Rule2025-16440
National Wildlife Refuge System; 2025-2026 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing 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 28, 2025
Effective
August 27, 2025
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open or expand hunting or sport fishing opportunities on 16 National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) stations and 1 National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS) station. This includes inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the newest addition to the NWRS, and the formal opening of hunting opportunities at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as well as inaugural sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NFH). These actions open or expand 42 opportunities for hunting and fishing across more than 87,000 acres of Service-managed lands and waters. We also make administrative changes to existing station-specific regulations to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain- language standards.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 165 (Thursday, August 28, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41900-41921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16440]
[[Page 41900]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Parts 32 and 71
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031; FXRS12610900000-256-FF09R20000]
RIN 1018-BI01
National Wildlife Refuge System; 2025-2026 Station-Specific
Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open or
expand hunting or sport fishing opportunities on 16 National Wildlife
Refuge System (NWRS) stations and 1 National Fish Hatchery System
(NFHS) station. This includes inaugural hunting opportunities at
Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the newest
addition to the NWRS, and the formal opening of hunting opportunities
at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as well as inaugural
sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NFH). These
actions open or expand 42 opportunities for hunting and fishing across
more than 87,000 acres of Service-managed lands and waters. We also
make administrative changes to existing station-specific regulations to
improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory
burden on the public, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain-
language standards.
DATES: This rule is effective August 27, 2025.
Information Collection Requirements: If you wish to comment on the
information collection requirements in this rule, please note that the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required to make a decision
concerning the collection of information contained in this rule between
30 and 60 days after the date of publication of this rule in the
Federal Register. Therefore, comments should be submitted to OMB by
September 29, 2025.
ADDRESSES: This final rule is available on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Comments and materials we received are available
for public inspection at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-
HQ-NWRS-2025-0031.
Information Collection Requirements: Written comments and
suggestions on the information collection requirements should be
submitted within 30 days of publication of this document to <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular information
collection by selecting ``Currently under Review--Open for Public
Comments'' or by using the search function. Please provide a copy of
your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W),
Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#de97b0b8b1819db1b2b29eb8a9adf0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="470e2921281804282b2b0721303469202831">[email protected]</span></a> (email).
Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of
your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christian Myers, (571) 422-3595.
Please see Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> for a document that summarizes these revisions and
additions to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 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:
Background
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended (Administration Act), closes NWRs in
all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the
Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including
hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the use is
compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge
System (Refuge System) mission. The action also must be in accordance
with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in
coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies),
consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management
and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These
requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the
benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
We annually review hunting and sport fishing programs to determine
whether to include additional stations or whether individual station
regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing
environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other
factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant
modifications to station-specific regulations to ensure the continued
compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that
these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of station purposes or the Refuge System's mission.
Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in
title 50 of the CFR at part 32 (50 CFR part 32), and on hatcheries at
part 71 (50 CFR part 71). We regulate hunting and sport fishing to:
<bullet> Ensure compatibility with refuge and hatchery purpose(s);
<bullet> Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s);
<bullet> Protect other values;
<bullet> Ensure visitor safety; and
<bullet> Provide opportunities for fish- and wildlife-dependent
recreation.
On many stations where we decide to allow hunting and sport
fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State
hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate to meet these
objectives. On other stations, we must supplement State regulations
with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our
management responsibilities, as outlined under Statutory Authority,
below. We issue station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations
when we open national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to migratory
game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport
fishing. These regulations may list the wildlife species that you may
hunt or fish; seasons; bag or creel (container for carrying fish)
limits; methods of hunting or sport fishing; descriptions of areas open
to hunting or sport fishing; and other provisions as appropriate.
Statutory Authority
The Administration Act, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act; Pub. L. 105-57),
governs the administration and public use of refuges, and the Refuge
Recreation Act of 1962 (Recreation Act; 16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) governs
the administration and public use of refuges and hatcheries.
Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act were built upon the
Administration Act in a manner that provides an ``organic act'' for the
Refuge System, similar to organic acts that exist for other public
Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively
manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and
interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's
[[Page 41901]]
wildlife resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost
that we focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish,
wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act
requires the Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or
before expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge,
to determine that the use is compatible with the purpose for which the
refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System. The
Improvement Act established as the policy of the United States that
wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and
appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The
Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses as
the priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These uses are
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation.
The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas
within the Refuge System and Hatchery System for public recreation as
an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that
doing so is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary
purpose(s) for which Congress and the Service established the areas.
The Recreation Act requires that any recreational use of refuge or
hatchery lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which we
established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously
authorized operations.
The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts
and regulate uses.
We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to
opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop
station-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the
programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or
hatchery and the Refuge and Hatchery System mission. We ensure initial
compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for
hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land through an interim
determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition.
These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by
these acts prior to adding refuges or hatcheries to the lists of areas
open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32 or 71,
respectively. We ensure continued compliance by the development of
comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans, and by
annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.
Summary of Comments and Responses
On May 15, 2025, we published in the Federal Register (90 FR 20600)
a proposed rule to modify hunting and fishing programs at 16 refuges
and 1 hatchery for the 2025-2026 season. We accepted public comments on
the proposed rule for 45 days, ending June 30, 2025. By that date, we
received 194 comments on the proposed rule. Approximately 95 percent of
these comments were form letters or otherwise identical duplicates of
other comments on the proposed rule. We discuss the remaining unique
comments we received below by topic. Beyond our responses below,
additional station-specific information on how we responded to comments
on particular hunting or fishing opportunities at a given refuge or
hatchery can be found in that station's final hunting and/or fishing
package, available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-HQ-
NWRS-2025-0031.
Comment (1): We received several comments expressing general
support for the proposed changes in the rule. These comments of general
support either expressed appreciation for the increased hunting and
fishing access in the rule overall, expressed appreciation for
increased access at particular refuges, or both. In addition to this
general support, some commenters requested additional hunting and
fishing opportunities.
Our Response: Hunting and fishing on Service lands is a tradition
that dates back to the early 1900s. In passing the Improvement Act,
Congress reaffirmed that the Refuge System was created to conserve
fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, and would facilitate
opportunities for Americans to participate in compatible wildlife-
dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing on Refuge System
lands. We prioritize wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting
and fishing, when doing so is compatible with the purpose of the refuge
and the mission of the NWRS.
We will continue to open and expand hunting and sport fishing
opportunities across the Refuge System; however, as detailed further in
our response to Comment (2), below, opening or expanding hunting or
fishing opportunities on Service lands is not a quick or simple
process. The annual regulatory cycle begins in June or July of each
year for the following hunting and sport fishing season (the planning
cycle for this 2025-2026 final rule began in June 2024). This annual
timeline allows us time to collaborate closely with our State, Tribal,
and Territorial partners, as well as other partners including
nongovernmental organizations, on potential opportunities. It also
provides us with time to complete environmental analyses and other
requirements for opening or expanding new opportunities. Therefore, it
would be impracticable for the Service to complete multiple regulatory
cycles in one calendar year due to the logistics of coordinating with
various partners. Once we determine that a hunting or sport fishing
opportunity can be carried out in a manner compatible with individual
station purposes and objectives, we work expeditiously to open it.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these
comments.
Comment (2): Several commenters expressed general opposition to any
hunting or fishing in the Refuge System. Some of these commenters
stated that hunting was antithetical to the purposes of a refuge,
which, in their opinion, should serve as an inviolate sanctuary for all
wildlife. The remaining commenters generically opposed expanded or new
hunting or fishing opportunities at specific stations.
Our Response: The Service prioritizes facilitating wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, on
Service land in compliance with applicable Service law and policy. For
refuges, the Administration Act stipulates that hunting (along with
fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental
education and interpretation), if found to be compatible, is a
legitimate and priority general public use of a refuge and should be
facilitated (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(3)(D)). Thus, we only allow hunting of
wildlife on Refuge System lands if such activity has been determined
compatible with the established purpose(s) of the refuge and the
mission of the Refuge System as required by the Administration Act. For
all 17 stations for which hunting and/or fishing programs were modified
in this rule, we determined that the proposed actions were compatible.
Each station manager makes a decision regarding hunting and fishing
opportunities only after rigorous examination of the available
information, consultation and coordination with States and Tribes, and
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) and section 7 of the
[[Page 41902]]
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), as well as other applicable laws and regulations. The many steps
taken before a station opens or expands ensure that the Service does
not allow hunting or fishing opportunities that would compromise the
purpose of the station or the mission of the agency.
Hunting of resident wildlife on Service lands generally occurs
consistent with State regulations, including seasons and bag limits.
Station-specific hunting regulations can be more restrictive (but not
more permissive) than State regulations and often are more restrictive
to help meet specific refuge objectives. These objectives include
resident wildlife population and habitat objectives, minimizing
disturbance impacts to wildlife, maintaining high-quality opportunities
for hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation, minimizing
conflicts with other public uses and/or refuge management activities,
and protecting public safety.
The word ``refuge'' includes the idea of providing a haven of
safety as one of its definitions, and as such, hunting might seem an
inconsistent use of the Refuge System. However, again, the
Administration Act stipulates that hunting, if found compatible, is a
legitimate and priority general public use of a wildlife refuge.
Furthermore, we manage refuges to support healthy wildlife populations
that in many cases produce harvestable surpluses that are a renewable
resource. As practiced on refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a
negative threat to wildlife populations. It is important to recognize
that harvesting certain individuals through hunting does not
necessarily lead to a decrease in the overall population, as it can
substitute for other types of mortality. In some cases, however, we use
hunting as a management tool with the explicit goal of reducing a
population; this is often the case with exotic and/or invasive species
that threaten ecosystem stability. Therefore, facilitating hunting
opportunities is an important aspect of the Service's roles and
responsibilities as outlined in the legislation establishing the Refuge
System, and the Service will continue to facilitate these opportunities
where compatible with the purpose of the specific refuge and the
mission of the Refuge System.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these
comments.
Comment (3): We received comments on the proposed rule from two
individual State agencies, representing two States. The North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) expressed support for the
proposed rule, with a focus on Pocosin Lakes NWR, without raising
additional topics. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(WDFW) expressed support for the proposed rule, with a focus on Willapa
NWR, and also urged the Service to provide additional opportunities on
this refuge.
Our Response: The Service appreciates the support of, and is
committed to working with, our State partners to identify additional
opportunities for expansion of hunting and sport fishing on Service
lands and waters. We welcome and value State partner input on all
aspects of our hunting and fishing programs.
In response to the NCWRC, we appreciate the support expressed for
the opening of a new hunting opportunity at Pocosin Lakes NWR. We value
this input and look forward to further coordination, both on this
opportunity and future hunting and fishing openings and expansions.
In response to the WDFW, we appreciate the support expressed for
waterfowl hunting and archery big game hunting opportunities on Willapa
NWR. To date, only archery hunting has been sufficiently evaluated for
big game hunts on these lands, so the Service cannot add any firearms
as an additional method of take as part of this 2025-2026 annual
update. See our responses to Comments (1) and (2) above for discussion
of what is necessary before we can open or expand an opportunity,
including adding additional methods of take. However, additional
methods of take, including muzzleloader and modern firearms, could
potentially be authorized as a future expansion for the same species
and acres. The WDFW's assessment that the hunt area is suitable for
firearm hunting is helpful to exploring that possibility for a future
annual update.
Comment (4): We received a comment from the Catawba Indian Nation
that focused on Pocosin Lakes NWR. The comment expressed no concerns
about the proposed rule content, but did request notification in the
case that any Native American artifacts and/or human remains are
located in connection with the new hunting opportunity.
