Rule2024-18864
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2024-25 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 26, 2024
Effective
August 26, 2024
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing the final frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting season. 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 89, Number 165 (Monday, August 26, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68500-68534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18864]
[[Page 68499]]
Vol. 89
Monday,
No. 165
August 26, 2024
Part II
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2024-25 Frameworks for Migratory Bird
Hunting Regulations; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 165 / Monday, August 26, 2024 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 68500]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113; FXMB1231099BPP0-245-FF09M32000
RIN 1018-BG63
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2024-25 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 final frameworks from which States may select season
dates, limits, and other options for the 2024-25 migratory game bird
hunting season. 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 August 26, 2024.
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-2023-0113. 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-2023-0113.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerome Ford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, (703) 358-2606. 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
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. 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 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting
season in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
On February 8, 2024, we published in the Federal Register (89 FR
8631) 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. Major steps in the
regulations development process for the 2024-25 hunting season relating
to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were
illustrated in the diagram at the end of the February 8, 2024, proposed
rule.
Further, in the February 8, 2024, proposed rule we explained that
sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and
guidelines would be organized under numbered headings, which were set
forth in that proposed rule (see 89 FR 8631). This document refers only
to numbered items requiring attention and omits those items not
requiring attention. Therefore, the numbered items are discontinuous,
and the list appears incomplete.
We provided the meeting dates and locations for the Service
Regulations Committee (SRC) on our website at <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 on Flyway calendars
posted on our website at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways">https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways</a>. The February 8, 2024, proposed rule
provided detailed information on the proposed 2024-25 regulatory
schedule. The SRC conducted an open meeting with the Flyway Council
Consultants on May 31, 2023, to discuss preliminary issues for the
2024-25 regulations, and on October 10, 2023, to review information on
the current status of migratory game birds and develop recommendations
for the 2024-25 regulations for these species.
On May 13, 2024, we published in the Federal Register (89 FR 41522)
the proposed regulatory frameworks for the 2024-25 migratory game bird
hunting season. We have considered all pertinent comments received,
which includes comments submitted in response to our February 8 and May
13 proposed rulemaking documents and comments from the May and October
SRC meetings. This document establishes final regulatory frameworks for
the 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting season and includes no
substantive changes from the May 13, 2024, proposed rule. In this final
rule, as a reader aid, we present a table of contents and apply outline
formatting to the final frameworks; this was our approach in last
year's 2023-24 final frameworks rule (88 FR 54830; August 11, 2023) and
is a nonsubstantive change. We will publish State season 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>, <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>, and <a href="https://www.fws.gov/project/adaptive-harvest-management">https://www.fws.gov/project/adaptive-harvest-management</a>.
We used the following annual reports published in August 2023 in
the development of these regulatory frameworks for the migratory bird
hunting season:
<bullet> Adaptive Harvest Management, 2024 Hunting Season;
<bullet> American Woodcock Population Status, 2023;
<bullet> Band-tailed Pigeon Population Status, 2023;
<bullet> Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest During the
2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 Hunting Seasons;
<bullet> Mourning Dove Population Status, 2023;
<bullet> Status and Harvests of Sandhill Cranes, Mid-continent,
Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley and Eastern Populations,
2023; and
[[Page 68501]]
<bullet> Waterfowl Population Status, 2023.
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 final 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 February
8, 2024, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for
migratory game bird hunting regulations and described the proposed
regulatory alternatives for the 2024-25 duck hunting season. Comments
and recommendations were summarized and numbered in the order set forth
in the February 8, 2024, preliminary proposed rule (see 89 FR 8631) and
published in the May 13, 2024, proposed rule (see 89 FR 41522). The
public comments received from the May 13, 2024, proposed rule are
summarized with Service responses below.
We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils at the
May and October SRC meetings; all recommendations are from the October
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 Comment: Several commenters protested the entire migratory
bird hunting regulations process and 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 indicated 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.
Written Comment: One commenter expressed their support for adaptive
harvest management (AHM) and the collaborative Flyway Council system
process and stated that after reviewing the proposed rules and the
supporting documents, they believe that the Service has conducted a
thorough analysis of the current status of migratory bird populations
and has recommended suitable hunting regulations for the 2024-25
hunting season.
Service Response: We appreciate this commenter's support.
Written Comment: One commenter expressed that they do not agree
with the Service's proposals because giving any State the power to
select the season dates, limits, etc., as well as when people can hunt
birds or wildlife in general, will give States too much power and make
it harder to get accurate information. This raises, for example,
questions about who will conduct the basic checks and balances needed
to ensure the State is not providing the wrong statistics or making an
animal go extinct or become rare.
Service Response: As indicated in earlier proposed rules for the
2024-25 hunting season, we establish the Federal limits from which
States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2024-
25 migratory game bird hunting season. These limits are determined
annually based on numerous dedicated monitoring programs on migratory
game bird population status and habitat conditions. The limits are
determined to be appropriate based on our legal mandates and objectives
for migratory bird population sustainability and providing hunting
opportunities. 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. We have taken
into account available information and considered public comments, and
we continue to conclude that the maximum limits for hunting seasons
provided for herein are compatible with the current status of migratory
bird populations and long-term population goals, and in agreement with
our long-standing cooperative and productive relationships with the
flyways and the States. Federal limits, regardless of State season
selection within these limits, are necessary to allow hunting
opportunities and harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird
population status and habitat conditions.
Written Comment: One commenter questioned why the Service concurred
with the Mississippi and Central Flyway Council recommendation for the
liberal regulatory alternative for the 2024-25 duck hunting season in
the Mississippi and Central Flyways given the commenter's concerns
about declining mallard populations and duck harvest estimates.
Service Response: The optimal regulatory alternative for the
Mississippi and Central Flyway duck hunting season is based on the
status and demographics of mid-continent mallards and habitat
conditions (pond numbers in Prairie Canada and the United States).
We detailed an AHM protocol for mid-continent mallards in the July
24, 2008, Federal Register (73 FR 43290), which was developed
cooperatively with the Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils. The
objectives of the protocol are to ensure the long-term health and
[[Page 68502]]
sustainability of the mid-continent mallard population as required by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703-712) and to provide
hunting opportunities for the American public. The protocol accounts
for variable habitat conditions (i.e., precipitation, pond abundance)
and population dynamics over the long term and uses the most current
monitoring data to update our understanding of mallard demographics and
the effects of harvest on the population.
