Vol. 79 Monday, No. 51 March 17, 2014

Part III

Department of the Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Parts 25 and 32 2013–2014 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final Rule

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14810 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR to refuge-specific regulations to ensure waters, and interests for the protection the continued compatibility of hunting and conservation of our Nation’s Fish and Wildlife Service and sport fishing programs and to wildlife resources. The Administration ensure that these programs will not Act states first and foremost that we 50 CFR Parts 25 and 32 materially interfere with or detract from focus our Refuge System mission on [Docket No. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2013–0074: the fulfillment of refuge purposes or the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant FXRS12650900000–134–FF09R20000] Refuge System’s mission. resources and their habitats. The Provisions governing hunting and Improvement Act requires the Secretary, RIN 1018–AZ87 sport fishing on refuges are in title 50 of before allowing a new use of a refuge, the Code of Federal Regulations in part or before expanding, renewing, or 2013–2014 Refuge-Specific Hunting 32 (50 CFR part 32). We regulate extending an existing use of a refuge, to and Sport Fishing Regulations hunting and sport fishing on refuges to: determine that the use is compatible • AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Ensure compatibility with refuge with the purpose for which the refuge Interior. purpose(s); was established and the mission of the • ACTION: Final rule. Properly manage the fish and Refuge System. The Improvement Act wildlife resource(s); established as the policy of the United SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife • Protect other refuge values; States that wildlife-dependent • Service (Service) adds 6 national Ensure refuge visitor safety; and recreation, when compatible, is a • wildlife refuges to the list of areas open Provide opportunities for quality legitimate and appropriate public use of for hunting and/or sport fishing, adds fish- and wildlife-dependent recreation. the Refuge System, through which the new hunts at 6 refuges, increases the On many refuges where we decide to American public can develop an hunting activities available at 20 other allow hunting and sport fishing, our appreciation for fish and wildlife. The refuges, and increases fishing general policy of adopting regulations Improvement Act established six opportunities at 2 refuges, along with identical to State hunting and sport wildlife-dependent recreational uses as adopting pertinent refuge-specific fishing regulations is adequate in the priority general public uses of the regulations on other refuges that pertain meeting these objectives. On other Refuge System. These uses are: Hunting, to migratory game bird hunting, upland refuges, we must supplement State fishing, wildlife observation and game hunting, big game hunting, and regulations with more-restrictive photography, and environmental sport fishing for the 2013–2014 season. Federal regulations to ensure that we education and interpretation. meet our management responsibilities, DATES: This rule is effective March 17, The Recreation Act authorizes the as outlined in the ‘‘Statutory Authority’’ 2014. Secretary to administer areas within the section. We issue refuge-specific Refuge System for public recreation as FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul hunting and sport fishing regulations an appropriate incidental or secondary F. Steblein, (703) 358–2678. when we open NWRs to migratory game use only to the extent that doing so is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bird hunting, upland game hunting, big practicable and not inconsistent with System game hunting, or sport fishing. These the primary purpose(s) for which Administration Act of 1966 closes regulations list the wildlife species that Congress and the Service established the national wildlife refuges (NWRs) in all you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or areas. The Recreation Act requires that States except Alaska to all uses until creel (container for carrying fish) limits, any recreational use of refuge lands be opened. The Secretary of the Interior methods of hunting or sport fishing, compatible with the primary purpose(s) (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any descriptions of areas open to hunting or for which we established the refuge and use, including hunting and/or sport sport fishing, and other provisions as not inconsistent with other previously fishing, upon a determination that such appropriate. You may find previously authorized operations. uses are compatible with the purposes issued refuge-specific regulations for The Administration Act and of the refuge and National Wildlife hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part Recreation Act also authorize the Refuge System mission. The action also 32. In this rulemaking, we are Secretary to issue regulations to carry must be in accordance with provisions standardizing and clarifying the out the purposes of the Acts and of all laws applicable to the areas, language of existing regulations. regulate uses. developed in coordination with the We develop specific management appropriate State fish and wildlife Statutory Authority plans for each refuge prior to opening it agency(ies), consistent with the The National Wildlife Refuge System to hunting or sport fishing. In many principles of sound fish and wildlife Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. cases, we develop refuge-specific management and administration, and 668dd–668ee, as amended by the regulations to ensure the compatibility otherwise in the public interest. These National Wildlife Refuge System of the programs with the purpose(s) for requirements ensure that we maintain Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement which we established the refuge and the the biological integrity, diversity, and Act]) (Administration Act), and the Refuge System mission. We ensure environmental health of the Refuge Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 initial compliance with the System for the benefit of present and U.S.C. 460k–460k–4) (Recreation Act) Administration Act and the Recreation future generations of Americans. govern the administration and public Act for hunting and sport fishing on We periodically review refuge use of refuges. newly acquired refuges through an hunting and sport fishing programs to Amendments enacted by the interim determination of compatibility determine whether to include additional Improvement Act, built upon the made at or near the time of acquisition. refuges or whether individual refuge Administration Act in a manner that These regulations ensure that we make regulations governing existing programs provides an ‘‘organic act’’ for the Refuge the determinations required by these need modifications. Changing System, are similar to those that exist acts prior to adding refuges to the lists environmental conditions, State and for other public Federal lands. The of areas open to hunting and sport Federal regulations, and other factors Improvement Act serves to ensure that fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure affecting fish and wildlife populations we effectively manage the Refuge continued compliance by the and habitat may warrant modifications System as a national network of lands, development of comprehensive

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14811

conservation plans and specific plans, Falconry for any species has never an approved CCP which, when and by annual review of hunting and occurred on Bosque del Apache NWR, implemented, will achieve refuge sport fishing programs and regulations. so we have not completed an purposes; help fulfill the Refuge System assessment of short-term, long-term, or mission; maintain and, where Response to Comments Received cumulative impacts related to this type appropriate, restore the ecological In the September 24, 2013, Federal of special hunt. There is concern integrity of each refuge and the Refuge Register (78 FR 58754), we published a regarding the potential take of non- System; help achieve the goals of the proposed rule identifying changes target species if we allow falconry at National Preservation pertaining to migratory game bird Bosque del Apache NWR. The refuge is System; and meet other mandates. The hunting, upland game bird hunting, big particularly concerned about falconry CCP will guide management decisions game hunting, and sport fishing to due to non-target bird species listed and set forth goals, objectives, and existing refuge-specific regulations on federally or by the State as endangered strategies to accomplish these ends. The certain refuges for the 2013–2014 or threatened, including the next step for refuge managers is season. We received more than 1,400 southwestern willow flycatcher and developing or referencing step-down comments on the proposed rule during yellow billed cuckoo that forage on the plans, of which a hunting plan would be its 30-day comment period. 1,342 of refuge during spring and fall migration. one. Part of the process for opening a those comments were opposed to the Therefore, we made no changes to the refuge to hunting after completing the proposed rule, and 58 were supportive rule as a result of this comment. step-down plan would be appropriate of the rule. The remainder expressed Proposed changes to the regulations compliance with the National neither support nor opposition to the for Bosque del Apache and Sevilleta Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 proposed rule but supplied comments. NWRs were developed at the same time, U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), such as conducting We discuss the comments we received and this prohibition on falconry was an environmental assessment in the summary that follows. inadvertently added to the changes accompanied by the appropriate Comment 1: Numerous commenters proposed for Sevilleta NWR. Sevilleta decision documentation (record of expressed concern regarding a proposed NWR allows falconry on the refuge, and decision, finding of no significant prohibition on falconry at Bosque del anyone using this method of take must impact, or environmental action Apache NWR and Sevilleta NWR, both follow all refuge and State regulations memorandum or statement). The rest of located in the State of New Mexico. The when hunting. As such, we have the elements in the opening package are: commenters state that we offer no removed the prohibition on falconry at Section 7 evaluation, copies of letters explanation in the cumulative impacts Sevilleta NWR from this final rule. requesting State and/or tribal report and no environmental, biological, Comment 2: A commenter questioned involvement, draft news release and or other such scientific justification for the ‘‘rigorous scientific research into the outreach plan, and finally draft refuge- this prohibition. They contend that status of refuge wildlife populations’’ specific regulatory language. The CCP, falconry is a legal means of hunting and and whether we were using this hunt plan, and NEPA are made available take in the State of New Mexico, as it information to guide refuge planning. and request public comments, as does is in 49 of the 50 States. They object The commenter went on to say that a the proposed rule, before we allow strongly to what appears to be determination must be made that hunting on a refuge. ‘‘prejudicial and a denied equitable ‘‘wildlife are surplus to a balanced public opportunity’’ on the above- conservation program on any wildlife In sum, this illustrates that the mentioned refuges and request that we area,’’ and that ‘‘unless the species is decision to allow hunting on an NWR is remove such a bias from the regulations damaging or destroying federal property not a quick or simple process. It is full by allowing falconry. within a refuge, the species cannot be of deliberation and discussion, Response 1: By law, refuges may be subject to live removal or lethal control, including review of all available data to more conservative than the States when including through official animal determine the relative health of a setting individual refuge-specific control operations.’’ They believe that population before we allow it to be regulations but may not more liberal. ‘‘refuges often fail to have refuge hunted. In the case of migratory game Regarding policy specific to falconry, specific monitoring of harvest levels,’’ bird hunting, the Service annually Service policy, as outlined in our and discussed the concept of an prescribes frameworks for dates and Service manual at 605 FW 2.7M (Special ‘‘inviolate sanctuary.’’ Finally, the times when migratory bird hunting may Hunts), stipulates, ‘‘We will address commenter believes that since ‘‘25 occur in the , and the special types of hunts, such as falconry, million people visit refuges for wildlife number of birds that hunters may take in the hunt section of the visitor service observation’’ and ‘‘only 9 million visit and possess. We write these regulations plan (VSP).’’ In other words, each refuge to hunt or trap’’ that non-consumptive after giving due regard to ‘‘the manager, when developing their step- users should enjoy a higher priority distribution, abundance, economic down visitor service’s plan (which when it comes to use of refuge lands. value, breeding habits, and times and would include a hunt plan, if Response 2: The commenter lines of migratory flight of such birds’’ appropriate) from their comprehensive acknowledges that the ‘‘Improvement and update the information annually. conservation plan, must first determine Act upgrades hunting and fishing to a Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 if hunting is compatible. Assuming it is priority use. . .’’ Each refuge manager U.S.C. 703–712), Congress authorized found to be compatible, the refuge makes a decision regarding hunting on the Secretary of the Interior to manager would next determine the that particular refuge only after rigorous determine when ‘‘hunting, taking, conduct of the hunt which might examination of the available capture, killing, possession, sale, include the use of falconry. A refuge information. Developing or referencing a purchase, shipment, transportation, manager has discretion to prohibit comprehensive conservation plan (CCP), carriage, or export of any . . . bird, or hunting, specifically falconry, in certain a 15-year plan for the refuge, is any part, nest, or egg’’ of migratory game cases such as if endangered or generally the first step a refuge manager birds can take place, and to adopt threatened species are present; thus, this takes. Our policy for managing units of regulations for this purpose. The issue is decided individually on a the Refuge System is that we will Secretary of the Interior delegated this refuge-by-refuge basis. manage all refuges in accordance with responsibility to the Service as the lead

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14812 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

