[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 186 (Monday, September 26, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59271-59298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24675]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014; 91200-1231-9BPP-L2]
RIN 1018-AX34
Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession
Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and
daily bag and possession limits for general waterfowl seasons and those
early seasons for which States previously deferred selection. Taking of
migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by
annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species
during the 2011-12 season.
DATES: This rule is effective on September 24, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird
hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's
office in room 4107, Arlington Square Building, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, VA. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the
street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird
Management's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at
http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory
Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 2011
On April 8, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
19876) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a
background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations
process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other
regulations for hunting migratory game birds under Sec. Sec. 20.101
through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the
2011-12 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal
Register notifications were also identified in the April 8 proposed
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under
numbered headings and that subsequent documents would refer only to
numbered items requiring attention.
On June 22, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
36508) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early-
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 22
supplement also provided information on the 2011-12 regulatory schedule
and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and summer (July)
Flyway Council meetings.
On June 22 and 23, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway
Council Consultants where the participants reviewed information on the
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed
recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these species plus
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the
Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated
States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2011-12 regular
waterfowl seasons.
On July 26, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
44730) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed
frameworks for early-season regulations. On August 30, 2011, we
published in the Federal Register (76 FR 54052) a final rule which
contained final frameworks for early migratory bird hunting seasons
from which wildlife conservation agency officials from the States,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting
dates, hours, areas, and limits. Subsequently, on September 1, 2011, we
published a final rule in the Federal Register (76 FR 54658) amending
subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas,
and limits for early seasons.
On July 27-28, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council
Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl
and developed recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these
species. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons.
We published proposed frameworks for the 2011-12 late-season migratory
bird hunting regulations in an August 26, 2011 Federal Register (76 FR
53536). We published final late-season frameworks for migratory game
bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency
officials selected late-season hunting dates,
[[Page 59272]]
hours, areas, and limits for 2011-12, in a September 21, 2011, Federal
Register.
The final rule described here is the final in the series of
proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory
game bird hunting regulations for 2011-12 and deals specifically with
amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours,
areas, and limits for species subject to late-season regulations and
those for early seasons that States previously deferred.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988.
We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on June
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August
18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental
assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
In a notice published in the September 8, 2005, Federal Register
(70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting
program. Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as
detailed in a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). We
released the draft SEIS on July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39577). The draft SEIS
is available either by writing to the address indicated under ADDRESSES
or by viewing our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review
other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in
furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of [critical] habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal
consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations
would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are
included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations
are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered
or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused
modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the
final frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological
opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public
documents available for public inspection at the address indicated
under ADDRESSES.
Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this rule
is significant and has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
OMB bases its determination of regulatory significance upon the
following four criteria:
(a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector,
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
(b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal
agencies' actions.
(c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants,
user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their
recipients.
(d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2008-09 season. This
analysis was based on data from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis
estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting
(estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data).
The alternatives are (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer
days than those issued during the 2007-08 season, (2) Issue moderate
regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3)
Issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2007-08
season.
For the 2008-09 season, we chose alternative 3, with an estimated
consumer surplus across all flyways of $205-$270 million. We also chose
alternative 3 for the 2009-10 and the 2010-11 seasons. In the April 8
proposed rule, we proposed no changes to the season frameworks for the
2011-12 season, and as such, we again considered these three
alternatives. Population status information discussed in the August 26
proposed rule supported selection of alternative 3 for the 2011-12
season. For these reasons, we have not conducted a new economic
analysis, but the 2008-09 analysis is part of the record for this rule
and is available at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or
at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008. The primary source of
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2008 Analysis was based on the 2006 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $1.2 billion at small businesses in
2008.
Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the Division
of Migratory Bird Management (see ADDRESSES) or from our Web site at
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at
Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above,
this rule would have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. However, because this rule would establish hunting seasons, we do
not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5
U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995
[[Page 59273]]
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The various recordkeeping and reporting
requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20,
subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird
hunting regulations.
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection
requirements of our Migratory Bird Surveys and assigned control number
1018-0023 (expires 4/30/2014). This information is used to provide a
sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest
estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these
populations. OMB has also approved the information collection
requirements of the Alaska Subsistence Household Survey, an associated
voluntary annual household survey used to determine levels of
subsistence take in Alaska, and assigned control number 1018-0124
(expires 4/30/2013). A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and a
person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking would not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings
implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected
property rights. This rule would not result in the physical occupancy
of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory
taking of any property. In fact, these rules would allow hunters to
exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce
restrictions on the use of private and public property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use.
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust
resources. However, in the April 8 Federal Register, we solicited
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and
ceded lands for the 2011-12 migratory bird hunting season. The
resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 8, 2011,
proposed rule (76 FR 48694). By virtue of these actions, we have
consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact assessment.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus,
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment.
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We
find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)
of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C.
703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after
publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an
opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for
its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which
open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to
all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50,
chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set
forth below.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Dated: September 20, 2011.
Rachel Jacobson,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I,
subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is
amended as follows:
PART 20--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C.
703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Pub.
[[Page 59274]]
L. 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
Note: The following annual regulations provided for by
Sec. Sec. 20.104, 20.105, 20.106, 20.107, and 20.109 of 50 CFR part
20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of
their seasonal nature.
Check State Regulations for Additional Restrictions and Delineations of
Geographical Areas--Special Restrictions May Apply on Federal and State
Public Hunting Areas and Federal Indian Reservations
0
2. Section 20.104 is amended by adding the entries for the following
States in alphabetical order to read as follows:
Sec. 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock,
and common snipe.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of
this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates
inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession
limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as
follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until
sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area
descriptions were published in the August 25, 2011 (76 FR 53536) and
August 30, 2011 (76 FR 54052), Federal Registers.
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons
published previously in the September 1, 2011, Federal Register (76
FR 54658).
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Sora and Virginia Clapper and King
rails rails Woodcock Common snipe
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Daily bag limit................. 25 (1) 15 (2) 3 8
Possession limit................ 25 (1) 30 (2) 6 16
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ATLANTIC FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Massachusetts (5)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Oct. 5-Oct. 29 & Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Oct. 31-Nov. 19.
* * * * * * *
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Louisiana:
West Zone................... Sept. 10-Sept. 25 Sept. 10-Sept. 25 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 5-Dec. 7 &
& Nov. 12-Jan. 4. & Nov. 12-Jan. 4. Dec. 17-Feb. 28.
East Zone................... Sept. 10-Sept. 25 Sept. 10-Sept. 25 Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 5-Nov. 30 &
& Nov. 12-Jan. 4. & Nov. 12-Jan. 4. Dec. 10-Feb. 28.
* * * * * * *
Tennessee:
Reelfoot Zone............... Nov. 12-Nov. 13 & Closed............ Oct. 29-Dec. 12... Nov. 15-Feb. 29.
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.
State Zone.................. Nov. 26-Nov. 27 & Closed............ Oct. 29-Dec. 12... Nov. 15-Feb. 29.
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.
Wisconsin:
North Zone.................. Sept. 24-Nov. 22.. Closed............ Sept. 24-Nov. 7... Sept. 24-Nov. 22.
South Zone.................. Oct. 1-Oct. 9 & Closed............ Sept. 24-Nov. 7... Oct. 1-Oct. 9 &
Oct. 15-Dec. 4. Oct. 15-Dec. 4.
Mississippi River Zone.......... Sept. 24-Oct. 2 & Closed............ Sept. 24-Nov. 7... Sept. 24-Oct. 2 &
Oct. 15-Dec. 4. Oct. 15-Dec. 4.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona (18):
North Zone.................. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 7-Jan. 15.
South Zone.................. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 21-Jan. 29.
* * * * * * *
Idaho:
Zone 1 & 2.................. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 1-Jan. 13.
Zone 3...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 15-Jan. 27.
* * * * * * *
Nevada:
Northeast Zone.............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Sept. 24-Jan. 6.
Northwest Zone.............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 15-Jan. 27.
South Zone (19)............. Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 15-Jan. 27.
* * * * * * *
Oregon:
Zone 1...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Nov. 5-Feb. 19.
Zone 2...................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &
Nov. 30-Jan. 22.
* * * * * * *
Washington:
[[Page 59275]]
East Zone................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 15-Oct. 19 &
Oct. 22-Jan. 29.
West Zone................... Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Oct. 15-Oct. 19 &
Oct. 22-Jan. 29.
* * * * * * *
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(1) The bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply singly or in the aggregate of these species.
(2) All bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species
and, unless otherwise specified, the limits are in addition to the limits on sora and Virginia rails in all
States. In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily
and 20 in possession. See also footnote (6) below.
* * * * * * *
(5) In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 5 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10
daily and 10 in possession.
* * * * * * *
(16) In Nebraska and New Mexico, the rail limits are 10 daily and 20 in possession.
* * * * * * *
(18) In Arizona, Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to common snipe hunting.
(19) In Nevada, the snipe season in the Moapa Valley portion of the Overton Wildlife Management Area is only
open November 5 to January 27.
0
3. In Sec. 20.105, paragraphs (a), (b), and (f) are amended by adding
the entries for the following States in alphabetical order and
paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.105 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots,
and gallinules.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of
this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates
inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession
limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as
follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until
sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations.