We learn and apply any new information annually by comparing model
predictions with observations obtained through long-term monitoring
programs (e.g., Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey) and
by using the resulting information to update model parameters. The
updated model parameters are then used to determine optimal harvest
levels and inform subsequent regulatory decisions.
Through this process, managers have gained increased understanding
of the effects of harvest on the mid-continent mallard population and
sustainable levels of harvest. Implementation of AHM since 1995
indicates mallard populations can support harvest levels not
anticipated prior to the implementation of AHM. The optimal choice for
the 2024 duck hunting season in the Mississippi and Central Flyways is
the liberal regulatory alternative based on a liberal regulatory
alternative selected for the 2023 hunting season, an observed breeding
population size of 6.22 million mid-continent mallards, and 4.98
million total ponds observed in Prairie Canada and the United States.
The Service continues to work with the four Flyway Councils to
cooperatively develop harvest strategies that provide harvest
opportunity while ensuring sustainable populations of hunted migratory
birds.
Written Comment: We received a comment from the Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe, Division of Resource Management (Band), in Minnesota regarding
wild rice harvesting and early teal hunting that expressed similar
concerns to their earlier comment we addressed in the May 13, 2024,
proposed rule (see 89 FR 41522 at 41524).
Service Response: In our response to this comment in our May 13,
2024, proposed rule (see 89 FR 41522 at 41524), we state explicitly how
we are supportive of the development of an agreement to address many of
the issues pointed out by the Band, but that it falls outside the scope
of this rulemaking. It is more appropriate for us to address the Band's
request of no hunting within one-half mile of an active wild rice bed
identified by the Band in the season selections final rule of this
rulemaking series; we will address this concern therein as warranted.
As they did last year, the Minnesota DNR has agreed to adopt this
buffer rule. The exact language in our upcoming season selections final
rule will reflect Minnesota DNR's agreed-upon buffer rule at the time
of publication. We believe that no teal hunting within the one-half
mile buffer of designated active wild rice beds will prevent possible
damage to wild rice beds identified by the Band as well as address
safety concerns with rice harvest during the 5-day early teal hunting
season on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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 February 8, 2024, proposed
rule, we intend to continue use of AHM to help determine appropriate
duck-hunting regulations for the 2024-25 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 for the Mississippi,
Central, and Pacific Flyways based on the status and demographics of
mallards and in the Atlantic Flyway based on the status and
demographics of a suite of four species (eastern waterfowl) (see below,
and the earlier referenced report ``Adaptive Harvest Management, 2024
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, pintails, and eastern mallards.
These protocols have species-specific regulatory alternatives.
For the 2024-25 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
contribute 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).
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 Waterfowl Breeding Population and
Habitat Survey (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 2024-25 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 2024-25 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current
stock-specific population models and associated weights. Based on the
liberal regulatory alternative selected for the 2023-24 duck hunting
season and the 2023 survey estimates of 0.97 million wood ducks, 0.39
million American green-winged teal, 0.66 million ring-necked ducks, and
0.85 million goldeneyes in 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 February
[[Page 68503]]
8, 2024, proposed rule for the 2024-25 season (89 FR 8631).
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 and the
United States). 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 2024-25 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for mid-continent mallards using: (1) A management
objective of maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) the 2024-25
regulatory alternatives; and (3) the current population model. Based on
a liberal regulatory alternative selected for the 2023-24 hunting
season and the 2023 survey estimates of 6.22 million mid-continent
mallards and 4.98 million total ponds observed in Prairie Canada and
the United States, the optimal choice for the 2024-25 hunting season in
the Mississippi and Central Flyways is the liberal regulatory
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 February 8, 2024,
proposed rule for the 2024-25 season (89 FR 8631).
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 2024-25 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for western mallards using: (1) A management objective of
maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) the 2024-25 regulatory
alternatives; and (3) the current population model. Based on a liberal
regulatory alternative selected for the 2023-24 hunting season and 2023
survey estimates of 0.82 million western mallards observed in Alaska
(0.38 million) and the southern Pacific Flyway (0.44 million), the
optimal regulation for the Pacific Flyway is the liberal regulatory
alternative. Therefore, we concur with the recommendation of the
Pacific Flyway Council regarding selection of the liberal regulatory
alternative as described in the February 8, 2024, proposed rule for the
2024-25 season (89 FR 8631).
B. Regulatory Alternatives
Council Recommendations: At the May 2023 SRC meeting, the Atlantic,
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended that AHM
regulatory alternatives for duck hunting during the 2024-25 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 February 8, 2024, proposed rule (89
FR 8631) will be used for the 2024-25 duck 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. For those species with specific harvest strategies
(pintails, black ducks, scaup, and eastern mallards), each with their
own set of regulatory alternatives, the species-specific strategies and
regulatory alternatives will be used for the 2024-25 hunting season.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. Early Teal Seasons
The special early teal season guidelines (see 79 FR 51402 at 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 if the Federal WBPHS
(traditional survey area; strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77) estimate is
greater than 4.7 million blue-winged teal. The 2023 survey estimate is
5.3 million blue-winged teal, indicating a 16-day special early teal
season with a 6-teal daily bag limit is appropriate.
Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
that the experimental teal season in Minnesota be extended for a fourth
year with no data collection required.
Service Response: The Service concurs with the Mississippi Flyway
Council's recommendation. In the July 16, 2021, Federal Register (86 FR
37854), we authorized a 3-year experimental special early teal season
in Minnesota beginning in 2021 or 2022. Previously, we described in the
August 28, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51402) that the Flyway
Councils and Service completed a thorough assessment of the harvest
potential for teal (blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon), and an
assessment of the impacts of current special early seasons on these
three species. In 2014, we established criteria for an experimental
season and transition to operational status. We worked with the State
of Minnesota to develop an evaluation plan and associated memorandum of
agreement (MOA) for this experimental season detailing the required
sample sizes, decision criteria for the experimental season to become
operational, and roles and responsibilities. The plan consists of a 3-
year evaluation of hunter performance (via spy blind studies) with
regard to attempt and kill rates on nontarget species during the
experimental early teal season. The 1-year extension of the
experimental teal season, without a requirement to collect data, will
allow the current harvest opportunity to continue during the 2024 early
teal season until an evaluation of the first 3 years of data is
completed. Any future request for operational status will be based on
that evaluation and relevant data collected during the experimental
season. We note that preliminary results indicate Minnesota has met all
criteria for operational status based on currently available data
through the second year of the experimental season.
