[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 1998)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 52348-52353] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-25989] [[Page 52347]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part III Department of the Interior _______________________________________________________________________ Fish and Wildlife Service _______________________________________________________________________ 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting: Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 1998-99 Late Season; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 1998 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 52348]] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 RIN 1018-AE93 Migratory Bird Hunting: Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 1998-99 Late Season AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special late season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands and ceded lands. This responds to tribal requests for Service recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of seasons and bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions. DATES: This rule takes effect on October 1, 1998. ADDRESSES: The public may inspect comments received during normal business hours in Room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. The public should send communications regarding the documents to: Director (FWS/MBMO), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Room 634-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (703) 358-1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, having due regard for the zones of temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game birds, to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds or any part, nest or egg thereof may be taken, hunted, captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried, exported or transported. In the August 14, 1998, Federal Register (63 FR 43854), the Service proposed special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1998-99 hunting season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations. The guidelines include possibilities for: (1) on-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers, with hunting by non-tribal members on some reservations to take place within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by the surrounding State(s); (2) on-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and possession limits; and (3) off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added flexibility in daily bag and possession limits. In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must be consistent with the March 10--September 1 closed season mandated by the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada. In the March 20, 1998, Federal Register (63 FR 13748), the Service requested that tribes desiring special hunting regulations in the 1998- 99 hunting season submit a proposal including details on: (a) harvest anticipated under the requested regulations; (b) methods that will be employed to measure or monitor harvest (such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.); (c) steps that will be taken to limit level of harvest, where it could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely impact the migratory bird resource; and (d) tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird hunting regulations. No action is required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which an Indian reservation is located. The Service has successfully used the guidelines since the 1985-86 hunting season. The Service finalized the guidelines beginning with the 1988-89 hunting season (August 18, 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]). Although the proposed rule included generalized regulations for both early-and late-season hunting, this rulemaking addresses only the late-season proposals. Early-season hunting was addressed in the rulemaking published in the Federal Register on September 1, 1998 (63 FR 46558). As a general rule, early seasons begin during September each year and have a primary emphasis on such species as mourning dove. Late seasons begin about October 1 or later each year and have a primary emphasis on waterfowl. Tribal Proposals and Public Comments and Issues Concerning Tribal Proposals For the 1998-99 migratory bird hunting season, the Service proposed regulations for 19 tribes and/or Indian groups that followed the 1985 guidelines and were considered appropriate for final rulemaking. Some of the proposals submitted by the tribes had both early-and late-season elements. However, as noted earlier, only those with late-season proposals are included in this final rulemaking; 14 tribes made proposals with late seasons. Twelve tribes were represented in the early-season regulations. Comments and revised proposals received to date are addressed in the following section. The comment period for the proposed rule, published on August 14, 1998, closed on August 24, 1998. The Service received three comments regarding the notice of intent published on March 20, 1998, which announced rulemaking on regulations for migratory bird hunting by American Indian tribal members and the August 14, 1998 proposed rule. Comments from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks on the Lower Brule Sioux Tribes' proposal and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission's proposal were addressed in the September 1, 1998 final rule for early seasons. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (Arizona) commented on the proposal from the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Arizona pointed out that Federal frameworks for Arizona and California call for a dark goose daily bag and possession limit of 2 and 4, respectively, a white goose daily bag and possession limit of 3 and 6, respectively and a coot daily bag and possession limit of 25 birds. Service Response: After consultation with the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Service has corrected the daily bag and possession limits in this final rule to agree with Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway. The Tribes' proposal was inadvertent and not an intentional change from Pacific Flyway frameworks. NEPA Consideration Pursuant to the requirements of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), the ``Final Environmental Statement for the [[Page 52349]] Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FES-75-74)'' was filed with the Council on Environmental Quality on June 6, 1975, and notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on June 13, 1975, (40 FR 25241). A supplement to the final environmental statement, the ``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88- 14)'' was filed on June 9, 1988, and notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582), and June 17, 1988 (53 FR 22727). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. In addition, an August 1985 Environmental Assessment titled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the Service. Endangered Species Act Considerations 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, consultations were conducted 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 and may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed. The final frameworks reflect any modifications. The Service's biological opinions resulting from its Section 7 consultation are public documents available for public inspection in the Service's Division of Endangered Species and MBMO, at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. Regulatory Flexibility Act In the March 20, 1998, Federal Register, the Service reported measures it took to comply with requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. One measure was to update the 1996 Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) documenting the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. The 1996 Analysis estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $254 and $592 million at small businesses. The Service has updated the 1996 Analysis with information from the 1996 National Hunting and Fishing Survey. Nationwide, the Service now estimates that migratory bird hunters will spend between $429 and $1,084 million at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the 1998 Analysis are available upon request from the Office of Migratory Bird Management. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 Collectively, the rules covering the overall frameworks for migratory bird hunting are economically significant and have been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866. This rule is a small portion of the overall migratory bird hunting frameworks and was not individually submitted and reviewed by OMB under E.O. 12866. Congressional Review In accordance with Section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 8), this rule has been submitted to Congress and has been declared major. Because this rule establishes hunting seasons, it qualifies for an exemption under 5 U.S.C. 808(1); therefore, the Department determines that this rule shall take effect immediately. Paperwork Reduction Act The Service examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under hunting regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, the information collection requirements of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program have been approved by OMB and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 09/30/2001). This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve Service harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations. The information collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire have been approved by OMB and assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 09/30/2000). The information from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude, the geographical and temporal distribution of harvest, and the portion its constitutes of the total population. The Service 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 The Service has determined and certifies in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988 The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that these regulations meet the applicable standards provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. Takings Implication Assessment In accordance with Executive Order 12630, these rules, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, do not have significant takings implications and do not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. These rules will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise privileges that would be otherwise unavailable; and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property. 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. The Service annually prescribes frameworks from which the States make selections and employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulation. 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 [[Page 52350]] or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes 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. Thus, in accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951) 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, by virtue of the tribal proposals received in response to the March 20 request for proposals and the August 14 proposed rule, we have consulted with all the tribes affected by this rule. Regulations Promulgation The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the Service intends that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, the Service established what it believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, the Service 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, the tribes would have insufficient time to communicate these seasons to their member and non- tribal hunters and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. Therefore, the Service, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918, as amended (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), prescribes final hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands), and ceded lands. The regulations specify the species to be hunted and establish season dates, bag and possession limits, season length, and shooting hours for migratory game birds. The Service therefore finds that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these regulations will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. Accordingly, the Service amends part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 20--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j. (Editorial Note: The following annual hunting regulations provided for by Sec. 20.110 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.) 2. Amend Sec. 20.110 by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (f), (g), (k) and (l); and by adding paragraphs (m), (n), (o), (p), (q), (r), and (s) to read as follows: Sec. 20.110 Seasons, limits and other regulations for certain Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands. (a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Doves Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 15, 1998; then open November 21, close January 4, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For the early season, daily bag limit is 10 mourning or 10 white-winged doves, singly, or in the aggregate. For the late season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits. Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, close January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 Mexican ducks, 2 hen mallards, and 1 canvasback. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots and Common Moorhens Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the aggregate. Geese Season Dates: Begin November 21, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including no more than 2 dark (Canada) geese and 3 white (snow, blue, Ross's) geese. The possession limit is 8. General Conditions: A valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting permit is required for all persons 14 years and older and must be in possession before taking any wildlife on tribal lands. Any person transporting game birds off the Colorado River Indian Reservation must have a valid transport declaration form. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at the Fish and Game Office in Parker, Arizona. (b) Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Fort Thompson, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks Season Dates: Begin October 17, end December 29, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (including no more than 2 female mallards), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 1 pintail, and 2 wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Mergansers Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 mergansers, including no more than 1 hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Begin October 10, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 and 6, respectively. White-fronted Geese Season Dates: Begin October 10, 1998, end January 3, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 1 and 2, respectively. Light Geese Season Dates: Begin October 10, 1998, close January 2, 1999, then open February 17, close March 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 geese daily, no possession limit. General Conditions: The waterfowl hunting regulations established by this final rule apply only to tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the reservation. Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the [[Page 52351]] Crow Creek Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (d) Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Suttons Bay, Michigan (Tribal Members Only) Ducks Michigan, 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Open September 20, 1998, close January 20, 1999. Daily Bag Limit: 10 ducks, which may include no more than 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 black ducks, 1 hooded merganser, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens). Canada Geese Michigan, 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Open September 1, close November 30, 1998, and open January 1, 1999, close February 8, 1999. Daily Bag Limit: 5 geese. Other Geese (Brant, Blue, Snow, and White-fronted) Michigan, 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Begin October 1, end November 30, 1998. Daily Bag Limit: 5 geese. Sora Rails Michigan 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Open September 1, close November 14, 1998. Daily Bag Limit: 5 rails. Common Snipe Michigan 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Open September 1, close November 14, 1998. Daily Bag Limit: 5 snipe. Woodcock Michigan 1836 Treaty Zone: Season Dates: Open September 1, close November 14, 1998. Daily Bag Limit: 5 woodcock. General Conditions: A valid Grand Traverse Band Tribal license is required for all persons 12 years and older and must be in possession before taking any wildlife. All other basic regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 are valid. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at the tribal office in Suttons Bay, Michigan. * * * * * (f) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Tribal Members Only Ducks Season Dates: Open September 15, 1998, close January 31, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 1 pintail, 2 hen mallards, and 1 canvasback. Geese Season Dates: Open September 1, 1998, close January 31, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including 4 dark geese but not more than 3 light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. General: Tribal members must possess a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit. Non-tribal Hunters Ducks Season Dates: Open October 3, 1998, close January 17, 1999. During this period, days to be hunted are specified by the Kalispel Tribe as weekends, holidays and for a continuous period in the month of December. Non-tribal hunters should contact the tribe for more detail on hunting days. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 1 pintail, 2 hen mallards, 2 redheads, and 1 canvasback. Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, close January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including 4 dark geese but not more than 3 light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. General: Hunters must observe all State and Federal regulations, such as those contained in 50 CFR part 20 and including the possession of a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. (g) Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Band-tailed Pigeons Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 30, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively. Mourning Doves Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 30, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively. Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, close January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Dark Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 2 and 4 geese, respectively. Coots and Common Moorhens Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and moorhens, singly or in the aggregate. General Conditions: Tribal and non-tribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the face. Special regulations established by the Navajo Nation also apply on the reservation. * * * * * (k) Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Indian Reservation, Marysville, Washington (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Tribal Members Ducks/Coot Season Dates: Open September 15, 1998, and close February 1, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 ducks, respectively; except that bag and possession limits are restricted for blue-winged teal, canvasback, harlequin, pintail, and wood duck to those established for the Pacific Flyway by final Federal frameworks, to be announced. Geese Season Dates: Open September 15, 1998, and close February 1, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 geese, respectively; except that the bag limits for brant and cackling and dusky Canada geese are those established for the Pacific Flyway in accordance with final Federal frameworks, to be announced. The tribes also set a maximum annual bag limit on ducks and geese for those tribal members who engage in subsistence hunting. Non-tribal Hunters Ducks Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. [[Page 52352]] Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. Geese Season Dates: Begin October 10, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including 4 dark geese but no more than 3 light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Brant Season Dates: Begin January 2, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 2 and 4 brant, respectively. Snipe Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively. General Conditions: All waterfowl hunters, members and non-members, must obtain and possess while hunting a valid hunting permit from the Tulalip tribes. Also, non-tribal members sixteen years of age and older, hunting pursuant to Tulalip Tribes' Ordinance No. 67, must possess a validated Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a validated State of Washington Migratory Waterfowl Stamp. All Tulalip tribal members must have in their possession while hunting, or accompanying another, their valid tribal identification card. All hunters are required to adhere to a number of other special regulations enforced by the tribes and available at the tribal office. (l) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Band-tailed Pigeons Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 10, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 and 6 pigeons, respectively. Mourning Doves Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 10, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 doves, respectively. Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 24, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 ducks, including no more than 3 mallards (including no more than 1 female mallard), 2 redheads or 1 canvasback and 1 redhead, and 1 pintail. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots, Moorhens and Gallinules Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots, moorhens, and gallinules, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Canada Geese Season Dates: Same as ducks. Bag and Possession Limits: 2 and 4 geese, respectively. General Conditions: All non-tribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves on Reservation lands shall have in their possession a valid White Mountain Apache Daily or Yearly Small Game Permit. In addition to a small game permit, all non-tribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons must have in their possession a White Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon Permit. Other special regulations established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe apply on the reservation. Tribal and non-tribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition: (1) The area open to waterfowl hunting in the above seasons consists of: the entire length of the Black and Salt Rivers forming the southern boundary of the reservation; the White River, extending from the Canyon Day Stockman Station to the Salt River; and all stock ponds located within Wildlife Management Units 4, 6 and 7. Tanks located below the Mongollon Rim, within Wildlife Management Units 2 and 3 will be open to waterfowl hunting. The remaining reservation waters are closed to waterfowl hunting during the 1998-99 hunting season. (2) Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. (3) See other special regulations established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe that apply on the reservation, available from the reservation Game and Fish Department. (m) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag and possession limit is 25. Geese Dark Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 8 geese, respectively. Light Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 and 6 geese, respectively. General Conditions: Non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset and each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes also apply on the reservation. (n) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New Mexico (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, end November 30, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is 7, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, and 1 canvasback. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including no more than 3 light geese and 1 Canada goose. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. General Conditions: Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation. [[Page 52353]] (o) Klamath Tribe, Chiloquin, Oregon (Tribal Members Only) Ducks Season Dates: Begin October 1, 1998, end January 31, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 16 ducks, respectively. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. Geese Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 geese, respectively. General: The Klamath Tribe provides regulations enforcement authority in its game management officers, biologists and wildlife technicians, and has a court system with judges that hear cases and set fines. (p) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 7, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (only 1 of which may be a hen), 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 2 redheads, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, and 1 hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Geese Dark Geese Season Dates: Begin October 17, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Light Geese Season Dates: Begin October 17, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 geese, respectively. General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use of steel shot. Non-tribal hunters must possess a validated Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an official Conservation Code that hunters must adhere to when hunting in areas subject to control by the tribe. (q) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort Hall, Idaho (Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 coots, respectively. Geese Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end January 10, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 geese, including not more than 3 light geese and 2 white-fronted geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Common Snipe Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively. General Conditions: Non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Other regulations established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also apply on the reservation. (r) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal Members Only) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 3, 1998, end February 17, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 28 coots. Geese Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 geese, including 7 dark geese but no more than 6 light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Brant Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 brant, respectively. General Conditions: The Swinomish Tribal Community has established additional special regulations for on-reservation hunting. Tribal hunters should consult the tribal office for additional information. (s) Yankton Sioux Tribe, Marty, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-tribal Hunters) Ducks (Including Mergansers) Season Dates: Begin October 17, end December 29, 1998. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 female mallards), 2 redheads, 1 pintail, 1 hooded merganser, 1 canvasback, and 2 wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coots Season Dates: Same as ducks. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 30 coots, respectively. Dark Geese Season Dates: Begin October 31, 1998, end January 31, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 2 geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose (or brant). The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Light Geese Season Dates: Begin October 31, 1998, end January 24, 1999. Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 geese, no possession limit. General Conditions (1) The waterfowl hunting regulations established by this final rule apply to tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the reservation. (2) Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Yankton Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation. Dated: September 21, 1998. Stephen C. Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 98-25989 Filed 9-29-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P