Federal agency for managing and objectives, minimizing disturbance minimize conflicts between users. conserving migratory birds in the impacts to wildlife, maintaining high- Virtually all of the refuges open to United States. quality opportunities for hunting and hunting and other wildlife-dependent Because the Service is required to take other wildlife-dependent recreation, recreational uses use time and space abundance of migratory birds and other eliminating or minimizing conflicts zoning as an effective method to reduce factors into consideration, we undertake with other public uses and/or refuge conflicts between hunting and other a number of surveys throughout the year management activities, and protecting uses. Eliminating or restricting overlap in conjunction with the Canadian public safety. between hunt areas and popular areas Wildlife Service, State and Provincial Please consult the cumulative impacts for other wildlife-dependent recreation wildlife management agencies, and report at the Web site referenced above allows opportunity for other users to others. To determine the appropriate for a more indepth discussion, but in safely enjoy the refuge in non-hunted frameworks for each species, we sum, none of the known, estimated, or areas during hunting seasons. consider factors such as population size projected harvests of big game, small Restrictions on the number of hunters and trend, geographical distribution, game, or upland game species resulting and the time in which they could hunt annual breeding effort, the condition of from the proposed hunting activities on are also frequently used to minimize breeding and wintering habitat, the refuges was determined or expected to conflicts between user groups. Public number of hunters, and the anticipated have significant adverse direct, indirect, outreach accompanying the opening of harvest. After we establish frameworks or cumulative impacts to any big game, hunting seasons is frequently used to for season lengths, bag limits, and areas small game, or upland game wildlife make other wildlife-dependent for migratory bird hunting, migratory population. recreational users aware of the seasons game bird management becomes a The Migratory Bird Conservation Act and minimize conflicts. We made no cooperative effort of State and Federal of 1929 (16 U.S.C. 715–715d, 715e, changes to the rule as a result of this governments. After Service 715f–715r) authorizes acquisition of comment. establishment of final frameworks for refuges as ‘‘inviolate sanctuaries’’ where Comment 3: Several commenters felt hunting seasons, the States may select the birds could rest and reproduce in the use of lead was inappropriate on season dates, bag limits, and other total security. In 1949, this ‘‘inviolate NWRs. One commenter cites several regulatory options for the hunting sanctuary’’ concept was modified by an studies on the negative effects of lead on seasons. amendment to the Migratory Bird both wildlife and humans. They urge As discussed in the cumulative Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act the Service to prohibit the use of lead impacts report (available on http:// (16 U.S.C. 718a et seq.), which allowed shots, bullets, and fishing weights on all www.regulations.gov under Docket No. hunting on up to 25 percent of each NWRs. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2013–0074), we took inviolate refuge. In 1958, another Response 3: Lead shot for waterfowl a look at the cumulative impact that the amendment to the Migratory Bird hunting has been illegal on NWRs since 2013–2014 proposed rule would have Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act 1998. on migratory birds, resident wildlife, increased the total area of an inviolate Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient non-hunted migratory and resident refuge that could be opened for hunting quantities, has adverse effects on the wildlife, endangered and threatened to up to 40 percent. This provision is nervous and reproductive systems of species, habitats and plant resources, reflected in the Administration Act at 16 animals and can be lethal to wildlife if other wildlife-dependent recreational U.S.C. 668dd(d)(1)(A). ingested, even in small amounts. We uses, physical resources (air, water, Note that not all refuges are inviolate continue to look at options and ways to soils), cultural resources, refuge sanctuaries. If we acquired a refuge as reduce the indirect impacts of toxic shot facilities, solitude, and cumulative an inviolate sanctuary, we may open up to scavengers. We are and have been socioeconomic impacts. to 40 percent of that refuge’s area for phasing out the use of lead shot by Collectively, we estimate that the hunting of migratory game birds. small and big game hunters on refuge proposed actions on the 22 refuges with However, if we acquired a refuge lands. increased migratory game bird hunting without the stipulation that it be an The Improvement Act directs us to would be 12,616 ducks (0.0008 percent inviolate sanctuary, we may open 100 make refuge regulations as consistent of the estimated national harvest) and percent of the refuge’s area for hunting. with State regulations as practicable. We 2,463 geese (0.0008 percent of the The Fish and Wildlife Improvement share a strong partnership with the estimated national harvest). In short, we Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–616) amended States in managing wildlife, and, project that harvests of these species on section 6 of the Administration Act to therefore, we are developing a strategy the 22 refuges will constitute an provide for the opening of all or any to reduce risk due to lead in a extremely minor component of the portion of an inviolate sanctuary to the coordinated manner with State wildlife national harvests. taking of migratory birds if taking is agencies. We made no changes to the We allow hunting of resident wildlife determined to be beneficial to the rule as a result of these comments. on NWRs only if such activity has been species. Such opening of more than 40 Comment 4: A commenter felt that determined compatible with the percent of the refuge to hunting is ‘‘working public’’ needs more than 30 establishment purpose(s) of the refuge determined by species. This amendment days to comment on this proposed rule. and the mission of the Refuge System as refers to inviolate sanctuaries created in In addition, the commenter believes the required by the Administration Act. the past or to be created in the future. comment period should be extended Hunting of resident wildlife on NWRs It has no application to areas acquired since it overlapped with the government generally occurs consistent with State for other management purposes. shutdown. regulations, including seasons and bag Most refuge hunt programs have Response 4: We believe the 30-day limits. Refuge-specific hunting established refuge-specific regulations public comment period is sufficient. regulations can be more restrictive (but to improve the quality of the hunting The process of opening refuges is done not more liberal) than State regulations experience as well as provide for quality in stages, with the fundamental work and often are in order to help meet wildlife-dependent experiences for being done on the ground at the refuge specific refuge objectives. These include other users. Refuge visitor use programs and in the community where the resident wildlife population and habitat are adjusted, as needed, to eliminate or program is administered. In these stages,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14813

the public is provided opportunities to facilities, solitude, and cumulative Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR. comment, for example, on the socioeconomic impacts. The refuge was created by two comprehensive conservation plans, the Comment 6: A commenter stated, ‘‘It agreements entered into by the compatibility determinations, the hunt already has been scientifically Department of the Interior. The first is plans, and accompanying NEPA determined that the waterfowl a general plan with the Florida Game documents. The final stage for public population in Florida is in general and Fresh Water Fish Commission (now comment is when we publish the decline, due to prolonged drought the Florida Fish and Wildlife proposed rule in the Federal Register, conditions in that state.’’ They believe Conservation Commission), which for which we commonly provide a 30- Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR allowed Water Conservation Area 1 to day comment period. should temporarily suspend waterfowl be used by the Service for the national We make every attempt to collect all hunting. migratory bird management program. of the proposals from the refuges Response 6: Waterfowl regulations The second is a long-term license from nationwide and process them and bag limits are created on a national the Central and Southern Florida Flood expeditiously to maximize the time level. Hunting opportunities available to Control District (now the South Florida available for public review. We believe the public should not have a substantial Water Management District) that that a 30-day comment period, through effect on waterfowl abundance or provided for the use of Water the broader publication following the distribution due to low-to-moderate Conservation Area 1 by the Service ‘‘as earlier public involvement, gives the hunting pressure on the refuge, as well a Wildlife Management Area, to public sufficient time to comment and as the established sanctuary area (79 promote the conservation of wildlife, allows us to establish hunting and percent of the refuge). Compared to fish, and game, and for other purposes fishing programs in time for the other surrounding areas, the refuge only embodying the principles and objective upcoming seasons. Many of these contributes a small portion of the total of planned multiple land use.’’ proposals would relieve restrictions and waterfowl harvest in south Florida According to the Fish and Wildlife allow the public to participate in (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Coordination Act, this refuge ‘‘shall be wildlife-dependent recreational Commission 2011). We made no administered by [the Secretary of the activities for the first time on a number changes to the rule as a result of this Interior] directly or in accordance with of refuges. Even after issuance of a final comment. cooperative agreements . . . and in rule, we accept comments, suggestions, Comment 7: A commenter noted the accordance with such rules and and concerns for consideration for any oceans are being depleted of fish, and, regulations for the conservation, appropriate subsequent rulemaking. therefore, Arthur R. Marshall maintenance, and management of Although the public comment period Loxahatchee NWR should not allow wildlife, resources thereof, and its did overlap with the government sport fishing. habitat thereon’’ (16 U.S.C. 664). The shutdown, the proposed rule was Response 7: Sport fishing is allowed Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 published in the Federal Register, and on designated areas of the refuge in states that its purpose is to be ‘‘an the Web site where the public submitted accordance with State and Federal inviolate sanctuary, for any other comments, http://www.regulations.gov, regulations subject to the conditions set management purpose, for migratory was open during the entire 30-day forth at 50 CFR part 32. The refuge is a birds’’ (16 U.S.C. 715d). comment period. We made no changes freshwater system, and fish in the refuge As stated earlier, the Improvement to the rule as a result of this comment. reproduce rapidly compared to longer Act mandates the Service to provide Comment 5: A commenter opined that lived salt water species in the oceans. wildlife-dependent recreation on hunting should be banned on NWRs Further, most of the fishing at the refuge refuges, where appropriate and because hunters will be too selective, is catch-and-release; the refuge has an compatible, and designates six priority only hunting the best-looking animals, average 90 percent catch-and-release public uses of the Refuge System: shifting the genetic makeup of the rate on large-mouth bass based on a Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation whole population. fisherman creel survey conducted in and photography, and environmental Response 5: We disagree with the 2011. We made no changes to the rule education and interpretation. The above comment and do not think as a result of this comment. environmental assessment, section 7 hunters will have a big enough impact Comment 8: Numerous commenters consultation, and data analysis did not to affect the genetic makeup of a whole felt hunting is incompatible with the show that any negative cumulative population. We are not aware of any statutory framework that created Arthur impacts will occur to the Everglades information that suggests hunting R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR; these snail kite under the proposed hunting programs, as they are conducted, on commenters noted that the refuge regulations. refuges are shifting the genetic makeup protects the endangered Everglades The refuge has completed a of a population. In many cases, hunting snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis compatibility determination and has is a tool used to manage populations plumbeus) and serves as the subspecies’ found the alligator hunt compatible and ensure a healthy ecosystem. designated critical habitat. Several based on the current research and data The numbers of animals taken is too commenters expanded this thought to available. Research shows that the small to shift the genetic makeup of a state that they believe we would be refuge can support a limited alligator population. Please refer to the violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, hunt without having negative cumulative impacts report. The report for which the refuge was established, cumulative effects to the alligator explains the cumulative impact that the and the Endangered Species Act of population or interfering with other 2013–2014 proposed rule would have 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 public user groups. See the sport on migratory birds, resident wildlife, et seq.) if we allow hunting on the hunting plan’s appendix B for the non-hunted migratory and resident refuge, due to the disturbance it would compatibility determination. Please wildlife, endangered and threatened create. contact the refuge if you would like to species, habitats and plant resources, Response 8: The Migratory Bird obtain a copy of the sport hunting plan. other wildlife-dependent recreational Conservation Act of 1929, as amended Also, the refuge consulted under section uses, physical resources (air, water, by the Act of August 14, 1946 (60 Stat. 7 of the ESA and found the hunt is not soils), cultural resources, refuge 1080), authorized the establishment of likely to adversely affect any listed,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14814 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

proposed, or candidate species, or any proper hunting methods are being hunters given the timing of the hunt. designated or proposed critical habitat. enforced. We made no changes to the The alligator hunt should not result in Approximately 21 percent (30,000 rule as a result of this comment. any negative cumulative impacts to the acres) of the refuge is available for Comment 10: Numerous commenters refuge, and given the small number of hunting during the season, leaving up to felt alligator hunting should not be permits issued, only a negligible 79 percent of the refuge for alligators allowed on Arthur R. Marshall increase in hunters will be observed. We and other species to forage and rest Loxahatchee NWR because it conflicts made no changes to the rule as a result (sanctuary area) depending on with other public uses, is dangerous for of this comment. environmental conditions. visitors, and disturbs wildlife. Comment 11: Numerous commenters Nesting populations of Everglades Response 10: The Improvement Act felt we should reject the proposal to snail kite, wood storks, and other listed mandates the Service to provide allow alligator hunting on Arthur R. species would not be significantly wildlife-dependent recreation on Marshall Loxahatchee NWR due to disturbed as a result of the action refuges, where appropriate and ‘‘inhumane’’ methods of take. The alternative. Snail kites do not frequent compatible, and designates six priority alligator hunt will allow the use of nor nest during the dates for the public uses of the Refuge System: hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch alligator season (August through Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation hooks, artificial lures, manually November). However, depending on the and photography, and environmental operated spears, spear guns, crossbows, year, water levels may be optimal earlier education and interpretation. Therefore, and bang sticks (a hand held pole with or later for both wintering and nesting hunting is one of the six priority public a pistol or shotgun cartridge at the end). snail kites and may fall within the time uses accepted on all refuges, as long as One commenter expanded this thought frame for the hunt seasons. It is unlikely the proposed activity is appropriate and to state, ‘‘this is horrifically inhumane that the snail kites will be affected, compatible with the establishing as it is not uncommon for injured though, because of the low density of legislation of the refuge. The alligators to get loose and suffer for snail kites on the refuge, the actual environmental assessment, section 7 hours before dying.’’ number of hunt dates available, and the consultation, and data analysis did not Response 11: The methods identified location of the hunt area versus past show that any negative cumulative in the rule, to take alligators, are the nest locations. See the refuge’s 2012 impacts will occur to alligators under same legal methods used by the State. Sport Hunting Plan for specific refuge the proposed hunting regulations. Alligators may be taken using hand held hunt days, which are more restrictive The refuge has completed a snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, than the State seasons. compatibility determination and has artificial lures, manually operated To minimize potential impacts to found the alligator hunt compatible spears, spear guns, and crossbows. snail kites, recreational hunting based on the current research and data Alligators may not be taken using baited activities within the refuge will take available. Please contact the refuge if hooks, baited wooden pegs, or firearms. measures to avoid active snail kite nest you would like to obtain a copy of the We made no changes to the rule as a sites. If the snail kite nests are active sport hunting plan, which contains the result of this comment. during the hunt seasons, the refuge will completed compatibility determination. Comment 12: A commenter requested coordinate restrictions and necessary Research shows that the refuge can we reject the plan to allow hunting of communications with Florida Fish and support a limited alligator hunt without alligators on Arthur R. Marshall Wildlife Conservation Commission staff having negative cumulative effects to Loxahatchee NWR due to the and hunters, and ‘‘Area Closed’’ signs the alligator population or interfering disturbance and pollution that gas- will be placed to show the buffer zones with other public user groups. powered boats would create. whether along levees or within the The current hunt boundary for Response 12: The alligator hunt marsh. Prior to the hunts, the refuge will alligator hunting will remain the same should not result in negative cumulative provide hunters with maps, GPS points, as the waterfowl hunt boundary except impacts to the refuge, and given the and specific rules and regulations for opening the perimeter canals, and small number of permits issued, only a regarding the restrictions within the currently access will be allowed only negligible increase of hunters will be snail kite nest buffer zones. We made no from the Hillsboro boat ramp. There will observed. Airboats will not be allowed changes to the rule as a result of this be a buffer around high use visitor areas during the hunt, and most of the comment. where hunting will not be allowed to alligator hunting activity will occur in Comment 9: A commenter believed take place (i.e., public boat ramps). Hunt the perimeter canals; therefore, there should not be alligator hunting at dates on the refuge for waterfowl, coot, increased habitat damage and pollution Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR and alligator fall within the State from gas-powered boats due to the because the refuge is understaffed and framework; however, actual hunt dates alligator hunt will not occur. We made will not be able to properly monitor will be fewer, and there will be time no changes to the rule as a result of this hunters. limitations for each hunt day. These are comment. Response 9: This hunt will not take refuge-specific regulations, which can Comment 13: A commenter requested many staff resources, and the Florida be found in the refuge’s 2012 Sport we relocate alligators from Arthur R. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Hunting Plan. The alligator hunt will be Marshall Loxahatchee NWR to Wakulla Commission will be implementing the structured like the Florida Fish and Springs, where there has been a drawing and licensing of the hunt. Wildlife Conservation Commission’s population decline, before killing them. Refuge law enforcement officers and program used on the Stormwater Response 13: Alligators are not in officers from the Florida Fish and Treatment Areas, and will take place as decline throughout the State of Florida, Wildlife Conservation Commission will follows: 1 hour before sunset on Friday or on the refuge. The alligator hunt is be enforcing the hunts with random night through 1 hour after sunrise strictly recreational, and is not for checks in the field; otherwise, it will be Saturday morning, and 1 hour before population control. Wakulla Springs is a self-check. Check stations will be sunset on Saturday night through 1 hour a State park managed by the State of established only if needed during after sunrise Sunday morning. Florida. If there are local declines in the hunting harvest periods to ensure Therefore, limited public use interaction Wakulla Springs area, it would be up to hunters are using permits correctly and will occur between hunters and non- the State or the Florida Fish and