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 six teal and wood
ducks in the aggregate, of which no more than two may be wood ducks. In
addition, a 4-consecutive-day 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 six
teal.
iii. Black Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
Councils recommended 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
[[Page 68504]]
Mississippi Flyways (and Canada) based on the status and demographics
of these birds.
For the 2024-25 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for black ducks using: (1) A management objective of 98
percent of maximum long-term sustainable harvest; (2) the black duck
regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population model. Based on the
moderate regulatory alternative selected for the 2023-24 hunting season
and the 2023 survey estimate of 0.73 million black ducks, the optimal
regulation for the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways is the moderate
alternative. 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 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. Based on the
2023 survey estimate of 619,000 canvasbacks, we concur with the
recommendations of the four Flyway Councils regarding selection of the
liberal regulatory alternative for the 2024-25 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 the four Flyway Councils adopted
an AHM protocol for pintails 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 2024-25 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 pintail 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 2023-24
season, and the 2023 survey estimates of 2.22 million pintails at a
mean latitude of 54.78 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 for the 2024-25 season.
vi. Scaup
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the restrictive
regulatory alternative for their respective flyways. 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 2024-25 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for scaup using: (1) A management objective of 95 percent
of maximum sustainable harvest; (2) the scaup regulatory alternatives;
and (3) current population model. Based on a restrictive regulatory
alternative for the 2023-24 season, and the 2023 survey estimate of
3.52 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 2024-25 season.
ix. Eastern Mallards
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
adoption of the liberal regulatory alternative for their flyway. The
Atlantic Flyway regulation consists of a daily bag limit of four
mallards, no more than two of which may be hens, and a season length of
60 days.
Service Response: The Service and Atlantic Flyway Council adopted
an AHM protocol for eastern mallards in 2023 (88 FR 6054, January 30,
2023) whereby we set mallard hunting regulations in the Atlantic Flyway
based on the status and demographics of these birds.
For the 2024-25 hunting season, we evaluated alternative harvest
regulations for eastern mallards using: (1) A management objective of
98 percent of maximum sustainable harvest; (2) the eastern mallard
regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population model. Based on a
liberal regulatory alternative for the 2023-24 season, and the 2023
survey estimate of 1.20 million eastern mallards (Federal WBPHS eastern
survey area and AFBWS), 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 alternative for the 2024-25 season.
4. Canada and Cackling Geese
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
the moderate regulatory option as
[[Page 68505]]
defined in the Council's harvest strategy for Atlantic Population (AP)
Canada geese (30-day season with a daily bag limit of: 3 geese in the
Mid-Atlantic and New England Regions; 2 geese in the Chesapeake Region;
1 goose in North Carolina) in the AP Zones of the Atlantic Flyway. In
addition, in Vermont, the Lake Champlain Zone of New York, and the AP
Zones in Connecticut and Massachusetts, a special late season may be
held in addition to the regular AP Canada goose season with a maximum
daily bag limit of 5 geese. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
changing the season closing date for Canada and cackling geese
(including brant except in California, Oregon, and Washington) in the
Pacific Flyway from January 31 to February 15.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendation to implement the moderate regulatory option as described
in the Council's harvest strategy for AP Canada geese for the 2024-25
hunting season. The AP Canada goose is one of three populations of
Canada geese managed in the Atlantic Flyway and has a long history of
intensive management due to its importance to subsistence and sport
hunters in Canada and the United States. In 2021, the Council adopted a
harvest strategy to prescribe appropriate hunting regulations for AP
Canada geese commensurate with the status of this population. The 2023
breeding population estimate for AP Canada geese is 115,000 pairs.
Breeding habitat conditions appeared to be slightly improved in 2023
compared to 2022. Using the most current breeding population and
habitat data, the model predicted the 2024 median number of breeding
pairs is 147,500. The predicted August 2023 juvenile-to-adult age ratio
is 1.43, which is greater than the long-term (1997-2022) average of
1.28. The Council's AP Canada goose harvest strategy prescribes the
moderate regulatory alternative when the model-predicted abundance for
the out-year is between 125,000 and 160,000 pairs. The moderate
regulatory option in the Council's harvest strategy for AP Canada geese
is appropriate considering the current status of this population and
habitat conditions.
We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to
change the season closing date for Canada and cackling geese (including
brant except in California, Oregon, and Washington) in the Pacific
Flyway from January 31 to February 15. The Pacific Flyway Council
adopted a management plan for the Pacific Flyway Population (PFP) of
western Canada geese in 2023. The management plan includes a harvest
strategy that prescribes season outside dates of Saturday nearest
September 24 and February 15 when the 3-year average population index
for PFP western Canada geese exceeds 200,000 birds. The most recent 3-
year (2020, 2022, and 2023) average population estimate for PFP western
Canada geese is 419,906, and is well (110 percent) above the Council's
population objective. The extension of the closing date by about 2
weeks from the end of January to mid-February is expected to provide
additional hunting opportunities, increase harvest, and help limit the
continued growth of PFP western Canada geese. The basic season
frameworks for Canada and cackling geese in the Pacific Flyway are
generally based on the status of PFP western Canada geese. There are
special restrictions geographically in the season frameworks to address
concern for any of the other six subspecies of white-cheeked geese
wintering in the Pacific Flyway, which are managed as separate
populations. Brant are included in the season limits for Canada and
cackling geese in interior States because brant generally do not occur
in these areas.
5. White-Fronted Geese
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended the
following season frameworks of dark geese (Canada geese, white-fronted
geese, and all other geese except light geese) in west-tier States
(Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Western Goose Zone of
Texas) of the Central Flyway: outside dates Saturday nearest September
24 and Sunday nearest February 15; the season may be divided into two
segments, except in Wyoming where the season may be divided into three
segments; season length 95 days in the Western Goose Zone of Texas and
107 days in the remainder of the west-tier States; the daily bag limit
is five dark geese in the aggregate; and the possession limit is three
times the daily bag limit.
