengths: For all hunting methods combined, the combined
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or
experimental seasons must not exceed 107 days for any species or group
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be split
into 3 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: Falconry daily bag limits for all permitted
migratory game birds must not exceed 3 birds in the aggregate, during
extended falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and
regular hunting seasons in each State, including those that do not
select an extended falconry season.
Note: General hunting regulations, including seasons and hunting
hours, apply to falconry. Regular season bag limits do not apply to
falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to shooting limits.
c. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots
Atlantic Flyway
Connecticut
North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Maine
North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along
Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire-Maine State line to the
intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east
along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then
north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of I-95 in Augusta;
then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along
Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony Brook in
Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the U.S. border.
Coastal Zone: That portion south of a line extending east from the
Maine-New Brunswick border in Calais at the Route 1 Bridge; then south
along Route 1 to the Maine-New Hampshire border in Kittery.
South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Maryland
Western Zone: Allegany, Carroll, Garrett, Frederick and Washington
Counties; and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, Prince George's, and
Montgomery Counties west of a line beginning at 2012;83 at the
Pennsylvania State line, following 2012;83 south to the intersection of
2012;83 and 2012;695 (Outer Loop), south following 2012;695 (Outer
Loop) to its intersection with 2012;95, south following 2012;95 to its
intersection with 2012;495 (Outer Loop), and following 2012;495 (Outer
Loop) to the Virginia shore of the Potomac River.
Eastern Zone: That portion of the State not included in the Western
Zone.
Special Teal Season Area: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester,
Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico,
and Worcester Counties; that part of Anne Arundel County east of
Interstate 895, Interstate 97, and Route 3; that part of Prince
George's County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles
County east of Route 301 to the Virginia State Line.
Massachusetts
Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending
south from the Vermont State line on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA
10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut
State line.
Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line on
I-95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south
on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195,
west to the Rhode Island State line; except the waters, and the lands
150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River
upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the
Center Street-Elm Street bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the
Central Zone.
New Hampshire
Northern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of the
Inland Zone beginning at the Jct. of Route 10 and Route 25-A in Orford,
east on Route 25-A to Route 25 in Wentworth, southeast on Route 25 to
Exit 26 of Route I-93 in Plymouth, south on Route I-93 to Route 3 at
Exit 24 of Route I-93 in Ashland, northeast on Route 3 to Route 113 in
Holderness, north on Route 113 to Route 113-A in Sandwich, north on
Route 113-A to Route 113 in Tamworth, east on Route 113 to Route 16 in
Chocorua, north on Route 16 to Route 302 in Conway, east on Route 302
to the Maine-New Hampshire border.
Inland Zone: That portion of the State south and west of the
Northern Zone, west of the Coastal Zone, and includes the area of
Vermont and New Hampshire as described for hunting reciprocity. A
person holding a New Hampshire hunting license that allows the taking
of migratory waterfowl or a person holding a Vermont resident hunting
license that allows the taking of migratory waterfowl may take
migratory waterfowl and coots from the following
[[Page 42617]]
designated area of the Inland Zone: the State of Vermont east of Route
I-91 at the Massachusetts border, north on Route I-91 to Route 2, north
on Route 2 to Route 102, north on Route 102 to Route 253, and north on
Route 253 to the border with Canada and the area of New Hampshire west
of Route 63 at the Massachusetts border, north on Route 63 to Route 12,
north on Route 12 to Route 12-A, north on Route 12-A to Route 10, north
on Route 10 to Route 135, north on Route 135 to Route 3, north on Route
3 to the intersection with the Connecticut River.
Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line beginning at
the Maine-New Hampshire border in Rollinsford, then extending to Route
4 west to the city of Dover, south to the intersection of Route 108,
south along Route 108 through Madbury, Durham, and Newmarket to the
junction of Route 85 in Newfields, south to Route 101 in Exeter, east
to Interstate 95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) in Hampton, and south to the
Massachusetts border.
New Jersey
Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning
at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the
New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the
Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to NJ 109;
south on NJ 109 to Cape May County Route 633 (Lafayette Street); south
on Lafayette Street to Jackson Street; south on Jackson Street to the
shoreline at Cape May; west along the shoreline of Cape May beach to
COLREGS Demarcation Line 80.503 at Cape May Point; south along COLREGS
Demarcation Line 80.503 to the Delaware State line in Delaware Bay.
North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State
line in the Delaware River.
South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or
the Coastal Zone.
New York
Lake Champlain Zone: That area east and north of a continuous line
extending along U.S. 11 from the New York-Canada International boundary
south to NY 9B, south along NY 9B to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY
22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South
Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east
shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along
U.S. 4 to the Vermont State line.
Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their
tidal waters.
Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along
I-81 to the Pennsylvania State line.
Northeastern Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending
from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-
81, south along I-81 to NY 31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along
NY 13 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28,
east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to NY 22, north along NY 22
to Washington County Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-
Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
North Carolina
Coastal Zone: All counties and portions of counties east of I-95.
Inland Zone: All counties and portions of counties west of I-95.
Pennsylvania
Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on
the west extending 150 yards inland but including all of Presque Isle
Peninsula.
Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
Vermont
Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that
area north and west of the line extending from the New York border
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes;
U.S. 7 to VT 78 at Swanton; VT 78 to VT 36; VT 36 to Maquam Bay on Lake
Champlain; along and around the shoreline of Maquam Bay and Hog Island
to VT 78 at the West Swanton Bridge; VT 78 to VT 2 in Alburg; VT 2 to
the Richelieu River in Alburg; along the east shore of the Richelieu
River to the Canadian border.
Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain
Zone and west of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at
Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2; east along U.S. 2
to VT 102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the
Canadian border.
Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of
the Interior Zone.
Virginia
Western Zone: All counties and portions of counties west of I-95.
Eastern Zone: All counties and portions of counties east of I-95.
Mississippi Flyway
Illinois
North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending
west from the Indiana border along Peotone-Beecher Road to Illinois
Route 50, south along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road,
west along Wilmington-Peotone Road to Illinois Route 53, north along
Illinois Route 53 to New River Road, northwest along New River Road to
Interstate Highway 55, south along I-55 to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road,
west along Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road to Illinois Route 47, north along
Illinois Route 47 to I-80, west along I-80 to I-39, south along I-39 to
Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois Route 29,
south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois
Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across the Mississippi
River to the Iowa border.
Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Duck
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70
to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route
161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and
west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along
Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's Road to Modoc Road, west along
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route
and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to
the Missouri border.