Our Response: The Service appreciates the support of the Catawba
Indian Nation and is committed to working with our Tribal partners. As
noted in the November 2021 Joint Secretary's Order (S.O. 3403), the
Department of the Interior is committed, alongside the Department of
Agriculture, to fulfilling our trust responsibility to Tribes in our
management of Federal lands and waters. The Service seeks input from
Tribes throughout our hunting and fishing rulemaking processes and
welcomes every opportunity to coordinate with Tribal leaders.
In response to the Catawba Indian Nation comment, we will honor the
Tribe's wishes. There are no ground disturbing activities anticipated
in connection with this new, limited-entry hunting opportunity that
uses a temporarily placed portable stand on Pocosin Lakes NWR.
Therefore, no impacts to Native American artifacts or human remains are
anticipated. We look forward to further discussion and coordination
with the Tribe on future hunting and fishing program updates.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Comment (5): We received comments on the proposed rule from six
unique commenters expressing concern regarding the relative importance
of the six priority public uses of the NWRS defined by the Improvement
Act, including hunting and fishing, wildlife observation, photography,
environmental education, and interpretation. Some commenters reasoned
that the Service should prioritize hunting and fishing above the other
four uses. Other commenters expressed the opposite view that the other
four non-consumptive wildlife-dependent uses should be prioritized
above hunting and fishing.
Our Response: The Improvement Act identifies six priority wildlife-
dependent recreational uses of the Refuge System, but it does not
define any hierarchy among them. When determining whether or not other
public uses of a refuge are compatible, the Service protects these
priority public uses, as well as the safety of visitors and refuge
employees. In the case that conflicts arise between priority public
uses, access for multiple uses can often be accommodated through
restrictions or regulations, as appropriate.
This rulemaking process is required before hunting and fishing
opportunities can be opened or expanded on refuges because they are
consumptive recreational uses that inherently have a greater potential
for impacts. By completing additional analysis, including NEPA and
interagency consultation under section 7 of the ESA, providing
opportunity for public input, and following other applicable legal
requirements, the Service ensures that any changes to hunting and
fishing programs on refuges offer high-quality hunting and fishing
opportunities that do not negatively impact refuge purposes or the
Refuge System mission. This additional analysis is not required
[[Page 41903]]
for refuges to offer non-consumptive priority wildlife-dependent uses
that are inherently less impactful than hunting and fishing activities,
although these uses still require a compatibility determination and
often require a special use permit. See our responses to Comments (1)
and (2) above for additional discussion of what is necessary before we
can open or expand a hunting or fishing opportunity.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these
comments.
Comment (6): We received comments on the proposed update from two
unique commenters taking the position that the Service is not opening
or expanding a sufficient number of hunting and fishing opportunities,
when compared to previous annual updates.
Our Response: Expanding access to nature for all Americans is a top
priority for the Service. The size of the annual station-specific
hunting and sport fishing updates varies from year-to-year based on
many factors. The 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 annual updates opened or
expanded hunting or fishing opportunities at 10 refuges and 31 refuges,
respectively. The Service offered more than 1,000 new hunting or
fishing opportunities across more than 2 million acres of Service-
managed lands and waters from 2019 to 2021.
While the Service's 2025-2026 final update is smaller than some
previous years, we acknowledge the successes of our recent rulemaking
efforts. This year's annual update is larger than both the 2023-2024
and 2024-2024 updates in terms of the number of stations opening or
expanding hunting and fishing. In recent years, the Service
successfully opened and expanded many hunting and fishing opportunities
across numerous stations--most of which were planned and assessed long
in advance. The number of opportunities in future annual updates may
fluctuate while new opportunities are being identified and evaluated.
The Service was also successful in past years at standardizing language
and removing unnecessary and redundant provisions in the CFR. This
action required revisions to most stations that are open to hunting or
fishing.
Ultimately, there is a finite number of compatible hunting and
fishing opportunities possible on the NWRS at a given time. Once the
Service has maximized access throughout the Refuge System, and as we
get closer to that long-term goal, we will mostly be increasing access
when new acres are acquired.
Comment (7): Four separate unique comments expressed either support
for or opposition to regulations requiring the use of lead-free hunting
ammunition or lead-free fishing tackle. These comments spoke to the
scientific evidence linking lead hunting ammunition and lead fishing
tackle to lead poisoning in wildlife, the cost and availability of
lead-free ammunition and tackle, and other topics related to the
controversy around the use of lead ammunition and tackle.
Our Response: The Service remains engaged in a deliberate, open,
and transparent process for evaluating the future of lead use in
hunting and fishing on Service lands and waters. We are considering the
best available science, working with our State partners, and seeking
input from other stakeholders and the public. As we continue the
process, we appreciate the additional information provided in these
comments and the interest in this topic that they represent.
In this annual update, specifically, the Service is not authorizing
any new opportunities that involve the use of lead ammunition or
tackle, and the Service is only introducing one new requirement to use
lead-free ammunition or tackle, which applies only to one opportunity
on one station. As noted in the environmental assessment (EA), the new
bear hunting opportunity on Pocosin Lakes NWR will require that
participants use lead-free ammunition. This requirement, however, does
not create a regulatory burden or implicate lead-free ammunition cost
and availability because the partner organization overseeing the
hunting opportunity will provide all needed ammunition.
Additionally, the Service will continue its Lead-Free Hunting
Voluntary Incentive Program that was piloted at seven NWRs during the
fall 2024 hunting seasons. This program is designed to increase the use
of lead-free ammunition on Service-administered lands while preserving
hunter choice, and the program is intended to eventually serve as a
proven model for similar efforts by State agencies and other land
managers. More information is available online at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-07/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-announces-voluntary-pilot-programs-lead-free">https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-07/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-announces-voluntary-pilot-programs-lead-free</a>.
As the Service continues to consider the best available science and
the input of partners and key stakeholders as part of an open and
deliberative process for evaluating the future of lead use, we will
continue to encourage voluntary use of lead-free ammunition and
participation in the Lead-Free Hunting Voluntary Incentive Program, as
well as the removal of gut piles.
Comment (8): We received two comments on the proposed rule
requesting that an environmental impact statement (EIS) be prepared for
the rule. Several other comments expressed concern about the cumulative
impacts of hunting considering other pressures on wildlife, including
urbanization and climate change.
Our Response: The Service complies with NEPA and other laws and
regulations in preparation of the rule. In developing updates to
hunting and fishing programs, the Service completes an analysis of
localized direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts through NEPA, which
includes consideration of pressures such as urbanization and climate
change. At the individual station level, the Service additionally
completes ESA section 7 consultation and other environmental compliance
procedures, as appropriate. The Service also examines cumulative
impacts through our cumulative impacts report that considers national
and regional cumulative impacts from hunting and fishing on the Refuge
System. These analyses are available as part of the supporting
documents for the final rule. See our responses to Comments (1) and
(2), above, for additional discussion of priority public uses
identified by law and what is necessary before we can open or expand a
hunting or fishing opportunity.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these
comments.
Comment (9): We received three comments focusing on the proposed
opening of a special opportunity, limited bear hunt at Pocosin Lakes
NWR. One comment objected to all hunting of carnivore species on
refuges, and specifically, the proposed bear hunt at Pocosin Lakes NWR.
The comment raised concerns about impacts to the numbers and sex ratio
of the bear population, expressed concerns about safety, and suggested
that bear viewing or photography would be superior recreation
activities in place of the proposed hunting opportunity. We received
two comments in support of the bear hunt. One of the supportive
comments also expressed opposition to the lead-free ammunition
requirement for this hunt, citing a lack of evidence for any impacts of
lead on wildlife.
Our Response: Refuge managers consider predator management
decisions on a case-by-case basis. As with all species, a refuge
manager makes a decision about managing predator populations, which are
included in the category of resident wildlife, including allowing
predatory species to be hunted, only after careful examination to
ensure the action would comply with relevant
[[Page 41904]]
laws, policies, and directives. The Administration Act directs the
Service to manage refuges for biological integrity, diversity, and
environmental health. Predators play a critical role in the integrity,
diversity, and overall health of ecosystems, so before allowing
predators to be hunted, a refuge manager must ensure that these actions
do not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health of the refuge
ecosystem. The manager must also determine that the action is
compatible with the refuge's purposes and the mission of the Refuge
System and consistent with the refuge's comprehensive conservation plan
and other step-down plans. In addition, the refuge manager analyzes the
impacts of the actions on the environment through the NEPA process and
section 7 of the ESA. Therefore, a refuge manager must take many steps
to ensure that any opportunity for hunting predators on a refuge meets
the Service's applicable laws and policies. See our responses to
Comments (1) and (2), above, for additional discussion of priority
public uses of refuges identified by law, including hunting, and what
is necessary before we can open or expand a hunting opportunity.
The Administration Act also mandates that regulations permitting
hunting or fishing of fish and resident wildlife within the Refuge
System shall be, to the extent practicable, consistent with State fish
and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans (16 U.S.C.
668dd(m)). Therefore, all the opportunities for hunting predators in
this rule that are intended to bring greater consistency with State
fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans are part of
realizing the Service's mission. In fact, the NCWRC submitted a comment
expressing strong support for the proposed bear hunt. See Comment (3),
above, and our response. All predator hunting determinations and all
hunting and fishing determinations were made after careful
consideration by the refuge manager to ensure that such actions would
not threaten the integrity, diversity, and overall health of the
ecosystem and the bear population. We have determined that this action
is compatible with both the purpose of the refuge and the mission of
the Refuge System.
The current hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR is designed to ensure
the black bear population remains a sustainable, renewable wildlife
resource. Bear sightings on the refuge are common, and the best
available information indicates that the broader coastal North Carolina
bear population is healthy, with stable and growing numbers. As of
2020, the statewide bear population was estimated at 17,200 to 19,200
bears. The Service has capped the harvest of bears at five for a given
season. The Service has further limited the time and extent of this
opportunity by authorizing only one week of hunting within the longer
State season, only within designated areas of the refuge and only from
an elevated platform as a means to limit the total harvest of bears.
These limitations also reduce potential environmental impacts, as
discussed further in Comment (10), below. In years when the limit of
five bears is reached before the end of the season, this limitation
will effectively shorten the season and thereby reduce potential
environmental impacts and potential for conflict with other
recreational uses of the refuge. The Service does not expect any
significant impacts to the bear population from this hunting
opportunity alone or cumulative impacts from the addition of this
opportunity to other existing or planned opportunities in the same
region.
The Service coordinates closely with the NCWRC to monitor and
consider the status and health of the bear population in terms of
demographics in designing hunt plans. NCWRC harvest data indicates that
stationary or ``still'' hunting, which this opportunity is limited to,
has lower and less sex-selective (less difference between the harvest
rates for female and male bears) harvest rates when compared to other
bear hunting methods. While in the past North Carolina hunters
selectively targeted male bears, as of 2023, female bears made up 47
percent of the harvest in coastal North Carolina, representing the most
balanced harvest reported across the State. Given the short duration of
the hunt and the cap of five total permits, the Service does not
anticipate population-level impacts to the sex-ratio of bears in
coastal North Carolina as a result of this action.
The current hunt plan is also carefully designed to balance the
public interest in both quality outdoor recreational hunting and
healthy wildlife populations for ecosystem health and other
recreational purposes, such as wildlife observation. The Service is
aware of several studies showing a correlation between increased
hunting and decreased wildlife sightings, which underscores the
importance of the limitations included in the design of this hunting
opportunity, particularly time and space limitations, to minimize the
potential for conflict with other recreational uses of the refuge.
These measures are being taken to ensure a quality experience for all
visitors to Service-managed lands and waters.
Safety and encouraging the broadest possible participation in
hunting opportunities are primary concerns for the Service. Although
not required by Tyrrell County where the hunt will occur, for the
safety of people and non-target wildlife, the Service has required the
use of a raised platform with a minimum elevation of 15 feet for
hunters who elect to use a centerfire rifle during the bear hunt.