Service Response: We agree with the Central Flyway Council's
recommendation. The Council's recommendation is consistent with the
management plan for the Midcontinent Population of greater white-
fronted geese approved by the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi Flyway
Councils. The only change to the frameworks is that the white-fronted
goose daily bag limit in the Western Goose Zone of Texas is now in the
aggregate with dark geese rather than a separate limit, and the daily
bag limit is increased from two to five geese. This change is expected
to simplify regulations in that the dark goose bag and possession
limits are now the same for all west-tier States. Any possible
additional harvest of greater white-fronted geese from this regulatory
change will be negligible for the Central Flyway.
6. Brant
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
that the 2024-25 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 2024 Winter Brant Survey
(WBS). If results of the 2024 WBS are not available, results of the
most recent WBS should be used.
Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's
recommendation that the 2024-25 Pacific brant season framework be
determined by the harvest strategy in the Council's management plan for
the Pacific population of brant pending results of the 2024 WBS. 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 (85 FR 51854).
The recent 3-year average (2022-2024) WBS count of Pacific brant
was 128,780. Based on the harvest strategy, the appropriate season
length and daily bag limit framework for Pacific brant in the 2024-25
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 Pacific Flyway Council recommended
increasing the number of swan hunting
[[Page 68506]]
permits in Nevada from 650 to 750 and that the experimental swan
hunting season in northern Idaho be granted operational status.
Service Response: We agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's
recommendation to increase the number of swan hunting permits in Nevada
from 650 to 750. The most recent 3-year (2021-2023) average population
estimate for the Western Population of tundra swans is 97,709 and is 63
percent above the Council's population objective of 60,000 swans. The
demand for swan hunting permits has exceeded the limit of 650 available
in Nevada during the last 5 years. In 2022, swan permit sales
transitioned from a first-come first-served process to an application-
limited drawing process in which there were 817 applicants for 650
available permits. The mean annual participation rate over the past 5
years for Nevada swan permit holders was 63 percent, with a mean annual
harvest of 200 swans; mean annual incidental trumpeter swan harvest was
1.7 trumpeter swans. The estimated annual increase in swan harvest in
Nevada with 100 additional hunting permits is 30 swans. The estimated
additional harvest of trumpeter swans will be negligible. The swan
season in Nevada continues (28 years) to be compliant with
environmental impact statements for the general swan season in the
Pacific Flyway and the Service's outside limits for the general swan
season in the Pacific Flyway, including monitoring and mandatory hunter
reporting of swan harvest for species identification. Increasing the
number of swan hunting permits in Nevada will provide biologically
appropriate additional hunting opportunity where there is apparent
demand.
We also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation to
grant operational status to the swan hunting season in northern Idaho.
Idaho completed a 3-year (2020-2022 hunting seasons) evaluation of the
experimental swan hunting season. Fifty swan hunting permits were
issued each year. Any hunter who harvested a swan was required, within
3 days of the date of kill, to present the swan carcass at a check
station for species identification and to complete a harvest report.
After the season, any swan tag holder who did not complete a harvest
report was sent a survey questionnaire in the mail and asked to report
their hunting activity and harvest. The average annual compliance rate
for swan permit holders in returning their hunter activity and harvest
questionnaire was 90 percent (range = 84-93 percent). The estimated
average hunter compliance in providing species-determinant parts of
harvested swans for species identification was also 90 percent (range =
84-93 percent). The estimated average percentage of swan permit holders
that actively hunted swans in Idaho was 69 percent (33 hunters). The
estimated mean annual harvest was 11 tundra swans and 5 trumpeter swans
(but was less than or equal to 2 during 2 of the 3 years). In 2018, the
Service and Pacific Flyway Council evaluated the impact swan hunting
has had on the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of trumpeter swans and
demonstrated tundra swan hunting and trumpeter swan population
restoration are compatible in the Pacific Flyway. Current swan harvest
levels across all Pacific Flyway States are well within conservatively
estimated acceptable limits for the Western Population of tundra swans
and RMP trumpeter swans. Lastly, the swan season in Idaho is compliant
with environmental impact statements for the general swan season in the
Pacific Flyway and the Service's outside limits for the general swan
season in the Pacific Flyway, including monitoring and mandatory hunter
reporting of swan harvest for species identification. No changes to the
swan season in northern Idaho are being made at this time except the
change in status from experimental to operational.
9. Sandhill Cranes
Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils
recommended a minor expansion to the hunting areas for the Rocky
Mountain Population (RMP) of sandhill cranes in Montana to include that
portion of Stillwater County north of I-90. The Central and Pacific
Flyway Councils also recommended that allowable harvest of the RMP
sandhill cranes be determined based on the formula described in the
Pacific and Central Flyway Councils' Management Plan for RMP cranes
when the 2023 fall abundance and recruitment data become available.
Service Response: We agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway
Councils' recommendation to expand the RMP sandhill crane hunting areas
in Montana to include that portion of Stillwater County north of I-90.
This will be more restrictive in crane hunting opportunity overall in
that it changes the applicable season frameworks for northern
Stillwater County from those for the Midcontinent Population (MCP) of
sandhill cranes (not limited by special hunting permit requirement) to
those for RMP sandhill cranes (limited by special hunting permit
requirement). The expanded RMP crane hunting areas are consistent with
the Pacific and Central Flyway Council's RMP sandhill crane management
plan hunting area requirements.
We also 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 2023 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 (81 FR 17302).
The 2023 fall RMP crane abundance estimate was 27,267 cranes,
resulting in a 3-year (2021-2023) average of 23,287 cranes, which is
higher than the previous 3-year average of 22,744 cranes. The RMP crane
recruitment estimate was 11.87 percent young in the fall population,
resulting in a 3-year (2021-2023) average of 10.47 percent, which is
higher than the previous 3-year average of 9.74 percent. Using the
current harvest strategy and the most recent 3-year average abundance
and recruitment estimates, the allowable harvest for the 2024-25 season
is 3,006 cranes, which is higher than the previous season allowable
harvest of 2,546 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
[[Page 68507]]
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 (WMU). Also, the Central Flyway
Council recommended that the season length of 6 days for the special
white-winged dove season in Texas (between September 1 and 19) be
allowed to be split into three segments. The Pacific Flyway Council
recommended allowing up to 10 white-winged doves in Arizona's daily bag
limit during season days from November 1 through January 15.