South Zone: That portion of the State south and east of a line
extending west from the Indiana border along Interstate 70, south along
U.S. Highway 45, to
[[Page 42618]]
Illinois Route 13, west along Illinois Route 13 to Greenbriar Road,
north on Greenbriar Road to Sycamore Road, west on Sycamore Road to N.
Reed Station Road, south on N. Reed Station Road to Illinois Route 13,
west along Illinois Route 13 to Illinois Route 127, south along
Illinois Route 127 to State Forest Road (1025 N), west along State
Forest Road to Illinois Route 3, north along Illinois Route 3 to the
south bank of the Big Muddy River, west along the south bank of the Big
Muddy River to the Mississippi River, west across the Mississippi River
to the Missouri border.
South Central Zone: The remainder of the State between the south
border of the Central Zone and the North border of the South Zone.
Indiana
North Zone: That part of Indiana north of a line extending east
from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 31; north along
U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east along U.S. 24 to Huntington; southeast along
U.S. 224; south along State Road 5; and east along State Road 124 to
the Ohio border.
Central Zone: That part of Indiana south of the North Zone boundary
and north of the South Zone boundary.
South Zone: That part of Indiana south of a line extending east
from the Illinois border along I-70; east along National Ave.; east
along U.S. 150; south along U.S. 41; east along State Road 58; south
along State Road 37 to Bedford; and east along U.S. 50 to the Ohio
border.
Iowa
North Zone: That portion of Iowa north of a line beginning on the
South Dakota-2012; Iowa border at Interstate 29, southeast along
Interstate 29 to State Highway 20 to the Iowa-2012; Illinois border.
The south duck hunting zone is that part of Iowa west of Interstate 29
and south of State Highway 92 east to the Iowa-Illinois border. The
central duck hunting zone is the remainder of the State.
Central Zone: The remainder of Iowa not included in the North and
South zones.
South Zone: The south duck hunting zone is that part of Iowa west
of Interstate 29 and south of State Highway 92 east to the Iowa-
Illinois border.
Kentucky
West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess,
Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
Louisiana
East Zone: That area of the State beginning at the Arkansas border,
then south on U.S. Hwy 79 to State Hwy 9, then south on State Hwy 9 to
State Hwy 147, then south on State Hwy 147 to U.S. Hwy 167, then south
and east on U.S. Hwy 167 to U.S. Hwy 90, then south on U.S. Hwy 90 to
the Mississippi State line.
West Zone: Remainder of the State.
Michigan
North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line
beginning at the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary line in Lake Michigan,
directly due west of the mouth of Stoney Creek in section 31, T14N
R18W, Oceana County, then proceed easterly and southerly along the
centerline of Stoney Creek to its intersection with Scenic Drive,
southerly on Scenic Drive to Stoney Lake Road in section 5, T13N R18W,
Oceana County, easterly on Stoney Lake Road then both west and east
Garfield Roads (name change only; not an intersection) then crossing
highway U.S.-31 to State Highway M-20 (north of the town of New Era;
also locally named Hayes Road) in section 33, T14N R17W, Oceana County,
easterly on M-20 through Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, and
Midland Counties to highway U.S.-10 business route in the city of
Midland, easterly on U.S.-10 Business Route (BR) to highway U.S.-10 at
the Bay County line, easterly on U.S.-10 then crossing U.S.-75 to State
Highway M-25 (west of the town of Bay City), easterly along M-25 into
Tuscola County then northeasterly and easterly on M-25 through Tuscola
County into Huron County, turning southeasterly on M-25 (near the town
of Huron City; also locally named North Shore Road) to the centerline
of Willow Creek in section 4, T18N R14E, Huron County, then northerly
along the centerline of Willow Creek to the mouth of Willow Creek into
Lake Huron, then directly due east along a line from the mouth of
Willow Creek heading east into Lake Huron to a point due east and on
the Michigan/U.S.-Canadian border.
South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
Minnesota
North Duck Zone: That portion of the State north of a line
extending east from the North Dakota State line along State Highway 210
to State Highway 23 and east to State Highway 39 and east to the
Wisconsin State line at the Oliver Bridge.
South Duck Zone: The portion of the State south of a line extending
east from the South Dakota State line along U.S. Highway 212 to
Interstate 494 and east to Interstate 94 and east to the Wisconsin
State line.
Central Duck Zone: The remainder of the State.
Missouri
North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west
from the Illinois border at I-70; west on I-70 to Hwy 65; north on Hwy
65 to Hwy 41, north on Hwy 41 to Hwy 24; west on Hwy 24 to MO Hwy 10,
west on Hwy 10 to Hwy 69, north on Hwy 69 to MO Hwy 116, west on MO Hwy
116 to Hwy 59, south on Hwy 59 to the Kansas border.
Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri not included in other zones.
South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west
from the Illinois border on MO Hwy 74 to MO Hwy 25; south on MO Hwy 25.
to U.S. Hwy 62; west on U.S. Hwy 62 to MO Hwy 53; north on MO Hwy 53 to
MO Hwy 51; north on MO Hwy 51 to U.S. Hwy 60; west on U.S. Hwy 60 to MO
Hwy 21; north on MO Hwy 21 to MO Hwy 72; west on MO Hwy 72 to MO Hwy
32; west on MO Hwy 32 to U.S. Hwy 65; north on U.S. Hwy 65 to U.S. Hwy
54; west on U.S. Hwy 54 to the Kansas border.
Ohio
Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Includes all land and water within the
boundaries of the area bordered by a line beginning at the intersection
of Interstate 75 at the Ohio-Michigan State line and continuing south
to Interstate 280, then south on I-280 to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-
90), then east on the Ohio Turnpike to the Erie-Lorain County line,
then north to Lake Erie, then following the Lake Erie shoreline at a
distance of 200 yards offshore, then following the shoreline west
toward and around the northern tip of Cedar Point Amusement Park, then
continuing from the westernmost point of Cedar Point toward the
southernmost tip of the sand bar at the mouth of Sandusky Bay and out
into Lake Erie at a distance of 200 yards offshore continuing parallel
to the Lake Erie shoreline north and west toward the northernmost tip
of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, then following a direct line
toward the southernmost tip of Wood Tick Peninsula in Michigan to a
point that intersects the Ohio-Michigan State line, then following the
State line back to the point of the beginning.