Area descriptions were published in the August 25, 2011 (76 FR
53536) and August 30, 2011 (76 FR 5405225), Federal Registers.
(a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules (Atlantic, Mississippi, and
Central Flyways)
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons
published previously in the September 1, 2011, Federal Register (76
FR 54658). The zones named in this paragraph are the same as those
used for setting duck seasons.
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Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
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ATLANTIC FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Georgia....................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 15 30
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 15 30
* * * * * * *
Virginia...................................... Oct. 6-Oct. 10 &................ 15 30
Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 15 30
Dec. 10-Jan. 28................. 15 30
West Virginia................................. Oct. 1-Oct. 8 &................. 15 30
Nov. 14-Nov. 19 &............... 15 30
Dec. 14-Jan. 28................. 15 30
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Louisiana..................................... Sept. 10-Sept. 25 &............. 15 30
Nov. 12-Jan. 4.................. 15 30
Michigan:
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Nov. 18 &.............. 1 2
Nov. 24-Nov. 27................. 1 2
Middle Zone............................... Oct. 1-Nov. 27 &................ 1 2
Dec. 3-Dec. 4................... 1 2
South Zone................................ Oct. 8-Dec. 4 &................. 1 2
Dec. 10-Dec. 11................. 1 2
Minnesota (3):
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Nov. 22................ 15 30
South Zone................................ Sept. 24-Sept 25 &.............. 15 30
Oct. 1-Nov. 27.................. 15 30
* * * * * * *
Tennessee:
Reelfoot Zone............................. Nov. 12-Nov. 13 &............... 15 30
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. 15 30
State Zone................................ Nov. 26-Nov. 27 &............... 15 30
[[Page 59276]]
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. 15 30
Wisconsin:
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Nov. 22................ 15 30
South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 9 &................. 15 30
Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. 15 30
Mississippi River Zone.................... Sept. 24-Oct. 2 &............... 15 30
Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. 15 30
* * * * * * *
PACIFIC FLYWAY
All States.................................... Seasons are in aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (e).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 30 coots and moorhens in the aggregate.
(b) Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Ducks in Atlantic Flyway)
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons
published previously in the September 1, 2011, Federal Register (76
FR 54658).
Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter,
eider, and long-tailed ducks of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. These limits may be in
addition to regular duck bag limits only during the regular duck season
in the special sea duck hunting areas.
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Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Georgia....................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 7 14
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 7 14
* * * * * * *
Maryland...................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 28.................. 5 10
Massachusetts (4)............................. Oct. 8-Jan. 31.................. 7 14
* * * * * * *
North Carolina................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 7 14
* * * * * * *
South Carolina................................ Oct. 15-Jan. 29................. 7 14
Virginia...................................... Oct. 6-Jan. 31.................. 7 14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of this part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under
power will be permitted in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Delaware,
Virginia, and Maryland in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting
regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.
* * * * * * *
(4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders (only 1 of which may be a hen) and 4
long-tailed ducks.
* * * * *
(e) Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Common Moorhens
and Purple Gallinules
Definitions
The Atlantic Flyway: Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,
Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental
Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin,
Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof),
Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the
Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North
Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the
Continental Divide).
The Pacific Flyway: Includes the States of Arizona, California,
Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including
and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park
Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation
and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and
Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide
Basin).
Light Geese: Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater
snow geese, and Ross's geese.
Dark Geese: Includes Canada geese, white-fronted geese, emperor
geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the
Atlantic Flyway), and all other geese except light geese.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Flyway-wide Restrictions
Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more
than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards), 2 scaup, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1
canvasback, 1 mottled duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 1 fulvous
tree duck. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
[[Page 59277]]
Harlequin Ducks: All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin
duck hunting.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers with 10 in
possession and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers daily and 4
in possession. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit,
the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2
daily and 4 in possession may be hooded mergansers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut
Ducks and Mergansers: ................................ 6 12
North Zone............................ Oct. 12-Oct. 22 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 9-Jan. 5...................
South Zone............................ Oct. 12-Oct. 15 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 18-Jan. 21.................
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
AFRP Unit............................. Oct. 12-Oct. 22 &............... 5 10
Nov. 9-Jan. 21 &................ 5 10
Feb. 9-Feb. 15.................. 5 10
NAP H-Unit............................ Oct. 12-Oct. 25 &............... 2 4
Nov. 21-Jan. 14................. 2 4
AP Unit............................... Oct. 31-Nov. 5 &................ 3 6
Nov. 24-Jan. 7.................. 3 6
Special Season........................ Jan. 16-Feb. 15................. 5 10
Light Geese:
North Zone............................ Oct. 1-Jan. 14 &................ 25 ..............
Feb. 22-Mar. 10................. 25 ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 1-Nov. 30 &................ 25 ..............
Jan. 7-Mar. 10.................. 25 ..............
Brant:
North Zone............................ Nov. 9-Jan. 5................... 2 4
South Zone............................ Nov. 25-Jan. 21................. 2 4
Delaware
Ducks..................................... Oct. 21-Oct. 29 &............... 6 12
Nov. 21-Nov. 26 &............... 6 12
Dec. 7-Jan. 28.................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 21-Nov. 26 &............... 2 4
Dec. 15-Jan. 28................. 2 4
Light Geese (1)........................... Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Dec. 2-Jan. 28.................. 2 4
Florida
Ducks..................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 6 12
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 5 10
Dec. 1-Jan. 30.................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 ..............
Georgia
Ducks..................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 6 12
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese (special season)............. Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Brant..................................... Closed.......................... .............. ..............
Maine
Ducks (2):................................ ................................ 6 12
North Zone............................ Sept. 26-Dec. 3................. .............. ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 1-Oct. 22 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 8-Dec. 24..................
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
North Zone............................ Oct. 1-Dec. 9................... 2 4
South Zone............................ Same as for Ducks............... 2 4
Light Geese............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 25 ..............
Brant: ................................ .............. ..............
North Zone............................ Oct. 1-Nov. 28.................. 2 4
South Zone............................ Oct. 1-Oct. 22 &................ 2 4
Nov. 8-Dec. 13.................. 2 4
Maryland
[[Page 59278]]
Ducks and Mergansers (3).................. Oct. 15-Oct. 22 &............... 6 12
Nov. 12-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12
Dec. 13-Jan. 28................. 6 12
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
RP Zone............................... Nov. 16-Nov. 25 &............... 5 10
Dec. 15-Mar. 3.................. 5 10
AP Zone............................... Nov. 19-Nov. 25 &............... 2 4
Dec. 15-Jan. 28................. 2 4
Light Geese............................... Oct. 8-Nov. 25 &................ 25 ..............
Dec. 12-Jan. 28................. 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 2 4
Dec. 12-Jan. 28................. 2 4
Massachusetts
Ducks (4):................................ ................................ 6 12
Western Zone.......................... Oct. 12-Nov. 26 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 2..................
Central Zone.......................... Oct. 13-Nov. 26 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 15-Jan. 7.................. .............. ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 14-Oct. 22 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 17-Jan. 16................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
NAP Zone:............................. ................................ .............. ..............
Central Zone...................... Oct. 13-Nov. 26 &............... 2 4
Dec. 15-Jan. 7.................. 2 4
(Special season).................. Jan. 16-Feb. 15................. 5 10
Coastal Zone...................... Oct. 14-Oct. 22 &............... 2 4
Nov. 17-Jan. 16................. 2 4
(Special season) (5).............. Jan. 17-Feb. 15................. 5 10
AP Zone........................... Oct. 20-Nov. 26 &............... 3 6
Dec. 10-Dec. 23................. 3 6
Light Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Western Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Central Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks &............. 15 30
Jan. 16-Feb. 15................. 15 30
Coastal Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks &............. 15 30
Jan. 17-Feb. 15................. 15 30
Brant: ................................ .............. ..............
Western & Central Zone................ Closed.......................... .............. ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 17-Nov. 26 &............... 2 4
Dec. 15-Jan. 31................. 2 4
New Hampshire
Ducks:.................................... ................................ 6 12
Inland Zone........................... Oct. 4-Nov. 6 &................. .............. ..............
Nov. 23-Dec. 18................. .............. ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 5-Oct. 16 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 23-Jan. 9.................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:............................. ................................ .............. ..............
Inland Zone........................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4
Coastal Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4
Light Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Inland Zone........................... Oct. 4-Dec. 18.................. 25 ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 5-Jan. 9................... 25 ..............
Brant: ................................ .............. ..............
Inland Zone........................... Oct. 4-Nov. 22.................. 2 4
Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 5-Nov. 23.................. 2 4
New Jersey
Ducks:.................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone............................ Oct. 8-Oct. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 12-Dec. 31................. .............. ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 15-Oct. 29 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 15-Jan. 7.................. .............. ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 5-Nov. 12 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 24-Jan. 24................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada and White-fronted Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
North Zone............................ Nov. 12-Nov. 26 &............... 3 6
[[Page 59279]]
Dec. 10-Jan. 16................. 3 6
South Zone............................ Nov. 19-Dec 3 &................. 3 6
Dec. 10-Jan. 16................. 3 6
Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 24-Dec. 3 &................ 3 6
Dec. 6-Jan. 16.................. 3 6
(Special season)...................... Jan. 17-Feb. 15................. 5 10
Light Geese:
North Zone............................ Oct. 15-Feb. 15................. 25 ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 15-Feb. 15................. 25 ..............
Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 15-Feb. 15................. 25 ..............
Brant: ................................ .............. ..............
North Zone............................ Oct. 8-Oct. 27 &................ 2 4
Nov. 24-Dec. 31................. 2 4
South Zone............................ Oct. 15-Oct. 29 &............... 2 4
Nov. 19-Dec. 31................. 2 4
Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 5-Nov. 12 &................ 2 4
Nov. 24-Jan. 12................. 2 4
New York
Ducks and Mergansers:..................... ................................ 6 12
Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 5-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 12-Oct. 16 &............... .............. ..............
Oct. 29-Dec. 22................. .............. ..............
Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Oct. 10 &................ .............. ..............
Oct. 22-Dec. 10................. .............. ..............
Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 8-Oct. 16 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 5-Dec. 25.................. .............. ..............
Western Zone.......................... Oct. 22-Dec. 5 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 26-Jan. 9.................. .............. ..............
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Western Long Island (AFRP)............ Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 8 16
Dec. 1-Mar. 10.................. 8 16
Central Long Island (NAP-L)........... Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 3 6
Dec. 1-Feb. 4................... 3 6
Eastern Long Island (NAP-H)........... Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 5-Jan. 29.................. 2 4
Lake Champlain (AP) Zone.............. Oct. 20-Dec. 3.................. 3 6
Northeast (AP) Zone................... Oct. 22-Dec. 5.................. 3 6
East Central (AP) Zone................ Oct. 22-Nov. 18 &............... 3 6
Nov. 26-Dec. 12................. 3 6
Hudson Valley (AP) Zone............... Oct. 22-Nov. 18 &............... 3 6
Dec. 17-Jan. 2.................. 3 6
West Central (AP) Zone................ Oct. 22-Nov. 20 &............... 3 6
Dec. 26-Jan. 9.................. 3 6
South (AFRP).......................... Oct. 22-Dec. 10 &............... 5 10
Dec. 26-Jan. 9 &................ 5 10
Feb. 25-Mar. 10................. 5 10
(Special season)...................... Feb. 5-Feb. 15.................. 5 10
Light Geese (6): ................................ .............. ..............
Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 24-Mar. 9.................. 25 ..............
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 ..............
Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Dec. 31 &................ 25 ..............
Feb. 25-Mar. 10................. 25 ..............
Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Jan. 5 &................. 25 ..............
Mar. 1-Mar. 10.................. 25 ..............
Western Zone.......................... Oct. 22-Dec. 10 &............... 25 ..............
Dec. 26-Jan. 9 &................ 25 ..............
Jan. 29-Mar. 10................. 25 ..............
Brant:
Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 15-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 12-Nov. 30................. 2 4
Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Nov. 19.................. 2 4
Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 8-Nov. 26.................. 2 4
Western Zone.......................... Oct. 2-Nov. 20.................. 2 4
North Carolina
Ducks (7)................................. Oct. 5-Oct. 8 &................. 6 12
Nov. 12-Dec. 3 &................ 6 12
Dec. 17-Jan. 28................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
[[Page 59280]]
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
RP Hunt Zone.......................... Oct. 5-Oct. 15 &................ 5 10
Nov. 12-Dec. 3 &................ 5 10
Dec. 17-Feb. 4.................. 5 10
SJBP Hunt Zone........................ Oct. 5-Nov. 4 &................. 5 10
Nov. 12-Dec. 31................. 5 10
Northeast Hunt Zone (8)............... Jan. 21-Jan. 28................. 1 2
Light Geese (9)........................... Oct. 19-Oct. 22 &............... 25 ..............
Nov. 12-Mar. 10................. 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 2 4
Dec. 17-Jan. 28................. 2 4
Pennsylvania
Ducks:.................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone............................ Oct. 8-Oct. 22 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 11-Jan. 4.................. .............. ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 15-Oct. 22 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 15-Jan. 14................. .............. ..............
Northwest Zone........................ Oct. 8-Dec. 16.................. .............. ..............
Lake Erie Zone........................ Oct. 24-Dec. 31................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
AP Zone............................... Nov. 15-Nov. 26 &............... 3 6
Dec. 17-Jan. 25................. 3 6
SJBP Zone............................. Oct. 22-Nov. 26 &............... 3 6
Dec. 12-Jan. 25................. 3 6
Resident (RP) Zone.................... Oct. 22-Oct. 29 &............... 5 10
Nov. 11-Nov. 26 &............... 5 10
Dec. 20-Feb. 25................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Oct. 25-Jan. 25................. 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Oct. 8-Dec. 5................... 2 4
Rhode Island
Ducks..................................... Oct. 7-Oct. 10 &................ 6 12
Nov. 23-Nov. 27 &............... 6 12
Dec. 3-Jan. 22.................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 3-Jan. 22.................. 2 4
(Special season)...................... Jan. 27-Feb. 12................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Oct. 8-Jan. 22.................. 15 ..............
Brant..................................... Dec. 4-Jan. 22.................. 2 4
South Carolina
Ducks (10)(11)............................ Nov. 19-Nov. 26 &............... 6 12
Dec. 3 only &................... 6 12
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Mergansers (12)........................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada and White-fronted Geese (13)....... Nov. 19-Nov. 26 &............... 5 10
Dec. 3-Feb. 3 &................. 5 10
Feb. 6-Feb. 9................... 5 10
Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Dec. 11-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Vermont
Ducks:.................................... ................................ 6 12
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 12-Oct 16 &................ .............. ..............
Oct. 29-Dec. 22................. .............. ..............
Interior Zone......................... Oct. 12-Dec. 10................. .............. ..............
Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 4-Nov. 6 &................. .............. ..............
Nov. 23-Dec. 18................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 20-Dec. 3.................. 3 6
Interior Zone......................... Oct. 20-Dec. 3.................. 3 6
Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 4-Nov. 6 &................. 2 4
Nov. 23-Dec. 18................. 2 4
Light Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 ..............
Interior Zone......................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 ..............
Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 4-Dec. 18.................. 25 ..............
Brant: ................................ .............. ..............
[[Page 59281]]
Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 12-Nov. 30................. 2 4
Interior Zone......................... Oct. 12-Nov. 30................. 2 4
Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 4-Nov. 22.................. 2 4
Virginia
Ducks (14)................................ Oct. 6-Oct. 10 &................ 6 12
Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 6 12
Dec. 10-Jan. 28................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese: ................................ .............. ..............
Eastern (AP) Zone..................... Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 2 4
Dec. 23-Jan. 28................. 2 4
Western (SJBP) Zone................... Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 3 6
Dec. 15-Jan. 14 &............... 3 6
(Special season)...................... Jan. 16-Feb. 15................. 5 10
Western (RP) Zone..................... Nov. 19-Dec. 3 &................ 5 10
Dec. 10-Feb. 25................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Oct. 6-Feb. 4................... 25 ..............
Brant..................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 26 &............... 2 4
Dec. 10-Jan. 28................. 2 4
West Virginia
Ducks (15)................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 8 &................. 6 12
Nov. 14-Nov. 19 &............... 6 12
Dec. 14-Jan. 28................. 6 12
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 29 &................ 5 10
Dec. 12-Jan. 31................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 5 10
Brant..................................... Dec. 14-Jan. 28................. 2 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In Delaware, the Bombay Hook NWR snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
(2) In Maine, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 8 of any one
species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed.
(3) In Maryland, the black duck season is closed October 15 through October 22.
(4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the
flyway-wide bag restrictions.
(5) In Massachusetts, the special season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone
north of the Cape Cod Canal.
(6) In New York, light geese may be taken with the aid of recorded or electrically amplified calls in any area
or zone when all other waterfowl seasons are closed.
(7) In North Carolina, the season is closed for black ducks October 5 through October 8 and November 12 through
November 18. The daily bag limit for black and mottled ducks is combined with no more than 1 allowed in the
daily bag.
(8) In North Carolina, a permit is required to hunt Canada geese in the Northeast Hunt Zone.
(9) In North Carolina, electronic calls and unplugged shotguns are allowed for light geese from February 6
through March 10.
(10) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling duck, and 1 black duck
or 1 mottled duck in the aggregate.
(11) In South Carolina, on December 3, 2011, only youth less than 18 years of age may hunt, but they must be
accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age who is fully licensed, including a Federal Waterfowl
Stamp, State waterfowl stamp, and HIP permit. Youth who are 16 and 17 years of age, who hunt, must possess a
Federal Waterfowl Stamp and HIP permit.
(12) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit for mergansers may include no more than 1 hooded merganser.
(13) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese.
(14) In Virginia, the season is closed for black ducks October 6 through October 10.
(15) In West Virginia, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks and the season is closed
for eiders, whistling ducks, and mottled ducks.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more
than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled
duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, and
3 wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Merganser Limits: The merganser limits include no more than 2
hooded mergansers daily and 4 in possession. In states that include
mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the
duck bag limit, of which only 2 daily and 4 in possession may be hooded
mergansers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Nov. 25-Nov. 26 &...............
Dec. 3-Jan. 29..................