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14815

Wildlife Conservation Commission to rather than the maximum sustainable deemed a health or safety issue. We decide what to do about the alligator harvest. If annual analysis determines made no changes to the rule as a result population. Relocating alligators can alligator populations have declined of this comment. potentially introduce a different gene beyond acceptable levels, alligator Comment 18: Several commenters pool or diseases to the local alligator harvest will be suspended until oppose the opening of Baskett Slough population, which may have negative populations have recovered. Acceptable NWR to hunting, with the focus of these impacts. We made no changes to the levels of decline will be determined by letters centering on the contradiction rule as a result of this comment. refuge management in consideration of they see in allowing hunting on a Comment 14: A commenter felt that refuge goals and objectives and the best refuge. One of these writers circulated a alligator hunting at Arthur R. Marshall available science. We made no changes petition to oppose hunting at the refuge, Loxahatchee NWR should be restricted to the rule as a result of this comment. gathering over 100 signatures, while to adults and not include young or Comment 16: A commenter suggested another wrote, ‘‘the refuges first and juvenile alligators. The commenter sites we allow the use of electric trolling foremost function is to provide a place a study that found smaller alligators motors in the Monopoly Lake area of where wildlife cannot be hunted or were becoming harder to detect during Mingo NWR. They state this change harassed by humans.’’ A third field research in the greater Everglades. would allow handicapped fisherman commenter said that allowing hunting Response 14: Based on previous more fishing access. would make a mockery of the protection comments from the public, revisions to Response 16: Monopoly Marsh is promise the Service made when the Sport Hunting Plan were made that inside the Mingo Wilderness, which is originally establishing the refuges. would make the size limits consistent administered as part of the National Response 18: Duck, goose, coot, and with those under Florida Fish and Wilderness Preservation System. Under snipe hunting was allowed at Baskett Wildlife Conservation Commission’s the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. Slough NWR between 1969 and 1985. In Statewide alligator harvest program. 1131 et seq.), no motorized equipment addition, hunting for pheasant, quail, Additional constraints can complicate (including trolling motors) is allowed. dove, and pigeon was also allowed in participation requirements and may be We made no changes to the rule as a the past. We understand that many confusing for participants. Making the result of this comment. people are opposed to hunting within hunt consistent with the State will also Comment 17: A commenter felt refuges. However, hunting was prevent alligators being caught and cooperative farmers, who farm at other designated as one of six priority public discarded or abandoned because they refuges located within Willamette uses for NWRs under the were a few inches short of the legal take. Valley, will be negatively impacted if Administration Act, as amended, in As the proposed regulations did not both Ankeny and W.L. Finley NWRs are 1997. Though Baskett Slough NWR was include any size restrictions, we made not opened to waterfowl hunting at the established as an ‘‘inviolate sanctuary no changes to the rule as a result of this same time as Baskett Slough NWR. The for migratory birds, or for any other comment. commenter states, ‘‘I believe if you only management purpose, for migratory Comment 15: A commenter felt there allow hunting on Baskett Slough our birds,’’ on units of the Refuge System should be no alligator hunting in Arthur crops will not survive due to the over established as an ‘‘inviolate sanctuary,’’ R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR due to grazing by the geese pushed to Ankeny the Service may allow hunting of projected, deteriorating hydrological Wildlife refuge and Finley Wildlife migratory game birds on up to 40 conditions. refuge.’’ The commenter felt opening percent of that refuge at any one time Response 15: The Florida Fish and Ankeny and W.L. Finley NWRs will (some exceptions exist). We estimate Wildlife Conservation Commission will keep migrating geese spread out, that fewer than 100 ducks and geese per conduct transect surveys within the reducing the chances of them being year will be harvested at Baskett Slough hunt boundary of the perimeter canals infected with a virus. NWR under the hunt. Dusky Canada during the spring in order to determine Response 17: We understand the geese, the focus species when the refuge annual quotas in accordance with their pressures faced by cooperative farmers was originally established, are not standard procedures. In addition to on the refuges, but do not believe the expected to be impacted by the harvest, quota-driven surveys, refuge staff will hunt will create much change in as they would not yet have arrived on conduct transect surveys in the spring wintertime distribution of geese, which the refuge by September. Dusky Canada or fall or both to supplement the surveys are the source of the majority of grazing geese were addressed in the hunt plan, conducted by the Florida Fish and pressure on refuge fields. The hunt NEPA documentation and compatibility Wildlife Conservation Commission and would only be open for 6 days in determination. monitor for cumulative effects. Data September, well before the arrival of the We do anticipate some minor collected will help managers determine majority of geese. The September goose disturbance to other foraging or resting hunt impacts and how many alligators hunt would allow harvest only for birds and other wildlife from dogs, can be sustainably harvested per year. western Canada geese, which are human activity, and the noise associated Annual harvest quotas will be currently above population objectives in with hunting. Orientation will be determined, in part, using the model the Pacific Flyway. Baskett Slough NWR provided to all hunters at the start of Fish and Wildlife Conservation has a fairly reliable supply of water at each hunt day, which will help to Commission uses to set harvest quotas that time of year and a history of reduce effects to non-target species. for all State-run alligator hunts. Refuge Western Canada goose presence in Similarly, there will be disturbance to management will also incorporate September. Hunting was considered for other refuge users during the hunt, but refuge priorities and goals into the cackling geese during the winter season less than 34 percent of the refuge will development of annual quotas. It is but was rejected because of the potential be open to hunting, and hunting will important to note that the goal for the to impact dusky Canada geese and other occur on only 6 days per year. The high- alligator hunt in the refuge is to set wintering geese, conflicting with the use public areas at that time of year annual harvest quotas that provide a refuges’ purposes. As part of our regular (viewing areas along Coville Road, trails high-quality hunt while supporting management, we keep an eye on the on Baskett Butte) will remain multiple compatible uses, such as geese for signs of any diseases, and will unaffected, except for some potential for wildlife observation and photography, take steps if and when overcrowding is more vehicles to be parked in high-use

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14816 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

areas, and of course the potential for the Act that refuge managers comply with historically present, these species are sight and sound of hunting. We when considering hunting and fishing now missing from the vegetative considered this to be a minor effect to programs. community. Overabundance of deer the non-hunting users due to the very Some refuges close other public use helped eliminate native vegetation in short season. programs or enforce clothing regulations the forest and grassland areas, while The positives are that hunting during hunting seasons. This is done favoring nonnative, invasive plants. provides an opportunity, especially for through refuge-specific regulations The town park that is referenced in youth, to enjoy a wildlife-dependent use specifically for public safety. We made the comment has been under (which is considered a priority for the no changes to the rule as a result of construction for a decade. As the park Refuge System as a whole). We made no these comments. begins to open, we will adjust hunt-able changes to the rule as a result of this Comment 20: A commenter felt that areas, if necessary, to keep safety our comment. allowing hunting on Shawangunk top priority. We made no changes to the Comment 19: Many commenters Grasslands NWR would have an adverse rule as a result of this comment. opined that killing wildlife is not an effect on the grasslands and several Comment 21: A commenter felt access acceptable use for a refuge. Several species that use the habitat, due to the hours at Nestucca Bay NWR and Siletz commenters expanded on this thought increased disturbance from hunters NWR should be increased from 1 hour and believe refuges should offer safe being allowed to leave clearly defined before sunrise to 2 hours before sunrise, haven for wildlife. Finally, many pathways. The commenter also felt it to give hunters adequate time to set up commenters believe that since non- would be unsafe to allow hunting due for a morning hunt. consumptive users highly outnumber to the close proximity of new recreation Response 21: In response to this consumptive users, they should be fields in the village of Wallkill, which comment, we are changing the access given a higher priority when it comes to is located on a small portion of the hours for both Nestucca Bay NWR and use of refuge lands. One commenter grasslands. Siletz NWR to 2 hours before sunrise. expanded on this thought by saying the Response 20: Potential impacts to Comment 22: A commenter believes viewing public ‘‘should not be subject to wildlife and the current visiting public the management of predators should be hunting closures and clothing were evaluated as the hunting package addressed in every comprehensive regulations.’’ was being developed. The hunt is conservation plan and other appropriate Response 19: The Administration Act, archery-only for deer only, meaning it is planning documents. The commenter amended by the Improvement Act, limited in scope. Spatially it is limited goes on to state, ‘‘Predators, if left stipulates that hunting (along with to forested blocks on the far western unmanaged have an adverse effect on fishing, wildlife observation and boundary of the refuge, the northwest the very wildlife the Federal Refuges are photography, and environmental corner of the refuge, and the northeast in place to protect.’’ education and interpretation), if found corner of the refuge. In addition to the Response 22: Management of to be compatible, is a legitimate and forested areas, we included a 50-yard predators is looked at on a case-by-case priority general public use of a refuge hunt-able buffer extending from the basis by the refuge manager. Each refuge and should be facilitated. The edge of the forested areas into the manager makes the decision regarding Administration Act authorizes the periphery of the grasslands. (We chose hunting of any species on the refuge Secretary to allow use of any refuge area a 50-yard hunt-able area because that is only after rigorous examination. for any purpose as long as those uses are generally regarded as the limit of a kill Building on Executive Order 12996 compatible. In the case of each refuge shot with a bow or crossbow.) The (Management and General Public Use of that is opening or expanding hunting refuge system trail and large, the National Wildlife Refuge System), opportunities in this rule, the refuge uninterrupted expanses of grassland, the Improvement Act directs the Service managers went through the NEPA and where nesting birds and short-eared to manage for ‘‘biological integrity, compatibility process, which allows for owls make their homes, lay well away diversity, and environmental health.’’ public comment, to make the from the hunt-able area of the refuge. Predators are an extremely important determination before the opening or The hunt is limited to New York State component of ecosystems. If deemed expanding. The principal focus of the archery deer hunting seasons. The appropriate by the refuge manager, Improvement Act was to clearly number of permits issued is also predator control may be part of the establish a wildlife conservation limited. All of these measures limit comprehensive conservation plan or mission for the Refuge System and adverse effects that could be associated other management plan. provide managers clear direction to with hunting. Hunters will avoid Our policy for managing units of the make determinations regarding wildlife walking in the grassland areas to avoid Refuge System is that we will manage conservation and public uses within the detection by grazing deer. all refuges in accordance with an units of the Refuge System. The Service Bow-hunting-only hunting zones well approved comprehensive conservation manages NWRs primarily for wildlife away from the trail system, and hunting plan, which, when implemented, will conservation, habitat protection, and zones farther still away from our achieve refuge purposes; help fulfill the biological integrity, and allows uses grassland habitat, make this hunt safe in Refuge System mission; maintain and, only when compatible with refuge the context of other ongoing uses. It also where appropriate, restore the purposes. In passing the Improvement gives the Service an important ecological integrity of each refuge and Act, Congress reaffirmed that the Refuge management tool to benefit peripheral the Refuge System; help achieve the System was created to conserve fish, forest areas, while virtually eliminating goals of the National Wilderness wildlife, plants, and their habitats and impacts to the interior, uninterrupted Preservation System; and meet other would facilitate opportunities for grasslands. These forested blocks mandates. The CCP will guide Americans to participate in compatible contain numerous invasive plant management decisions and set forth wildlife-dependent recreation, species, and native understory goals, objectives, and strategies to including hunting and fishing on Refuge vegetation is absent. Further, the accomplish these ends. System lands. The Service has adopted grassland portion of the refuge has a Comment 23: A commenter requested policies and regulations implementing great potential for supporting rare native a public hearing be held to review the the requirements of the Improvement plant species; however, although once effectiveness of the U.S. Fish and

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14817

Wildlife Service. In addition, they want to Comment 2, the decision to allow proposed rule. This rule does not the formation of a panel for scientific hunting on a NWR is not a quick or impact the public generally in terms of review. simple process. It is full of deliberation requiring lead time for compliance. Response 23: There is nothing in and discussion, including review of all Rather it relieves restrictions in that it statute that requires a public hearing be available data to determine the relative allows activities on refuges that we held to address public comments on a health of a population before we allow would otherwise prohibit. Therefore, we proposed rule. Public meetings are it to be hunted. find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) typically offered during public comment In addition to the comments to make this rule effective upon periods for NEPA on refuge mentioned above, we received several publication. comments that did not relate to the Comprehensive Conservation Plan Amendments to Existing Regulations efforts. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposed rule. We are very open to Service (Service) uses the best available receiving comments on other issues, but This document adopts in the Code of science to ensure the health of a we are responding only to those Federal Regulations all of the Service’s population when making the decision to comments directly related to the hunting and/or sport fishing regulations open a refuge to hunting or fishing. The proposed rule in this document. that are applicable at Refuge System Service has a robust inventory and Changes from the Proposed Rule units previously opened to hunting and/ monitoring program to inform refuge or sport fishing. We are doing this to Based on comments we received on managers of populations and ecosystem better inform the general public of the the proposed rule, we are removing the health on refuge lands. regulations at each refuge, to increase prohibition on falconry on Sevilleta understanding and compliance with Comment 24: A commenter NWR and changing the access hours for these regulations, and to make applauded our efforts to open up 6 new entry into Nestucca Bay and Siletz Bay enforcement of these regulations more refuges to hunting and expand hunting NWRs to 2 hours before sunrise. We efficient. In addition to now finding opportunities on 22 others, but stated have also made several nonsubstantive, that they believe all NWRs should editorial changes for clarity. these regulations in 50 CFR part 32, become or remain open to hunting. visitors to our refuges will usually find Response 24: The Improvement Act Effective Date them reiterated in literature distributed promotes wildlife-dependent recreation, This rule is effective upon publication by each refuge or posted on signs. including hunting and fishing, provided in the Federal Register. We have We cross-reference a number of it is compatible with both the Refuge determined that any further delay in existing regulations in 50 CFR parts 26, System mission and individual refuge implementing these refuge-specific 27, 28, and 32 to assist hunting and purpose and mission. Conservation, the hunting and sport fishing regulations sport fishing visitors with overarching mission of the National would not be in the public interest, in understanding safety and other legal Wildlife Refuge System, is the dominant that a delay would hinder the effective requirements on refuges. This use on refuge system lands. Each refuge planning and administration of the redundancy is deliberate, with the manager gives the decision to allow hunting and fishing programs. We intention of improving safety and hunting on a particular refuge rigorous provided a 30-day public comment compliance in our hunting and sport examination. As stated in our response period for the September 24, 2013, fishing programs.