North Zone: That portion of the State, excluding the Lake Erie
Marsh Zone,
[[Page 42619]]
north of a line extending east from the Indiana State line along U.S.
Highway (U.S.) 33 to State Route (SR) 127, then south along SR 127 to
SR 703, then south along SR 703 and including all lands within the
Mercer Wildlife Area to SR 219, then east along SR 219 to SR 364, then
north along SR 364 and including all lands within the St. Mary's Fish
Hatchery to SR 703, then east along SR 703 to SR 66, then north along
SR 66 to U.S. 33, then east along U.S. 33 to SR 385, then east along SR
385 to SR 117, then south along SR 117 to SR 273, then east along SR
273 to SR 31, then south along SR 31 to SR 739, then east along SR 739
to SR 4, then north along SR 4 to SR 95, then east along SR 95 to SR
13, then southeast along SR 13 to SR 3, then northeast along SR 3 to SR
60, then north along SR 60 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to SR 3,
then south along SR 3 to SR 226, then south along SR 226 to SR 514,
then southwest along SR 514 to SR 754, then south along SR 754 to SR
39/60, then east along SR 39/60 to SR 241, then north along SR 241 to
U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to SR 39, then east along SR 39 to the
Pennsylvania State line.
South Zone: The remainder of Ohio not included in the Lake Erie
Marsh Zone or the North Zone.
Tennessee
Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
Remainder of State: That portion of Tennessee outside of the
Reelfoot Zone.
Wisconsin
North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending
east from the Minnesota State line along U.S. Highway 10 to U.S.
Highway 41, then north on U.S. Highway 41 to the Michigan State line.
Open Water Zone: That portion of the State extending 500 feet or
greater from the Lake Michigan shoreline bounded by the Michigan State
line and the Illinois State line.
South Zone: The remainder of the State.
Central Flyway
Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that
portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.
Northeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of
Interstate 70.
Southeast Zone: All areas east of Interstate 25 and south of
Interstate 70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas
Counties.
Mountain/Foothills Zone: All areas west of Interstate 25 and east
of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las
Animas Counties.
Kansas
High Plains: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
Low Plains Early Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from
the Federal Hwy U.S.-283 and State Hwy 96 junction, then east on State
Hwy 96 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-183, then north on Federal
Hwy U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-24, then east on
Federal Hwy U.S.-24 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then
north on Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-36,
then east on Federal Hwy U.S.-36 to its junction with State Hwy K-199,
then south on State Hwy K-199 to its junction with Republic County 30th
Road, then south on Republic County 30th Road to its junction with
State Hwy K-148, then east on State Hwy K-148 to its junction with
Republic County 50th Road, then south on Republic County 50th Road to
its junction with Cloud County 40th Road, then south on Cloud County
40th Road to its junction with State Hwy K-9, then west on State Hwy K-
9 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-24, then west on Federal Hwy
U.S.-24 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-181, then south on
Federal Hwy U.S.-181 to its junction with State Hwy K-18, then west on
State Hwy K-18 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then south on
Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its junction with State Hwy K-4, then east on
State Hwy K-4 to its junction with interstate Hwy I-135, then south on
interstate Hwy I-135 to its junction with State Hwy K-61, then
southwest on State Hwy K-61 to its junction with McPherson County 14th
Avenue, then south on McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with
McPherson County Arapaho Road, then west on McPherson County Arapaho
Road to its junction with State Hwy K-61, then southwest on State Hwy
K-61 to its junction with State Hwy K-96, then northwest on State Hwy
K-96 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-56, then southwest on
Federal Hwy U.S.-56 to its junction with State Hwy K-19, then east on
State Hwy K-19 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then south on
Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-54, then
west on Federal Hwy U.S.-54 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-183,
then north on Federal Hwy U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal Hwy
U.S.-56, then southwest on Federal Hwy U.S.-56 to its junction with
North Main Street in Spearville, then south on North Main Street to
Davis Street, then east on Davis Street to Ford County Road 126 (South
Stafford Street), then south on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road,
then east on Garnett Road to Ford County Road 126, then south on Ford
County Road 126 to Ford Spearville Road, then west on Ford Spearville
Road to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-400, then northwest on
Federal Hwy U.S.-400 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-283, and
then north on Federal Hwy U.S.-283 to its junction with Federal Hwy
U.S.-96.
Low Plains Late Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from
the Federal Hwy U.S.-283 and State Hwy 96 junction, then north on
Federal Hwy U.S.-283 to the Kansas-Nebraska State line, then east along
the Kansas-Nebraska State line to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri
State line, then southeast along the Kansas-Missouri State line to its
junction with State Hwy K-68, then west on State Hwy K-68 to its
junction with interstate Hwy I-35, then southwest on interstate Hwy I-
35 to its junction with Butler County NE 150th Street, then west on
Butler County NE 150th Street to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-77,
then south on Federal Hwy U.S.-77 to its junction with the Kansas-
Oklahoma State line, then west along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to
its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-283, then north on Federal Hwy U.S.-
283 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-400, then east on Federal Hwy
U.S.-400 to its junction with Ford Spearville Road, then east on Ford
Spearville Road to Ford County Road 126 (South Stafford Street), then
north on Ford County Road 126 to Garnett Road, then west on Garnett
Road to Ford County Road 126, then north on Ford County Road 126 to
Davis Street, then west on Davis Street to North Main Street, then
north on North Main Street to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-56,
then east on Federal Hwy U.S.-56 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-
183, then south on Federal Hwy U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal
Hwy U.S.-54, then east on Federal Hwy U.S.-54 to its junction with
Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then north on Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its
junction with State Hwy K-19, then west on State Hwy K-19 to its
junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-56, then east on Federal Hwy U.S.-56 to
its junction with State Hwy K-96, then southeast on State Hwy K-96 to
its junction with State Hwy K-61, then northeast on State Hwy K-61 to
its junction with McPherson County Arapaho Road, then east on McPherson
County Arapaho Road to its junction with McPherson County 14th Avenue,
then north on
[[Page 42620]]
McPherson County 14th Avenue to its junction with State Hwy K-61, then
east on State Hwy K-61 to its junction with interstate Hwy I-135, then
north on interstate Hwy I-135 to its junction with State Hwy K-4, then
west on State Hwy K-4 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then
north on Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its junction with State Hwy K-18, then
east on State Hwy K-18 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-181, then
north on Federal Hwy U.S.-181 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-24,
then east on Federal Hwy U.S.-24 to its junction with State Hwy K-9,
then east on State Hwy K-9 to its junction with Cloud County 40th Road,
then north on Cloud County 40th Road to its junction with Republic
County 50th Road, then north on Republic County 50th Road to its
junction with State Hwy K-148, then west on State Hwy K-148 to its
junction with Republic County 30th Road, then north on Republic County
30th Road to its junction with State Hwy K-199, then north on State Hwy
K-199 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-36, then west on Federal
Hwy U.S.-36 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-281, then south on
Federal Hwy U.S.-281 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-24, then
west on Federal Hwy U.S.-24 to its junction with Federal Hwy U.S.-183,
then south on Federal Hwy U.S.-183 to its junction with Federal Hwy
U.S.-96, and then west on Federal Hwy U.S.-96 to its junction with
Federal Hwy U.S.-283.