South Zone................................ Same as North Zone.............. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
[[Page 59282]]
Dark Geese:
North Zone:
SJBP Zone............................. Sept. 24-Oct. 5 &............... 2 4
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. 2 4
Rest of North Zone.................... Same as SJBP Zone............... 2 4
South Zone................................ Same as Rest of North Zone...... 2 4
Light Geese:
North Zone:
SJBP Zone............................. Same as Rest of North Zone...... 5 5
Monroe and Escambia Counties.......... Sept. 24-Oct. 5 &............... 5 5
Oct. 29-Nov. 13 &............... 5 10
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. 5 5
Rest of North Zone.................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 5
South Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 5
Arkansas
Ducks......................................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... 6 12
Dec. 8-Dec. 23 &................ 6 12
Dec. 26-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
1Northwest Zone........................... Sept. 24-Oct. 3 &............... 2 4
Nov. 19-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Remainder of State........................ Nov. 19-Jan. 29................. 2 4
White-fronted Geese........................... Nov. 19-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Closed.......................... .............. ..............
Light Geese................................... Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 20 ..............
Illinois
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Dec. 13................. .............. ..............
Central Zone.............................. Oct. 22-Dec. 20................. .............. ..............
South Central Zone........................ Nov. 12-Jan. 10................. .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Nov. 24-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Jan. 7.................. 2 4
Central Zone.............................. Oct. 22-Nov. 6 &................ 2 4
Nov. 24-Jan. 31................. 2 4
South Central Zone........................ Nov. 12-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 13-Jan. 31................. 2 4
South Zone................................ Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 1-Jan. 31.................. 2 4
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone................................ Oct. 26-Jan. 7.................. 2 4
Central Zone.............................. Nov. 19-Jan. 31................. 2 4
South Central Zone........................ Nov. 12-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 5-Jan. 31.................. 2 4
South Zone................................ Nov. 24-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Same as for Light Geese......... 1 2
Light Geese:
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Jan. 7.................. 20 ..............
Central Zone.............................. Oct. 22-Jan. 31................. 20 ..............
South Central Zone........................ Nov. 12-Jan. 31................. 20 ..............
South Zone................................ Nov. 24-Jan. 31................. 20 ..............
Indiana
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Dec. 11 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 24-Dec. 25................. .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Oct. 22-Oct. 30 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 23-Jan. 12................. .............. ..............
Ohio River Zone........................... Oct. 29-Oct. 30 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 26-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Nov. 6 &................ 2 4
Nov. 23-Jan. 8 &................ 2 4
Jan. 14-Jan. 17................. 2 4
South Zone................................ Oct. 22-Oct. 30 &............... 2 4
Nov. 23-Jan. 26................. 2 4
Ohio River Zone........................... Oct. 29-Oct. 30 &............... 2 4
[[Page 59283]]
Nov. 21-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Late Season Zone.......................... Feb. 1-Feb. 15.................. 5 10
White-fronted Geese........................... Oct. 15-Nov. 6 &................ 1 2
Nov. 23-Jan. 26................. 1 2
Brant......................................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 1 2
Light Geese................................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 20 ..............
Iowa
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
North Duck Zone........................... Sept. 17-Sept. 21 &............. .............. ..............
Oct. 15-Dec. 8.................. .............. ..............
South Duck Zone........................... Sept. 17-Sept. 21 &............. .............. ..............
Oct. 22-Dec. 15................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
North Goose Zone.......................... Sept. 24-Oct. 9 &............... 2 4
Oct. 15-Oct. 31 &............... 2 4
Nov. 1-Jan. 4................... 3 6
South Goose Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Oct. 16 &................ 2 4
Oct. 22-Oct. 31 &............... 2 4
Nov. 1-Jan. 11.................. 3 6
White-fronted Geese:
North Goose Zone.......................... Sept. 24-Dec. 6................. 2 4
South Goose Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Dec. 13.................. 2 4
Brant:
North Goose Zone.......................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
South Goose Zone.......................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese:
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Jan. 8................. 20 ..............
South Goose Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 20 ..............
Kentucky
Ducks: ................................ 6 12
West Zone................................. Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 5-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
East Zone................................. Same as for West Zone........... .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 4
White-fronted Geese........................... Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Light Geese................................... Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 20 ..............
Louisiana
Ducks: ................................ 6 12
West Zone................................. Nov. 12-Dec. 4 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 17-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
East Zone (including Catahoula Lake)...... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese (1).............................. Dec. 17-Jan. 29................. 1 2
White-fronted (1):
West Zone................................. Nov. 12-Dec. 4 &................ 2 4
Dec. 17-Feb. 5.................. 2 4
East Zone................................. Nov. 5-Nov. 27 &................ 2 4
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Closed.......................... .............. ..............
Light Geese................................... Same as for White-fronted....... 20 ..............
Michigan
Ducks (2)..................................... 6 12
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Nov. 18 &.............. .............. ..............
Nov. 24-Nov. 27................. .............. ..............
Middle Zone............................... Oct. 1-Nov. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 3-Dec. 4................... .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Oct. 8-Dec. 4 &................. .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Dec. 11................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
North Zone................................ Sept. 17-Oct. 31................ 2 4
Middle Zone............................... Oct. 1-Nov. 8 &................. 2 4
Nov. 24-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 3-Dec. 4................... 2 4
[[Page 59284]]
South Zone:
Muskegon Wastewater GMU............... Oct. 11-Nov. 13 &............... 2 4
Dec. 1-Dec. 11.................. 2 4
Allegan County GMU.................... Nov. 12-Nov. 30 &............... 2 4
Dec. 10-Dec. 20 &............... 2 4
Dec. 31-Jan. 14................. 2 4
Saginaw County GMU.................... Oct. 8-Nov. 10 &................ 2 4
Nov. 24-Dec. 4 &................ 2 4
Dec. 31-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Tuscola/Huron GMU..................... Same as Saginaw County GMU...... 2 4
Remainder of South Zone............... Oct. 8-Nov. 10 &................ 2 4
Nov. 24-Dec. 4 &................ 2 4
Dec. 31-Jan. 29................. 5 10
White-fronted Geese and Brant................. Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 60
Minnesota
Ducks:
North Duck Zone........................... Sept. 24-Nov. 22................ 6 12
South Duck Zone........................... Sept. 24-Sept. 25 &............. 6 12
Oct. 1-Nov. 27.................. 6 12
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots (3)..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Geese:
North Duck Zone:.......................... Sept. 24-Dec. 17................ .............. ..............
Canada................................ ................................ 3 6
White-fronted and Brant............... ................................ 1 2
Light Geese........................... ................................ 20 40
South Duck Zone:.......................... Sept. 24-Sept. 25............... .............. ..............
Oct. 1-Dec. 22.................. .............. ..............
Canada................................ ................................ 3 6
White-fronted and Brant............... ................................ 1 2
Light Geese........................... ................................ 20 40
Rochester Zone:........................... Sept. 24-Sept 25 &.............. .............. ..............
Oct. 1- Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 8-Jan. 1................... .............. ..............
Canada................................ ................................ 3 6
White-fronted and Brant............... ................................ 1 2
Light Geese........................... ................................ 20 40
Mississippi
Ducks......................................... Nov. 25-Nov. 27 &............... 6 12
Dec. 2-Dec. 4 &................. 6 12
Dec. 7-Jan. 29.................. 6 12
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.................................. Nov. 21-Jan. 29................. 3 6
White-fronted................................. Nov. 17-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 2 4
Light Geese................................... Same as for White-fronted....... 20 ..............
Missouri
Ducks and Mergansers.......................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Oct. 29-Dec. 27................. .............. ..............
Middle Zone............................... Nov. 5-Jan. 3................... .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Nov. 24-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.................................. Oct. 1-Oct. 9 &................. 3 6
Nov. 24-Jan. 31................. 3 6
White-fronted Geese........................... Nov. 24-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese................................... Oct. 29-Jan. 31................. 20 ..............
Ohio
Ducks (2)..................................... ................................ 6 12
Lake Erie Marsh Zone...................... Oct. 15-Oct. 30 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 12-Dec. 25................. .............. ..............
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Oct. 30 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 19-Jan. 1.................. .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Oct. 22-Nov. 6 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 17-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
Lake Erie Goose Zone...................... Oct. 15-Oct. 30 &............... 2 4
Nov. 12-Jan. 8.................. 2 4
[[Page 59285]]
North Zone................................ Oct. 15-Oct. 30 &............... 2 4
Nov. 19-Jan. 1 &................ 2 4
Jan. 9-Jan. 22.................. 2 4
South Zone................................ Oct. 22-Nov. 20 &............... 2 4
Dec. 17-Jan. 29................. 2 4
White-fronted Geese........................... Same as for Canada geese........ 2 4
Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 10 20
Tennessee
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
Reelfoot Zone............................. Nov. 12-Nov. 13 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
State Zone................................ Nov. 26-Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
Northwest Zone............................ Dec. 3-Feb. 12.................. 2 4
Southwest Zone............................ Oct. 8-Oct. 19 &................ 2 4
Nov. 26-Nov. 27 &............... 2 4
Dec. 3-Jan. 29.................. 2 4
Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone............... Same as Southwest Zone.......... 2 4
Rest of State............................. Same as Southwest Zone.......... 2 4
White-fronted Geese........................... Dec. 3-Feb. 12.................. 2 4
Brant......................................... Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 4
Light Geese................................... Nov. 25-Mar. 10................. 20 ..............