TABLE 1—CHANGES FOR 2013–2014 HUNTING/FISHING SEASON

Migratory bird Upland game Big game Refuge (region*) State hunting hunting hunting Sport fishing

Aransas NWR (2) ...... ...... B ...... closed ...... already open .... already open. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Florida ...... already open ..... closed ...... B ...... already open. NWR (4). Balcones Canyonlands NWR (2) Texas ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... closed. Bandon Marsh NWR (1) ...... Oregon ...... C ...... closed ...... closed ...... already open. Baskett Slough NWR (1) ...... Oregon ...... A ...... closed ...... closed ...... closed. Cherry Valley NWR (5) ...... Pennsylvania ...... A ...... A ...... A ...... closed. Cokeville Meadows NWR (6) ...... Wyoming ...... A ...... A ...... A ...... closed. Colusa NWR (8) ...... California ...... C ...... C ...... closed ...... closed. Cypress Creek NWR (3) ...... Illinois ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... already open. Julia Butler Hansen Refuge For Oregon and Washington ...... C ...... closed ...... already open ..... already open. the Columbian White-Tailed Deer (1). Kootenai NWR (1) ...... Idaho ...... already open ..... D ...... already open ..... already open. Malheur NWR (1) ...... Oregon ...... C ...... already open ..... already open ..... C. Middle Mississippi River NWR Illinois ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... already open. (3). Mingo NWR (3) ...... ...... C ...... C/D ...... C ...... already open. Neal Smith NWR (3) ...... Iowa ...... C/D ...... C/D ...... C/D ...... closed. Nestucca Bay NWR (1) ...... Oregon ...... A ...... closed ...... closed ...... closed. Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR Iowa ...... C/D ...... C/D ...... C/D ...... closed. (3). Patoka River NWR and Manage- Indiana ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... already open. ment Area (3). Port Louisa NWR (3) ...... Iowa ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... C. Rachel Carson NWR (5) ...... Maine ...... C ...... C/D ...... C/D ...... already open. St. Marks NWR (4) ...... Florida ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... already open. San Andres NWR (2) ...... New Mexico ...... closed ...... closed ...... D ...... closed.

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14818 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

TABLE 1—CHANGES FOR 2013–2014 HUNTING/FISHING SEASON—Continued

Migratory bird Upland game Big game Refuge (region*) State hunting hunting hunting Sport fishing

Shawangunk Grasslands NWR New York ...... closed ...... closed ...... A ...... closed. (5). Siletz Bay NWR (1) ...... Oregon ...... A ...... closed ...... closed ...... closed. Silvio O. Conte National Fish Vermont ...... C ...... C ...... C ...... closed. and Wildlife Refuge (5). Willapa NWR (1) ...... Washington ...... C ...... already open ..... C ...... already open. Key: * number in ( ) refers to the Region as explained in the preamble to this rule for additional information regarding refuge-specific regulations. A = New refuge opened. B = New activity on a refuge previously open to other activities. C = Refuge already open to activity, but added new lands/waters or modified areas open to hunting or fishing. D = Refuge already open to activity but added new species to hunt.

The changes for the 2013–14 hunting/ Regulatory Planning and Review rule on small entities (i.e., small fishing season noted in the chart above (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) businesses, small organizations, and are each based on a complete Executive Order 12866 provides that small government jurisdictions). administrative record which, among the Office of Information and Regulatory However, no regulatory flexibility other detailed documentation, also Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant analysis is required if the head of an includes a hunt plan, a compatibility rules. OIRA has determined that this agency certifies that the rule would not determination, and the appropriate rule is not significant. have a significant economic impact on National Environmental Policy Act Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the a substantial number of small entities. (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) analysis, principles of E.O. 12866 while calling Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis all of which were the subject of a public for improvements in the nation’s to be required, impacts must exceed a review and comment process. These regulatory system to promote threshold for ‘‘significant impact’’ and a documents are available upon request. predictability, to reduce uncertainty, threshold for a ‘‘substantial number of and to use the best, most innovative, small entities.’’ See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). Fish Advisory and least burdensome tools for SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal For health reasons, anglers should achieving regulatory ends. The agencies to provide a statement of the review and follow State-issued executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that factual basis for certifying that a rule consumption advisories before enjoying would not have a significant economic recreational sport fishing opportunities reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public impact on a substantial number of small on Service-managed waters. You can entities. find information about current fish where these approaches are relevant, This rule adds 6 NWRs to the list of consumption advisories on the Internet feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes refuges open to hunting, increases at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/ hunting activities on 20 additional fish/. further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that NWRs, and increases fishing activities at Plain Language Mandate the rulemaking process must allow for 2 NWRs. As a result, visitor use for public participation and an open wildlife-dependent recreation on these In this rule, we made some of the exchange of ideas. We have developed NWRs will change. If the refuges revisions to the individual refuge units this rule in a manner consistent with establishing new programs were a pure to comply with a Presidential mandate these requirements. addition to the current supply of such to use plain language in regulations; as activities, it would mean an estimated such, these particular revisions do not Regulatory Flexibility Act increase of 19,425 user days (one person modify the substance of the previous Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act per day participating in a recreational regulations. These types of changes (as amended by the Small Business opportunity) (Table 2). Because the include using ‘‘you’’ to refer to the Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act participation trend is flat in these reader and ‘‘we’’ to refer to the Refuge [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), activities since 1991, this increase in System, using the word ‘‘allow’’ instead whenever a Federal agency is required supply will most likely be offset by of ‘‘permit’’ when we do not require the to publish a notice of rulemaking for other sites losing participants. use of a permit for an activity, and using any proposed or final rule, it must Therefore, this is likely to be a active voice (i.e., ‘‘We restrict entry into prepare and make available for public substitute site for the activity and not the refuge’’ vs. ‘‘Entry into the refuge is comment a regulatory flexibility necessarily an increase in participation restricted’’). analysis that describes the effect of the rates for the activity.

TABLE 2—ESTIMATED CHANGE IN RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES IN 2013/2014 [Dollars in thousands]

Refuge Additional days Additional expenditures

Aransas NWR ...... 2,600 $121.1 Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR ...... 11 0.5 Balcones Canyonlands NWR ...... 93 4.3 Bandon Marsh NWR ...... 108 5.0

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14819

TABLE 2—ESTIMATED CHANGE IN RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES IN 2013/2014—Continued [Dollars in thousands]

Refuge Additional days Additional expenditures

Baskett Slough NWR ...... 140 6.5 Cherry Valley NWR ...... 315 14.7 Cokeville Meadows NWR ...... 500 23.3 Colusa NWR ...... 165 7.7 Cypress Creek NWR ...... 0 ...... Julia Butler Hansen Refuge For the Columbian White-Tailed Deer ...... 0 ...... Kootenai NWR ...... 0 ...... Malheur NWR ...... 95 4.4 Middle Mississippi River NWR ...... 11,835 551.2 Mingo NWR ...... 1,500 69.9 Neal Smith NWR ...... 25 1.2 Nestucca Bay NWR ...... 120 5.6 Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR ...... 10 0.5 Patoka River NWR and Management Area ...... 26 1.2 Port Louisa NWR ...... 0 ...... Rachel Carson NWR ...... 0 ...... St. Marks NWR ...... 30 1.4 San Andres NWR ...... 4 0.2 Shawangunk Grasslands NWR ...... 43 2.0 Siletz Bay NWR ...... 100 4.66 Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge ...... 875 40.8 Willapa NWR ...... 830 38.7

Total ...... 19,425 904.8

To the extent visitors spend time and Force for Conservation’’ yields a total the local economy and, therefore, the money in the area of the refuge that they economic impact of approximately $2.1 real impact would be on the order of would not have spent there anyway, million (2012 dollars) (Southwick about $411,000 annually. they contribute new income to the Associates, Inc., 2012). Using a local Small businesses within the retail regional economy and benefit local impact multiplier would yield more trade industry (such as hotels, gas businesses. Due to the unavailability of accurate and smaller results. However, stations, taxidermy shops, bait and site-specific expenditure data, we use we employed the national impact tackle shops, and similar businesses) the national estimates from the 2011 multiplier due to the difficulty in may be impacted from some increased National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, developing local multipliers for each or decreased refuge visitation. A large and Wildlife Associated Recreation to specific region. percentage of these retail trade identify expenditures for food and Since we know that most of the establishments in the local communities lodging, transportation, and other fishing and hunting occurs within 100 around NWRs qualify as small incidental expenses. Using the average miles of a participant’s residence, then businesses (Table 3). We expect that the expenditures for these categories with it is unlikely that most of this spending incremental recreational changes will be the maximum expected additional would be ‘‘new’’ money coming into a scattered, and so we do not expect that participation of the Refuge System local economy; therefore, this spending the rule will have a significant yields approximately $904,800 in would be offset with a decrease in some economic effect on a substantial number recreation-related expenditures (Table other sector of the local economy. The of small entities in any region or 2). By having ripple effects throughout net gain to the local economies would nationally. As noted previously, we the economy, these direct expenditures be no more than $2.1 million, and most expect approximately $411,000 to be are only part of the economic impact of likely considerably less. Since 80 spent in total in the refuges’ local these recreational activities. Using a percent of the participants travel less economies. The maximum increase at national impact multiplier for hunting than 100 miles to engage in hunting and most would be less than one-tenth of 1 activities (2.27) derived from the report fishing activities, their spending percent for local retail trade spending ‘‘Hunting in America: An Economic patterns would not add new money into (Table 3).

TABLE 3—COMPARATIVE EXPENDITURES FOR RETAIL TRADE ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL REFUGE VISITATION FOR 2013/2014 [thousands, 2012 dollars]

Estimated maximum Refuge/county(ies) Retail trade in addition from Addition as Establishments Establ. with < 10 2007 new % of total in 2011 emp in 2011 activities

Aransas NWR Calhoun, TX ...... $356,827 $60.6 0.017 61 43 Aransas, TX ...... 267,465 60.6 0.023 70 53 Arthur R Marshall Loxahatchee NWR

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14820 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

TABLE 3—COMPARATIVE EXPENDITURES FOR RETAIL TRADE ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL REFUGE VISITATION FOR 2013/2014—Continued [thousands, 2012 dollars]

Estimated maximum Refuge/county(ies) Retail trade in addition from Addition as Establishments Establ. with < 10 2007 new % of total in 2011 emp in 2011 activities

Palm Beach, FL ...... 21,395,255 0.5 <0.001 5,256 3,961 Balcones Canyonlands NWR Burnet, TX ...... 708,176 1.4 <0.001 176 146 Travis, TX ...... 15,369,020 1.4 <0.001 3,454 2,398 Williamson, TX ...... 10,982,412 1.4 <0.001 1,237 812 Bandon Marsh NWR Coos, OR ...... 792,881 5.0 0.001 268 191 Baskett Slough NWR Polk, OR ...... 415,314 6.5 0.002 135 102 Cherry Valley NWR Monroe, PA ...... 2,231,111 7.3 <0.001 631 422 Northampton, PA ...... 3,770,434 7.3 <0.001 876 608 Cokeville Meadows NWR Lincoln, WY ...... 245,506 23.3 0.009 79 62 Colusa NWR Colusa, CA ...... 230,924 7.7 0.003 60 40 Malheur NWR Harney, OR ...... 96,975 4.4 0.005 28 20 Middle Mississippi River NWR Randolph, IL ...... 367,968 137.8 0.037 105 68 Jackson, IL ...... 757,506 137.8 0.018 225 141 Jefferson, IN ...... 628,548 137.8 0.022 182 132 Monroe, IL ...... 449,266 137.8 0.031 95 65 Mingo NWR Stoddard, MO ...... 482,886 34.9 0.007 120 84 Wayne, MO ...... 72,844 34.9 0.048 37 29 Neal Smith NWR Jasper, IA ...... 303,361 1 <0.001 116 80 Nestucca Bay NWR Tillamook, OR ...... 249,040 5.6 0.002 107 89 Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR Jasper, IA ...... 303,361 0.5 <0.001 116 80 Patoka River NWR Gibson, IN ...... 490,105 1.2 <0.001 122 84 Pike, IN ...... 61,937 1.2 0.002 31 22 St. Marks NWR Wakulla, FL ...... 185,694 0.5 <0.001 59 46 Jefferson, FL ...... 98,234 0.5 <0.001 47 35 Taylor, FL ...... 229,296 0.5 <0.001 96 75 San Andres NWR Dona Ana, NM ...... 2,132,201 0.2 <0.001 510 341 Shawangunk Grasslands NWR Ulster, NY ...... 2,481,614 2.0 <0.001 733 548 Siletz Bay NWR Lincoln, OR ...... 619,646 4.66 0.001 310 247 Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Ref- uge Essex, VT ...... 16,644 20.4 0.122 20 16 Windham, VT ...... 731,645 20.4 0.003 289 217 Willapa NWR Pacific, WA ...... 126,764 38.7 0.030 87 77

With the small change in overall Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A regulatory We anticipate no significant spending anticipated from this rule, it is flexibility analysis is not required. employment or small business effects. unlikely that a substantial number of Accordingly, a small entity compliance This rule: small entities will have more than a guide is not required. a. Will not have an annual effect on small impact from the spending change Small Business Regulatory Enforcement the economy of $100 million or more. near the affected refuges. Therefore, we Fairness Act The minimal impact will be scattered certify that this rule will not have a across the country and will most likely significant economic effect on a The rule is not a major rule under 5 not be significant in any local area. substantial number of small entities as U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business b. Will not cause a major increase in defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. costs or prices for consumers;