Low Plains Southeast Zone: That part of Kansas bounded by a line
from the Missouri-Kansas State line west on K-68 to its junction with
I-35, then southwest on I-35 to its junction with Butler County, NE
150th Street, then west on NE 150th Street to its junction with Federal
Hwy U.S.-77, then south on Federal Hwy U.S.-77 to the Oklahoma-Kansas
State line, then east along the Kansas-Oklahoma State line to its
junction with the Kansas-Missouri State line, then north along the
Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction with State Hwy K-68.
Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon,
Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell,
Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan,
Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux.
Zone 2: The Counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud,
Treasure, and Yellowstone.
Nebraska
High Plains: That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line
beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy 183; south on
U.S. Hwy 183 to U.S. Hwy 20; west on U.S. Hwy 20 to NE Hwy 7; south on
NE Hwy 7 to NE Hwy 91; southwest on NE Hwy 91 to NE Hwy 2; southeast on
NE Hwy 2 to NE Hwy 92; west on NE Hwy 92 to NE Hwy 40; south on NE Hwy
40 to NE Hwy 47; south on NE Hwy 47 to NE Hwy 23; east on NE Hwy 23 to
U.S. Hwy 283; and south on U.S. Hwy 283 to the Kansas-Nebraska border.
Zone 1: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways and
political boundaries beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border at
U.S. Hwy 183; south along Hwy 183 to NE Hwy 12; east to NE Hwy 137;
south to U.S. Hwy 20; east to U.S. Hwy 281; north to the Niobrara
River; east along the Niobrara River to the Boyd County Line; north
along the Boyd County line to NE Hwy 12; east to NE 26E Spur; north
along the NE 26E Spur to the Ponca State Park boat ramp; north and west
along the Missouri River to the Nebraska-South Dakota border; west
along the Nebraska-South Dakota border to U.S. Hwy 183. Both banks of
the Niobrara River in Keya Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. Hwy 183
shall be included in Zone 1.
Zone 2: Those areas of the State that are not contained in Zones 1,
3, or 4.
Zone 3: Area bounded by designated Federal and State highways,
County Roads, and political boundaries beginning at the Wyoming
Nebraska border at its northernmost intersection with the Interstate
Canal; southeast along the Interstate Canal to the northern border of
Scotts Bluff County; east along northern borders of Scotts Bluff and
Morrill Counties to Morrill County Road 125; south to Morrill County Rd
94; east to County Rd 135; south to County Rd 88; east to County Rd
147; south to County Rd 88; southeast to County Rd 86; east to County
Rd 151; south to County Rd 80; east to County Rd 161; south to County
Rd 76; east to County Rd 165; south to County Rd 167; south to U.S. Hwy
26; east to County Rd 171; north to County Rd 68; east to County Rd
183; south to County Rd 64; east to County Rd 189; north to County Rd
70; east to County Rd 201; south to County Rd 60A; east to County Rd
203; south to County Rd 52; east to Keith County Line; north along the
Keith County line to the northern border of Keith County; east along
the northern boundaries of Keith and Lincoln Counties to NE Hwy 97;
south to U.S. Hwy 83; south to E Hall School Rd; east to North Airport
Road; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to NE Hwy 47; south to NE Hwy 23; east
on NE Hwy 23 to U.S. Hwy 283; south on U.S. Hwy 283 to the Kansas-
Nebraska border; west along Kansas-Nebraska border to the Nebraska-
Colorado border; north and west to the Wyoming-Nebraska border; north
along the Wyoming-Nebraska border to its northernmost-intersection with
the Interstate Canal.
Zone 4: Area encompassed by designated Federal and State highways
and County Roads beginning at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 283 at the
Kansas-Nebraska border; north to NE Hwy 23; west to NE Hwy 47; north to
Dawson County Rd 769; east to County Rd 423; south to County Rd 766;
east to County Rd 428; south to County Rd 763; east to NE Hwy 21; south
to County Rd 761; east on County Rd 761 to County Road 437; south to
the Dawson County Canal; southeast along Dawson County Canal; east to
County Rd 444; south to U.S. Hwy 30; east to U.S. Hwy 183; north to
Buffalo County Rd 100; east to 46th Ave.; north to NE Hwy 40; east to
NE Hwy 10; north to County Rd 220 and Hall County Husker Highway; east
to Hall County S 70th Rd; north to NE Hwy 2; east to U.S. Hwy 281;
north to Chapman Rd; east to 7th Rd; south to U.S. Hwy 30; north and
east to NE Hwy 14; south to County Rd 22; west to County Rd M; south to
County Rd 21; west to County Rd K; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy
2; south to U.S. Hwy I-80; west to Gunbarrel Rd (Hall/Hamilton County
line); south to Giltner Rd; west to U.S. Hwy 281; south to W. 82nd St;
west to Holstein Ave.; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy 10; north
to Kearney County Rd R and Phelps County Rd 742; west to Gosper County
Rd 433; south to N. Railway Street; west to Commercial Ave.; south to
NE Hwy 23; west to Gosper County Rd 427; south to Gosper County Rd 737;
west to Gosper County Rd 426; south to Gosper County Rd 735; east to
Gosper County Rd 427; south to Furnas County Rd 276; west to Furnas
County Rd 425.5/425; south to U.S. Hwy 34; east to NE Hwy 4; east to NE
Hwy 10; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 8;
east to U.S. Hwy 81; north to NE Hwy 4; east to NE Hwy 15; north to
U.S. Hwy 6; east to NE Hwy 33; east to SW 142 Street; south to W.