Shooting from an elevated position directs missed shots downward,
reducing the likelihood of unintended harm in the relatively flat
landscape of coastal North Carolina where ammunition can easily travel
long distances. As part of the guided hunt, the State can provide an
accessible platform so disabled hunters will be able to participate in
the hunt safely, with no additional costs to the hunter or the refuge.
Based on the best available information, there is public support
for bear hunting and current State management of bear populations more
generally in North Carolina, according to a 2005 survey conducted by
the NCWRC. Bear hunting is a traditional activity in the State,
practiced by families and groups of friends. A large share of the
public believe it is important that access to bear hunting
opportunities be maintained. More information on this topic is
available as part of the supporting documents for the final rule, see
Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Finally, both the NEPA process and the rulemaking process provide
the opportunity for the public to provide comments and any additional
information on impacts of our actions. The information provided in the
public comment period did not change our conclusion that a limited bear
hunt on one refuge will have only minor impacts on wildlife
populations. Additionally, the Service uses an adaptive management
approach for its hunting programs, reviewing the station programs
annually with relevant information from monitoring and other relevant
data, and thus the Pocosin Lakes NWR bear hunting opportunity can be
revised in the future based on new information, if necessary.
We did not make any changes to the hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR,
or to the rule, as a result of these comments.
Comment (10): We received one comment specifically requesting an
EIS for changes to the hunting program at Pocosin Lakes NWR and
expressing concern about analysis of the potential for impacts to
species listed as
[[Page 41905]]
threatened or endangered under the ESA.
Our Response: In preparation for this year's rule, Pocosin Lakes
NWR completed an updated compatibility determination, updated hunt
plan, an EA to meet NEPA requirements, and an ESA section 7
consultation to meet ESA requirements. The Service's analysis under
NEPA found that the changes to the hunting program will not
significantly impact the environment, including threatened and
endangered species. The Service's analysis under the ESA found that the
changes to the hunting program will have either no effect on, or may
affect, but are not likely to adversely affect, threatened or
endangered species that could be present on the refuge.
The analyses specific to the hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR are
available as part of the supporting documents for the final rule. See
our responses to Comments (8) and (9), above, for additional discussion
regarding environmental compliance for the rule and the evaluation
conducted at the station level for changes to the hunting program at
Pocosin Lakes NWR, respectively.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Comment (11): We received three comments on the proposed changes at
Ash Meadows NWR. One comment was generally supportive of the changes.
Two comments expressed opposition to changes to boating access. These
two commenters questioned why the change is needed and noted a lack of
water in Crystal Reservoir and difficulty in accessing open water at
Peterson Reservoir, due to thick shoreline vegetation.
Our Response: Conditions at Ash Meadows NWR have changed
substantially since the previous regulations for hunting and fishing at
the NWR were finalized. Due to rapid expansion of non-native, aquatic
invasive species in the West, and the risk of invasive species
introductions reducing habitat and populations of endemic species,
recreational boating was determined not an appropriate public use at
Ash Meadows NWR in 2009. The State of Nevada determined Crystal
Reservoir dam was in poor condition and at risk of failure in 2012. The
Nevada Division of Water Resources placed a limit on the height of
water levels for storage in Crystal Reservoir. With no water control
mechanism built on Crystal Reservoir during its original construction
in 1967, and the significant cost estimated to rebuild the dam, the
only recourse for safety was to reroute water away from Crystal
Reservoir. Degraded, concrete-lined irrigation ditches further reduced
inflow to Crystal Reservoir. As a result, it is no longer possible to
supply or maintain water levels, and Crystal Reservoir is now almost
entirely dry. As commenters noted, the conditions at Crystal Reservoir
and Peterson Reservoir no longer support boating, due to both the lack
of water and poor access.
For all of the above reasons, Ash Meadows NWR has proposed a rule
change that removes the use of boats when hunting waterfowl at Crystal
and Peterson Reservoirs. The change brings obsolete regulations up to
date to reflect the current appropriate and compatible uses of the
refuge, better protects aquatic habitats, and corrects the
misperception that Crystal and Peterson Reservoirs have water and/or
access to support boating. Restoration of marsh habitat to pre-dam
conditions is planned, which will hopefully increase waterfowl use and
provide more hunting opportunities in the future.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Comment (12): We received one comment focused on the proposed minor
changes to the hunting program at Tamarac NWR. The commenter expressed
opposition to the lack of early teal hunting opportunity within the
north migratory bird hunting unit of the refuge and particularly
expressed concern about negative impacts on the youth waterfowl hunting
season.
Our Response: We made no changes to the regulations governing
Tamarac NWR, but we did amend the hunt plan for the refuge to provide
additional clarity and transparency for the public regarding the
administration of waterfowl hunting programs, specific to the early
teal season. Since the publication of the proposed rule, the State of
Minnesota has formalized the early teal season that was previously
experimental in nature. The updated hunt plan accurately reflects the
boundaries where the early teal season is open on 11,776 acres in the
southern portion of the refuge, formalized through this final rule. At
the request of the White Earth Nation, the Service will align with
State regulations on refuge lands within the boundaries of the White
Earth Reservation (5,614 acres), which state, ``within the boundaries
of the White Earth Reservation, the taking of teal during the early-
teal season is prohibited on wild rice waters identified by Tribal
authorities.'' This action protects a culturally and biologically
important resource during traditional wild rice harvest. These changes
will not affect the Minnesota youth waterfowl season. The north
migratory bird hunting unit will remain open to the other Minnesota
waterfowl seasons, including the youth waterfowl and regular season
hunts, providing opportunities for youth hunters to participate in
waterfowl hunting activities. In total, the refuge currently provides
17,390 acres for waterfowl hunters to pursue hunting during the regular
waterfowl season and the youth waterfowl weekend.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Comment (13): We received one comment in support of the opening of
sport-fishing on North Attleboro NFH. This commenter also expressed
interest in sport fishing to relocate and stock fish in ponds on
privately owned land.
Our Response: Public sport fishing at Pond 2 of the hatchery is
offered for consumption purposes and is conducted according to laws and
regulations established and published by the State of Massachusetts,
including licensing requirements, season dates, fishing methods, and
harvest, with additional hatchery-specific restrictions. The transfer
of fish to other ponds requires permits or licenses through the State.
State regulations are located in title 321 of the Code of Massachusetts
Regulations (321 CMR 4.00: Fishing).
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Changes From the Proposed Rule
As discussed above, under Summary of Comments and Responses, we
made no changes to these revisions and additions to the CFR based on
comments we received on the May 15, 2025, proposed rule (90 FR 20600)
and NEPA documents for individual refuges.
We are making several minor administrative changes to the
regulations for Savannah NWR that were intended to be but were
inadvertently omitted in the proposed regulation promulgation for that
individual station. These changes, because they were intended
administrative regulatory changes, were described in the CFR Changes
Summary Table supporting document provided in the Federal Register
docket for the proposed rule. These changes were not made in response
to public comments. We received no public comments concerning these
changes for Savannah NWR as described in the CFR Summary Table or
concerning the other regulatory changes that were included, as
intended, in the proposed rule for Savannah NWR. Additionally, we
received no public comments concerning the similar administrative
regulatory changes for other stations in the same administrative
complex as
[[Page 41906]]
Savannah NWR that were included, as intended, in the proposed rule.
Thus, we consider these minor administrative changes to be non-
controversial.
Effective Date
This rule is effective upon the date of its filing at the Office of
the Federal Register (see DATES, above). We provided a 45-day public
comment period for the May 15, 2025, proposed rule (90 FR 20600). We
have determined that any further delay in implementing these station-
specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would not be in the
public interest and that a delay would hinder the effective planning
and administration of refuges' hunting and sport fishing programs. This
rule does not impact the public generally in terms of requiring lead
time for compliance. Rather, it relieves restrictions in that it allows
activities on refuges and hatcheries that the Service would otherwise
prohibit. Therefore, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) and
808(1) to make this rule effective upon the date of its filing at the
Office of the Federal Register.
Amendments to Existing Regulations
Revisions and Additions to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on FWS
Stations
This document codifies in the CFR all the Service's hunting and/or
sport fishing regulations that we are revising or adding since the last
time we amended these regulations (89 FR 88147; November 7, 2024) and
that are applicable at Refuge System units and Hatchery System units
previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. This rule better
informs the general public of the regulations at each station,
increases understanding and compliance with these regulations,
increases efficiency in the enforcement of these regulations. The
Service has strived to align with State hunting and fishing
regulations; for example, modifications in 2019 removed or simplified
thousands of regulations to reduce the regulatory burden on the public
(84 FR 47641; September 10, 2019). The Service is committed to
continuing to align with State regulations with respect to the use of
ammunition and/or fishing tackle in future amendments. In addition to
finding these regulations in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, visitors to our
stations may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each
station or posted on signs. Table 1, below, summarizes the hunting and
sport fishing openings and expansions that are part of this 2025-2026
annual update. Tamarac NWR was incorrectly included in the equivalent
table as part of the proposed annual update, which has been corrected.
Table 1--Changes for 2025-2026 Hunting/Sport Fishing Season
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Migratory bird
Station State hunting Upland game hunting Big game hunting Sport fishing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Coulee NWR................. Montana.................... O................... Already Open....... Already Open....... Already Closed.
Bowdoin NWR...................... Montana.................... O................... Already Open....... Already Closed..... Already Closed.
Buffalo Lake NWR................. Texas...................... Already Open........ Already Open....... E.................. Already Closed.
Creedman Coulee NWR.............. Montana.................... O................... Already Open....... Already Open....... Already Closed.
Eufaula NWR...................... Alabama.................... Already Open........ E.................. Already Open....... Already Open.
Grasslands WMA *................. California................. O................... O.................. Already Closed..... Already Closed.
Grays Lake NWR................... Idaho...................... E................... Already Closed..... Already Closed..... Already Closed.
Hewitt Lake NWR.................. Montana.................... O................... Already Open....... Already Open....... Already Closed.
Laguna Atascosa NWR.............. Texas...................... Already Closed...... Already Closed..... E.................. Already Open.
Lake Thibadeau NWR............... Montana.................... O................... Already Open....... Already Open....... Already Closed.
Moosehorn NWR.................... Maine...................... Already Open........ Already Open....... O.................. Already Open.
North Attleboro NFH.............. Massachusetts.............. Already Closed...... Already Closed..... Already Closed..... N.
Pocosin Lakes NWR................ North Carolina............. Already Open........ Already Open....... O.................. Already Open.
San Luis NWR..................... California................. E................... Already Open....... Already Closed..... Already Open.
Shiawassee NWR................... Michigan................... E................... Already Open....... Already Open....... Already Open.
Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR.. Maryland................... Already Closed...... Already Closed..... N.................. Already Closed.
Willapa NWR...................... Washington................. E................... Already Open....... E.................. Already Open.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key:
N = New station opened for the first time.
O = Opening (New species and/or new activity on a station previously open to other activities).
E = Expansion (Station is already open to the activity: the final rule adds new lands/waters, modifies areas open to hunting or fishing, extends season
dates, adds a targeted hunt, modifies season dates, modifies hunting hours, etc.).
* We consider the changes at Grasslands WMA to be formal openings, rather than opening hunting for the first time. This is because these formal openings
reflect existing hunts on Grasslands WMA that were opened and administered under the hunt plan for San Luis NWR, an adjacent station within the same
complex. These formal openings will result in a new opportunity by expanding snipe hunting to additional acres, but the openings are largely an
administrative change intended to provide greater clarity to the hunting public. This is why, for Grasslands WMA's migratory bird and upland game
hunting, we use the designation `O' rather than `N' in this table.