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14821

individual industries; Federal, State, or judicial system and that it meets the plans (CCPs) and step-down local government agencies; or requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) management plans (which would geographic regions. This rule will have of the Order. The rule clarifies include hunting and/or fishing plans) only a slight effect on the costs of established regulations and results in for public use of refuges, and prior to hunting opportunities for Americans. If better understanding of the regulations implementing any new or revised public the substitute sites are farther from the by refuge visitors. recreation program on a refuge as participants’ residences, then an identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have Energy Supply, Distribution or Use increase in travel costs will occur. The completed section 7 consultation on (E.O. 13211) Service does not have information to each of the affected refuges. On May 18, 2001, the President issued quantify this change in travel cost but National Environmental Policy Act assumes that, since most people travel E.O. 13211 on regulations that less than 100 miles to hunt, the significantly affect energy supply, We analyzed this rule in accordance increased travel cost will be small. We distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 with the criteria of the National do not expect this rule to affect the requires agencies to prepare Statements Environmental Policy Act of 1969 supply or demand for hunting of Energy Effects when undertaking (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), 43 CFR part opportunities in the United States, and, certain actions. Because this rule adds 6 46, and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) therefore, it should not affect prices for national wildlife refuges to the list of 8. hunting equipment and supplies, or the areas open for hunting and/or sport A categorical exclusion from NEPA retailers that sell equipment. fishing, adds new hunts at 6 refuges, documentation applies to publication of c. Will not have significant adverse increases the hunting activities available amendments to refuge-specific hunting effects on competition, employment, at 20 other refuges, and increases fishing and fishing regulations since they are investment, productivity, innovation, or opportunities at 2 refuges, it is not a technical and procedural in nature, and the ability of U.S.–based enterprises to significant regulatory action under E.O. the environmental effects are too broad, compete with foreign–based enterprises. 12866, and we do not expect it to speculative, or conjectural to lend This rule represents only a small significantly affect energy supplies, themselves to meaningful analysis (43 proportion of recreational spending at distribution, and use. Therefore, this CFR 46.210 and 516 DM 8). Concerning NWRs. Therefore, this rule will have no action is a not a significant energy the actions that are the subject of this measurable economic effect on the action and no Statement of Energy rulemaking, we have complied with wildlife-dependent industry, which has Effects is required. NEPA at the project level when developing each proposal. This is annual sales of equipment and travel Consultation and Coordination With expenditures of $72 billion nationwide. consistent with the Department of the Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. Interior instructions for compliance Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 13175) with NEPA where actions are covered Since this rule applies to public use In accordance with E.O. 13175, we sufficiently by an earlier environmental of federally owned and managed have evaluated possible effects on document (43 CFR 46.120). refuges, it will not impose an unfunded federally recognized Indian tribes and Prior to the addition of a refuge to the mandate on State, local, or Tribal have determined that there are no list of areas open to hunting and fishing governments or the private sector of effects. We coordinate recreational use in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting more than $100 million per year. The on NWRs with Tribal governments and fishing plans for the affected rule will not have a significant or having adjoining or overlapping refuges. We incorporate these refuge unique effect on State, local, or Tribal jurisdiction before we propose hunting and fishing activities in the governments or the private sector. A regulations. refuge CCPs and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our statement containing the information Paperwork Reduction Act required by the Unfunded Mandates refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not This rule does not contain any and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, required. information collection requirements and 4. We prepare these CCPs and step- other than those already approved by down plans in compliance with section Takings (E.O. 12630) the Office of Management and Budget 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the Council on In accordance with E.O. 12630, this (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Environmental Quality’s regulations for rule will not have significant takings Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (OMB implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts implications. This rule affects only Control Numbers are 1018–0102 and 1500–1508. We invite the affected visitors at NWRs and describes what 1018–0140). In this rule, we revise 50 public to participate in the review, they can do while they are on a refuge. CFR 25.23 to provide correct development, and implementation of information concerning OMB approval these plans. Copies of all plans and Federalism (E.O. 13132) for the collections of information NEPA compliance are available from the As discussed in the Regulatory contained in subchapter C of title 50 of refuges at the addresses provided below. Planning and Review and Unfunded the Code of Federal Regulations. An Mandates Reform Act sections above, agency may not conduct or sponsor and Available Information for Specific this rule will not have sufficient a person is not required to respond to Refuges federalism implications to warrant the a collection of information unless it Individual refuge headquarters have preparation of a federalism summary displays a currently valid OMB control information about public use programs impact statement under E.O. 13132. In number. and conditions that apply to their preparing this rule, we worked with specific programs and maps of their Endangered Species Act Section 7 State governments. respective areas. To find out how to Consultation contact a specific refuge, contact the Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988) We comply with section 7 of the appropriate Regional office listed below: In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Region 1—Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Office of the Solicitor has determined amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), when Washington. Regional Chief, National that the rule does not unduly burden the developing comprehensive conservation Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14822 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal 50 CFR Part 32 and placing it in alphabetical order in Complex, Suite 1692, 911 NE. 11th Fishing, Hunting, Reporting, and the State of New York; ■ d. Adding an entry for ‘‘Baskett Avenue, Portland, OR 97232–4181; Recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Slough National Wildlife Refuge’’ and Telephone (503) 231–6214. Wildlife refuges. Region 2—Arizona, New Mexico, placing it in alphabetical order in the Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, Regulation Promulgation State of Oregon; ■ e. Adding an entry for ‘‘Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. For the reasons set forth in the National Wildlife Refuge’’ and placing it Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 1306, preamble, we amend title 50, chapter I, in alphabetical order in the State of 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, NM subchapter C of the Code of Federal Oregon; 87103; Telephone (505) 248–7419. Regulations as follows: ■ f. Adding an entry for ‘‘Siletz Bay Region 3—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, National Wildlife Refuge’’ and placing it Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, PART 25—[AMENDED] in alphabetical order in the State of and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National ■ Oregon; Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and 1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows: ■ g. Adding an entry for ‘‘Cherry Valley Wildlife Service, 5600 American Blvd. National Wildlife Refuge’’ and placing it Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN in alphabetical order in the State of 55437–1458; Telephone 612–713–5360. 664, 668dd, and 715i, 3901 et seq.; and Pub. L. 102–402, 106 Stat. 1961. Pennsylvania; Region 4—Alabama, Arkansas, ■ h. Adding an entry for ‘‘Silvio O. Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, ■ 2. Revise § 25.23 to read as follows: Conte National Fish and Wildlife Mississippi, North Carolina, South § 25.23 What are the general regulations Refuge’’ and placing it in alphabetical Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and and information collection requirements? order in the State of Vermont; and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, ■ i. Adding an entry for ‘‘Cokeville The Office of Management and Budget National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Meadows National Wildlife Refuge’’ and has approved the information collection Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century placing it in alphabetical order in the requirements contained in subchapter C, Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345; State of Wyoming. parts 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 36 Telephone (404) 679–7166. ■ under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and 5. Amend § 32.20 by: Region 5—Connecticut, Delaware, ■ assigned the following control numbers: a. Revising paragraphs B.1, B.2, B.3, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, 1018–0102 for National Wildlife Refuge B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7, C.1, C.3, C.4, C.5, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Special Use Permit Applications and D.1; adding paragraphs B.8 and B.9; and Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Reports; 1018–0140 for Hunting and removing paragraphs C.6, C.7, C.8, and Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Fishing Application Forms and Activity D.2 under Cahaba River National Virginia. Regional Chief, National Reports for National Wildlife Refuges; Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and ■ and 1018–0153 for National Wildlife b. Revising paragraphs B.5, B.6, B.8, Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Refuge Visitor Check-In Permit and Use B.9, B.10, C.1, C.2, C.3, C.4, D.1, D.2, Drive, Hadley, MA 01035–9589; Report. We collect information to assist and D.8 and adding paragraph C.6 under Telephone (413) 253–8306. us in administering our programs in Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge. ■ c. Revising paragraphs B.1, B.4, and Region 6—Colorado, Kansas, accordance with statutory authorities C.1 under Eufaula National Wildlife Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, that require that recreational or other Refuge. South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. uses be compatible with the primary ■ d. Revising paragraphs A.1, A.4, A.5, Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge purposes for which the areas were and B.1 and adding paragraphs A.6, A.7, System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, established. Send comments on any and B.3 under Key Cave National 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228; aspect of these forms or the information Wildlife Refuge. Telephone (303) 236–8145. collection requirements to the ■ e. Revising paragraphs A.1, A.2, A.3, Region 7—Alaska. Regional Chief, Information Collection Clearance A.4, B.1, B.2, B.3, C.1, and C.4 and National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, adding paragraphs A.5, A.6, A.7, B.4, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. 1849 C Street NW., MS 2042–PDM, and B.5 under Mountain Longleaf Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503; Washington, DC 20240. National Wildlife Refuge. Telephone (907) 786–3545. ■ PART 32—[AMENDED] f. Revising paragraph B under Sauta Region 8—California and Nevada. Cave National Wildlife Refuge. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge ■ ■ 3. The authority citation for part 32 g. Revising paragraphs B.1, B.2, B.4, System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, continues to read as follows: B.7, B.10, C.1, C.2, C.3, C.4, C.5, and 2800 Cottage Way, Room W–2606, C.7; removing paragraphs C.8 and C.9; Sacramento, CA 95825; Telephone (916) Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, and adding paragraphs B.11, B.12, and 664, 668dd–668ee, and 715i. 414–6464. B.13 under Wheeler National Wildlife Paul Steblein, Division of [Amended § 32.7] Refuge. Conservation Planning and Policy, These revisions and additions read as ■ 4. Amend § 32.7 by: National Wildlife Refuge System is the follows: ■ a. Adding an entry for ‘‘Silvio O. primary author of this rulemaking Conte National Fish and Wildlife § 32.20 Alabama. document. Refuge’’ and placing it in alphabetical * * * * * List of Subjects order in the State of Connecticut; ■ Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge 50 CFR Part 25 b. Adding an entry for ‘‘Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife * * * * * Administrative practice and Refuge’’ and placing it in alphabetical B. Upland Game Hunting. *** procedure, Concessions, Reporting and order in the State of Massachusetts; 1. We require hunters to hunt in Recordkeeping Requirements, Safety, ■ c. Adding an entry for ‘‘Shawangunk accordance with Alabama Department Wildlife refuges Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge’’ of Conservation and Natural Resources’

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14823

William R. Ireland, Sr.—Cahaba River must be in the presence and under 4. Hunters may not hunt by aid of or Wildlife Management Area hunting direct supervision of a licensed or harassment of game for purposes of take permit conditions. exempt hunter at least 21 years of age. of deer or feral hogs. 2. We require hunters to possess and A licensed hunter supervising a youth * * * * * carry a current and signed Alabama as provided in this section must hold a 6. Hunter orange is required according Department of Conservation and Natural valid State license for the species being to State regulations during gun deer Resources’ William R. Ireland, Sr.— hunted. One adult may supervise no season in Choctaw County, AL. We Cahaba River Wildlife Management more than one youth hunter. recommend all user groups wear hunter Area hunting permit when hunting on 6. The refuge is open every day from orange during hunting seasons. the refuge. 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after D. Sport Fishing. *** 3. All youth hunters under age 16 sunset, except authorized uses. Personal 1. We allow fishing year-round, must be supervised by a licensed and property must be removed from the except in the waterfowl sanctuary, permitted adult 21 years of age or older, refuge daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter). which is closed from November 15 and must remain with the adult while through March 1. * * * * * hunting. One adult may supervise no 2. Conditions B2 and B6 apply. more than two youth hunters. 8. Persons possessing, transporting, or * * * * * 4. We prohibit the use of horses, carrying firearms on the refuge must 8. We prohibit fishing tournaments on mules, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) comply with all provisions of State and all refuge waters. on the refuge. local law. Persons may only use 5. Hunters may hunt with shotguns (discharge) firearms in accordance with Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge using only nontoxic #4 shot or smaller refuge regulations (see § 27.42 of this * * * * * (see § 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns chapter and specific refuge regulations B. Upland Game Hunting. *** using rim-fire ammunition only, or in part 32). Persons may only use 1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A7 archery equipment that complies with approved nontoxic shot in shotgun through A15 apply. State and Federal regulations. shells (see § 32.2(k)), .22 caliber rimfire * * * * * 6. We prohibit hunting or discharging or smaller rifles, or legal archery 4. We only allow shotguns as the firearms (including muzzle loaders) equipment according to State means of take for upland game hunting. from within 50 yards (45 meters) of regulations. We prohibit magnum * * * * * River Trace Road. ammunition. C. Big Game Hunting. *** 7. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt 9. We prohibit equestrian use and all 1. Conditions A1, A7 through A15, upland game and must be controlled by forms of motorized off-road vehicles. and B5 apply. the owner/handler at all times (see 10. We allow hunting of designated * * * * * § 26.21(b) of this chapter). species with dogs during designated 8. Hunters may only hunt designated Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge hunts. game species during specified days, A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. which are published within the Cahaba * * * * * *** River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting C. Big Game Hunting. *** 1. We require hunters to possess and dates portion of the permit. 1. Conditions B1 through B9 and B11 carry a current and signed Key Cave 9. Hunters must remove tree stands, apply. National Wildlife Refuge permit, which blinds, or other personal property from 2. We allow hunters to hunt from tree is included with the Alabama the refuge each day (see § 27.93 of this stands in accordance with 50 CFR Department of Conservation and Natural chapter). 32.2(i). While climbing a tree, installing Resources’ Seven Mile Island Wildlife C. Big Game Hunting. *** a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or Management Area hunting permit when 1. Conditions B1, B2, B4, B6, and B8 while hunting from a tree stand on the hunting on the refuge. through B10 apply. refuge, hunters must use a fall-arrest * * * * * * * * * * system (full body harness) that is 4. All youth hunters under age 16 3. We allow hunters to hunt from tree manufactured to Treestand must be supervised by a licensed and stands in accordance with 50 CFR Manufactures Associations standards. permitted adult 21 years of age or older, 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety and must remain with the adult while 3. We prohibit damaging trees or harness at all times while hunting from hunting. One adult may supervise no hunting from a tree that contains an a tree. more than two youth hunters. 4. All youth hunters under age 16 inserted metal object (see § 32.2(i)). 5. We allow hunters to use hunting must be supervised by a properly Personal property must be removed dogs to hunt migratory game birds and licensed and permitted adult 21 years of from the refuge each day except for one upland game. The dogs must be age or older, and must remain with the portable stand (including tripods and controlled by the owner/handler at all adult while hunting. One adult may ground blinds) (see § 27.93 of this times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). supervise no more than one youth chapter). The stand is required to be 6. Hunters may only hunt designated hunter. tagged with the hunter’s name, address, game species during specified days, 5. Hunters may not hunt by aid of or and phone number permanently and which are published within the Key participate in drives to take deer or feral legibly written on or attached to the Cave National Wildlife Refuge Hunting hogs. stand. Stands left on the area do not Dates portion of the permit. D. Sport Fishing. *** reserve hunting locations. Portable 7. We prohibit the use of horses, 1. Condition B4 applies. stands may not be installed on the area mules, or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on prior to 7 days before deer season opens, all refuge hunts. Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge nor left longer than 7 days after deer B. Upland Game Hunting. *** * * * * * season closes. Stands not in compliance 1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A7 B. Upland Game Hunting. *** with these regulations may be apply. 5. All persons 15 years of age or confiscated and disposed of by the U.S. 3. Hunters may hunt with shotguns younger, while hunting on the refuge, Fish and Wildlife Service. using only nontoxic #4 shot or smaller