Hallam Rd; east to SW 100 Rd; south to W. Chestnut Rd; west to NE Hwy
103; south to NE Hwy 4; west to NE Hwy 15; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east
to Jefferson County Rd 578 Ave.; south to PWF Rd; east to NE Hwy 103;
south to NE Hwy 8; east to U.S. Hwy 75; north to U.S. Hwy 136; east to
the intersection of U.S. Hwy 136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north
along the Trace to the intersection with Federal Levee R-562; north
along
[[Page 42621]]
Federal Levee R-562 to the intersection with Nemaha County Rd 643A;
south to the Trace; north along the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad
right-of-way to NE Hwy 2; west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy 2; west
to NE Hwy 50; north to Otoe County Rd D; east to N. 32nd Rd; north to
Otoe County Rd B; west to NE Hwy 50; north to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE
Hwy 63; north to NE Hwy 66; north and west to U.S. Hwy 77; north to NE
Hwy 109; west along NE Hwy 109 and Saunders County Rd X to Saunders
County 19; south to NE Hwy 92; west to NE Hwy Spur 12F; south to Butler
County Rd 30; east to County Rd X; south to County Rd 27; west to
County Rd W; south to County Rd 26; east to County Rd X; south to
County Rd 21 (Seward County Line); west to NE Hwy 15; north to County
Rd 34; west to County Rd H; south to NE Hwy 92; west to U.S. Hwy 81;
south to NE Hwy 66; west to Dark Island Trail, north to Merrick County
Rd M; east to Merrick County Rd 18; north to NE Hwy 92; west to NE Hwy
14; north to NE Hwy 52; west and north to NE Hwy 91; west to U.S. Hwy
281; south to NE Hwy 58; west to NE Hwy 11; west and south to NE Hwy 2;
west to NE Hwy 68; north to NE Hwy L82A; west to NE Hwy 10; north to NE
Hwy 92; west to U.S. Hwy 183; north to Round Valley Rd; west to Sargent
River Rd; west to Sargent Rd; west to NE Hwy S21A; west to NE Hwy 2;
north to NE Hwy 91 to North Loup Spur Rd; north to North Loup River Rd;
north and east along to Pleasant Valley/Worth Rd; east to Loup County
Line; north along the Loup County Line to Loup-Brown County line; east
along northern boundaries of Loup and Garfield Counties to NE Hwy 11;
south to Cedar River Road; east and south to NE Hwy 70; east to U.S.
Hwy 281; north to NE Hwy 70; east to NE Hwy 14; south to NE Hwy 39;
southeast to NE Hwy 22; east to U.S. Hwy 81; southeast to U.S. Hwy 30;
east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south to the Missouri-Nebraska
border; south to Kansas-Nebraska border; west along Kansas-Nebraska
border to U.S. Hwy 283.
New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.
North Dakota
High Plains: That portion of the State south and west of a line
beginning at the junction of U.S. Hwy 83 and the South Dakota State
line, then north along U.S. Hwy 83 and I-94 to ND Hwy 41, then north on
ND Hwy 41 to ND Hwy 53, then west on ND Hwy 53 to U.S. Hwy 83, then
north on U.S. Hwy 83 to U.S. Hwy 2, then west on U.S. Hwy 2 to the
Williams County line, then north and west along the Williams and Divide
County lines to the Canadian border.
Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.
Oklahoma
High Plains: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State
line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along
U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to
OK 33, east along OK 33 to OK 18, north along OK 18 to OK 51, west
along OK 51 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along U.S. 412
to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State line.
Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
South Dakota
High Plains: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at
the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 83 to U.S.
14, east on U.S. 14 to Blunt, south on the Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34,
east and south on SD 34 to SD 50 at Lee's Corner, south on SD 50 to I-
90, east on I-90 to SD 50, south on SD 50 to SD 44, west on SD 44
across the Platte-Winner bridge to SD 47, south on SD 47 to U.S. 18,
east on U.S. 18 to SD 47, south on SD 47 to the Nebraska State line.
Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota
east of the High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along
U.S. 212 to the Minnesota State line.
Low Plains South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47
and south of SD 44; Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas
County line; south on SD 50 to Geddes; east on the Geddes Highway to
U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50; south and east on SD
50 to the Bon Homme County line; the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton,
and Clay south of SD 50; and Union County south and west of SD 50 and
I-29.
Low Plains Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
Texas
High Plains: That portion of the State west of a line extending
south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, south
along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, south
along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio International
Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana State line at
Orange, Texas.
Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.
Wyoming (Central Flyway portion)
Zone C1: Big Horn, Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park,
Platte, and Washakie Counties; and Fremont County excluding the
portions west or south of the Continental Divide.
Zone C2: Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston
Counties.
Zone C3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon
County east of the Continental Divide.
Pacific Flyway
Arizona
North Zone: Game Management Units 1-5, those portions of Game
Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game Management
Units 7, 9, and 12A.
South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in
Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-45.
California
Northeastern Zone: That portion of California lying east and north
of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to
Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North
Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and
east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the
junction of the California-
[[Page 42622]]
Nevada-Oregon State lines; west along the California-Oregon State line
to the point of origin.
Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside,
and Imperial Counties east of a line from the intersection of Highway
95 with the California-Nevada State line; south on Highway 95 through
the junction with Highway 40; south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction;
south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County
line on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' also known as Highway 62 in
San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice
Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of
Desert Center; east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with
Wiley Well Road; south on Wiley Well Road to Wiley Well; southeast on
Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections;
south on Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its
intersection with Ogilby Road; south on Ogilby Road to its intersection
with Interstate 8; east 7 miles on Interstate 8 to its intersection
with the Andrade-Algodones Road/Highway 186; south on Highway 186 to
its intersection with the U.S.-Mexico border at Los Algodones, Mexico.
Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding
the Colorado River zone) south and east of a line beginning at the
mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the
Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101-166 near the City of
Santa Maria; north on Highway 101-166; east on Highway 166 to the
junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of
Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi
Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the
Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass;
east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of
Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on
Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to
the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of
intersection with the California-Nevada State line.
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties
and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
Balance of State Zone: The remainder of California not included in
the Northeastern, Colorado River, Southern, and the Southern San
Joaquin Valley Zones.
Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)
Eastern Zone: Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties,
those portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral Counties
west of the Continental Divide, those portions of Gunnison County
except the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (Game Management
Units 521, 53, and 63), and that portion of Moffat County east of the
northern intersection of Moffat County Road 29 with the Moffat-Routt
County line, south along Moffat County Road 29 to the intersection of
Moffat County Road 29 with the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead
Reservoir State Park).