Wisconsin
Ducks (2)..................................... ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Nov. 22................ .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 9 &................. .............. ..............
Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. .............. ..............
Mississippi River Zone.................... Sept. 24-Oct. 2 &............... .............. ..............
Oct. 15-Dec. 4.................. .............. ..............
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
-------------------------------
Canada Geese:
Horicon Zone.............................. Sept. 16-Dec. 16................ Tag System--See State
Regulations
-------------------------------
Exterior Zone:
North Portion:
Brown Co. Subzone--North.............. Sept. 16-Dec. 9................. 2 4
Remainder of North Portion............ Sept. 16-Dec. 9................. 2 4
South Portion:
Brown Co. Subzone--South.............. Sept. 16-Oct. 9 &............... 2 4
Oct. 15-Dec. 14................. 2 4
Mississippi River Subzone......... Sept. 24-Oct. 2 &............... 2 4
Oct. 15-Dec. 29................. 2 4
Remainder of South Portion........ Same as Brown Co. Subzone--South 2 4
White-fronted Geese:
Horicon Zone.............................. Sept. 20-Dec. 16................ 1 2
Exterior Zones............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Brant......................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 10 20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In Louisiana, during the Canada goose season, the daily bag limit is 2 dark geese (whitefronts and Canada
geese) with no more than 1 Canada goose. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
(2) In Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the daily bag limit may include no more than one hen mallard.
(3) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 30 coots and moorhens in the aggregate.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no
more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 mottled duck, 2 pintails, 1
canvasback, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit
is twice the daily bag limit.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers with 10 in
possession and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers daily and 4
in possession. In states that include mergansers in the duck bag limit,
the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2
daily and 4 in possession may be hooded mergansers.
[[Page 59286]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
Southeast Zone............................ Oct. 26-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Northeast Zone:........................... Oct. 8-Dec. 4 &................. .............. ..............
Dec. 23-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Mountain/Foothills Zone:.................. Oct. 1-Nov. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 23-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Mergansers.................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Dark Geese:
Northern Front Range Unit................. Oct. 1-Oct. 15 &................ 4 8
Nov. 19-Feb. 12................. 4 8
South Park/San Luis Valley Unit........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 4 8
North Park Unit........................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 4 8
Rest of State in Central Flyway........... Nov. 19-Feb. 12................. 4 8
Light Geese:
Northern Front Range Unit................. Oct. 29-Feb. 12................. 20 ..............
South Park/San Luis Valley Unit........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 ..............
North Park Unit........................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 ..............
Rest of State in Central Flyway........... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 ..............
Kansas
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Oct. 8-Jan. 2 &................. .............. ..............
Jan. 21-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Low Plains:
Early Zone............................ Oct. 8-Dec. 4 &................. .............. ..............
Dec. 17-Jan. 1.................. .............. ..............
Late Zone............................. Oct. 29-Jan. 1 &................ .............. ..............
Jan. 21-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Southeast Zone........................ Nov. 5-Jan. 8 &................. .............. ..............
Jan. 21-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese and Brant.................... Oct. 29-Nov. 6 &................ 3 6
Nov. 9-Feb. 12.................. 3 6
White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 29-Jan. 1 &................ 2 4
Feb. 4-Feb. 12.................. 2 4
Light Geese............................... Oct. 29-Nov. 6 &................ 20 ..............
Nov. 9-Feb. 12.................. 20 ..............
Montana
Ducks and Mergansers: ................................ 6 12
Zone 1.................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 5................... .............. ..............
Zone 2.................................... Same as for Zone 1.............. .............. ..............
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Dark Geese................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 4 8
Light Geese............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 6 12
Nebraska
Ducks: ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Oct. 8-Jan. 11.................. .............. ..............
Low Plains:
Zones 1 and 2:........................ Oct. 15-Oct. 16 &............... .............. ..............
Oct. 22-Jan. 1.................. .............. ..............
Zones 3 and 4:........................ Oct. 8-Dec. 18 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 23-Dec. 24................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese:
Niobrara Unit............................. Oct. 24-Feb. 5.................. 3 6
East Unit................................. Oct. 8-Oct. 16 &................ 3 6
Oct. 22-Jan. 25................. 3 6
North Central Unit........................ Oct. 8-Jan. 20.................. 3 6
Platte River Unit......................... Oct. 24-Feb 5................... 3 6
Panhandle Unit............................ Nov. 12-Feb. 5.................. 3 6
White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 8-Dec. 18 &................ 2 4
Feb. 4-Feb. 5................... 1 2
Light Geese............................... Oct. 8-Jan. 4 &................. 20 ..............
Jan. 21-Feb. 5.................. 20 ..............
New Mexico
Ducks and Mergansers (1): ................................ 6 12
North Zone................................ Oct. 8-Jan. 11.................. .............. ..............
South Zone................................ Oct. 26-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
[[Page 59287]]
Dark Geese (2):
Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit (2)......... Dec. 31-Jan. 22................. 2 2
Rest of State............................. Oct. 15-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Light Geese............................... Oct. 15-Jan. 29................. 20 80
North Dakota
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Sept. 24-Dec. 4 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 1.................. .............. ..............
Remainder of State........................ Sept. 24-Dec. 4................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese (3):
Missouri River Zone....................... Sept. 24-Dec. 30................ 3 6
Rest of State............................. Sept. 24-Dec. 22................ 3 6
White-fronted Geese....................... Sept. 24-Dec. 4................. 2 4
Light Geese............................... Sept. 24-Dec. 30................ 20 ..............
Oklahoma
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Oct. 8-Jan. 4................... .............. ..............
Low Plains:
Zone 1:............................... Oct. 29-Nov. 27 &............... .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
Zone 2:............................... Nov. 5-Nov. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese.............................. Oct. 29-Nov. 27 &............... 3 6
Dec. 10-Feb. 12................. 3 6
White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 29-Nov. 27 &............... 1 2
Dec. 10-Feb. 5.................. 1 2
Light Geese............................... Oct. 29-Nov. 27 &............... 20 ..............
Dec. 10-Feb. 12................. 20 ..............
South Dakota
Ducks......................................... ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Oct. 8-Dec. 20 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 21-Jan. 12................. .............. ..............
Low Plains:
North Zone............................ Sept. 24-Dec. 6................. .............. ..............
Middle Zone........................... Same as for North Zone.......... .............. ..............
South Zone............................ Oct. 8-Dec. 20.................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
White-fronted Geese....................... Sept. 24-Dec. 18................ 1 2
Canada Geese:
Unit 1.................................... Oct. 1-Dec. 18.................. 3 6
Unit 2.................................... Oct. 29-Feb. 10................. 3 6
Unit 3.................................... Oct. 15-Dec. 18 &............... 3 6
Jan. 7-Jan. 15.................. 3 6
Light Geese............................... Sept. 24-Dec. 18................ 20 ..............
Texas
Ducks (4):................................ ................................ 6 12
High Plains............................... Oct. 29-Oct. 30 &............... .............. ..............
Nov. 4-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Low Plains:
North Zone............................ Nov. 5-Nov. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Canada Geese and Brant:
East Tier:
South Zone............................ Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
North Zone............................ Same as for South Zone.......... 3 6
West Tier (5)............................. Nov. 5-Feb. 5................... 5 10
White-fronted Geese:
East Tier:
South Zone............................ Nov. 5-Jan. 15.................. 2 4
North Zone............................ Same as for South Zone.......... 2 4
West Tier (5)............................. Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2
Light Geese:
East Tier:
South Zone............................ Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 20 ..............
[[Page 59288]]
North Zone............................ Same as for South Zone.......... .............. ..............
West Tier................................. Same as for Canada geese........ .............. ..............
Wyoming
Ducks (6)..................................... ................................ 6 12
Zone C1................................... Oct. 1-Oct. 16 &................ ..............
Oct. 29-Jan. 17.................
Zone C2................................... Sept. 24-Nov. 27 &.............. .............. ..............
Dec. 10-Jan. 10................. .............. ..............
Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10
Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30
Dark Geese:
Zone C1:
Goshen/Platte Co. (7)................. Oct. 1-Oct. 16 &................ 2 4
Nov. 19-Feb. 12................. 4 8
Rest of Zone C1....................... Oct. 1-Oct. 16 &................ 5 10
Nov. 5-Dec. 4 &................. 5 10
Dec. 10-Feb. 6.................. 5 10
Zone C2:
Big Horn/Fremont Co................... Sept. 24-Oct. 18 &.............. 5 10
Nov. 5-Dec. 4 &................. 5 10
Dec. 10-Jan. 28................. 5 10
Rest of Zone C2....................... Sept. 24-Nov. 27 &.............. 5 10
Dec. 10-Jan. 18................. 5 10
Light Geese............................... Oct. 1-Dec. 25 &................ 10 40
Jan. 28-Feb. 15................. 10 40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In New Mexico, Mexican-like ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards.
(2) In New Mexico, the season for dark geese is closed in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Sierra, and Valencia Counties.
In the Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit, a state permit is required.
(3) In North Dakota, see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions.