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14824 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

(see § 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns and must remain with the adult while 4. We prohibit hunting or discharging using rim-fire ammunition only, or hunting. One adult may supervise no firearms (including Flintlocks) in the archery equipment that complies with more than one youth hunter. Triana recreation area or from any road State regulations. Possession of lead * * * * * or road shoulder or from within 50 shot shells for hunting is prohibited. yards (45 meters) of any designated Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge * * * * * walking trail or boardwalk. * * * * * * * * * * Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow 7. All youth hunters under age 16 Refuge hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, must be supervised by a licensed and A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. raccoon, and opossum on designated permitted adult 21 years of age or older, *** area of the refuge in accordance with and must remain with the adult while 1. We require hunters to hunt in Federal and State regulations subject to hunting. One adult may supervise no accordance with Alabama Department the following conditions: more than two youth hunters. of Conservation and Natural Resources’ 1. We require hunters to hunt in * * * * * Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area accordance with Alabama Department 10. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt hunting permit conditions. of Conservation and Natural Resources’ upland game and must be controlled by 2. We require hunters to possess and North Sauta refuge hunting permit. the owner/handler at all times (see carry a current and signed Alabama 2. We require hunters to possess and § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Department of Conservation and Natural carry a current and signed Sauta Cave 11. We allow hunters to hunt from Resources’ Choccolocco Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge permit, which tree stands in accordance with 50 CFR Management Area hunting permit when is found on the Alabama Department of 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety hunting on the refuge. Conservation and Natural Resources’ harness at all times while hunting from 3. All youth hunters under age 16 Jackson County Waterfowl, Management a tree. must be supervised by a properly Areas, refuges and Coon Gulf Tract 12. Hunters must remove tree stands, licensed and permitted adult 21 years of hunting permit, when hunting. blinds, or other personal property from 3. Hunters may only hunt designated age or older, and must remain with the the refuge each day (see § 27.93 of this game species during specified days, adult while hunting. One adult may chapter). which are published within the Sauta supervise no more than two youth 13. Hunters may only hunt designated Cave National Wildlife Refuge Hunting hunters. game species during specified days, Dates portion of the permit. 4. We prohibit the use of horses, which are published within the Wheeler 4. Hunters may hunt with shotguns mules, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) National Wildlife Refuge Hunting using only nontoxic #4 shot or smaller on the refuge. Brochure. 5. Hunters may only hunt designated (see § 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns C. Big Game Hunting. *** game species during specified days, using rim-fire ammunition only, or 1. Conditions B1, B3 through B6, B8, which are published within the archery equipment that complies with B9, and B11 through B13 apply. Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife State regulations. Possession of lead 2. Hunters may not hunt by aid of or Refuge Hunting Dates portion of the shot shells for hunting is prohibited. harassment of game for purposes of take permit. 5. All youth hunters under age 16 for deer or feral hogs. 6. Hunters must remove tree stands, must be supervised by a licensed and 3. Hunters may only hunt with blinds, or other personal property from permitted adult 21 years of age or older, archery equipment that complies with the refuge each day (see § 27.93 of this and must remain with the adult while State regulations and flintlocks .40 chapter). hunting. One adult may supervise no caliber or larger. 7. Hunters may hunt with shotguns more than two youth hunters. 4. All youth hunters under age 16 using only nontoxic #4 shot or smaller 6. We allow hunters to use hunting must be supervised by a licensed and (see § 32.2(k)). Possession of lead shot dogs to hunt upland game. The dogs permitted adult 21 years of age or older, shells for hunting is prohibited. must be controlled by the owner/ and must remain with the adult while B. Upland Game Hunting. *** handler at all times (see § 26.21(b) of hunting. One adult may supervise no 1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply. this chapter). more than one youth hunter. 2. Hunters may hunt during daylight * * * * * 5. Hunters must report the sex, hours only. approximate size, and hunt area for any 3. We allow hunters to hunt from tree Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge deer or hogs they harvested from the stands in accordance with 50 CFR * * * * * refuge within 72 hours. Reports must be 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety B. Upland Game Hunting. *** given by phone or in person to the harness at all times while hunting from 1. We require hunters to possess and refuge Visitor Center (256/350–6639) or a tree. carry a current and signed hunting refuge headquarters (256/353–7243). 4. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt permit, found on the Wheeler National quail, squirrel, and rabbit and must be Wildlife Refuge Hunting Brochure, * * * * * controlled by the owner/handler at all when hunting on the refuge. These 7. You may only hunt feral hog during times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). brochures are available at the refuge the refuge archery and flintlock deer 5. Possession of lead shot shells for visitor center, refuge headquarters, and season. hunting is prohibited. on the refuge’s Web site. * * * * * C. Big Game Hunting. *** 2. Hunters may hunt with shotguns ■ 6. Amend § 32.24 by: 1. Conditions A1, A2, and A4 through using only nontoxic #4 shot or smaller ■ a. Revising paragraphs A.3, A.4, A.5, A7 apply. (see § 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns A.6, A.7, A.8, and B.1; adding paragraph * * * * * using rim-fire ammunition only, or A.9; and removing paragraph B.2 under 4. All youth hunters under age 16 archery equipment that complies with Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. must be supervised by a licensed and State regulations. ■ b. Revising paragraphs A.4, A.10, permitted adult 21 years of age or older, * * * * * A.11, and B.2; and removing paragraphs

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14825

B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7, and B.8 under under the immediate control of a § 32.25 Colorado. Delevan National Wildlife Refuge. licensed hunter. * * * * * ■ c. Revising paragraphs A.6, A.10, B. Upland Game Hunting. *** A.11, and B.2; and removing paragraphs 2. Conditions A4 through A11 apply. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7, and B.8 under * * * * * A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. allow hunting of duck, coot, merganser, ■ d. Revising paragraphs A.3, A.4, A.5, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Canada goose, snipe, Virginia and Sora A.6, A.7, A.8, and B.1; adding paragraph A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. rail, and mourning dove on designated A.9; and removing paragraphs B.2, B.3, *** areas of the refuge in accordance with B.4, B.5, B.6, and B.7 under Sutter 6. Access to the hunt area is by foot State and Federal regulations, subject to National Wildlife Refuge. traffic only. Bicycles and other the following conditions: These revisions and additions read as conveyances are not allowed. Mobility- * * * * * follows: impaired hunters must consult the 6. Legal method of take for migratory refuge manager for allowed § 32.24 California. game birds is by shotgun only. conveyances. B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow * * * * * * * * * * hunting of jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge 10. Overnight stays, using passenger and sage grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. vehicles, motor homes, and trailers, are regulations, subject to the following *** allowed only at the check station 3. Access to the hunt area is by foot parking areas. Tents are prohibited. conditions: traffic only. Bicycles and other 11. We require dogs be kept on a * * * * * conveyances are not allowed. Mobility- leash, except for hunting dogs engaged 4. Legal method of take for upland impaired hunters must consult the in authorized hunting activities and game is by shotgun only. refuge manager for allowed under the immediate control of a * * * * * conveyances. licensed hunter. D. Sport Fishing. *** 4. We allow boats with electric motors B. Upland Game Hunting. *** 4. Fishing is closed in Unit C when to be used by hunters with disabilities 2. Conditions A4 through A11 apply. the refuge is open to big game rifle only in designated areas. * * * * * hunting. 5. Lead sinkers and live bait are not 5. No person may build or maintain Sutter National Wildlife Refuge fires. Portable gas stoves are allowed for fishing. permissible. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * * * * 6. You may enter or exit only at *** ■ 8. Amend § 32.26 by adding, in designated locations. 3. Access to the hunt area is by foot alphabetical order, an entry for Silvio O. 7. Vehicles may stop only at traffic only. Bicycles and other Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge designated parking areas. We prohibit conveyances are not allowed. Mobility- to read as follows: the dropping of passengers or impaired hunters should consult the equipment or stopping between refuge manager for allowed § 32.26 Connecticut. designated parking areas. conveyances. * * * * * 8. Overnight stays, using passenger 4. Boats with electric motors allowed vehicles, motor homes, and trailers, are only by hunters with disabilities in Silvio O. Conte National Fish and allowed only at the check station designated areas. Wildlife Refuge parking areas. Tents are prohibited. 5. No person may build or maintain A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. 9. We require dogs be kept on a leash, fires. Portable gas stoves are [RESERVED] except for hunting dogs engaged in permissible. B. Upland Game Hunting. authorized hunting activities and under 6. You may enter or exit only at [RESERVED] the immediate control of a licensed designated locations. C. Big Game Hunting. [RESERVED] hunter. 7. Vehicles may only stop at D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] B. Upland Game Hunting. *** designated parking areas. We prohibit * * * * * 1. Conditions A1 through A9 apply. the dropping of passengers or ■ 9. Amend § 32.28 by: * * * * * equipment or stopping between ■ a. Revising the introductory text in designated parking areas. paragraphs A and D; revising paragraph Delevan National Wildlife Refuge 8. Overnight stays, using passenger A.2; removing paragraph A.4; A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. vehicles, motor homes, and trailers, are redesignating A.5, A.6, A.7, A.8, A.9, *** allowed only at the check station A.10, A.11, A.12, A.13, A.14, A.15, 4. Access to the hunt area is by foot parking areas. Tents are prohibited. A.16, A.17 and A.18 as paragraphs A.4, traffic only. Bicycles and other 9. Dogs must be kept on a leash, A.5, A.6, A.7, A.8, A.9, A.10, A.11, conveyances are not allowed. Mobility- except for hunting dogs engaged in A.12, A.13, A.14, A.15, A.16 and A.17; impaired hunters should consult the authorized hunting activities and under revising newly designated paragraphs refuge manager for allowed the immediate control of a licensed A.7 and A.12; and adding a new conveyances. hunter. paragraph C under Arthur R. Marshall * * * * * B. Upland Game Hunting. *** Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. 10. Overnight stays, using passenger 1. Conditions A1 through A9 apply. ■ b. Revising paragraphs D.4, D.5, and vehicles, motor homes, and trailers, are * * * * * D.7; redesignating paragraphs D.8, D.9, allowed only at the check station ■ 7. Amend § 32.25 by revising the D.10, D.11, D.12, D.13, D.14, D.15, D.16, parking areas. Tents are prohibited. introductory text in paragraphs A and B D.17, D.18, D.19, and D.20 as paragraphs 11. We require dogs be kept on a and by adding paragraphs A.6, B.4, D.4, D.9, D.10, D.11, D.12, D.13, D.14, D.15, leash, except for hunting dogs engaged and D.5 under Arapaho National D.16, D.17, D.18, D.19, D.20, and D.21, in authorized hunting activities and Wildlife Refuge to read as follows: respectively; revising newly designated