Western Zone: All areas west of the Continental Divide not included
in the Eastern Zone.
Idaho
Zone 1: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian
Reservation, including private inholdings; Power County east of State
Highway 37 and State Highway 39; and Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham,
Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and
Teton Counties.
Zone 2: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties.
Zone 3: Power County west of State Highway 37 and State Highway 39,
and Ada, Adams, Blaine, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater,
Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Latah, Lemhi,
Lewis, Lincoln, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Twin
Falls, and Washington Counties.
Zone 4: Valley County.
Nevada
Northeast Zone: Elko, Eureka, Lander, and White Pine Counties.
Northwest Zone: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon,
Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties.
South Zone: Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye Counties.
Moapa Valley Special Management Area: That portion of Clark County
including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin
Rivers.
Oregon
Zone 1: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas,
Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion,
Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco,
Washington, and Yamhill, Counties.
Zone 2: The remainder of Oregon not included in Zone 1.
Utah
Northern Zone: Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan,
Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and
that part of Toole County north of I-80.
Southern Zone: The remainder of Utah not included in the Northern
Zone.
Washington
East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
West Zone: The remainder of Washington not included in the East
Zone.
Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion)
Snake River Zone: Beginning at the south boundary of Yellowstone
National Park and the Continental Divide; south along the Continental
Divide to Union Pass and the Union Pass Road (U.S.F.S. Road 600); west
and south along the Union Pass Road to U.S.F.S. Road 605; south along
U.S.F.S. Road 605 to the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary; along
the national forest boundary to the Idaho State line; north along the
Idaho State line to the south boundary of Yellowstone National Park;
east along the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Continental
Divide.
Balance of State Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion
of Wyoming not included in the Snake River Zone.
Geese
Atlantic Flyway
Connecticut
Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
South Zone: Same as for ducks.
North Zone: Same as for ducks.
Regular Seasons
AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County west
of a line beginning at the Massachusetts border in Suffield and
extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with I-91 in
Hartford, and then extending south along I-91 to its intersection with
the Hartford-Middlesex County line.
NAP-H Unit: That part of the State east of a line beginning at the
Massachusetts border in Suffield and extending south along Route 159 to
its intersection with I-91 in Hartford and then extending south along
I-91 to State Street in New Haven; then south on State Street to Route
34, west on Route 34 to Route 8, south along Route 8 to Route 110,
south along Route 110 to Route 15, north along Route 15 to the
[[Page 42623]]
Milford Parkway, south along the Milford Parkway to I-95, north along
I-95 to the intersection with the east shore of the Quinnipiac River,
south to the mouth of the Quinnipiac River and then south along the
eastern shore of New Haven Harbor to the Long Island Sound.
Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Unit: Remainder of the
State not included in AP and NAP Units.
South Zone: Same as for ducks.
Maine
North NAP-H Zone: Same as North Zone for ducks.
Coastal NAP-L Zone: Same as Coastal Zone for ducks.
South NAP-H Zone: Same as South Zone for ducks.
Maryland
Early Canada and Cackling Goose Seasons
Eastern Unit: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent,
Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester
Counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895,
Interstate 97, and Route 3; that part of Prince George's County east of
Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route
301 to the Virginia State line.
Western Unit: Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett,
Howard, Montgomery, and Washington Counties and that part of Anne
Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97, and Route 3; that
part of Prince George's County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and that
part of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line.
Regular Seasons
Resident Population (RP) Zone: Allegany, Frederick, Garrett,
Montgomery, and Washington Counties; that portion of Prince George's
County west of Route 3 and Route 301; that portion of Charles County
west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line; and that portion of
Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and
west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania State line.
AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
Massachusetts
NAP Zone: Central and Coastal Zones (see duck zones).
AP Zone: The Western Zone (see duck zones).
Special Late Season Area: The Central Zone and that portion of the
Coastal Zone (see duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal,
north to the New Hampshire State line.
New Hampshire
Same zones as for ducks.
New Jersey
AP Zone: North and South Zones (see duck zones).
NAP Zone: The Coastal Zone (see duck zones).
Special Late Season Area: In northern New Jersey, that portion of
the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York
State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York
State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then
west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along
Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18);
then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94; then west
along Route 94 to the toll bridge in Columbia; then north along the
Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning
point. In southern New Jersey, that portion of the State within a
continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom
along Route 72 to Route 70; then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then
south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route
322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55
to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then
east along Route 40 to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552
(Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south
along Carmel Road to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555;
then south along Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to
Route 649; then north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along
Route 670 to Route 47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then
east along Route 548 to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50;
then south along Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route
625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the
Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point.
New York
Lake Champlain Goose Area: The same as the Lake Champlain Waterfowl
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying east and north
of a continuous line extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada
international boundary south to Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route
9, south along Route 9 to Route 22 south of Keeseville, south along
Route 22 to the west shore of South Bay along and around the shoreline
of South Bay to Route 22 on the east shore of South Bay, southeast
along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast along Route 4 to the New York-
Vermont boundary.
Northeast Goose Area: The same as the Northeastern Waterfowl
Hunting Zone, which is that area of New York State lying north of a
continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore
of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate 81 to
Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to
Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to
Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route
22 at Greenwich Junction, north along Route 22 to Washington County
Route 153, east along CR 153 to the New York-Vermont boundary,
exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
East Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying inside
of a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 in Cicero, east
along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east
along Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east
along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball
Corners, south along Route 147 to Schenectady County Route 40 (West
Glenville Road), west along Route 40 to Touareuna Road, south along
Touareuna Road to Schenectady County Route 59, south along Route 59 to
State Route 5, east along Route 5 to the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along
the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S, southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady
County Route 58, southwest along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south
along the Thruway to Route 7, southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady
County Route 103, south along Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route
406 to Schenectady County Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route
99 to Dunnsville Road, south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397,
southwest along Route 397 to Route 146 at Altamont, west along Route
146 to Albany County Route 252, northwest along Route 252 to
Schenectady County Route 131, north along Route 131 to Route 7, west
along Route 7 to Route 10 at Richmondville, south on Route 10 to Route
23 at Stamford, west along Route 23 to Route 7 in Oneonta, southwest
along Route 7 to Route 79 to Interstate Route 88 near Harpursville,
west along Route 88 to Interstate Route 81, north along Route 81 to the
point of beginning.