The changes for the 2025-2026 hunting and fishing seasons noted in
the table above are each based on a complete administrative record
which, among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a
compatibility determination (for refuges), and the appropriate NEPA
analysis, all of which were the subject of a public review and comment
process. The record also includes the appropriate ESA analysis. These
documents are available upon request.
Through these openings and expansions, we are opening or expanding
hunting or fishing on 87,587 acres within the NWRS and the NFHS.
Refuge Name Change
On March 4, 2025, Executive Order (E.O.) 14229 renamed the Anahuac
NWR to honor Jocelyn Nungaray. This rule revises the CFR to reflect the
name change.
Fish Advisory
For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued
consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing
opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about
current fish-consumption advisories on the internet at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/choose-fish-and-shellfish-wisely">https://www.epa.gov/choose-fish-and-shellfish-wisely</a>.
[[Page 41907]]
Required Determinations
Regulatory Planning and Review--E.O.s 12866 and 13563
E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) in the OMB will review all significant rules. OIRA has
determined that this rule is not significant.
E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for
improvements in the Nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
E.O. 13563 directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the
public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent
with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that
regulations must be based on the best available science and that the
rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this final rule and additions to
the CFR in a manner consistent with these requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is
required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final
rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a
regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule
on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and
small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility
analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be
required, impacts must exceed a threshold for ``significant impact''
and a threshold for a ``substantial number of small entities.'' See 5
U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA amended the RFA to require Federal agencies to
provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
These revisions and additions to the CFR open or expand hunting or
fishing on 17 stations. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent
recreation on these stations will change. If the stations establishing
new programs were a pure addition to the current supply of those
activities, it would mean an estimated maximum increase of 189 user
days (one person per day participating in a recreational opportunity;
see table 2, below). Because the participation trend is flat in these
activities, this increase in supply will most likely be offset by other
sites losing participants. Therefore, this is likely to be a substitute
site for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation
rates for the activity.
Table 2--Estimated Maximum Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2025-2026
[Thousands, 2024 dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Additional Additional
Station hunting days fishing days expenditures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Coulee NWR.......................................... 0 ................ $0
Bowdoin NWR............................................... 0 ................ 0
Buffalo Lake NWR.......................................... 20 ................ 1
Creedman Coulee NWR....................................... 0 ................ 0
Eufaula NWR............................................... 0 ................ 0
Grasslands WMA............................................ 0 ................ 0
Grays Lake NWR............................................ 0 ................ 0
Hewitt Lake NWR........................................... 0 ................ 0
Laguna Atascosa NWR....................................... 0 ................ 0
Lake Thibadeau NWR........................................ 0 ................ 0
Moosehorn NWR............................................. 2 ................ <1
North Attleboro NFH....................................... ................ 156 5
Pocosin Lakes NWR......................................... 7 ................ <1
San Luis NWR.............................................. 0 ................ 0
Shiawassee NWR............................................ 2 ................ <1
Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR........................... 2 ................ <1
Willapa NWR............................................... 0 ................ 0
-----------------------------------------------------
Total................................................. 33 156 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the
station that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute
new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to
the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the
national estimates from the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting,
and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food
and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the
average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected
additional participation of the Refuge System yields approximately
$6,000 in recreation-related expenditures (see table 2, above). By
having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures
are only part of the economic impact of these recreational activities.
Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.4) derived
from the report ``Hunting in America: An Economic Force for
Conservation'' and for fishing activities (2.3) derived from the report
``Sportfishing in America'' yields a total maximum economic impact of
approximately $14,000 (2024 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc.,
2024).
Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within
100 miles of a participant's residence, it is unlikely that most of
this spending will be ``new'' money coming into a local economy;
therefore, this spending will be offset with a decrease in some other
sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies will
be no more than $14,000 and likely less. Since
[[Page 41908]]
80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in
hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns will not add
new money into the local economy, and, therefore, the real impact will
be on the order of about $3,000 annually.
Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels,
gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait-and-tackle shops, and similar
businesses) may be affected by some increased or decreased station
visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in
the local communities around stations qualify as small businesses (see
table 3, below). We expect that the incremental recreational changes
will be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities
in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect at most
$14,000 to be spent in total in the stations' local economies. The
maximum increase will be less than one-tenth of one percent for local
retail trade spending (see table 3, below). Table 3 does not include
entries for those stations for which we project no changes in
recreation opportunities in 2025-2026; see table 2, above.
Table 3--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Station Visitation for 2025-2026
[Thousands, 2024 dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Establishments
Retail trade maximum Addition as Establishments with fewer than
Station & county(ies) in 2017 \1\ addition from % of total in 2017 \1\ 10 employees in
new activities 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buffalo Lake NWR:
Randall, TX................ $2,340,561 <$1 <0.1 351 237
Moosehorn NWR:
Washington, ME............. 516,503 <1 <0.1 141 88
North Attleboro NFH:
Bristol, MA................ 11,953,854 5 <0.1 2,147 1,439
Pocosin Lakes NWR:
Hyde, NC................... 36,521 <1 <0.1 41 38
Tyrrell, NC................ 43,816 <1 <0.1 20 17
Washington, NC............. 120,827 <1 <0.1 46 35
Shiawassee NWR:
Saginaw, MI................ 4,019,898 <1 <0.1 825 528
Southern Maryland Woodlands
NWR:
Anne Arundel, MD........... 11,736,536 <1 <0.1 1,984 1,216
Calvert, MD................ 1,166,179 <1 <0.1 204 137
Charles, MD................ 2,882,128 <1 <0.1 479 281
Prince George's, MD........ 13,034,013 <1 <0.1 2,361 1,482
St. Mary's, MD............. 1,703,425 <1 <0.1 294 172
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ U.S. Census Bureau.
With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this
action, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will
have more than a small impact from the spending change near the
affected stations. Therefore, we certify that this rule will not have a
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities
as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small
entity compliance guide is not required.
Congressional Review Act
These revisions and additions to the CFR, collectively, are not a
major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Congressional Review Act. We
anticipate no significant employment or small business effects.
Collectively, the revisions and additions to the CFR:
a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. The minimal impact will be scattered across the country and will
most likely not be significant in any local area.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government
agencies; or geographic regions. The opportunities will have only a
slight effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If
the substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences,
then an increase in travel costs will occur. The Service does not have
information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that,
since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased
travel cost will be small. We do not expect these hunting and fishing
opportunities to affect the supply or demand for hunting or fishing
opportunities in the United States, and, therefore, it should not
affect prices for hunting or fishing equipment and supplies, or the
retailers that sell equipment.
c. Will not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The
additions and revisions to existing opportunities represent only a
small proportion of recreational spending at NWRs. Therefore, the
additions and revisions to the CFR will have no measurable economic
effect on the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of
equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)
Since the revisions and additions to the CFR will apply to public
use of federally owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private
sector of more than $100 million per year. The revisions and additions
will not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal
governments or the private sector. A statement containing the
information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.) is not required.
[[Page 41909]]
Takings--E.O. 12630
In accordance with E.O. 12630, the revisions and additions to the
CFR will not have significant takings implications. The revisions and
additions will affect only visitors to NWRs and NFHs and will describe
what they can do while they are on a Service station.
Federalism--E.O. 13132
As discussed under Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act, above, the revisions and additions to the CFR
would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism summary impact statement under E.O. 13132.
In preparing these revisions and additions to the CFR, we worked with
State governments.
Civil Justice Reform--E.O. 12988
In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior has
determined that these revisions and additions to the CFR would not
unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the E.O.
Energy Supply, Distribution or Use--E.O. 13211
On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations
that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or use. E.O.
13211 requires agencies to prepare statements of energy effects when
undertaking certain actions. Because these revisions and additions
would open or expand hunting at 17 NWRS and NFHS stations, the
revisions and additions are not collectively a significant regulatory
action under E.O. 12866, and we do not expect it to significantly
affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is
not a significant energy action, and no statement of energy effects is
required.
Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments--E.O.
13175
In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects
on federally recognized Indian Tribes and have determined that there
are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on NWRs and NFHs with
Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before
we propose the regulations.
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
This rule contains existing and new collections of information. All
information collections require approval by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA; 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). 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. The OMB has
reviewed and approved the information collection requirements
associated with hunting and sport fishing activities across the
National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System and
assigned the following OMB control numbers:
<bullet> 1018-0140, ``Hunting and Sport Fishing Application Forms
and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41,
25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72''
(Expires 09/30/2025, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10, an agency
may continue to conduct or sponsor this collection of information while
the submission is pending at OMB),
<bullet> 1018-0102, ``National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit
Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36''
(Expires 08/31/2025, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10, an agency
may continue to conduct or sponsor this collection of information while
the submission is pending at OMB),
<bullet> 1018-0135, ``Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program''
(Expires 06/30/2028),
<bullet> 1018-0093, ``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications
and Reports-Management Authority; 50 CFR 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23''
(Expires 12/31/2026), and
<bullet> 1024-0252, ``The Interagency Access Pass and Senior Pass
Application Processes'' (Expires 10/31/2027).
In accordance with the PRA and its implementing regulations at 5
CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to comment on our proposed revision to OMB
Control Number 1018-0140. This input will help us assess the impact of
our information collection requirements and minimize the public's
reporting burden. It will also help the public understand our
information collection requirements and provide the requested data in
the desired format.
The existing and new reporting and/or recordkeeping requirements
identified below require approval by OMB:
Form 3-2358, ``Sport Fishing-Shrimping-Crabbing Permit
Application''--Form 3-2358 collects the following information:
<bullet> Date of application: We often have application deadlines,
and this information helps staff determine the order in which we
received the applications. It also ensures that the information is
current.
<bullet> State fishing license number: We ask for this information
to verify the applicant is legally licensed by the State (where
required).
<bullet> Permit type: On sport fishing permits, we ask what type of
activity (crabbing, shrimping, crabbing, frogging, etc.) is being
applied for.
<bullet> Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone
number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either
during the application process or after receiving a permit.
<bullet> Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and
parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and
conditions of the permit.
Form 3-2405 ``Self-Clearing Check-In/Out Permit''--Form 3-2405 has
three parts:
<bullet> Self-Clearing Daily Check-in Permit. Each user completes
this portion of the form (date of visit, name, and telephone numbers)
and deposits it in the permit box prior to engaging in any activity on
the refuge.
<bullet> Self-Clearing Daily Visitor Registration Permit. Each user
must complete the front side of the form (date, name, city, State, zip
code, and purpose of visit) and carry this portion while on the refuge.
At the completion of the visit, each user must complete the reverse
side of the form (number of hours on refuge, harvest information
(species and number), harvest method, angler information (species and
number), and wildlife sighted (e.g., black bear and hog)) and deposit
it in the permit box.
<bullet> Self-Clearing Daily Vehicle Permit. The driver and each
user traveling in the vehicle must complete this part and display in
clear view in the vehicle while on the refuge.
Form 3-2405 collects:
<bullet> Information on the visitor (name, address, and contact
information). We use this information to identify the visitor or
driver/passenger of a vehicle while on the refuge. This is extremely
valuable information should visitors become lost or injured. Law
enforcement officers can easily check vehicles for these cards in order
to determine a starting point for the search or to contact family
members in the event of an abandoned vehicle. Having this information
readily available is critical in a search and rescue situation.
<bullet> Purpose of visit (hunting, sport fishing, wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, auto touring, birding,
[[Page 41910]]
hiking, boating/canoeing, visitor center, special event, environmental
education class, volunteering, other recreation). This information is
critical in determining public use participation in wildlife management
programs. This not only allows the refuge to manage its hunt and other
visitor use programs, but also to increase and/or improve facilities
for non-consumptive uses that are becoming more popular on refuges.