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14826 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

paragraphs D.13 and D.21; and adding through 1 hour after sunrise Saturday 12. Conditions A13 through A17 paragraph D.8 under J.N. ‘‘Ding’’ Darling morning, and 1 hour before sunset on apply. National Wildlife Refuge. Saturday night through 1 hour after D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on ■ c. Revising paragraphs A.3, B.1, C.4, sunrise Sunday morning. Alligator designated areas of the refuge in C.8, and C.9 and adding paragraphs B.12 hunting will be permitted the first 2 accordance with Federal and State and C.12 under St. Marks National weekends during Harvest Period 1 regulations and subject to the following Wildlife Refuge. (August) and the first 2 weekends conditions: These additions and revisions read as during Harvest Period 2 (September). * * * * * follows: Following the close of Harvest Period 2, the remaining weekends in October will J.N. ‘‘Ding’’ Darling National Wildlife § 32.28 Florida. be open for alligator harvest permittees Refuge * * * * * who possess unused CITES tags. * * * * * Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Specific dates for the alligator hunt will D. Sport Fishing. *** National Wildlife Refuge be provided on the harvest permit. 4. We allow the take of blue crabs 5. Hunters 18 years and older must be with the use of dip nets only. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We in possession of all necessary State and 5. The daily limit of blue crabs is 20 allow hunting of duck and coot on Federal licenses, permits, and CITES per person (including no more than 10 designated areas of the refuge in tags, as well as a refuge hunt permit non-eggbearing females). accordance with State and Federal (signed hunt brochure) while hunting * * * * * regulations subject to the following on the refuge. They must possess an 7. We allow vessels propelled only by conditions: Alligator Trapping License with CITES polling, paddling, or floating in the * * * * * tags or an Alligator Trapping Agent posted ‘‘no-motor zone’’ of the J.N. 2. We allow hunting in the interior of License, if applicable. ‘‘Ding’’ Darling Wilderness Area. All the refuge south of latitude line 6. Hunters under the age of 18 may motors, including electric motors, must 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 not hunt, but may only accompany an be in a nonuse position (out of the and 14 (SEE PERMIT MAP). We prohibit adult of at least 21 years of age who water) when in the ‘‘no-motor zone.’’ hunting from canals or levees and those possesses an Alligator Trapping Agent 8. We allow vessels propelled only by areas posted as closed. License. polling, paddling, floating, or electric 7. Hunters may only enter and leave * * * * * motors in the posted ‘‘pole/troll zone’’ 7. Persons possessing, transporting, or the refuge at the Hillsboro Area of the Wulfert Flats Management Area. carrying firearms on national wildlife (Loxahatchee Road, Boca Raton). All non-electric motors must be in a 8. Alligators may be taken using hand- refuges must comply with all provisions non-use position (out of the water) held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch of Federal, State, and local law. Persons when in the ‘‘pole/troll zone.’’ hooks, artificial lures, manually may only use (discharge) firearms in operated spears, spear guns, and * * * * * accordance with refuge regulations (see 13. We prohibit all public entry into crossbows. Alligators may not be taken § 27.42 of this chapter and specific the impoundments on the left side of using baited hooks, baited wooden pegs, refuge regulations in this part 32). Wildlife Drive. or firearms. Bang sticks (a hand held * * * * * pole with a pistol or shotgun cartridge * * * * * 12. All youth hunters under age 16 on the end in a very short barrel) with 21. We close to public entry all refuge must be supervised by a licensed and non-toxic ammunition are only allowed islands (including rookery islands) permitted adult 21 years of age or older, for taking alligators attached to a except for designated trails. and must remain with the adult while restraining line. Once an alligator is * * * * * hunting. Youth hunters must have captured, it must be killed immediately. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge completed a hunter education course. Once the alligator is taken or harvested, * * * * * a CITES tag must be locked through the A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. C. Big Game Hunting. We allow skin of the carcass within 6 inches of *** hunting of alligators on designated areas the tip of the tail. The tag must remain 3. We prohibit migratory game bird of the refuge in accordance with Federal attached to the alligator at all times. hunting in the Executive Closure Areas and State regulations and subject to the 9. Hunters must complete a Big Game on the refuge. following conditions: Harvest Report (FWS Form 3–2359) and * * * * * 1. You must possess and carry a place it in an entrance fee canister each B. Upland Game Hunting. *** signed refuge alligator hunt permit day prior to exiting the refuge. A State 1. We require refuge permits (signed (signed brochure) while hunting. These Alligator Report form required by the brochure) for hunting upland game. brochures are available at the refuge State along with the hunt permit (signed Permits are available at no cost from the visitor center and on the refuge’s Web refuge brochure) must be submitted to refuge office or can be downloaded and site (http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/). the refuge within 24 hours of taking printed from the refuge Web site. Each 2. We allow hunting in the interior of each alligator. hunter must possess and carry a signed the refuge south of latitude line 10. Persons possessing, transporting, refuge permit while participating in a 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 or carrying firearms on national wildlife hunt. and 14, including the canals south of refuges must comply with all provisions * * * * * that line (SEE PERMIT MAP). We of Federal, State, and local law. Persons 12. Portions of the refuge adjacent to prohibit hunting from levees and those may only use (discharge) firearms in Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area areas posted as closed. accordance with refuge regulations (see (as specified in the hunt brochure) will 3. Consult the refuge manager for § 27.42 of this chapter and specific be open concurrent with Flint Rock current alligator hunt season dates and refuge regulations in this part 32). Wildlife Management Area seasons and times. 11. Hunters must remove all personal regulations except only feral hog, grey 4. We allow hunting on the refuge 1 property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon may be hour before sunset on Friday night from the hunting area each day. harvested.

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14827

C. Big Game Hunting. *** under Kootenai National Wildlife newly designated paragraph A.1; 4. There is a two deer limit per hunt Refuge to read as follows: revising paragraphs B.1, C.1, and D.1; as specified in condition C8 below, and adding paragraphs B.3, C.2, and C.3 § 32.31 Idaho. except in the youth hunt where the limit under Cypress Creek National Wildlife is as specified in C9 below. The limit for * * * * * Refuge. ■ turkey is one per hunt. There is no limit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge b. Revising introductory text in on feral hog. paragraph A; revising paragraphs A.2, B, A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We C.1, C.2, and C.3; and adding paragraphs * * * * * allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot 8. The bag limit for white-tailed deer A.3, C.4, C.5, and C.6 under Middle on designated areas (designated area Mississippi River National Wildlife is two deer per scheduled hunt period. changed due to increased size of safety We allow hunters to harvest two Refuge. zone) of the refuge in accordance with ■ antlerless deer per scheduled hunt c. Revising paragraph B and adding State and Federal regulations subject to paragraph C.3 under Two Rivers period. We define antlerless deer per the following conditions: State regulations (i.e., un-antlered deer National Wildlife Refuge. These additions and revisions read as or antlered deer with both antlers less * * * * * follows: than 5 inches in length). Otherwise, 3. We prohibit the discharge of firearms in the posted retrieving/safety hunters may harvest one antlerless deer § 32.32 Illinois. zone. and one antlered deer per hunt. Hunters * * * * * must ensure that antlered deer must * * * * * have at least 3 points, of 1 inch (2.5 B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge centimeters) or more length. hunting of forest grouse and wild turkey A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. 9. There is one youth hunt, for youth on that portion of the refuge that lies *** ages 12 to 17, on the St. Marks Unit in west of Lion’s Den Road in accordance 1. You must remove all boats, decoys, an area we will specify in the refuge with State regulations subject to the blinds, blind materials, stands, and hunt brochure. Hunters may harvest two following condition: You may possess platforms (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this deer, either two un-antlered deer as only approved nontoxic shotshells (see chapter) brought onto the refuge at the defined in C8 or one un-antlered deer § 32.2(k)) while in the field. end of each day’s hunt. and one antlered deer. An adult age 21 C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, black bear, moose, * * * * * or older acting as a mentor must B. Upland Game Hunting. *** accompany each youth hunter. One and mountain lion on that portion of the 1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, and A5 youth turkey hunt will be conducted in refuge that lies west of Lion’s Den Road apply. a similar manner. The limit will be one and hunting of deer at an ADA- accessible blind near Aspen Slough in * * * * * gobbler per hunter. Only the youth 3. We allow the use of .22 and .17 hunter may handle or discharge accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions: caliber rimfire lead ammunition for the firearms. Contact the refuge office for taking of small game and furbearers specific dates. 1. We prohibit all use of dogs for hunting of big game. during open season. C. Big Game Hunting. *** * * * * * 2. You may only participate in deer 1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, and A5 12. Portions of the refuge adjacent to hunting at the ADA-accessible blind apply. Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area with valid State licenses and tags. (as specified in the hunt brochure) will 2. We prohibit deer drives, by person 3. You may only participate in deer or animal, and participating in deer be open concurrent with Flint Rock hunting at the ADA-accessible blind Wildlife Management Area seasons and drives on all refuge divisions. with a refuge permit issued through a 3. You may only use or possess regulations except only white-tailed random drawing for up to four 7-day deer, feral hog, and turkey may be approved nontoxic shot shells while in archery-only permits and up to six 7- the field, including shot shells used for harvested. We require a refuge permit day archery/special weapons-only (signed brochure). hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). permits. D. Sport Fishing. *** * * * * * 4. We only allow deer hunting at the 1. Conditions A1 and A3 apply. ■ ADA-accessible blind using the 10. Amend § 32.29 by revising * * * * * paragraph A.3 under Savannah National following weapons: Muzzleloader, Wildlife Refuge to read as follows: archery equipment, crossbow, shotgun Middle Mississippi River National using slugs, or handgun using straight- Wildlife Refuge § 32.29 Georgia. walled cartridges not originally A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We * * * * * established for rifles. allow hunting of migratory game birds Savannah National Wildlife Refuge 5. We prohibit use of toxic (lead) on the Meissner, Wilkinson, and Beaver ammunition when deer hunting at the Island Divisions in accordance with A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. ADA-accessible blind. State regulations and subject to the *** D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport following conditions: 3. We prohibit hunting on or within fishing on Myrtle Creek in accordance * * * * * 100 yards (90 meters) of U.S. Highway with State regulations subject to the 2. You must remove boats, blinds, 17, GA Highway 25/SC Highway 170, following condition: We allow bank blind materials, stands, decoys, and refuge facilities, road, trails, and fishing only. other hunting equipment (see §§ 27.93 railroad rights-of-way, and within areas * * * * * and 27.94 of this chapter) from the marked as closed. ■ 12. Amend § 32.32 by: refuge at the end of each day. * * * * * ■ a. Removing paragraphs A.1 and A.7; 3. We allow portable blinds on a daily ■ 11. Amend § 32.31 by revising the redesignating paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.4, basis on a first-come, first-served basis. introductory text in paragraph A and by A.5, and A.6 as paragraphs A.1, A.2, B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow revising paragraphs A.3, B, C, and D A.3, A.4, and A.5, respectively; revising hunting of upland game (squirrels,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14828 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

rabbits, and bobwhite quail only) on the 8. We permit archery deer hunting in paragraphs B.5 and C.4; and adding refuge in accordance with State designated areas after National Wildlife paragraphs A.1, B.1, and C.1 under regulations and subject to the following Refuge Week during the State season Northern Tallgrass Prairie National conditions: with the exceptions that archery deer Wildlife Refuge. 1. We allow hunting of furbearers hunting is closed during the youth deer ■ c. Revising the entry for Port Louisa only from legal sunrise to legal sunset. hunt in November and during the State National Wildlife Refuge. 2. You may only use or possess muzzleloader season. These additions and revisions read as approved nontoxic shot shells while in 9. Turkey hunting ends at 1 p.m. follows: the field (see § 32.2(k)). daily. § 32.34 Iowa. C. Big Game Hunting. *** 10. We prohibit the use or possession 1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply. of game trail cameras on the refuge. * * * * * 2. In the Harlow, Crains, and Meissner 11. We require you to remove arrows Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Island Divisions you may use only from crossbows during transport in a archery equipment to harvest white- vehicle. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We tailed deer. D. Sport Fishing. *** allow the hunting of duck, goose, and 3. You may only use or possess 7. We allow only children under 18 coot on designated areas of the refuge in approved nontoxic shot shells while in years of age to fish in the Office Pond. accordance with State and Federal regulations and subject to the following the field, including shot shells used for * * * * * hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). conditions: 4. We prohibit deer drives, by person Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge 1. We prohibit all hunting February 1 or animal, and participating in deer and Management Area through August 31 due to conflict with drives on all refuge divisions. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. existing appropriate and compatible 5. We prohibit placing temporary tree *** uses. stands in dead or dying trees. 2. You must remove all boats, decoys, 2. You may only possess approved 6. You may not remove any tree or blinds, and blind materials after each nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while limbs greater than 1 inch in diameter. day’s hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of hunting for any allowed bird, including this chapter). waterfowl and wild turkey, or other * * * * * upland or small game. * * * * * Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge 3. We allow entry into the refuge 1 7. We prohibit hunting and the hour before sunrise and require hunters * * * * * discharge of a weapon within 150 yards to leave the refuge no later than 1 hour B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow of any dwelling or any building that after sunset. upland game hunting only on the Apple may be occupied by people, pets, or 4. We prohibit shooting on or over Creek Division and the portion of the livestock. any refuge road within 50 feet (15 Calhoun Division east of the Illinois 8. You may only use or possess meters) from the centerline. River Road in accordance with State approved nontoxic shot shells while in 5. You must possess and carry a regulations and subject to the following the field, including shot shells used for refuge permit (free brochure available at conditions: hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). the refuge visitor center). 1. We allow hunting from legal B. Upland Game Hunting. *** 6. We allow the use of dogs for sunrise to legal sunset. 3. Conditions A7 and A8 apply. waterfowl, pheasant, and quail hunting 2. You may only use or possess C. Big Game Hunting. *** only. approved nontoxic shot shells while in 2. We prohibit marking trails with B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow the field, including shot shells used for tape, ribbons, paper, paint, tacks, tree hunting of ring-necked pheasant, hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). blazes, or other devices. bobwhite quail, pigeon, mourning dove, C. Big Game Hunting. *** 3. Conditions A6 through A8 apply. crow, cottontail rabbit, gray and fox 3. Condition B2 applies. D. Sport Fishing. *** squirrel, and fall wild turkey (2 weeks * * * * * 2. * * * within the season) on designated areas iv. You may not collect or harvest ■ 13. Amend § 32.33 by: of the refuge in accordance with State minnows, crayfish, or any reptiles and ■ a. Revising paragraphs C.4, C.8, and regulations subject to the following amphibians (see § 27.21 of this chapter). C.9 and adding paragraphs C.10, C.11, condition: Conditions A1 to A6 apply. 3. You must remove boats at the end and D.7 under Muscatatuck National C. Big Game Hunting. *** of each day’s fishing activity (see § 27.93 Wildlife Refuge. 1. Conditions A1 and A3 to A5 apply. of this chapter). ■ b. Revising A.2, C.2, C.3, D.2.iv, and 2. We allow the use of portable stands D.3 and adding paragraphs A.7, A.8, and * * * * * and blinds for hunting, and hunters B.3 under Patoka River National ■ 14. Amend § 32.34 by: must remove them at the end of each Wildlife Refuge and Management Area. ■ a. Revising paragraphs A, B, C.1, and day (see § 27.93 of this chapter). These additions and revisions read as C.2 and removing paragraph C.3 under * * * * * follows: Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. ■ b. Redesignating paragraphs A.1, A.2, Northern Tallgrass Prairie National § 32.33 Indiana. A.3, A.4, A.5, A.6, A.7, and A.8 as Wildlife Refuge * * * * * paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5, A.6, A.7, A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge A.8, and A.9, respectively; redesignating allow hunting of duck, goose, paragraphs B.1, B.2, B.3, and B.4 as merganser, coot, rail (Virginia and Sora * * * * * paragraphs B.2, B.3, B.4, and B.5, only), woodcock, and snipe on C. Big Game Hunting. *** respectively; redesignating paragraphs designated areas in accordance with 4. You may take only two deer per C.1, C.2, and C.3 as paragraphs C.2, C.3, State regulations and subject to the day from the refuge, only one of which and C.4, respectively; revising the following conditions: may be an antlered buck. introductory text in paragraphs A, B, 1. For units adjacent to and managed * * * * * and C; revising newly designated by Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14829