West Central Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within a
continuous line beginning at the point where the northerly extension of
Route 269 (County Line Road on the Niagara-Orleans County boundary)
meets the international boundary with Canada,
[[Page 42624]]
south to the shore of Lake Ontario at the eastern boundary of Golden
Hill State Park, south along the extension of Route 269 and Route 269
to Route 104 at Jeddo, west along Route 104 to Niagara County Route
271, south along Route 271 to Route 31E at Middleport, south along
Route 31E to Route 31, west along Route 31 to Griswold Street, south
along Griswold Street to Ditch Road, south along Ditch Road to Foot
Road, south along Foot Road to the north bank of Tonawanda Creek, west
along the north bank of Tonawanda Creek to Route 93, south along Route
93 to Route 5, east along Route 5 to Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road,
south on Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road to the NYS Thruway, east along
the Thruway 90 to Route 98 (at Thruway Exit 48) in Batavia, south along
Route 98 to Route 20, east along Route 20 to Route 19 in Pavilion
Center, south along Route 19 to Route 63, southeast along Route 63 to
Route 246, south along Route 246 to Route 39 in Perry, northeast along
Route 39 to Route 20A, northeast along Route 20A to Route 20, east
along Route 20 to Route 364 (near Canandaigua), south and east along
Route 364 to Yates County Route 18 (Italy Valley Road), southwest along
Route 18 to Yates County Route 34, east along Route 34 to Yates County
Route 32, south along Route 32 to Steuben County Route 122, south along
Route 122 to Route 53, south along Route 53 to Steuben County Route 74,
east along Route 74 to Route 54A (near Pulteney), south along Route 54A
to Steuben County Route 87, east along Route 87 to Steuben County Route
96, east along Route 96 to Steuben County Route 114, east along Route
114 to Schuyler County Route 23, east and southeast along Route 23 to
Schuyler County Route 28, southeast along Route 28 to Route 409 at
Watkins Glen, south along Route 409 to Route 14, south along Route 14
to Route 224 at Montour Falls, east along Route 224 to Route 228 in
Odessa, north along Route 228 to Route 79 in Mecklenburg, east along
Route 79 to Route 366 in Ithaca, northeast along Route 366 to Route 13,
northeast along Route 13 to Interstate Route 81 in Cortland, north
along Route 81 to the north shore of the Salmon River to shore of Lake
Ontario, extending generally northwest in a straight line to the
nearest point of the international boundary with Canada, south and west
along the international boundary to the point of beginning.
Hudson Valley Goose Area: That area of New York State lying within
a continuous line extending from Route 4 at the New York-Vermont
boundary, west and south along Route 4 to Route 149 at Fort Ann, west
on Route 149 to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Interstate Route 87 (at
Exit 20 in Glens Falls), south along Route 87 to Route 29, west along
Route 29 to Route 147 at Kimball Corners, south along Route 147 to
Schenectady County Route 40 (West Glenville Road), west along Route 40
to Touareuna Road, south along Touareuna Road to Schenectady County
Route 59, south along Route 59 to State Route 5, east along Route 5 to
the Lock 9 bridge, southwest along the Lock 9 bridge to Route 5S,
southeast along Route 5S to Schenectady County Route 58, southwest
along Route 58 to the NYS Thruway, south along the Thruway to Route 7,
southwest along Route 7 to Schenectady County Route 103, south along
Route 103 to Route 406, east along Route 406 to Schenectady County
Route 99 (Windy Hill Road), south along Route 99 to Dunnsville Road,
south along Dunnsville Road to Route 397, southwest along Route 397 to
Route 146 at Altamont, southeast along Route 146 to Main Street in
Altamont, west along Main Street to Route 156, southeast along Route
156 to Albany County Route 307, southeast along Route 307 to Route 85A,
southwest along Route 85A to Route 85, south along Route 85 to Route
443, southeast along Route 443 to Albany County Route 301 at
Clarksville, southeast along Route 301 to Route 32, south along Route
32 to Route 23 at Cairo, west along Route 23 to Joseph Chadderdon Road,
southeast along Joseph Chadderdon Road to Hearts Content Road (Greene
County Route 31), southeast along Route 31 to Route 32, south along
Route 32 to Greene County Route 23A, east along Route 23A to Interstate
Route 87 (the NYS Thruway), south along Route 87 to Route 28 (Exit 19)
near Kingston, northwest on Route 28 to Route 209, southwest on Route
209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary, southeast along the New
York-Pennsylvania boundary to the New York-New Jersey boundary,
southeast along the New York-New Jersey boundary to Route 210 near
Greenwood Lake, northeast along Route 210 to Orange County Route 5,
northeast along Orange County Route 5 to Route 105 in the Village of
Monroe, east and north along Route 105 to Route 32, northeast along
Route 32 to Orange County Route 107 (Quaker Avenue), east along Route
107 to Route 9W, north along Route 9W to the south bank of Moodna
Creek, southeast along the south bank of Moodna Creek to the New
Windsor-Cornwall town boundary, northeast along the New Windsor-
Cornwall town boundary to the Orange-Dutchess County boundary (middle
of the Hudson River), north along the county boundary to Interstate
Route 84, east along Route 84 to the Dutchess-Putnam County boundary,
east along the county boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary,
north along the New York-Connecticut boundary to the New York-
Massachusetts boundary, north along the New York-Massachusetts boundary
to the New York-Vermont boundary, north to the point of beginning.
Eastern Long Island Goose Area (NAP High Harvest Area): That area
of Suffolk County lying east of a continuous line extending due south
from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of
Roanoke Avenue in the Town of Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue
(which becomes County Route 73) to State Route 25; then west on Route
25 to Peconic Avenue; then south on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR)
104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead
Road); then south on CR 31 to Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to
Potunk Lane; then west on Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in
Westhampton Beach) to Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to
international waters.
Western Long Island Goose Area (RP Area): That area of Westchester
County and its tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that
area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line
extending due south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the
northernmost end of Sound Road (just east of Wading River Marsh); then
south on Sound Road to North Country Road; then west on North Country
Road to Randall Road; then south on Randall Road to Route 25A, then
west on Route 25A to the Sunken Meadow State Parkway; then south on the
Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State Parkway; then south on the
Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert Moses State Parkway; then south on the
Robert Moses Parkway to its southernmost end; then due south to
international waters.
Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area): That area of
Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose
Areas, as defined above.
South Goose Area: The remainder of New York State, excluding New
York City.