Data collected will also help managers better allocate staff and
resources to serve the public as well as develop annual performance
measures.
<bullet> Total number of hunt days on the refuge (at the conclusion
of their hunting activities). Refuge management will use this
information to monitor and evaluate hunt quality and resource impacts.
<bullet> Success of harvest by hunters/anglers (number and type of
harvest/caught). This information is critical to wildlife management
programs on refuges. Each refuge will customize the form by listing
game species and incidental species available on the refuge, hunting
methods allowed, and data needed for certain species (e.g., for deer,
whether it's a buck or doe and the number of points; or for turkeys,
the weight and beard and spur lengths).
<bullet> Whether or not visitors observed black bear or hogs, for
example. This information will help managers develop annual performance
measures for hog removal, and it provides information to help develop
resource management planning.
<bullet> Photograph of animal harvested (specific refuges only).
This requirement documents the sex of animal prior to the hunter being
eligible to harvest the opposite sex (where allowed).
<bullet> Date of visit and/or area visited.
<bullet> Comments. We encourage visitors to comment on their
experience.
Form 3-2439, ``Hunting Application/Permit''--Form 3-2439 collects
the following information:
<bullet> Lottery application: Refuges who administer hunting via a
lottery system use Form 3-2439 as the lottery application. If the
applicant is successful, the completed Form 3-2439 also serves as their
permit application, avoiding a duplication of burden on the public
filling out two separate forms.
<bullet> Date of application: We often have application deadlines,
and this information helps staff determine the order in which we
received the applications. It also ensures that the information is
current.
<bullet> Methods: Some refuges hold multiple types of hunts (i.e.
archery, shotgun, primitive weapons, etc). We ask for this information
to identify which opportunity(ies) a hunter is applying for.
<bullet> Species permit type: Some refuges allow only certain
species, such as moose, elk, or bighorn sheep, to be hunted. We ask
hunters to identify which species hunt they are applying for.
<bullet> Applicant information: We collect name, address, phone
number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either
during the application process, when the applicant is successful in a
lottery drawing, or after receiving a permit.
<bullet> Party members: Some refuges allow the permit applicant to
include additional hunters in their group. We collect the names of all
additional hunters, when allowed by the refuge.
<bullet> Parent/Guardian contact information: We collect name,
relationship, address, phone number(s), and email for a parent/guardian
of youth hunters. We ask for this information in the event of an
emergency.
<bullet> Date: We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt dates.
<bullet> Hunt/Blind location: We ask hunters for their preferences
for hunt units, areas, or blinds.
<bullet> Special hunts: Some refuges hold special hunts for youth,
hunters who are disabled, or other underserved populations. We ask
hunters to identify if they are applying for these special hunts. For
youth hunts, we ask for the age of the hunter at the time of the hunt.
<bullet> Signature and date: To confirm that the applicant (and
parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and
conditions of the permit.
<bullet> Disabled hunts: Some refuges provide an option to allow
mobility-impaired applicants to reserve specific hunting blinds upon
providing proof of disability. The refuge will not retain the proof of
disability. The documentation will be shredded upon approval of the
blind reservation.
Form 3-2542, ``Hunter Harvest Report''--Form 3-2542 collects the
following information:
<bullet> State-issued hunter identification (ID)/license number.
(Note: Refuges/hatcheries who rely on the State agency to issue hunting
permits are not required to collect the permittee's personal
identifying information (PII) on the harvest form. Those refuges/
hatcheries may opt to collect only the State ID number assigned to the
hunter in order to match harvest data with their issued permit.
Refuges/hatcheries will collect either hunter PII or State-issued ID
number, but not both.)
<bullet> Species observed--Data will be used by refuge/hatchery
staff to document the presence of rare or unusual species.
<bullet> Permit number/type--Data will be used to link the harvest
report to the issued permit.
<bullet> Hunt tag number--Data will be used to link the harvest
report to the species-specific hunt tag.
<bullet> Number of youth (younger than age 18) in party--Data will
be used to better understand volume of youth hunting on a refuge/
hatchery. Specific hunter names are not collected, just total number of
youths in hunting party.
<bullet> Harvested by--Data will be used to determine ratio of
adults to youth hunters. Specific hunter names are not collected.
<bullet> Species observed--Data will be used by a refuge/hatchery
to determine the presence of any unusual species (e.g., endangered or
threatened species, or invasive species).
Labeling/Marking Requirements--As a condition of the permit, some
refuges require permittees to label hunting and/or sport fishing gear
used on the refuge. This equipment may include items such as the
following: tree stands, blinds, or game cameras; hunting dogs
(collars); flagging/trail markers; boats; and/or sport fishing
equipment such as jugs, trotlines, and crawfish or crab traps. Refuges
require the owner label their equipment with their last name, the
State-issued hunting/fishing license number, and/or hunting/fishing
permit number. Refuges may also require equipment for youth hunters
include ``YOUTH'' on the label. This minimal information is necessary
in the event the refuge needs to contact the owner.
Required Notifications--On occasion, hunters may find their game
has landed outside of established hunting boundaries. In this
situation, hunters must notify an authorized refuge employee to obtain
consent to retrieve the game from an area closed to hunting or entry
only upon specific consent. Certain refuges also require hunters to
notify the refuge manager when hunting specific species (e.g., black
bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote) with trailing dogs. Refuges
encompassing privately owned lands, referred to as ``easement overlay
refuges,'' may also require the hunter obtain written or oral
permission from the landowner prior to accessing the land.
Proposed Revisions--With this submission, we will request OMB
approval of the revisions to OMB Control No. 1018-0140 as described
below:
1. Updates to Form 3-2439, ``Hunting Application/Permit''--With the
submission, we propose to incorporate the fields listed below from the
[[Page 41911]]
Mentored Hunt Application (no form number assigned), which is currently
approved under OMB Control No. 1018-0191, Lenape NWR Complex Mentored
Hunt Application, into the currently approved Form 3-2439, ``Hunting
Application/Permit.'' The Service requires all mentored hunt
participants to sign the Service's ``USFWS Release and Waiver of
Liability,'' as well as a Form 3-2260, ``Agreement for Use of Likeness
in Audio/Visual Products,'' when they are on the Refuge.
<bullet> Emergency contact (name and phone number);
<bullet> Applicant hunting history, such as:
<bullet> Whether applicant has completed a basic hunter education
course;
<bullet> Whether applicant has purchased a hunting license, and if
yes, when;
<bullet> Previous hunting experience;
<bullet> Previous participation in a mentored hunt program;
<bullet> Interest in hunting;
<bullet> Family history of hunting;
<bullet> Whether applicant owns equipment and if yes, type of
equipment; and
<bullet> Medical conditions/allergies for program staff to be aware
of in the event of an emergency.
The information collected via the application will be used by the
Service and partners to determine eligibility for the program the
hunter applies to participate in. Upon OMB approval of this revision at
the final rule stage, we will discontinue OMB Control No. 1018-0191.
2. Update Regarding Terms of Clearance--With this submission, we
are also providing OMB with an update regarding the Terms of Clearance
they assigned to Control Number 1018-0140 on 09/16/2022 regarding the
implementation of a single, FedRAMP-certified platform for hunt
applications. The Service obtained FedRAMP authorization for the
RecAccess platform. We are also working with a contractor to improve
services on the <a href="http://Recreation.gov">Recreation.gov</a> platform. However, based on customer
experience analysis, a mandate to consolidate to one platform would
adversely affect the customer experience at some sites that offer free
opportunities to veterans and youth. It would also create a problem for
some refuges that charge for issued permits, not for each permit
application. The use of two platforms allows the Service to account for
the variability in fee models and to continue to offer free and low-
cost options to our customers, as the Service primarily uses permits to
limit use, not to generate fees.
3. New IC for Web-Based Permit Application Platforms--With this
submission, we are also splitting the previously approved burden
associated with hunting applications into separate information
collections for hardcopy permit applications and those that are web-
based permit applications on the <a href="http://Recreation.gov">Recreation.gov</a> and <a href="http://RecAccess.com">RecAccess.com</a>
platforms. The online systems do not collect any information above what
is currently approved to be collected via the hardcopy version of Form
3-2439.
4. Renewal of OMB Control No. 1018-0140: With this submission, we
are renewing this information collection (current expiration date of
09/30/2025) for an additional 3 years from the effective date of OMB's
conclusion of the submission in conjunction with this final rule.
Copies of the draft forms are available to the public by submitting
a request to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer using
one of the methods identified above in ADDRESSES.
Title of Collection: Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and
Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish
Hatcheries (50 CFR parts 32 and 71).
OMB Control Number: 1018-0140.
Form Numbers: 3-2348, 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2542.
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals/households.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 1,632,055.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 1,632,055.
Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 5 minutes to 30
minutes, depending on activity.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 265,117.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or
on occasion for reports.
Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost: $87,365 (primarily
associated with application fees at some refuges hunting and/or sport
fishing).
On May 15, 2025, we published in the Federal Register (90 FR 20600)
a proposed rule (RIN 1018-BI01) that announced our intention to request
OMB approval of the revisions to this collection explained above and
the simultaneous renewal of OMB Control No. 1018-0140. In that proposed
rule, we solicited comments for 60 days on the information collections
in this submission, ending on July 15, 2025. We did not receive any
public comments regarding the information collections in response to
that proposed rule.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we invite the
public and other Federal agencies to comment on any aspect of this
proposed information collection, including:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to the proposed revisions and
additions to the information collection are a matter of public record.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware
that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Send your written comments and suggestions on this information
collection by the date indicated in DATES to the Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/
PERMA (JAO), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or
by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1f8dfd7deeef2deddddf1d7c6c29fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b22050d0434280407072b0d1c18450c041d">[email protected]</span></a>. Please reference OMB Control Number
1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments.
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), when developing comprehensive
conservation plans and step-down management plans--which includes
hunting and/or fishing plans--for public use of refuges and hatcheries,
and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program
on a station as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We complied with section 7
for each of the
[[Page 41912]]
stations affected by these openings and expansions of hunting and
fishing opportunities.
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)
We analyzed these openings and expansions in accordance with the
criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4332(C)) and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.
A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to
publication of amendments to station-specific hunting and fishing
regulations because they are technical and procedural in nature, and
the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to
lend themselves to meaningful analysis (516 DM 8). Concerning the
actions that are the subject of these additions and revisions, we have
complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each hunting or
fishing opportunity. This is consistent with the Department of the
Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are
covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document.
Prior to the addition of a refuge or hatchery to the list of areas
open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, we develop
hunting and fishing plans for the affected stations. We incorporate
these hunting and fishing activities in the appropriate station
comprehensive conservation plan and/or other step-down management
plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and
Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these
comprehensive conservation plans and step-down plans in compliance with
section 102(2)(C) of NEPA and the Department of Interior's NEPA
regulations at 43 CFR part 46. We invite the affected public to
participate in the review, development, and implementation of these
plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available upon
request.
Available Information for Specific Stations
More information about the Service's hunting and fishing programs
is available online, including an interactive map of hunting and
fishing opportunities. Hunting information is available at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/initiative/hunting/hunting-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-lands-and-waters">https://www.fws.gov/initiative/hunting/hunting-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-lands-and-waters</a> and <a href="https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting">https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting</a>.
Sport fishing information is available at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/activity/fishing">https://www.fws.gov/activity/fishing</a>.
Individual refuge and hatchery offices also have more detailed
information about public use programs and conditions that apply to
their specific programs and maps of their respective areas. To find
contact information for the appropriate Service office, you may locate
the office on an interactive map at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/locations">https://www.fws.gov/locations</a>.