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 2024-25 season.
We also agree with the Central Flyway Council's recommendation that
the season length of 6 days for the special white-winged dove season in
Texas be allowed to be split into three segments. As we discussed in
the July 16, 2021, Federal Register (86 FR 37862), we agreed with the
Central Flyway Council's recommendation to add 2 days to the existing 4
hunting days permitted in the special white-winged dove area in Texas,
and to codify in Federal regulations that shooting hours for those 6
days will be from noon to sunset. The additional days allowed more
opportunity and flexibility to hunters by providing 3 consecutive days
of dove hunting (Friday-Sunday) each of the first 2 weekends in
September. Anticipating that Texas would split the 6-day season into
two 3-day segments, we codified into the season framework that the 6-
day season may consist of two 3-consecutive-day periods. However, Texas
officials have noted that, in some years, calendar dates do not allow
for these 2 full weekends prior to September 14 and that they would
prefer to have the hunting days before September 14 around weekends and
holidays to maximize hunting opportunity and hunter participation.
Thus, specifying that Texas may split the 6-day season into three
segments will allow the State more flexibility in aligning the season
with weekends and holidays to maximize hunting opportunity and hunter
participation.
In the past, the Service stated concerns about the effect of early
September hunting on late-nesting mourning doves (see 86 FR 37862, July
16, 2021, and 76 FR 54056, August 30, 2011). We stated that abundances
of mourning doves in the Central Management Unit have declined since
2008, and additional harvest associated with this change could
exacerbate that trend. We encourage the State of Texas and the Central
Flyway Council to conduct appropriate monitoring of both mourning and
white-winged doves that will inform adjustments to the dove harvest
management strategy, if necessary, to maintain desired abundances of
doves. Such efforts should include contemporary nesting ecology studies
to determine the extent of nesting activity in September, various
aspects of nesting ecology (e.g., nesting rate, clutch size, nest
success), and exposure of nesting adults to harvest. We note that Texas
continues to monitor mourning and white-winged dove harvest during the
special white-winged dove season. The most recent harvest estimates
indicate that mourning dove harvest has not increased with the addition
of 2 days to the special white-winged dove season beginning with the
2021 season.
Finally, we also agree with the Pacific Flyway Council's
recommendation to allow up to 10 white-winged doves in Arizona's daily
bag limit during season days from November 1 through January 15. Within
the WMU, most white-winged doves breed in Arizona. The Arizona spring
call count survey indicates white-winged doves have increased in
abundance considerably during the recent 10 years. Arizona is currently
the only State in the WMU where the season frameworks do not allow take
of white-winged doves during part of the dove season. Historically,
white-winged doves migrated out of Arizona prior to November 1;
however, in recent years, small numbers of white-winged doves have been
present in the State during the late season. Allowing a limited take of
white-winged doves during Arizona's late dove season will provide
additional hunting opportunity where it is biologically appropriate,
reduce the potential for a hunter to be cited for accidental harvest of
white-winged doves during the dove season (i.e., species
misidentification), and simplify frameworks for the dove season across
the WMU. White-winged dove harvest will be limited to 10 within the 15-
dove aggregate bag limit to be consistent with the frameworks for the
dove season in California and during the early season in Arizona. The
outside limits for the remainder of the WMU States is 15 mourning and
white-winged doves in the aggregate. Because most white-winged doves
have migrated south of Arizona before the late season, the additional
harvest of white-winged doves is expected to be small. There is no
expected significant increase in the harvest of mourning doves, but
harvest could be reduced by any buffering effect of white-winged dove
harvest during the late season.
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 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 2024-
25,'' with its corresponding 2024 finding of no significant impact,
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-
0113. 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 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Before issuance of the 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting
regulations, we will comply with provisions of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1543), to ensure that
hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any
species designated as endangered or threatened or adversely modify or
destroy its critical habitat and is consistent with conservation
programs for those species. Consultations under section 7 of the ESA
may cause us to change in future supplemental rulemaking documents.
Regulatory Planning and Review--Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
14094
Executive Order 14094 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 and
E.O. 13563. Regulatory analysis should facilitate agency efforts to
develop regulations
[[Page 68508]]
that serve the public interest, advance statutory objectives, and are
consistent with E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and the Presidential Memorandum
of January 20, 2021 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). Regulatory
analysis, as practicable and appropriate, shall recognize distributive
impacts and equity, to the extent permitted by law. We have developed
this final rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.
E.O. 12866, as reaffirmed by E.O. 13563 and amended by E.O. 14094,
provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)
in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review all
significant rules. This action is a ``significant regulatory action,''
as defined under section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4,
1993), as amended by E.O. 14094 (88 FR 21879, April 11, 2023).
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2024-25 migratory bird
hunting season. This analysis was based on data from the 2011 and the
2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation (National Survey), the most recent years for which data are
available. See discussion under Required Determinations, Regulatory
Flexibility Act, below. This analysis estimated consumer surplus for
four alternatives for migratory bird hunting regulations. As defined by
OMB 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 migratory bird
hunting regulatory alternatives are (1) not opening a hunting season,
(2) issuing restrictive regulations that allow fewer days than the
2023-24 season, (3) issuing moderate regulations that allow more days
than in Alternative 2 but fewer days than the 2023-24 season, and (4)
issuing liberal regulations that allow days similar to the 2023-24
season. The estimated consumer surplus associated with liberal
regulations issued for the 2024-25 season across all flyways was $606
million to $797 million (2023$). We also chose Alternative 4 (liberal
regulations) for the 2009-10 through 2023-24 seasons. The 2024-25
analysis is part of the record for this rulemaking action and is
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-
0113.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities, such as
restaurants, grocery stores, lodging, transportation, and sporting
goods stores, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.). An initial regulatory flexibility analysis was prepared to
analyze the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small
business entities. This analysis is updated annually. 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 2022 National Survey did not collect migratory bird
expenditure data, so the 2024-25 migratory bird hunting season analysis
is based on the 2011 and 2016 National Surveys and the U.S. Department
of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it is estimated that
migratory bird hunters will spend approximately $2.6 billion (2023$) at
small businesses during the 2024-25 migratory bird hunting season. In
summary, this rule has a significant beneficial economic impact on
small entities. Without these national frameworks, States cannot
establish migratory bird hunting seasons. A wide range of businesses
and individuals benefit economically from the establishment of the
annual migratory bird hunting regulations. The final regulatory
flexibility analysis can be found in the economic analysis of the final
rulemaking for migratory bird hunting for the 2024-2025 season. Copies
of the economic analysis are available upon request from the person
listed above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113.
Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to subtitle E of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act (also known as the Congressional Review Act or CRA), 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., OIRA designated this action as meeting the criteria
in 5 U.S.C. 804(2), because it is likely to result in an annual effect
on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this final
rule establishes a regulatory program for activity related to hunting
and because hunting seasons are time sensitive, we establish the
effective date of this final rule using the exemption in the CRA at 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 02/28/2027).
<bullet> 1018-0023, ``Migratory Bird Surveys, 50 CFR 20.20''
(expires 05/31/2026). 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. 1501 et seq., that this
final rulemaking does not include any Federal mandate that may result
in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted
for inflation) in any 1 year and does not significantly or uniquely
affect small governments.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this final 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--Executive Order 12630
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this final rule, authorized by the
MBTA, does not have significant takings implications and does not
affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This final 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 final rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable
privileges and, therefore, reduces 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
[[Page 68509]]
when undertaking certain actions. While this final rule is a
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, it is not likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy and has not been designated by OIRA as a significant energy
action. Therefore, 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 with
respect to impacts to Tribes' treaty rights to hunt waterfowl, and we
have determined that there are de minimis effects on Indian Tribes for
that aspect of their treaty rights. Through this process to establish
annual hunting regulations, we regularly coordinate with Tribes that
are affected by this final rulemaking action. Tribes have the
opportunity to attend spring and fall flyway meetings, provide comments
on Federal Register publications concerning migratory bird hunting,
and, whenever needed, we hold informal consultations with Tribes
regarding trust resources, trust assets, health, and safety. Also,
while streamlining the migratory bird hunting regulation process, four
informational webinars were held to present the new process to Tribes,
giving Tribes the opportunity to provide input and to ask questions
about the Tribal migratory bird hunting regulations. This final rule
will not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian Tribes,
on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes,
or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the
Federal Government and Indian Tribes. This rule is general in nature
and does not directly affect any specific Tribal lands, treaty rights,
or Tribal trust resources. In addition, this final rule does not
interfere with the ability of Tribes to manage themselves or their
funds or to regulate migratory bird activities on Tribal lands.
Therefore, we conclude that this final rule does not have ``Tribal
implications'' under section 1(a) of E.O. 13175 with respect to
waterfowl treaty rights. Thus, formal government-to-government
consultation is not required by E.O. 13175 and related policies of the
Department of the Interior. We will continue to collaborate with Tribes
on concerns related to migratory bird hunting regulations.
Federalism Effects--Executive Order 13132
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the MBTA. 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. We recognize that, in certain cases, conflicts may arise between
States and specific Tribes on aspects of other Tribal treaty rights.
The Service actively supports the parties reaching a mutually agreeable
solution to such conflicts.
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 will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. This final rule will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in
accordance with E.O. 13132, this final regulation does not have
federalism implications and does not warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact statement.
Signing Authority
Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks, approved this action on July 12, 2024, for publication. On
August 15, 2024, Shannon Estenoz authorized the undersigned to sign and
submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of
the Interior.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Authority
The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2024-25
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 742 a-j.
Final Regulatory Frameworks for 2024-25 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, 2024, and March 10, 2025. These frameworks are summarized below.
Table of Contents
I. General
A. Flyways and Management Units
1. Waterfowl Flyways
2. Mallard Management Units
3. Mourning Dove Management Units
4. Woodcock Management Regions
B. Definitions
C. Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway
II. Season Frameworks
A. Special Youth and Veterans--Active Military Personnel
Waterfowl Hunting Days
B. Special Early Teal Seasons
C. Special Early Teal-Wood Duck Seasons
D. 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
E. Swan Seasons
1. Pacific Flyway
2. Atlantic and Central Flyways
F. Sandhill Crane Seasons
1. Mississippi Flyway
2. Central Flyway
3. Central and Pacific Flyways
[[Page 68510]]
G. Gallinule Seasons
1. Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways
2. Pacific Flyway
H. Rail Seasons
I. Snipe Seasons
J. American Woodcock Seasons
K. Band-Tailed Pigeon Seasons
1. California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada
2. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah
L. Dove Seasons
1. Eastern Management Unit
2. Central Management Unit
a. All States Except Texas
b. Texas
i. Special White-Winged Dove Season in Texas
3. Western Management Unit
a. Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
b. Arizona and California
M. Alaska
1. Duck, Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Snipe Seasons
2. Tundra Swan Seasons
N. Hawaii
1. Mourning Dove Seasons
O. Puerto Rico
1. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
2. Duck, Coot, Gallinule, and Snipe Seasons
P. Virgin Islands
1. Dove and Pigeon Seasons
2. Duck Seasons
Q. Special Falconry Regulations
III. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
A. Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots
1. Atlantic Flyway
2. Mississippi Flyway
3. Central Flyway
4. Pacific Flyway
B. Geese
1. Atlantic Flyway
2. Mississippi Flyway
3. Central Flyway
4. Pacific Flyway
C. Brant
D. Swans
1. Central Flyway
2. Pacific Flyway
E. Doves
F. Band-Tailed Pigeons
G. American Woodcock
H. Sandhill Cranes
1. Mississippi Flyway
2. Central Flyway
3. Pacific Flyway
I. All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
J. All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin Islands
K. All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico
I. 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 into which 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 in years we
declare such changes may 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 will 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.
A. Flyways and Management Units
We generally set migratory bird hunting frameworks for the
conterminous United 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 III. 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.