(4) In Texas, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be
hens), 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 1 canvasback, 2 pintails, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, black duck
and their hybrids, or Mexican-like duck). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season
in all zones. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
(5) In Texas, in the West Tier the daily bag limit for dark geese is in the aggregate and may include no more
than 1 white-fronted goose.
(6) In Wyoming, the daily bag limit may include no more than 1 hen mallard.
(7) See State regulations for additional restrictions.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 7 ducks
(including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 2
pintails, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 1 canvasback. The possession limit
is twice the daily bag limit.
Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: Daily bag and possession limits are
in the aggregate for the two species.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates -------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona
Ducks (1):.................................... ................................ 7 14
North Zone:
Scaup................................. Oct. 22-Jan. 15................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct.7-Jan.15.................... .............. ..............
South Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Coots and moorhens........................ Same as Other Ducks............. 25 25
Dark Geese (2):
North Zone:............................... Oct. 7-Jan. 15.................. 3 6
South Zone:............................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. 3 6
Light Geese:
North Zone:............................... Oct. 7-Jan. 15.................. 4 8
South Zone:............................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. 4 8
California
Ducks:........................................ ................................ 7 14
Northeastern Zone:
Scaup................................. Oct. 8-Jan. 1................... 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 8-Jan. 20.................. .............. ..............
Colorado River Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Southern Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
[[Page 59289]]
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 12-Jan. 29................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 8-Oct. 30 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 12-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Balance-of-State Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Coots and moorhens........................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese:
Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 8-Jan. 15.................. 6 12
Small Canada Geese (3)................ ................................ 6 12
Large Canada Geese (4)................ ................................ 2 4
White-fronted Geese................... ................................ 6 12
Colorado River Zone....................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. 3 6
Southern Zone............................. Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 3 6
Balance-of-State Zone..................... ................................ 8 16
Small Canada geese (3)................ Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Large Canada geese (4)................ Oct. 1-Oct. 5................... 6 12
Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
White-fronted Geese:
Sacramento Valley................. Oct. 22-Dec. 21................. 2 4
Rest of Zone...................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29 &............... 6 12
Feb. 18-Feb. 22................. 6 12
Del Norte & Humboldt Counties: ................................ 6 12
Small Canada geese (3)................ Nov. 5-Jan. 26 &................ 6 12
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 6 12
Large Canada geese (4)................ Nov. 5-Jan. 26.................. 1 2
White-fronted Geese................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Light Geese:
Northeastern Zone......................... Oct. 8-Jan. 15.................. 6 12
Colorado River Zone....................... Oct. 21-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Southern Zone:
Imperial Valley....................... Nov. 5-Jan. 29 &................ 6 12
Feb. 11-Feb. 26................. 6 12
Rest of Zone.......................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Balance-of-State Zone..................... Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Del Norte & Humboldt Counties............. Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. 6 12
Brant:
North Zone................................ Nov. 7-Dec. 6................... 2 4
South Zone................................ Nov. 12-Dec. 11................. 2 4
Colorado:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Scaup..................................... Sept. 24-Oct. 10 &.............. 3 6
Nov. 3-Jan. 10.................. 3 6
Other Ducks............................... Sept. 24-Oct. 10 &.............. .............. ..............
Nov. 3-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese.................................... Sept. 25-Oct. 2 &............... 4 8
Nov. 4-Jan. 30.................. 4 8
Light Geese................................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20
Idaho:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Zone 1:
Scaup................................. Oct. 22-Jan. 13................. 3 6
Other Ducks............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. .............. ..............
Zone 2.................................... Same as for Zone 1.............. .............. ..............
Zone 3:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 27.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese:
Zone 1.................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 4 8
Zone 2.................................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 4 8
Zone 3.................................... Same as for Zone 1.............. 3 6
Light Geese:
Zone 1 (5)................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 10 20
Zone 2.................................... Nov. 6-Jan. 27 &................ 10 20
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 10 20
Zone 3.................................... Oct. 23-Jan. 13 &............... 10 20
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 10 20
Montana:
[[Page 59290]]
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Scaup..................................... Oct. 1-Dec. 23.................. 3 6
Other Ducks............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese (6)................................ Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 4 8
Light Geese................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 13.................. 6 12
Nevada:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Northeast Zone:
Scaup................................. Sept. 24-Dec. 16................ 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Sept. 24-Jan. 6................. .............. ..............
Northwest Zone (7):
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 27.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. .............. ..............
South Zone (8):
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 27.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. .............. ..............
Coots and moorhens............................ Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese:
Northeast Zone............................ Sept. 24-Jan. 6................. 3 6
Northwest Zone............................ Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 3 6
South Zone (8)............................ Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 3 6
Light Geese (9):
Northeast Zone............................ Sept. 24-Jan. 6................. 10 20
Northwest Zone............................ Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 10 20
South Zone (8)............................ Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 10 20
New Mexico:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Scaup..................................... Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 2 4
Other Ducks............................... Oct. 17-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 12 24
Moorhens and gallinules....................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 12 24
Dark Geese:
North Zone................................ Sept. 24-Oct. 9 &............... 3 6
Oct. 31-Jan. 29................. 3 6
South Zone................................ Oct. 15-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Light Geese:
North Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20
South Zone................................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20
Oregon:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Zone 1:
Columbia Basin Unit:
Scaup............................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
Other Ducks....................... Oct. 15-Oct. 23 &............... .............. ..............
Oct. 26-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
Rest of Zone 1............................ Same as Columbia Basin Unit..... .............. ..............
Zone 2:
Scaup................................. Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 3 6
Nov. 30-Jan. 3.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 30-Jan. 22................. .............. ..............
Coots......................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Geese:
Northwest General Goose Zone:
Dark Geese............................ Oct. 15-Oct. 23 &............... 4 8
Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 4 8
Small Canada Geese (3)............ ................................ 3 6
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12
Northwest Special Permit Zone (10):
Dark Geese................................ Nov. 5-Nov. 13 &................ 4 8
Nov. 26-Jan. 15 &............... 4 8
Feb. 4-Mar. 10.................. 4 8
-------------------------------
Dusky Canada geese................ ................................ 1 per season
-------------------------------
Small Canada geese (3)............ ................................ 2 4
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 4 8
Southwest General Zone:
Dark Geese............................ Oct. 15-Dec. 2 &................ 4 8
Dec. 10-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12
[[Page 59291]]
South Coast Zone:
Dark Geese............................ Oct. 1-Oct. 30 &................ 4 8
Nov. 24-Jan. 15 &............... 4 8
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 4 8
Light Geese........................... Oct. 1-Oct. 30 &................ 6 12
Nov. 24-Jan. 15................. 6 12
Harney and Lake County Zone:
Dark Geese:........................... Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 4 8
Dec. 12-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Small Canada geese.................... ................................ 1 2
White-fronted geese:
Lake County........................... ................................ 1 2
Rest of Zone.......................... ................................ 4 8
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12
Malheur County Zone:
Dark Geese............................ Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 4 8
Dec. 12-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Light Geese........................... Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 10 20
Dec. 29-Jan. 29 &............... 10 20
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 10 20
Klamath County Zone:
Dark Geese:........................... Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 4 8
Dec. 17-Jan. 17 &............... 4 8
White-fronted geese (Special season).. Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 4 8
Light Geese........................... Oct. 8-Nov. 27 &................ 6 12
Dec. 17-Jan. 17 &............... 6 12
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 6 12
Eastern Zone:
Dark Geese............................ Oct. 15-Oct. 23 &............... 4 8
Oct. 31-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12
Tillamook County (10):
Dark Geese............................ Dec. 3-Jan. 15 &................ 4 8
Jan. 21-Mar. 10................. 4 8
Small Canada Geese (3)............ ................................ 3 6
Light Geese........................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 4 8
Brant..................................... Nov. 19-Dec. 4.................. 2 4
Utah: (11)
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Zone 1:
Scaup................................. Oct. 1-Dec. 24.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 1-Jan. 14.................. .............. ..............
Zone 2:................................... Same as for Zone 1.............. .............. ..............
Coots................................. Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Geese:
Light:
North Goose Zone.................. Oct. 22-Jan. 14 &............... 10 20
Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 10 20
Rest of State..................... Oct. 14-Jan. 14 &............... 10 20
Mar. 1-Mar. 10.................. 10 20
Dark:
North Goose Zone.................. Oct. 1-Jan. 14.................. 3 6
Rest of State..................... Oct. 1-Oct. 13 &................ 3 6
Oct. 29-Jan. 29................. 3 6
Washington:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
East Zone:
Scaup................................. Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Oct. 15-Oct 19 &................ .............. ..............
Oct. 22-Jan. 29................. .............. ..............
West Zone (12)............................ Same as the East Zone........... .............. ..............
Coots..................................... Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Geese:
Management Area 1 (13):................... ................................ 4 8
Light Geese........................... Oct 15-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Dark Geese............................ Oct 15-Oct. 27 &................ .............. ..............
Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. .............. ..............