Primary Author
Christian Myers, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation
Planning, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary author of
this document.
Regulation Summary Table
The regulatory amendments set forth below are presented alongside
existing station-specific regulations that have not been amended. For a
table that provides additional clarity on which specific regulatory
provisions have been amended, please see Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-
0031 on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> for a separate document containing
a table that provides additional clarity on which specific regulatory
provisions have been amended and how they have been amended.
List of Subjects
50 CFR Part 32
Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.
50 CFR Part 71
Fish, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife.
Regulation Promulgation
For the reasons described in the preamble, we amend title 50,
chapter I, subchapters C and E of the CFR as set forth below:
PART 32--HUNTING AND FISHING
0
1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and
715i; Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.
0
2. Amend Sec. 32.7 by revising and republishing paragraphs (e), (t),
and (qq) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.7 What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing?
* * * * *
(e) California. (1) Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.
(4) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge.
(5) Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(6) Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.
(7) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
(8) Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(9) Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
(10) Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
(11) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
(12) Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
(13) Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
(14) Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.
(15) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
(16) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge.
(17) Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.
(18) San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.
(19) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(20) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.
(21) San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(22) Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
(23) Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
(24) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.
(25) Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
(t) Maryland. (1) Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Patuxent Research Refuge.
(4) Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
(qq) Texas. (1) Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge.
(4) Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.
(5) Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(6) Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(7) Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.
(8) Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
(9) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
(10) Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
(11) McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.
(12) Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
(13) Neches River National Wildlife Refuge.
(14) San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.
[[Page 41913]]
(15) Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge.
(16) Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec. 32.20 by revising and republishing paragraph (d) to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.20 Alabama.
* * * * *
(d) Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove and Eurasian-collared dove,
duck, and goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed
brochure) when hunting.
(ii) All youth hunters (ages 10 through 15) must remain within
sight and normal voice contact of a properly licensed hunting adult age
21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of
passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may
supervise no more than two youth hunters.
(iii) All waterfowl hunting opportunities are spaced-blind and
assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our waterfowl
hunt must submit a Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt
Application--National Wildlife Refuge System).
(iv) Hunters must remove all stands/blinds and other personal
property at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
(v) We allow access to the refuge for hunting from 1\1/2\ hours
before legal sunrise to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
(vi) We prohibit organized drives. We define a ``drive'' as an
organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise
frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the
game.
(vii) We prohibit hunting or observing from an elevated stand
without use of a full body harness.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel and
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i), (ii) and (v)
through (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow only shotguns and State-designated archery equipment
as means of take for upland game hunting.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v)
through (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow youth gun hunting opportunities that are spaced-blind
and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our youth
gun hunt must submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-
2439, Hunt Application--National Wildlife Refuge System).
(iii) All youth hunters must remain within sight and normal voice
contact of a properly hunting-licensed adult age 21 or older. Youth
hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved
hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth
hunter.
(iv) All big game hunting opportunities, except for youth gun, are
archery-only.
(v) We close those portions of the refuge between Bustahatchee and
Rood Creeks to archery hunting until November 1.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, including bowfishing, in
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow shoreline access for fishing from 1 hour before legal
sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
(ii) We prohibit taking frog or turtle on all refuge lands and
waters (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
(iii) We adopt reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and
Georgia for fishing in Lake Eufaula. Anglers fishing in waters not
directly connected to Lake Eufaula must be properly licensed for the
State in which they are fishing.
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec. 32.24 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (f) through (x) as paragraphs (g) through
(y), respectively;
0
b. Adding new paragraph (f); and
0
c. Revising and republishing newly redesignated paragraphs (r) and (t).
The addition and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.24 California.
* * * * *
(f) Grasslands Wildlife Management Area--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field
once you have left your assigned parking lot. On the Freitas Units, you
may not possess more than 25 shot shells once you are in the field.
(ii) You must return your permits (State-issued) to the check
stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using
any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their
assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and
from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled
birds.
(iv) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear
Creek Unit and West Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when
they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed
birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(v) Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat
only. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.
(vi) We require State-issued Type A area permits for accessing the
Freitas Unit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated
areas of the refuge.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(r) San Diego National Wildlife Refuge--(1) [Reserved]
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, mourning and
white-winged dove, spotted and ringed turtle dove, Eurasian collared-
dove, brush rabbit, cottontail rabbit, and jackrabbit on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Archery hunting of quail is limited to September 1 to the
closing date established by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW).
(ii) Hunting of brush rabbit and cottontail rabbit is limited to
September 1 to the closing date established by the CDFW.
(iii) Hunting of Eurasian collared-dove and jackrabbit is limited
to September 1 to the last day of February.
(iv) We allow shotguns and archery only. Falconry is prohibited.
(v) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer on designated
areas of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(t) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field
once you
[[Page 41914]]
have left your assigned parking lot. On the Freitas Units, you may not
possess more than 25 shot shells once you are in the field.
(ii) You must return your permits (State-issued) to the check
stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using
any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their
assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and
from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled
birds.
(iv) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear
Creek Unit and West Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when
they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed
birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(v) Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat
only. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.
(vi) We require State-issued Type A area permits for accessing the
Freitas Unit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(vii) We prohibit the use of motorized boats and other flotation
devices in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit.
(viii) We prohibit vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in
the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any
location on the refuge.
(ix) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated
areas of the refuge.
(3) [Reserved]
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We only allow fishing during normal refuge visitation hours in
designated areas as posted.
(ii) We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take
fish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec. 32.29 by revising and republishing paragraphs (b), (e),
(h), and (i) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.29 Georgia.
* * * * *
(b) Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge--(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all
hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than
one month prior to the opening day of each hunt but must remove the
stand by the end of each hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) Only permitted hunters may camp at the designated camping
area during refuge hunts.
(iv) For hunting, we allow only bows as governed by State
regulations.
(v) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(vi) We allow mooring of boats to the government dock only for
loading and unloading purposes.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters
adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank/beach saltwater fishing into estuarine waters
only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
* * * * *
(e) Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge--(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all
hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week
preceding each hunt but must remove the stand by the end of each hunt
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91 meters) of Harris
Neck Road, the refuge entrance drive, Visitor Contact Station/Office,
Barbour River Landing, Barbour River Road, or Gould's Cemetery.
(iv) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(v) During the gun hunt, we allow only shotguns (20 gauge or
larger), muzzleloaders, bows, air rifles (.30 caliber or larger), and
air bows, as governed by State regulations. We prohibit the use of
centerfire rifles and prohibit the use of buckshot.
(vi) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, feral hog, and
coyote during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt,
subject to applicable State seasons and regulations. There is no bag
limit for these species.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters
adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank fishing into estuarine waters only from legal
sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
(iii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
* * * * *
(h) Savannah National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl and mourning dove on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all
hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) You may take feral hog and coyote during all refuge hunts with
weapons authorized and legal for those hunts.
(iii) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, beaver, opossum,
and raccoon during all refuge hunts with firearms and other equipment
authorized for use on refuge lands in Georgia only.
(iv) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (iii), and
(iv) of this section apply.
(ii) You may not hunt on or within 100 yards (90 meters) of public
roads, refuge facilities, roads and trails, and railroad rights-of-way,
or in closed areas.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer,
turkey, alligator, feral hog, and coyote on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (ii), and
(iii) and (h)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) You may only use bows, as governed by State regulations, for
deer, feral hog, and coyote hunting during the archery hunt for these
species.
(iii) You may only use shotguns (20 gauge or larger), centerfire
rifles, centerfire pistols, muzzleloaders, and bows, as governed by
State regulations, for deer, feral hog, and coyote hunting during the
firearm hunts for these species.
(iv) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(v) We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic #2 shot or
smaller, and bows, as governed by State regulations, for turkey
hunting.
(vi) We prohibit the use of buckshot
(vii) We prohibit catch-and-release of alligators.
[[Page 41915]]
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Anglers may fish in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1
through November 30 annually.
(ii) Anglers may fish in Kingfisher Pond and all tidal creeks year-
round.
(iii) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
(iv) Anglers may bank fish year-round throughout the refuge, unless
otherwise posted.
(v) Anglers may only use nonmotorized boats and boats with electric
motors within impounded waters.
(i) Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge--(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all
hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(iii) We prohibit the use of buckshot.
(iv) We allow mooring of boats to the government dock only for
loading or unloading purposes.
(v) We allow only permitted hunters to camp at the designated
camping area while participating in refuge hunts.
(vi) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than
one month prior to the opening day of each hunt, but you must remove
all stands by the end of each hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters
adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank/beach fishing into estuarine waters only from
legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
(iii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec. 32.37 by revising and republishing paragraphs (l), (t),
and (u) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.
* * * * *
(l) D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed public use
regulations brochure) and must carry and fill out daily a Visitor
Check-In Permit and Report (FWS Form 3-2405).
(ii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the
State season.
(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must
exit no later than 1:30 p.m.
(iv) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters (m)) of the
maintained rights-of-way of roads. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet
(15 m) or trespassing on aboveground oil, gas, or electrical
transmission facilities.
(v) Hunters must remove boats, blinds, and decoys from the refuge
at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to
locate, point, and retrieve game.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (iv) of
this section apply.
(ii) You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit
no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
(iii) When hunting upland game, you may only use dogs to locate,
point, and retrieve game.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge as indicated subject to the following
conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (iv) and
(l)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) You must check all deer taken during general gun deer hunts at
a refuge check station on the same day taken.
(iii) We prohibit hunters from placing or hunting from stands on
pine trees with white-painted bands or rings.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on the refuge subject to
the following condition: We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec.
27.21 of this chapter).
* * * * *
(t) Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot,
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) All hunters and anglers age 16 and older must purchase an
Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439). This permit allows
individuals to participate in open (non-quota) hunting and fishing
seasons.
(ii) All hunters and anglers must obtain a Self-Clearing Permit
(FWS Form 3-2405), available at refuge entry points and at the Visitor
Center, or utilize electronic check in and check out, and complete the
self-clearing process when exiting the refuge at the end of each day.
(iii) We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot, and
snipe on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 2 p.m.
during the State season. We prohibit migratory bird hunting during
refuge gun hunts for deer.
(iv) We allow refuge hunters to enter the refuge no earlier than 4
a.m., and they must leave no later than 2 hours after legal sunset
unless they are participating in the refuge nighttime raccoon hunt or
tracking wounded deer.
(v) We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails
for access typically from October 1 to the last day of the refuge
squirrel season.
(vi) We prohibit field dressing of game within 150 feet (45 meters)
of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
(vii) An adult age 18 or older must supervise youth hunters age 17
and younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during
small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth
during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of
the adult who is supervising them.
(viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon,
opossum, feral hog, armadillo, and nutria during authorized hunts with
firearms and archery equipment legal for use during the hunt.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, squirrel, and
rabbit, and the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum,
armadillo, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and
(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) A nighttime raccoon hunt will be conducted during December,
January, and/or February, usually in conjunction with the adjacent
State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) raccoon hunting season.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when squirrel and rabbit hunting
subject to the following conditions:
(A) We allow hunting without dogs from the beginning of the State
season to December 31.
(B) From the beginning of the State season to December 31, we do
not require hunters to wear hunter orange.
[[Page 41916]]
(C) We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with or without dogs from
January 1 to the last day of February.
(D) From January 1 to the last day of February, squirrel and rabbit
hunters are required to wear a minimum solid hunter orange cap.
(E) We allow no more than three dogs per hunting party.