North Carolina
Northeast Zone: Includes the following counties or portions of
counties: Bertie (that portion north and east of a line formed by NC 45
at the Washington County line to U.S. 17 in
[[Page 42625]]
Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to
the Hertford County line), Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde,
Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
RP Zone: Remainder of the State.
Pennsylvania
Resident Canada and Cackling Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania area
east of route SR 97 from the Maryland State Line to the intersection of
SR 194, east of SR 194 to the intersection of U.S. Route 30, south of
U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to
intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, and south
of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.
AP Zone: The area east of route SR 97 from Maryland State Line to
the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of U.S.
Route 30, south of U.S. Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743,
east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of
I-80, south of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.
Rhode Island
Special Area for Canada and Cackling Geese: Kent and Providence
Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within
Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
South Carolina
Canada and Cackling Goose Area: Statewide except for the following
area:
East of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded to the
North by S-14-25, to the East by Hwy 260, and to the South by the
markers delineating the channel of the Santee River.
West of U.S. 301: That portion of Clarendon County bounded on the
North by S-14-26 extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg
County bordered by Hwy 6.
Vermont
Same zones as for ducks.
Virginia
AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the
Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at
Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then
Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the
North Carolina line.
SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of
the following line: the ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West
Virginia-Virginia border (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) south to
Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the
western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle
and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Route 64 to Route
15, then south along Route 15 to the North Carolina line.
RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone.
Mississippi Flyway
Arkansas
Northwest Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford,
Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Perry,
Pope, Pulaski, Searcy, Sebastian, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and
Yell Counties.
Remainder of State: That portion of the State outside of the
Northwest Zone.
Illinois
North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending
west from the Indiana border along Interstate 80 to I-39, south along
I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois
Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to Illinois Route 17, west
along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and due south across
the Mississippi River to the Iowa border.
Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Goose
Zone line to a line extending west from the Indiana border along I-70
to Illinois Route 4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route
161, west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and
west along Illinois Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along
Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route 3, south along Illinois Route 3 to
St. Leo's Road, south along St. Leo's Road to Modoc Road, west along
Modoc Road to Modoc Ferry Road, southwest along Modoc Ferry Road to
Levee Road, southeast along Levee Road to County Route 12 (Modoc Ferry
entrance Road), south along County Route 12 to the Modoc Ferry route
and southwest on the Modoc Ferry route across the Mississippi River to
the Missouri border.
South Zone: Same zone as for ducks.
South Central Zone: Same zone as for ducks.
Indiana
Same zones as for ducks.
Iowa
Same zones as for ducks.
Louisiana
North Zone: That portion of the State north of the line from the
Texas border at State Hwy 190/12 east to State Hwy 49, then south on
State Hwy 49 to Interstate 10, then east on Interstate 10 to Interstate
12, then east on Interstate 12 to Interstate 10, then east on
Interstate 10 to the Mississippi State line.
South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Michigan
North Zone: Same as North duck zone.
Middle Zone: Same as Middle duck zone.
South Zone: Same as South duck zone.
Allegan County Game Management Unit (GMU): That area encompassed by
a line beginning at the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway
196 in Lake Town Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to
Michigan Highway 40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of
Allegan to 108th Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th
Avenue to 46th Street, northerly along 46th Street to 109th Avenue,
westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly
along I-196 to the point of beginning.
Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29,
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
Minnesota
Same zones as for ducks.
Missouri
Same zones as for ducks.
Ohio
Same zones as for ducks.
Tennessee
Reelfoot Zone: The lands and waters within the boundaries of
Reelfoot Lake WMA only.
Remainder of State: The remainder of the State.
Wisconsin
North and South Zones: Same zones as for ducks.
Mississippi River Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning
at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and
the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending northerly along
the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of
Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to
the Minnesota State line.
[[Page 42626]]
Central Flyway
Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
Northern Front Range Area: All areas in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld
Counties from the Continental Divide east along the Wyoming border to
U.S. 85, south on U.S. 85 to the Adams County line, and all lands in
Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and
Jefferson Counties.
North Park Area: Jackson County.
South Park Area: Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller
Counties.
San Luis Valley Area: All of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio
Grande Counties, and those portions of Saguache, Mineral, Hinsdale,
Archuleta, and San Juan Counties east of the Continental Divide.
Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State
east of Interstate Highway 25.
Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
Zone 1: Same as Zone 1 for ducks and coots.
Zone 2: Same as Zone 2 for ducks and coots.
Nebraska
Dark Geese
Niobrara Unit: That area contained within and bounded by the
intersection of the Nebraska-South Dakota border and U.S. Hwy 83, south
to U.S. Hwy 20, east to NE Hwy 14, north along NE Hwy 14 to NE Hwy 59
and County Road 872, west along County Road 872 to the Knox County
Line, north along the Knox County Line to the Nebraska-South Dakota
border, west along the Nebraska-South Dakota border to U.S. Hwy 83.
Where the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks of the river
are included in the Niobrara Unit.
Platte River Unit: The area bounded starting at the northernmost
intersection of the Interstate Canal at the Nebraska-Wyoming border,
south along the Nebraska-Wyoming border to the Nebraska-Colorado
border, east and south along the Nebraska-Colorado border to the
Nebraska-Kansas border, east along the Nebraska-Kansas border to the
Nebraska-Missouri border, north along the Nebraska-Missouri and
Nebraska-Iowa borders to the Burt-Washington County line, west along
the Burt-Washington County line to U.S. Hwy 75, south to Dodge County
Road 4/Washington County Road 4, west to U.S. Hwy 77, south to U.S. Hwy
275, northwest to U.S. Hwy 91, west to NE Hwy 45, north to NE Hwy 32,
west to NE Hwy 14, north to NE Hwy 70, west to U.S. Hwy 281, south to
NE Hwy 70, west along NE Hwy 70/91 to NE Hwy 11, north to the Holt
County Line, west along the northern border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine,
and Thomas Counties to the Hooker County Line, south along the Thomas-
Hooker County Lines to the McPherson County Line, east along the south
border of Thomas County to the Custer County Line, south along the
Custer-Logan County lines to NE Hwy 92, west to U.S. Hwy 83, north to
NE Hwy 92, west to NE Hwy 61, north to NE Hwy 2, west along NE Hwy 2 to
the corner formed by Garden, Grant, and Sheridan Counties, west along
the north borders of Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties to the
intersection with the Interstate Canal, nort
[…truncated; see source link]Indexed from Federal Register on July 15, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.