Management Area 2A (14):.................. Nov. 12-Nov. 23 &............... 4 8
Nov. 26-Nov. 28 &............... 4 8
Dec. 7-Jan. 29.................. 4 8
-------------------------------
Dusky Canada geese................ ................................ 1 per season
-------------------------------
[[Page 59292]]
Late-Season Canada Geese:............. Feb. 4-Mar. 7................... 4 8
-------------------------------
Dusky Canada geese................ ................................ 1 per season
-------------------------------
Management Area 2B (14):.................. Oct. 15-Oct. 26 &............... 4 8
Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 4 8
-------------------------------
Dusky Canada geese................ ................................ 1 per season
-------------------------------
Management Areas 3 (13)............... Oct. 15-Oct. 27 &............... 4 8
Nov. 5-Jan. 29.................. 4 8
Management Areas 4 & 5 (13)........... Oct. 15-Oct. 19 &............... 4 8
Oct. 23-Jan. 29................. 4 8
Brant (15):
Skagit County......................... Jan. 14-Jan. 29................. 2 4
Pacific County........................ Jan. 7-Jan. 22.................. 2 4
Wyoming:
Ducks......................................... ................................ 7 14
Snake River Zone:
Scaup................................. Sept. 24-Dec. 18................ 3 6
Other Ducks........................... Sept. 24-Jan. 6................. .............. ..............
Balance of State Zone Same as Snake River Zone........ .............. ..............
Coots................................. Same as for Other Ducks......... 25 25
Dark Geese:........................... Sept. 24-Dec. 29................ 3 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In Arizona, the daily limit may include no more than either 2 hen mallards or 2 Mexican-like ducks, or 1 of
each; and not more than 4 hen mallards and Mexican-like ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession.
(2) In Arizona, in Yuma County, La Paz County, Game Management Units 13B, 15, and that portion of Unit 16 lying
within Mohave County, the bag and possession limits are 3 and 6 for Canada geese, respectively.
(3) In California and Oregon, small Canada geese are Cackling and Aleutian Canada geese.
(4) In California, large Canada geese are Western and Lesser Canada geese.
(5) In Idaho, the season on light geese is closed in Fremont and Teton Counties.
(6) In Montana, check State regulations for special seasons/exceptions in Freezeout Lake WMA; Canyon Ferry;
Flathead; Deer Lodge County; and Missoula County.
(7) In Nevada, in Churchill County, the daily bag limit may include no more than 1 wood duck.
(8) In Nevada, in the Moapa Valley portion of the Overton Wildlife Management Area, the open season for all
ducks, coots, moorhens, dark geese, and light geese is November 5 to January 27.
(9) In Nevada, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties.
(10) In Oregon, the Northwest Special Permit Zone is closed to all goose hunting, except for designated areas.
See State regulations for specific boundary descriptions, times, days, and other conditions of the special
permit season.
(11) In Utah, the shooting hours are 7:30 a.m. to sunset on October 1 in Cache, Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Box
Elder Counties.
(12) In Washington, the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed
ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession
limit, and the season limit, for harlequins is 1.
(13) In Washington, in State Goose Area 4, hunting is only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain
holidays. In State Goose Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is everyday. See State regulations for details, including
shooting hours.
(14) In Washington, see State regulations for specific dates and conditions of permit hunts and closures for
Canada geese.
(15) In Washington, brant may be hunted in Skagit and Pacific Counties only; see State regulations for specific
dates.
(f) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth Hunters must be accompanied into the field by an
adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons.
Definition
Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger.
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the September 1, 2011,
Federal Register (76 FR 54658). Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season dates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut.................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots...... Oct. 1 & Nov. 5.
* * * * * * *
Florida........................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and Feb. 4 & 5.
geese.
* * * * * * *
Maryland....................... Ducks, coots, snow geese, Canada geese, Oct. 29 & Nov. 5.
sea ducks, and brant.
Massachusetts.................. Ducks, mergansers, coots, and geese...... Oct. 8 & 10.
New Jersey..................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 1 & Nov. 5.
South Zone................. ......................................... Nov. 11 & 12.
Coastal Zone............... ......................................... Oct. 22 & 29.
* * * * * * *
North Carolina................. Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese (9), Dec. 10 & Feb. 4.
tundra swans (10), and coots.
* * * * * * *
South Carolina................. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots...... Feb. 4 & 5.
[[Page 59293]]
* * * * * * *
Virginia....................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Oct. 22 & Feb. 4.
gallinules, tundra swans (10), and
Canada geese (11).
* * * * * * *
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Arkansas....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Feb. 4 & 5.
moorhens, and gallinules.
Illinois....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 8 & 9.
Central Zone............... ......................................... Oct. 15 & 16.
South Central Zone......... ......................................... Nov. 5 & 6.
South Zone................. ......................................... Nov. 12 & 13
Indiana........................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens,
gallinules, and geese:
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 8 & 9.
South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 15 & 16.
Ohio River Zone............ ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
Iowa........................... Ducks, Canada geese, light geese,
mergansers, coots
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 1 & 2.
South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 8 & 9.
Kentucky....................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules:
West Zone.................. ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
East Zone.................. ......................................... Nov. 5 & 6.
Louisiana...................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens,
gallinules, and geese:
West Zone.................. ......................................... Nov. 5 & 6.
East Zone.................. ......................................... Nov. 12 & 13.
* * * * * * *
Mississippi.................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Feb. 4 & 5.
gallinules, and geese.
Missouri....................... Ducks, coots, mergansers, moorhens,
gallinules, and geese:
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
Middle Zone................ ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
South Zone................. ......................................... Nov. 19 & 20.
Ohio........................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Oct. 1 & 2.
gallinules, and geese.
Tennessee...................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens,
gallinules, and geese:
Reelfoot Zone.............. ......................................... Feb. 11 & 12.
Remainder of State......... ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
* * * * * * *
CENTRAL FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Kansas (5)..................... Ducks, dark geese, light geese,
mergansers and coots:
High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 1 & 2.
Low Plains:
Early Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 1 & 2.
Late Zone.............. ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
Southeast Zone......... ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
* * * * * * *
Oklahoma....................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, and geese:
High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 1 & 2.
Low Plains:
Zone 1................. ......................................... Oct. 15 & 16.
Zone 2................. ......................................... Oct. 29 & 30
* * * * * * *
Texas.......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, moorhens,
gallinules, and coots:
High Plains................ ......................................... Oct. 22 & 23.
Low Plains:
North Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 29 & 30.
South Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 29 & 30.
* * * * * * *
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona........................ Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules
North Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 1 & 2.
South Zone................. ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
California..................... Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules
Northeastern Zone.......... ......................................... Sept. 24 & 25.
Colorado River Zone........ ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
Southern Zone.............. ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
[[Page 59294]]
Southern San Joaquin Valley ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
Balance-of-State Zone...... ......................................... Feb. 4 & 5.
* * * * * * *
Nevada......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules
Northeast Zone............. ......................................... Sept. 17 & Jan 14.
Northwest Zone............. ......................................... Oct. 1 & Feb. 4.
South Zone................. ......................................... Oct. 22 & Feb. 4.
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In Maryland, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 Canada geese and 2 brant.
* * * * * * *
(5) In Kansas, the nonresident youth, must be licensed and possess state and federal duck stamps as required by
state or federal regulation to hunt waterfowl.
* * * * * * *
(9) In North Carolina, the daily bag limit in the Northeast Hunt Zone may not include dark geese except by
permit.
(10) In North Carolina and Virginia, the daily bag limit may not include tundra swans except by permit.
(11) In Virginia, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 2.
0
4. Section 20.106 is amended by adding the entries for the following
States in alphabetical order to read as follows:
Sec. 20.106 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of
this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates
inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession
limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:
Shooting and Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until
sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area
descriptions were published in the August 30, 2011, Federal Register
(76 FR 54052).
Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill
cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with
provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting
season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its
provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon
request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another
individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise
provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any
way, the permit becomes invalid.
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons
published previously in the September 1, 2011, Federal Register (76
FR 54658).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates Bag ---------------
Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Kentucky (1)(6)........................... Dec. 17-Jan. 15................. 2 2
* * * * * * *
CENTRAL FLYWAY
* * * * * * *
Oklahoma (1).............................. Oct. 22-Jan. 22................. 3 6
* * * * * * *
Texas (1):
Zone A................................ Nov. 5-Feb. 5................... 3 6
Zone B................................ Nov. 25-Feb. 5.................. 3 6
Zone C................................ Dec. 24-Jan. 29................. 2 4
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid Federal or State-issued
sandhill crane hunting permit in their possession while hunting. However, in those States where the State-
issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting also identifies the hunter
as a sandhill crane hunter, the separate sandhill crane permit identified above is not required.
* * * * * * *
(6) In Kentucky, the season limit is 2 cranes. If the harvest objective of 400 cranes is obtained before the
season ending date, the season will close.
0
5. Section 20.107 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.107 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for swans.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of
this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates
inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession
limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset,
except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Hunting is by
State permit only.
Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take
[[Page 59295]]
sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with
provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting
season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its
provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon
request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another
individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise
provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any
way, the permit becomes invalid.
Note: Successful permittees must immediately validate their
harvest by that method required in State regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season dates Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
North Carolina................... Nov. 12-Jan. 31........ 1 tundra swan per season.
Virginia......................... Dec. 1-Jan 31.......... 1 tundra swan per season.
CENTRAL FLYWAY (1)
Montana.......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 5.......... 1 tundra swan per season.
North Dakota..................... Oct. 1-Jan. 1.......... 1 tundra swan per season.
South Dakota..................... Oct. 1-Dec. 18......... 1 tundra swan per permit.