[[Page 68511]]
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.
B. Definitions
For the purpose of the hunting season frameworks 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.
C. 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,
if 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. For these States where Sunday hunting is prohibited
statewide by State law or regulation, the State may extend their
hunting season length beyond the framework season length for any
migratory game bird by one day for each Sunday included in the State's
regular hunting season. Total season days must be within the season
framework outside dates; season days must be consecutive except as
provided in framework split-season provisions; and total season length
(including extended falconry and other special seasons) must not exceed
107 days.
II. Season Frameworks
A. 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 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. Flyway species and area restrictions 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. Duck, Merganser, Coot, and Goose Seasons
1. Atlantic Flyway
a. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-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 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
[[Page 68512]]
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.
Other 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 Special Sea Duck Area in the Atlantic Flyway. The
Special 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 and North Carolina.
In Virginia, the Special Sea Duck Area includes all ocean waters of
Virginia, the tidal waters of Northampton and Accomack Counties up to
the first highway bridge, and the Chesapeake Bay and each of its
tributaries up to the first highway bridge; Back Bay and its
tributaries are not included. In Maryland, the Special Sea Duck Area
includes portions of the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the
Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The Special Sea Duck Area in each
State must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each
State's hunting regulations.
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
Outside Dates, Season Lengths, and Daily Bag Limits: Regulations
are State and zone specific as provided below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Daily bag Season
Area Outside dates length limit segments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut:
Atlantic Population (AP) Zone......... Oct 10-Feb 5................. 30 3 2
AP Zone Late Season Area (Special Dec 15-Feb 15................ 54 5 1
season).
North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone.. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
NAP Late Season Area (Special season). Jan 15-Feb 15................ 28 5 1
Resident Population (RP) Zone......... Oct 1-Feb 15................. 80 5 3
Delaware.................................. Nov 15-Feb 5................. 30 2 2
Florida................................... Oct 1-Mar 10................. 80 5 3
Georgia................................... Oct 1-Mar 10................. 80 5 3
Maine:
North NAP High Harvest Zone........... Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
South NAP High Harvest Zone........... Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
Coastal NAP Low Harvest Zone.......... Oct 1-Feb 15................. 70 3 2
Maryland:
AP Zone............................... Nov 15-Feb 5................. 30 2 2
RP Zone............................... Nov 15-Mar 10................ 80 5 3
Massachusetts:
AP Zone............................... Oct 10-Feb 5................. 30 3 2
AP Zone Late Season Area (Special Dec 15-Feb 15................ 54 5 1
season).
NAP Zone.............................. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
NAP Late Season Area (Special season). Jan 15-Feb 15................ 28 5 1
New Hampshire............................. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
New Jersey:
AP Zone............................... Fourth Saturday in Oct (26)- 30 3 2
Feb 5.
NAP Zone.............................. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
Special Late Season Area (Special Jan 15-Feb 15................ 28 5 1
season).
New York:
AP Zone............................... Fourth Saturday in Oct (26)- 30 3 2
Feb 5.
AP (Lake Champlain) Zone.............. Oct 10-Feb 5................. 30 3 2
NAP High Harvest Zone................. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
NAP Low Harvest Zone.................. Oct 1-Feb 15................. 70 3 2
Western Long Island RP Zone........... Saturday nearest Sep 24 (21)- 107 8 3
last day of Feb (28).
Remainder of RP Zone.................. Fourth Saturday in Oct (26)- 80 5 3
last day of Feb (28).
AP (Lake Champlain) Zone Late Season Dec 1-Feb 15................. 77 5 1
(Special season).
[[Page 68513]]
North Carolina:
Northeast Zone........................ Saturday prior to Dec 25 (21)- 30 1 1
Jan 31.
RP Zone............................... Oct 1-Mar 10................. 80 5 3
Pennsylvania:
AP Zone............................... Fourth Saturday in Oct (26)- 30 3 2
Feb 5.
RP Zone............................... Fourth Saturday in Oct (26)- 80 5 3
Mar 10.
Rhode Island:
Statewide............................. Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
Late Season Area (Special season)..... Jan 15-Feb 15................ 32 5 2
South Carolina............................ Oct 1-Mar 10................. 80 5 3
Vermont:
Connecticut River Zone................ Oct 1-Jan 31................. 60 2 2
Interior Zone......................... Oct 10-Feb 5................. 30 3 2
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct 10-Feb 5................. 30 3 2
Interior, and Lake Champlain Zones Dec 1-Feb 15................. 77 5 1
Late Season (Special Season).
Virginia:
AP Zone............................... Nov 15-Feb 5................. 30 2 2
RP Zone............................... Nov 15-Mar 10................ 80 5 3
West Virginia:............................ Oct 1-Mar 10................. 80 5 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 21)-January
31.
Season Lengths: 30 days. Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: 1 brant.
2. Mississippi Flyway
a. Duck, Merganser, and Coot Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-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. In Louisiana (the only high-
harvest State in the Mississippi Flyway for mottled ducks), the daily
bag limit for mottled ducks is zero for the first 15 days. 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.
Other 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 21)-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 7). The daily
[[Page 68514]]
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, 1 scaup, and 2 canvasbacks. 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;
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 21)-the
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 16).
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 21)-the
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 16).
Season Length and Daily Bag Limits:
East-tier States (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, and Texas except for the Western Goose Zone): 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.
West-tier States (Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming, and the
Western Goose Zone of Texas): 107 days, except 95 days in the Western
Goose Zone of Texas. The daily bag limit is 5 dark geese in the
aggregate.
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.
e. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-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.
Other 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 21)-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.
Other 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, Saturday nearest
September 24 (September 21)-February 15.
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.
Other Provisions:
California: In the Balance of State Zone, outside dates are
Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21) and March 10. The season
may be split into
[[Page 68515]]
3 segments. In the Balance of State Zone, North Coast Special
Management Area, hunting days that occur after January 31 should be
concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone.
Oregon: In the Northwest Permit Zone, outside dates are the
Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21) and March 10. The daily
bag limit is 3 geese in the aggregate. The season may be split into 3
segments. In the South Coast Zone, outside dates are the Saturday
nearest September 24 (September 21) and March 10. The daily bag limit
is 6 geese in the aggregate. The season may be split into 3 segments.