(iv) We close squirrel and rabbit hunting during the following gun
hunts for deer: Refuge-wide youth hunt, primitive firearms hunt, and
modern firearms hunts.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and
(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) We require a valid Quota Firearm Permit (FWS Form 3-2439) to
hunt during a Deer Quota Firearm Hunt. You must complete and submit an
application for all Deer Quota Hunts, and hunters will be notified of
their drawing status. If selected, hunters are required to purchase the
Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439) to claim their Quota Firearm
Permit for the selected hunt. Hunters must carry a signed paper copy or
electronic version of the permit with them on their person while
hunting.
(iii) Deer archery season will begin the first Saturday in November
and will conclude on January 31, except for during the youth gun hunt
and modern firearms hunts, when archery is prohibited.
(iv) The deer primitive firearms season will occur between November
1 and January 31. We allow all legal primitive firearms as governed by
State regulations.
(v) During the deer primitive firearms season, hunters may fit any
legal primitive firearms with magnified scopes.
(vi) We allow hunters using primitive weapons to hunt reforested
areas.
(vii) We prohibit youth hunters from using modern firearms during
the primitive weapon hunt.
(viii) We prohibit hunting and/or shooting into or across any
reforested area during the gun hunts for deer.
(ix) For the guided quota youth hunts, we consider youth to be ages
8 through 15.
(x) We will conduct a refuge-wide youth deer hunt that will
coincide with the State youth hunt weekend.
(xi) Hunters may take only one deer (one buck or one doe) per day
during refuge deer hunts, except that during guided youth and
wheelchair-bound hunts, the limit will be one antlerless and one
antlered deer per day.
(xii) We allow turkey hunting in designated areas during the State
turkey hunt season not to exceed 16 days.
(xiii) We allow a youth turkey hunt weekend in conjunction with the
State youth turkey hunt weekend.
(xiv) We allow muzzleloader hunters to discharge their primitive
firearms at the end of each hunt safely into the ground at least 150
feet (45 meters (m)) from any designated public road, maintained road,
trail, fire break, dwelling, or aboveground oil and gas production
facility. We define a ``maintained road or trail'' as one that has been
mowed, disked, or plowed, or one that is free of trees.
(xv) We prohibit deer hunters leaving deer stands unattended before
the opening day of the refuge archery season. Hunters must remove
stands from the refuge by the end of the last day of the refuge archery
season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove portable
stands from trees at the end of each day's hunt and place freestanding
stands in a nonhunting position when unattended. Hunters must clearly
mark stands left unattended on the refuge with the hunter's last name,
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries license number, and I-
Sportsman Permit Number.
(xvi) We allow hunting with slugs, rifle, or pistol ammunition
larger than .22 caliber rimfire only during the quota hunts for deer.
We prohibit use of buckshot when hunting.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i) and (ii) of
this section apply.
(ii) We allow anglers to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.,
and they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
(iii) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
(iv) We prohibit fish cleaning within 150 feet (45 m) of parking
areas, maintained roads, and trails.
(u) Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game
bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, dove, rail,
gallinule, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a signed refuge public use brochure and must
carry and fill out daily a Visitor Check-In Permit and Report (FWS Form
3-2405).
(ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated refuge seasons as
listed in the signed refuge public use brochure.
(iii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the
State season. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1:30
p.m.
(iv) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
(v) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters (m)) of the
maintained rights-of-way of roads and from or across all-terrain
vehicle (ATV) trails. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) of, or
trespassing on, aboveground oil, gas, or electrical transmission
facilities.
(vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to
locate, point, and retrieve.
(vii) We allow ATVs only on trails designated for their use and
marked by signs (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). ATV trails are
closed March 1 through August 31.
(viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, and feral
hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt,
subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, raccoon, and opossum, and the incidental take of coyote and
beaver, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv),
(v), (vii), and (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) You must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting
hours, unless participating in authorized hunting after legal sunset.
(iii) We allow the nighttime hunting of raccoon and opossum from
December 1 to January 31 with the aid of dogs. We allow hunting of
raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel
season.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv),
(v), (vii), and (viii), and (u)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as governed by State deer
hunting regulations in wildlife management areas.
(iii) We prohibit hunters from placing stands or hunting from
stands on pine trees with white-painted bands and/or rings.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
[[Page 41917]]
(i) We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the
refuge overnight (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(ii) You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of
trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
(iii) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
0
7. Amend Sec. 32.38 by revising and republishing paragraph (c) to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.38 Maine.
* * * * *
(c) Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, American woodcock, and snipe
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
(ii) We allow hunters to enter the refuge one (1) hour before legal
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by one (1) hour past
legal shooting hours.
(iii) We only allow portable or temporary blinds and decoys that
must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
(iv) Hunters must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of bobcat, eastern
coyote, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel,
raccoon, skunk, porcupine, and woodchuck on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii) (except
for hunters pursuing raccoon and coyote at night), (iii), and (iv) of
this section apply.
(ii) We allow hunting for eastern coyote, red squirrel, and
woodchuck only from October 1 to March 31.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, moose,
turkey, and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject
to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and
(iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow stands, blinds, and ladders to be set up on the
opening day of the archery deer season. Stands, blinds and ladders may
not be set up within 50 yards of a road open to motorized vehicles.
Hunters must clearly label tree stands, blinds, or ladders left on the
refuge overnight with their State hunting license number and last name.
Hunters must remove stands, blinds, and ladders from the refuge by the
last day of the muzzleloader deer season (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
(iii) You may hunt black bear, eastern coyote, and white-tailed
deer during the State archery and firearms deer seasons on the Baring
Division east of State Route 191.
(iv) We prohibit use of firearms to hunt bear during the archery
deer season on the Baring Division east of Route 191. We prohibit the
use of firearms, other than a muzzleloader, to hunt coyote during the
deer muzzleloader season on the Baring Division east of Route 191.
(v) You may hunt turkey during the State fall turkey season using
archery equipment only.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We only allow fishing from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
(ii) We prohibit trapping fish for use as bait.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec. 32.39 by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.39 Maryland.
* * * * *
(d) Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge--(1)-(2)
[Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We allow only the use of archery equipment, as defined by the
State, in designated areas open to hunting.
(ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a ``deer drive''
as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise
frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is
part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the
deer.
(4) [Reserved]
0
9. Amend Sec. 32.41 by revising and republishing paragraph (f) to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.41 Michigan.
* * * * *
(f) Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck and goose), American
woodcock, American crow, American coot, common gallinule, sora,
Virginia rail, and Wilson's snipe on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a refuge check-in card (FWS Form 3-
2405, Self-Clearing Check-in Permit).
(ii) We allow waterfowl hunting on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays,
and Thursdays during the regular goose season after September 30 and
during the State youth waterfowl season.
(iii) We allow hunter access to the refuge 2 hours before legal
shooting time to 2 hours after legal shooting time.
(iv) You may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells while hunting
in the field.
(v) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is
under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
(vi) We allow the take of feral hog incidental to other lawful
hunting using legal methods of take.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of turkey, small game
(eastern fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, and ring-necked pheasant),
and furbearers (raccoon, coyote, and red fox) on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) and (vi) of
this section apply, except we allow hunter access to the refuge for
furbearer hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset.
(ii) You may only hunt turkey during the spring season.
(iii) We allow dogs for hunting. Raccoon hunting dogs must wear
global positioning system (GPS) or radio collars.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) and (vi) of
this section apply.
(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge permit (State-issued
permit).
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing by boat in navigable waterways but not within
any managed refuge units.
(ii) We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset only
at designated sites along the Tittabawassee and Cass Rivers.
0
10. Amend Sec. 32.45 by revising and republishing paragraphs (c), (d),
(h), (j), and (l) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.45 Montana.
* * * * *
(c) Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following condition: You must remove all
boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
[[Page 41918]]
property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind
construction by legal sunset each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94
of this chapter).
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fox and coyote
hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns
with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
(3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable
blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August
15 through December 15.
(ii) You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds,
and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing
system (ALS) number.
(4) [Reserved]
(d) Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of
the refuge.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit (FWS
Form 3-1383-G) to hunt fox and coyote.
(ii) Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire
rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(h) Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game
bird hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas
of the refuge.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas
of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(j) Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following condition: You must remove all
boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any
materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal
sunset each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fox and
coyote hunters may use only centerfire rifles, rim-fire rifles, or
shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
(3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable
blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August
15 through December 15.
(ii) You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds,
and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing
system (ALS) number.
(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(l) Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game
bird hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas
of the refuge.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas
of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
11. Amend Sec. 32.47 by revising and republishing paragraph (a) to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.47 Nevada.
* * * * *
(a) Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, snipe, and
dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We open the refuge to the public from 1 hour before legal
sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail and rabbit on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We
open the refuge to the public from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1
hour after legal sunset.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
12. Amend Sec. 32.51 by revising and republishing paragraph (e) to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.51 New York.
* * * * *
(e) Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, Canada goose, snow goose, and
gallinule on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
(ii) For the regular waterfowl season and October through January
season for Canada goose:
(A) We require daily electronic refuge permits and reservations. We
require you to check in, check out, and report your harvest each hunt
day using the designated online platform.
(B) We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
during the established refuge season set within the State western zone
season, and during New York State's established special hunts, which
can occur any day of the week as set by the State. Veteran and active
military hunters may be accompanied by a non-hunting companion. Youth
hunters must be accompanied by a qualified guide (qualified guides must
be of legal hunting age and possess a valid hunting license, Federal
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (as known as a ``Federal
Duck Stamp''), Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, and proof of
successful completion of a waterfowl identification course as described
in paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(F) of this section).
(C) Hunters may not enter the refuge earlier than 5 a.m. and must
exit the hunt area by 1 p.m.
(D) We allow motorless boats to hunt waterfowl. We limit hunters to
one boat per reservation and one motor vehicle in the hunt area per
reservation. Participants in the New York State youth waterfowl hunt
may request exceptions to this provision at the discretion of refuge
staff.
(E) We prohibit shooting from within 500 feet (152 meters) of the
Tschache Pool observation tower.
(F) We require proof of successful completion of the New York State
waterfowl identification course, the Montezuma nonresident waterfowl
identification course, or a suitable nonresident State waterfowl
identification course. All hunters must show proof of successful course
completion each time they hunt.
[[Page 41919]]
(G) You may hunt gallinule and Canada goose on refuge areas
designated for the regular waterfowl season only during the regular
waterfowl season.
(iii) For Canada goose in September and snow goose hunting:
(A) We allow hunting of Canada goose during the New York State
September season and hunting of snow goose during portions of the New
York State snow goose season and portions of the period covered by the
Light Goose Conservation Order.
(B) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542).
We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the
end of the hunt day.
(C) For snow goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter
Check Station area no earlier than 4 hours before legal sunrise. For
Canada goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter Check Station
area no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section
applies.
(ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542)
and are required to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by
the end of each hunt day.
(iii) We allow upland game hunters to access the refuge from 2
hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
(iv) We require the use of approved non-lead shot for upland game
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section
applies.
(ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542).
We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the
end of the hunt day.
(iii) We allow white-tailed deer and turkey hunters to access the
refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal
sunset.
(iv) We allow youth and special big game hunts during New York
State's established youth and special big game hunts each year.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow access for fishing from designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the
use of lead fishing tackle.
* * * * *
0
13. Amend Sec. 32.52 by revising and republishing paragraph (i) to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.
* * * * *
(i) Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, swan, dove, woodcock, rail,
and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
(i) We require all hunters and anglers to possess and carry a
signed, self-service refuge hunting/fishing permit (signed brochure)
while hunting and fishing on the refuge. We require all hunters age 16
and older to purchase and carry a special refuge recreational activity
permit (name/address/phone number).
(ii) We allow hunters to enter and remain in hunting areas from 2
hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset when we
allow hunting in those areas.