PACIFIC FLYWAY (1)(2)
Montana (3)...................... Oct. 15-Dec. 1......... 1 swan per season.
Nevada (4)(5).................... Oct. 15-Jan. 8......... 2 swans per season.
Utah (5)(6)...................... Oct. 1-Dec. 11......... 1 swan per season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting.
(2) Any species of swan may be taken.
(3) In Montana, all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest.
(4) All harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 5 days of harvest.
(5) Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 5 in Nevada and 10 in Utah. When it has been determined that the
quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah will have been filled, the season for taking of any swan
species in the respective State will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local
information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State
regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.
(6) In Utah, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest.
0
6. Section 20.109 is amended by adding the entries for the following
States in alphabetical order to read as follows:
Sec. 20.109 Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory
game birds by falconry.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of
this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates
inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the
species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except
as otherwise restricted by State regulations.
Area descriptions were published in the August 25, 2011 (76 FR
53536) and August 30, 2011 (76 FR 54052) Federal Registers.
Limits: The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory
game birds, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice
the daily bag limit. These limits apply to falconry during both regular
hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons--unless further
restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits
are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise
specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks
within the special sea duck areas.
Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only
extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State
regulations for details.
Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons
published previously in the September 1, 2011, Federal Register (76
FR 54658).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extended falconry dates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots............ Jan. 30-Mar. 2.
Brant................................... Jan. 30-Mar. 2.
Florida
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, light geese, and Oct. 30-Nov. 12 & Feb. 6-Mar. 2.
coots.
Georgia
Ducks, mergansers, gallinules, Nov. 28-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 10.
coots, and sea ducks.
Maine
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (4):
North Zone...................... Dec. 10-Feb. 1.
South Zone...................... Jan. 7-Feb. 28.
Maryland
* * * * * * *
Ducks............................... Feb. 8-Mar. 10.
Brant............................... Jan. 29-Mar. 10.
Light Geese......................... Feb. 16-Mar. 10.
Massachusetts
Ducks, mergansers, sea ducks, and Feb. 2-Feb. 9.
coots.
[[Page 59296]]
New Hampshire
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Inland Zone..................... Nov. 7-Nov. 22 & Dec. 19-Jan. 16.
Coastal Zone.................... Jan. 26-Mar. 10.
New Jersey
Woodcock:
North Zone...................... Oct. 1-Oct. 14 & Nov. 20-Jan. 15.
South Zone...................... Oct. 1-Nov. 11 & Dec. 4-Dec. 16 & Dec. 31-Jan. 15.
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and brant:
North Zone...................... Jan. 1-Feb. 7.
South Zone...................... Jan. 8-Feb. 14.
Coastal Zone.................... Jan. 25-Feb. 28.
New York
Ducks, mergansers and coots:
Long Island Zone................ Nov. 1-Nov. 23 & Nov. 28-Dec. 4 & Jan. 30-Feb. 13.
Northeastern Zone............... Oct. 11-Oct. 21 & Dec. 11-Jan. 13.
Southeastern Zone............... Oct. 1-Oct. 7 & Oct. 17-Nov. 4 & Dec. 26-Jan. 13.
Western Zone.................... Oct. 1-Oct. 21 & Dec. 6-Dec. 25 & Jan. 10-Jan. 13.
North Carolina
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers and coots Oct. 24-Nov. 5 & Jan. 30-Feb. 18.
Pennsylvania
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone...................... Oct. 24-Nov. 10 & Jan. 5-Jan. 14 & Feb. 23-Mar. 10.
South Zone...................... Oct. 24-Nov. 14 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10.
Northwest Zone.................. Dec. 17-Jan. 14 & Feb. 24-Mar. 10.
Lake Erie Zone.................. Jan. 26-Mar. 10.
Canada Geese:
SJBP Zone....................... Feb. 28-Mar. 10.
AP Zone......................... Feb. 3-Mar. 10.
RP Zone......................... Mar. 9-Mar. 10.
South Carolina
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Nov. 1-Nov. 18 & Nov. 27-Dec. 2 & Jan. 30-Feb. 3.
Virginia
* * * * * * *
Moorhens and gallinules............. Dec. 5-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 29.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Dec. 5-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 29.
Canada Geese:
Eastern (AP) Zone............... Dec. 10-Dec. 22 & Jan. 30-Feb. 29.
Western (SJBP) Zone............. Dec. 10-Dec. 14 & Feb. 16-Feb. 29.
Brant............................... Oct. 6-Nov. 18 & Nov. 28-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 4.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Arkansas
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Feb. 1-Feb. 15.
Illinois
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots Feb. 12-Mar. 10.
Indiana
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone...................... Sept. 27-Sept. 30 & Feb. 14-Mar. 10.
South Zone...................... Oct. 15-Oct. 21 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10.
Ohio River Zone................. Oct. 22-Oct. 28 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10.
Iowa
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone...................... Dec. 15-Jan. 28.
South Zone...................... Dec. 16-Jan. 29.
White-fronted Geese:
North Goose Zone................ Dec. 7-Jan. 8.
South Goose Zone................ Dec. 14-Jan. 13.
Kentucky
[[Page 59297]]
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Nov. 5-Nov. 23 & Nov. 28-Dec. 4 & Jan. 30-Jan. 31.
Geese............................... Nov. 5-Nov. 22.
Louisiana
* * * * * * *
Rails and moorhens.................. Nov. 5-Nov. 11 & Jan. 5-Feb. 3.
Ducks:
West Zone....................... Nov. 5-Nov. 11 & Dec. 5-Dec. 16 & Jan. 23-Feb. 3.
East Zone....................... Nov. 5-Nov. 18 & Nov. 28-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 3.
Michigan
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and Dec. 12-Jan. 15 & Mar. 1-Mar. 10.
moorhens.
Minnesota
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, Sept. 26-Sept. 30 & Nov. 23-Jan. 7.
and gallinules.
Mississippi
Mourning Doves...................... Nov. 19-Nov. 27 & Jan. 16-Feb. 10.
Ducks, mergansers and coots......... Feb. 10-Mar. 10.
Missouri
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 10-Sept. 25 & Feb. 11-Mar. 10.
Ohio
Ducks and coots..................... Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Feb. 4-Mar. 3.
Geese............................... Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Feb. 4-Feb.18.
Tennessee
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 15-Oct. 21.
Wisconsin
Rails, snipe, moorhens, and
gallinules:
North Duck Zone................. Sept. 1-Sept. 23 & Nov. 23-Dec. 16.
South Duck Zone................. Sept. 1-Sept. 30 & Oct. 10-Oct. 14 & Dec. 5-Dec. 16.
Mississippi River Zone.......... Sept. 1-Sept. 23 & Oct. 3-Oct. 14 & Dec. 5-Dec. 16.
Woodcock............................ Sept. 1-Sept. 23 & Nov. 8-Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots........ Sept. 17-Sept. 18 & Jan 6--Feb. 19.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Kansas
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains...................... Feb. 25-Mar. 10.
* * * * * * *
Oklahoma
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains...................... Feb. 13-Feb. 27.
South Dakota
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
High Plains..................... Sept. 3-Sept. 10.
Low Plains:
North Zone.................. Sept. 3-Sept. 16 & Sept. 19-Sept. 23 & Dec. 7-Dec. 18.
Middle Zone................. Same as North Zone
South Zone.................. Sept. 3-Sept. 16 & Sept. 19-Oct. 5.
Texas
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains...................... Jan. 30-Feb. 13.
Wyoming
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, and coots
Zone C1......................... Sept. 24-Sept. 25 & Oct. 17-Oct. 24.
Zone C2......................... Sept. 17-Sept. 18 & Nov. 28-Dec. 5.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona
* * * * * * *
Ducks and mergansers:
[[Page 59298]]
North Zone...................... Oct. 3-Oct. 6.
South Zone...................... Jan. 30-Feb. 2.
California
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Colorado River Zone............. Jan. 30-Feb. 2.
Southern Zone................... Jan. 30-Feb. 3.
Southern San Joaquin Zone....... Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
Canada Geese and White-fronted
Geese:
Northeastern Zone............... Jan. 16-Jan. 18.
Southern Zone (5)............... Same as for Ducks.
Balance-of-State Zone (6)....... Same as for Ducks.
Brant:
Northern Zone................... Oct. 22-Nov. 6 & Dec. 7-Feb. 3.
Southern Zone................... Oct. 22-Nov. 11 & Dec. 12-Feb. 3.
Light Geese:
Northeastern Zone............... Jan. 16-Jan. 18.
Southern Zone (5)............... Same as for Ducks.
Balance-of-State Zone (6)....... Same as for Ducks.
New Mexico
* * * * * * *
Rails Nov. 26-Jan. 1.
Utah
* * * * * * *
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and
snipe:
Statewide....................... Sept. 17 only.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
(2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
* * * * * * *
(4) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limits for black ducks are 1 and 2, respectively.
(5) In California, the falconry season for geese is concurrent with the regular season for white geese in the
Imperial County special management area.
(6) In California, the falconry season for geese is concurrent with the regular season for small Canada geese in
Del Norte and Humbolt counties.
[FR Doc. 2011-24675 Filed 9-22-11; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P