Hunting days that occur after January 31 should be concurrent with
California's Balance of State Zone, North Coast Special Management
Area.
Washington: In Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coastal (Southwest Permit
Zone), outside dates are the Saturday nearest September 24 (September
21) and March 10. The daily bag limit is 3 geese in the aggregate. The
season may be split into 3 segments. In Area 4, the season 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 is by State-issued
permit only. 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.
iii. Brant Seasons
Areas: California, Oregon, and Washington.
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-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.
Other 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 21)-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.
Other Provisions:
California: In the Balance of State Zone, Sacramento Valley Special
Management Area, the season must end on or before December 28, and the
daily bag limit is 3 white-fronted geese. In the Balance of State Zone,
North Coast Special Management Area, hunting days that occur after
January 31 should be concurrent with Oregon's South Coast Zone. In the
Northeastern Zone, the season may be split into 3 segments.
Oregon: In the Eastern Zone, for Lake County only, the daily bag
limit is 1 white-fronted goose. In the Northwest Permit Zone and South
Coast Zone, the seasons may be split into 3 segments. Hunting days that
occur after January 31 should be concurrent with California's Balance
of State Zone, North Coast Special Management Area.
Washington: In Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coastal (Southwest Permit Zone)
and Area 4, seasons may be split into 3 segments.
v. Light Goose Seasons
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-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 26).
E. Swan Seasons
1. Pacific Flyway
Areas: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah.
Outside Dates: Saturday nearest September 24 (September 21)-January
31.
Season Lengths: 107 days. Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
Permits: Hunting is by State-issued permit only. The total number
of permits issued may not exceed 50 in Idaho, 500 in Montana, 750 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
Idaho, 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.
2. 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 (September 28)-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
[[Page 68516]]
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.
F. Sandhill Crane Seasons
1. 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 2 cranes in
Minnesota and Kentucky, and 3 cranes in Alabama and Tennessee. In
Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the seasonal bag limit is 3 cranes.
Permits: Hunting is by State-issued permit only.
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.
2. 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.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 cranes, except 2 cranes in North Dakota (Area
2) and Texas (Zone C).
Permits: Hunting is by permit only. Permits will be issued by the
States.
3. 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 State-issued permit only.
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 species 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, harvest and
species composition must be monitored; greater sandhill cranes in the
harvest will be assigned to the RMP crane quota.
G. Gallinule Seasons
1. 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.
2. 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.
H. 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.
I. 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.
J. 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.
K. Band-tailed Pigeon Seasons
1. 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.
2. 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.
[[Page 68517]]
L. Dove Seasons
1. 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.
2. Central Management Unit
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
Season Lengths: 90 days.
a. 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.
b. 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 i. 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.
i. Special White-winged Dove Season in Texas
In addition, Texas may select a hunting season of not more than 6
days, which may be split into 3 segments, for the Special White-winged
Dove Area between September 1 and 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 may be white-tipped doves. Shooting hours are from noon to
sunset.
3. Western Management Unit
Outside Dates: September 1-January 15.
a. 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.
b. 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: 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.
M. Alaska
1. 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, brant, sandhill cranes, and snipe.
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 goose 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.
2. Tundra Swan Seasons
Outside Dates: September 1-October 31.
Season Lengths: 61 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.
[[Page 68518]]
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.
N. Hawaii
1. 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.
O. Puerto Rico
1. 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.
2. 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.
P. Virgin Islands
1. 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.
2. 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.
Q. 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.
III. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
A. Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots
1. 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 I-83 at the
Pennsylvania State line, following I-83 south to the intersection of I-
83 and I-695 (Outer Loop), south following I-695 (Outer Loop) to its
intersection with I-95, south following I-95 to its intersection with
I-495 (Outer Loop), and following I-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
[[Page 68519]]
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 junction 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 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 I-
91; north along I-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.
[[Page 68520]]
2. 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 I-70, south along U.S.
Highway 45, to 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-Iowa border at I-29, southeast along I-29 to State Highway
20 to the Iowa-Illinois border. The south duck hunting zone is that
part of Iowa west of I-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 I-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 2012;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. 2012;31 to State Highway 012;20 (north of the town of New
Era; also locally named Hayes Road) in section 33, T14N R17W, Oceana
County, easterly on 2012;20 through Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella,
and Midland Counties to highway U.S. 2012;10 business route in the city
of Midland, easterly on U.S. 2012;10 Business Route (BR) to highway
U.S. 2012;10 at the Bay County line, easterly on U.S.2012;10 then
crossing U.S. 2012;75 to State Highway 2012;25 (west of the town of Bay
City), easterly along 2012;25 into Tuscola County then northeasterly
and easterly on 2012;25 through Tuscola County into Huron County,
turning southeasterly on 2012;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
2012;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
2012;494 and east to 2012;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 2012;70; west on 2012;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.
[[Page 68521]]
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 2012;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, 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.
3. 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
[[Page 68522]]
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
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
[[Page 68523]]
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 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.
[[Page 68524]]
Zone C3: Albany and Laramie Counties; and that portion of Carbon
County east of the Continental Divide.
4. 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, 11M, and 12A.
South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in
Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-46B.
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-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
[[Page 68525]]
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.
B. Geese
1. 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 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-H 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.
[[Page 68526]]
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, 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
[[Page 68527]]
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 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 to the east of the following line: the ``Blue
Ridge'' (Loudoun-Clarke Counties border) at the West Virginia-Virginia
border, 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 64 to Interstate 95 in Richmond, then south along Interstate
95 to Route 460 in Petersburg, then southeast along Route 460 to Route
32 in the City of Suffolk, then south to the North Carolina border.
RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the AP Zone.
2. 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.
Kentucky
Western: The area that includes all counties west of and including
Hardin, Nelson, Washington, Marion, Taylor, Adair, and Cumberland
Counties.
Eastern: The area that includes Bullitt County in its entirety and
all other counties not included in the Western goose zone.
Louisiana
Same zones as for ducks.
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
[[Page 68528]]
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.
3. Central Flyway
Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
North Pa
[…truncated; see source link]Indexed from Federal Register on August 26, 2024.
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.