(iii) We allow the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) only on
designated ATV roads (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) and only to
transport hunters and their equipment to hunt and scout. We allow
hunting from ATVs while on these designated ATV roads when they are
stationary and the engine is turned off. We allow ATV use only on the
ATV roads at the following times:
(A) When we open the ATV road and surrounding area to hunting;
(B) One week prior to the ATV road and surrounding area opening to
hunting; and
(C) On Sundays, when we open the ATV road and surrounding area for
hunting the following Monday.
(iv) We allow the use of only biodegradable-type flagging.
(v) We allow the use of only portable blinds and temporary blinds
constructed of natural materials. You must remove portable blinds at
the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(vi) We allow the use of dogs to point and retrieve migratory game
birds.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
raccoon, opossum, rabbit, beaver, nutria, and fox on designated areas
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iv)
of this section apply.
(ii) We only allow the taking of beaver and nutria with firearms
and only during those times when the area is open to hunting of other
game animals with firearms.
(iii) We prohibit the hunting of raccoon and opossum during, 5 days
before, and 5 days after the State bear seasons. Outside of these
periods, we allow the hunting of raccoon and opossum at night but only
while possessing a General Special Use Application and Permit (FWS Form
3-1383-G).
(iv) We prohibit the use of rifles, other than .22-caliber rimfire
rifles, for hunting, and we prohibit the use of pistols for hunting.
(v) We allow the use of dogs for pointing and retrieving upland
game and for chasing rabbit (but not fox). We prohibit possession of
buckshot or slugs while hunting with dogs.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, deer, turkey,
and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iv)
of this section apply.
(ii) You may hunt turkey only if you carry a valid permit (General
Activities Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G). These
permits are valid only for the dates and areas shown on the permit. You
may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) while
hunting turkeys west of Evans Road and on the Pungo Unit.
(iii) We only allow the take of white-tailed deer with the use of
archery equipment, black powder firearms, and shotguns as authorized by
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
(iv) For the special opportunity black bear hunt:
(A) We allow the use of centerfire rifle only;
(B) Hunters must shoot from a raised position (portable stand) of
15 feet or higher; and
(C) Additional requirements may apply for hunters selected to
participate in the special opportunity hunt.
(v) We allow deer hunting on the Pungo Unit only through the end of
October each season, except that we allow deer hunting with archery
equipment on the Pungo Unit through the end of November.
(vi) We allow hunters to take feral hog in any area that is open to
hunting deer using only those weapons authorized for taking deer. On
the Frying Pan tracts, we also allow hunters to take feral hog, using
only those weapons authorized for taking deer, whenever we open those
tracts to hunting any game species with firearms.
(vii) We allow the use of only portable deer stands (tree climbers,
ladders, tripods, etc.). We require that you
[[Page 41920]]
remove all stands, blinds, and other personal property at the end of
each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing in Pungo Lake and New Lake only from March 1
through October 31, except that we close Pungo Lake and the entire
Pungo Unit to fishing during the limited big game hunts.
(ii) We allow fishing only from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise
until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
0
14. Amend Sec. 32.59 by revising and republishing paragraph (d) to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.59 South Carolina.
* * * * *
(d) Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge (1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all
hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week
preceding the hunt. You must remove your stand at the end of the hunt
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger), muzzleloaders,
and bows as governed by State regulations.
(iv) We prohibit the use of buckshot.
(v) We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 meters (m)) to
U.S. Highway 278 or the check station area, or closer than 200 yards
(180 m) to the residence area.
(vi) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters
adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
* * * * *
0
15. Amend Sec. 32.62 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (b) through (h) as paragraphs (a) through
(g), respectively;
0
c. Revising and republishing newly redesignated paragraph (e);
0
d. Adding new paragraph (h); and
0
e. Revising and republishing paragraph (i).
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 32.62 Texas.
* * * * *
(e) Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game bird
hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, and
Eurasian collared-dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) We require hunters to obtain a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
(ii) All hunters must check in and out at refuge headquarters.
(iii) Bag limits will be determined annually for each species but
will never exceed the limits set by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. Bag limits and other hunting information, such as number of
hunt days and permits issued, will be posted prior to the hunt.
(iv) We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
(v) 1 hour after legal sunset, hunters may only be present on the
refuge in designated camping areas.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving game.
(vii) Hunters must attend a briefing prior to all hunts.
(viii) We prohibit falconry.
(ix) All bird harvests must be checked at the designated check
points.
(x) Hunting hours will be from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise
until 12 p.m. (noon).
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant,
northern bobwhite, and scaled quail on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (ix)
of this section apply.
(ii) Hunting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(iii) We allow only shotguns for pheasant and quail hunting.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, mule
deer, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraph (f)(1)(i) through (vii)
of this section apply.
(ii) Hunters may enter the hunting area and begin hunting 1 hour
before legal sunrise and must exit the hunting area by 1 hour after
legal sunset.
(iii) We prohibit the use of tree stands and any devices, such as
nails, tacks, or scaffolding, used to climb trees. We also prohibit the
use of elevated blinds, including tripod blinds.
(iv) We prohibit the use of decoys.
(v) We only allow archery equipment or centerfire rifles (.243/6mm
or larger) as methods of take.
(4) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(h) Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game
bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, white-winged dove,
mourning dove, rock dove, Eurasian collared-dove, and rock pigeon on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a current signed refuge hunting permit (signed
refuge hunt brochure) while waterfowl hunting on all refuge hunt units.
(ii) Season dates for waterfowl will be concurrent with the State,
except as specified in the refuge hunt brochure.
(iii) Hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct
supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
(iv) For waterfowl hunting, you may enter the refuge hunt units no
earlier than 4 a.m. Hunting starts at the designated legal shooting
time and ends at 12 p.m. (noon). You must leave refuge hunt units by
12:30 p.m. For dove hunting, you may enter the refuge 1 hour before
legal sunrise and must leave the refuge by \1/2\ hour after legal
sunset. We close refuge hunt units on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Year's Day.
(v) For waterfowl hunting, we allow hunting in portions of the East
Unit on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays during the regular waterfowl
seasons.
(vi) Hunters must check in and out through the check station (FWS
Form 3-2405) when accessing the East Unit by vehicle.
(vii) We require hunters to remain in an assigned area for that
day's hunt.
(viii) We allow hunters to access designated areas of the East Unit
by boat from Jackson Ditch, East Bay Bayou, or Onion Bayou.
(ix) We allow hunting on the East Unit as governed by the State
light goose conservation order. Hunt areas are by permit on a first-
come, first-served basis the morning of the hunt. We allow a maximum of
six persons per field. Individuals in each group must set up and stay
in their permitted area and stay within 50 feet (15 meters (m)) of each
other unless retrieving goose.
(x) Hunters must set up within 50 yards (45 m) of the post marker
and must stay within 50 feet (15 m) of each other unless retrieving
waterfowl. We allow a minimum of two, and a maximum of six, persons per
permit.
(xi) We allow hunting in portions of the Middleton Tract daily
during the September teal season and on Saturdays, Sundays, and
Wednesdays of the regular waterfowl season.
(xii) We restrict motorized boats in inland waters of the Middleton
Tract to motors of 25 horsepower or less or
[[Page 41921]]
electric trolling motors during hunting season.
(xiii) You may access hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft,
outboard motorboat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 horsepower
with direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120
centimeters) or less.
(xiv) On inland waters of refuge hunt areas open to motorized
boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds,
ditches, and other waterways when hunting. We prohibit the operation of
motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.
(xv) On inland waters of the refuge hunt areas open to motorized
boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-
cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or
less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 centimeters) in diameter
or less during the hunting season.
(xvi) We allow portable blinds or temporary natural vegetation
blinds. You must remove all blinds, decoys, boats, spent shells, marsh
chairs, and other equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's
hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(xvii) We require a minimum distance between hunt parties of 200
yards (180 m).
(xviii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2)-(3) [Reserved]
(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing and crabbing only with pole and line, rod and
reel, or handheld line. We prohibit the use any method not expressly
allowed, including trotlines, setlines, jug lines, limb lines, bows and
arrows, gigs, spears, or crab traps.
(ii) We allow cast netting for bait for personal use along
waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
(iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(xiii) and (xv)
of this section apply.
(iv) We prohibit mooring to water control structures.
(i) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge--(1) Migratory game
bird hunting. The refuge is closed to migratory bird hunting, including
shoreline hunting, but retrieval of birds downed by hunters hunting on
nearby navigable waters under State regulations is authorized subject
to the following conditions:
(i) Hunters may not discharge firearms while retrieving waterfowl
on the refuge.
(ii) Access for waterfowl retrieval will be allowed only during
State specified hunting seasons. We only allow hunters to enter the
Laguna Atascosa Unit by boat, and hunters may only enter subunits 3, 4,
5, 7, and 10, for retrieval of downed waterfowl.
(2) [Reserved]
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral
hog, nilgai antelope, other exotic ungulates, and American alligator on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow the incidental take of nilgai antelope, feral hog, and
other rarely observed exotic ungulates (such as fallow deer, axis deer,
sika deer, Barbary sheep, and black buck) during all refuge hunts, with
the exception of American alligator hunts.
(ii) We require hunters to review the refuge hunter orientation
email prior to any refuge hunt activity.
(iii) Bag limits for species hunted on the refuge are provided in
the refuge hunt brochure annually.
(iv) We allow a scouting period prior to the commencement of each
refuge hunt period. A permitted hunter and a limit of two non-permitted
individuals may enter the hunt units during the scouting period, which
begins after hunter orientation and ends at legal sunset. Each hunter
must clearly display a Vehicle Validation Tag (FWS Form 3-2405) face up
on the vehicle dashboard when scouting and hunting.
(v) We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal
sunrise during their permitted hunt periods. Hunters must leave the
hunt units no later than 1 hour after State legal shooting hours.
(vi) Hunters may access hunt units only by foot or bicycle,
including electric bicycles. You may only use a bicycle on designated
routes; we prohibit off-road use of a bicycle.
(vii) We allow hunting from portable stands or by stalking and
still hunting. There is a limit of one blind or stand per permitted
hunter. Hunters must attach hunter identification (permit number or
State license number) to the blind or stand. Hunters must remove all
blinds and stands at the end of the permitted hunt period (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) During American alligator hunts, we allow hunters to leave
hooks set over only one night period at a time; set lines must be
checked daily.
(ix) Hunters must field dress all harvested big game in the field
and check the game at the hunt check station before removal from the
refuge. Hunters may use a nonmotorized cart to assist with the
transportation of harvested game animals.
(x) We prohibit the killing or wounding of a game animal and then
intentionally or knowingly failing to make a reasonable effort to
retrieve and include it in the hunter's bag limit.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow only pole and line, rod and reel, hand line, dip net,
and cast net for fishing. We prohibit the use of crab traps or pots for
crabbing.
(ii) Anglers must attend all fishing lines, crabbing equipment, and
other fishing devices at all times.
(iii) Inside the refuge boundary on San Martin Lake, we allow bank
and wade fishing within a designated area, which may be accessed only
on foot.
* * * * *
PART 71--HUNTING AND SPORT FISHING ON NATIONAL FISH HATCHERIES
0
16. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 4, Pub. L. 73-121, 48 Stat. 402, as amended;
sec. 4, Pub. L. 87-714, 76 Stat. 654; 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k,
664, 668dd, 1534.
0
17. Amend Sec. 71.12 by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (o) through (s) as paragraphs (p) through
(t), respectively; and
0
b. Adding new paragraph (o).
The addition reads as follows:
Sec. 71.12 National fish hatcheries open for sport fishing.
* * * * *
(o) North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery. We allow sport fishing
on designated areas of the hatchery.
* * * * *
Kevin Lilly,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2025-16440 Filed 8-27-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on August 28, 2025.
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.