you must follow the refuge-specific D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport We prohibit rifles and muzzleloading regulations provided in this section of fishing on all areas of the refuge in firearms for hunting. the regulations for Neal Smith National accordance with State regulations and 3. We allow turkey hunting during the Wildlife Refuge. subject to the following condition: You fall season only, as designated by the * * * * * must remove boats and all other fishing State. All State regulations governing B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow devices at the end of each day’s fishing. the hunting of turkey must be followed. the hunting of ring-necked pheasant, * * * * * 4. We allow portable tree stands, bobwhite quail, gray partridge, rabbit ■ 15. Amend § 32.38 by redesignating ladders, and blinds only, and they must (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and paragraphs A.5, A.6, and A.7 as be removed daily (see § 27.93 of this gray), groundhog, raccoon, opossum, fox paragraphs A.6, A.7, and A.8, chapter). The use of nails, wire, screws (red and gray), coyote, badger, striped respectively; adding a new paragraph or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or skunk, and crow on designated areas of A.5; revising the introductory text in hunting from a tree into which a metal the refuge in accordance with State paragraph B; and revising paragraphs object has been driven to support a regulations and subject to the following A.1, A.4, B.1, B.2, B.3, and C under hunter is prohibited. You must keep conditions: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge vegetation disturbance (including tree 1. For units adjacent to and managed to read as follows: limbs) to a minimum (see § 32.2(i)). by Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 5. We close the Moody and Biddeford § 32.38 Maine. you must follow the refuge-specific Pool divisions of the refuge to white- regulations provided in this section of * * * * * tailed deer and turkey hunting. 6. We allow archery on only those the regulations for Neal Smith National Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Refuge. areas of the Little River division open to A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. hunting. * * * * * *** 7. We allow hunting of fox and coyote 5. Conditions A8 and A9 apply. 1. Prior to entering designated refuge with archery or shotgun with a refuge * * * * * hunting areas, you must obtain a refuge big game permit, during State firearm C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting permit (FWS Form 3–2357), pay deer season. You may only possess hunting of deer and turkey on a recreation fee, and sign and carry the approved nontoxic shot for hunting (see designated areas of the refuge in permit at all times. § 32.2(k)) on the refuge. accordance with State regulations and * * * * * * * * * * subject to the following conditions: 4. We open Designated Youth Hunting ■ 16. Amend § 32.39 by removing 1. For units adjacent to and managed Areas to hunters age 15 and under who paragraphs A.9.vi and D.9; redesignating by Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, possess and carry a refuge hunting paragraphs D.10, D.11, D.12, D.13, D.14, you must follow the refuge-specific permit. Youth hunters must be D.15, and D.16 as paragraphs D.9, D.10, regulations provided in this section of accompanied by an adult age 18 or D.11, D.12, D.13, D.14, and D.15, the regulations for Neal Smith National older. The accompanying adult must respectively; revising paragraphs A.9.iv, Wildlife Refuge. possess and carry a refuge hunting permit and may also hunt. A.9.v, A.13, B.8, C.3.ii, C.6, and C.12; * * * * * and revising newly designated 4. Conditions A6, A8, and A9 apply. 5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot for hunting (see § 32.2(k)) paragraphs D.14.i and D.15.i under * * * * * on the refuge. Patuxent Research Refuge to read as follows: Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge * * * * * B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We § 32.39 Maryland. hunting of pheasant, quail, and grouse allow hunting of duck, goose, teal, * * * * * on designated areas of the Brave Boat brant, merganser, coot, sora and Virginia Harbor, Lower Wells, Upper Wells, Patuxent Research Refuge rail, dove, woodcock and snipe on Iowa Mousam River, Goose Rocks, Goosefare River Corridor Project lands in A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Brook, and Spurwink River division of accordance with State regulations and *** the refuge in accordance with State subject to the following conditions: 9. * * * regulations and subject to the following iv. You may hunt from the roadside, 1. You may possess only approved conditions: nontoxic shot while hunting migratory except on the Wildlife Loop, at 1. Conditions A1 and A7 apply. designated areas, if you possess a birds (see § 32.2(k)). 2. You may take pheasant, quail, and Maryland Department of Natural 2. You must remove boats, decoys, grouse by falconry during State seasons. and portable blinds at the end of each 3. You may only possess approved Resources issued ‘‘Universal Disability day (see § 27.93 of this chapter). nontoxic shot for hunting (see § 32.2(k)) Pass.’’ B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow on the refuge. v. You may hunt from the roadside for hunting of upland game in accordance waterfowl at the five designated hunting * * * * * blind sites at Lake Allen. with State regulations and subject to the C. Big Game Hunting. We allow following condition: You may only hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey * * * * * possess approved nontoxic shot while on designated areas of the Brave Boat 13. We require waterfowl hunters to hunting upland game (see § 32.2(k)); you Harbor, Lower Wells, Upper Wells, use trained adult retrieving dogs while may use lead shot to hunt turkey. Mousam River, Goose Rocks, Little hunting duck and goose within 50 yards C. Big Game Hunting. We allow River, Goosefare Brook, and Spurwink (45 meters) of the following impounded hunting of big game in accordance with River divisions of the refuge in waters: Blue Heron Pond, Lake Allen, State regulations and subject to the accordance with State regulations and New Marsh, and Wood Duck Pond. following condition: We only allow the subject to the following conditions: i. We require dogs to be under the use of portable stands and you must 1. Conditions A1, A4, and A7 apply. immediate control of their owner at all remove them at the end of each day (see 2. We allow hunting of deer and times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). § 27.93 of this chapter). turkey with shotgun and archery only. * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14830 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

B. Upland Game Hunting. *** C. Big Game Hunting. [RESERVED] Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge 8. We select turkey hunters by a D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We computerized lottery for youth, * * * * * allow hunting of waterfowl on disabled, and general public hunts. We ■ designated areas of the refuge in require Maryland Department of Natural 18. Amend § 32.41 by revising paragraph C.3 and adding paragraph C.8 accordance with State regulations and Resources required documentation to subject to the following conditions: accommodate hunters with disabilities. under Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge to read as follows: 1. We allow a youth hunt only in * * * * * designated areas in accordance with C. Big Game Hunting. *** § 32.41 Michigan. State regulations. 3. * * * * * * * * 2. The refuge is closed from 7:00 p.m. ii. We prohibit the discharging of any to 5:30 a.m. hunting weapons before or after legal Detroit River International Wildlife * * * * * shooting hours, including the unloading Refuge 5. You must remove all personal of muzzleloaders. * * * * * property, which includes stands, boats, * * * * * C. Big Game Hunting. *** decoys, and blinds brought onto the 6. We require bow hunters to wear 3. We allow only single-projectile refuge, each day of hunting (see §§ 27.93 either a cap of solid-fluorescent-orange shells for firearm deer hunting. We and 27.94 of this chapter). color at all times or a vest or jacket prohibit the use of buckshot for any * * * * * containing back and front panels of at hunting on the refuge. 9. We allow the public onto the refuge least 250 square inches (1,625 square * * * * * the day prior to the opening of the centimeters) of solid-fluorescent-orange season for scouting purposes. 8. The Fix Unit is closed to firearm color when moving to and from their * * * * * vehicle to their deer stand or their deer hunting. We allow only archery deer hunting in the Fix Unit. C. Big Game Hunting. *** hunting spot and while tracking or 1. We are currently closed to moose dragging out their deer. We do not * * * * * hunting. require bow hunters to wear solid- ■ 19. Amend § 32.42 by: 2. Conditions A2 through A5, A7, A8 fluorescent-orange when positioned to ■ a. Revising the introductory text in and A9 apply. hunt except during the North Tract paragraph A; revising paragraphs A.1, * * * * * Youth Firearms Deer Hunts, the A.2, and A.5; adding paragraph A.9; 6. We prohibit hunters from muzzleloader seasons, and the firearms revising paragraphs C.1 and C.2; occupying illegally set up or seasons, when they must wear it at all removing paragraphs C.3, C.7, and C.10; constructed ground and tree stands (see times. redesignating paragraphs C.4, C.5, C.6, conditions A5 and C5). * * * * * C.8, and C.9 as paragraphs C.3, C.4, C.5, * * * * * 12. If you wish to track wounded deer C.6, and C.7, respectively; revising 8. Shooting on, from, over, across, or beyond 2 hours after legal sunset, you newly designated paragraph C.6; and within 30 feet of a road edge open to must gain consent from a refuge law adding paragraph C.8 under Agassiz public vehicle transportation at a big enforcement officer. We prohibit National Wildlife Refuge. game animal or a decoy of a big game tracking 3 hours after legal sunset. You ■ b. Revising paragraph B under Big animal is prohibited. must make a reasonable effort to retrieve Stone Wetland Management District. * * * * * the wounded deer, which includes next- ■ c. Revising paragraphs C.1, C.2, and Big Stone Wetland Management District day tracking. There is no tracking on C.8 and removing paragraph C.11 under Sundays and Federal holidays except on Crane Meadows National Wildlife * * * * * a case-by-case basis. Hunters authorized Refuge. B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow to track on Sundays or Federal holidays ■ d. Revising paragraph B under Detroit upland game hunting throughout the must be accompanied afield by a refuge Lakes Wetland Management District. district in accordance with State law enforcement officer. ■ e. Revising paragraphs A.2 and B regulations and subject to the following * * * * * under Fergus Falls Wetland conditions: D. Sport Fishing. *** 1. Conditions A3 through A5 apply. Management District. 14. * * * 2. You may only use or possess i. Conditions D1 through D13 apply. ■ f. Revising paragraph B under approved nontoxic shot shells while in Litchfield Wetland Management * * * * * the field, including shot shells used for 15. * * * District. hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). ■ i. Conditions D1 through D12 apply. g. Revising paragraphs A.2, B, and C.2 * * * * * under Morris Wetland Management * * * * * District. Crane Meadows National Wildlife ■ 17. Amend § 32.40 by adding, in ■ h. Adding paragraph C.3 under Refuge alphabetical order, an entry for Silvio O. Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge * * * * * Wildlife Refuge. to read as follows: C. Big Game Hunting. *** ■ i. Revising paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.5, 1. We only allow an archery deer hunt § 32.40 Massachusetts. B.3, C.1, C.7, and D under Sherburne for youth hunters and a firearm deer * * * * * National Wildlife Refuge. hunt for persons with disabilities by ■ j. Revising paragraph B under special use permit (FWS Form 3–1383– Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Windom Wetland Management District. G). Wildlife Refuge These additions and revisions read as 2. We only allow a turkey hunt for A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. follows: youth hunters and persons with [RESERVED] disabilities by special use permit (FWS B. Upland Game Hunting. § 32.42 Minnesota. Form 3–1383–G). [RESERVED] * * * * * * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14831

8. We prohibit entry to hunting areas Morris Wetland Management District D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is allowed earlier than 2 hours before legal A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. on the St. Francis River and Battle shooting hours. *** Brook during daylight hours in * * * * * 2. You must remove boats, decoys, accordance with State regulations and blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 subject to the following conditions: Detroit Lakes Wetland Management of this chapter) at the end of hunting 1. From March 1 through August 31 District hours. (the refuge Wildlife Sanctuary period), * * * * * * * * * * fishing is only allowed from non- B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow motorized boats on the designated canoe upland game hunting in accordance hunting of upland game, except that we route and on banks within 100 yards with State regulations throughout the prohibit hunting on the designated (both upstream and downstream) of district (except that we allow no portions of the Edward-Long Lake designated access points. hunting on the refuge headquarters Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens 2. We prohibit the taking of any Waterfowl Production Area [WPA] in County, in accordance with State mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and Becker County, the Hitterdal WPA in regulations and subject to the following turtle species by any method on the Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in conditions: refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter). Polk County) and subject to the 1. Conditions A2 through A4 apply. 3. We prohibit the use of dip nets, following conditions: 2. You may only use or possess traps, or seines for collecting bait. 1. Conditions A3 through A5 apply. approved nontoxic shot shells while in * * * * * the field, including shot shells used for 2. You may only use or possess Windom Wetland Management District approved nontoxic shot shells while in hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). the field, including shot shells used for C. Big Game Hunting. *** * * * * * hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). 2. You must remove all portable B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting stands and blinds each day at hunting of upland game throughout the * * * * * the close of hunting hours (see § 27.93 district, except that you may not hunt Fergus Falls Wetland Management of this chapter). on the Worthington Waterfowl District * * * * * Production Area (WPA) in Nobles County, Headquarters WPA in Jackson A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Northern Tallgrass Prairie National *** County, or designated portions of the Wildlife Refuge Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood County, 2. You must remove boats, decoys, * * * * * in accordance with State regulations blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 C. Big Game Hunting. *** and subject to the following conditions: of this chapter) brought onto the WPAs 3. You may only use or possess 1. Conditions A3 through A5 apply. at the end of each day’s hunt. approved nontoxic shot shells while in 2. You may only use or possess * * * * * the field, including shot shells used for approved nontoxic shot shells while in B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). the field, including shot shells used for upland game hunting throughout the * * * * * hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). district (except that we prohibit hunting * * * * * on the Townsend, Mavis, Gilmore, and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge ■ 20. Amend § 32.44 by: designated portions of Knollwood A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. ■ a. Revising the entry for Middle Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in *** Mississippi River National Wildlife Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in * * * * * Douglas County) in accordance with Refuge. 2. We allow non-motorized boats in ■ b. Revising the introductory text in State regulations and subject to the areas open to waterfowl hunting during following conditions: paragraphs A and B; revising paragraphs the waterfowl hunting season, and they A.3, A.6, B.1, B.2, B.5, B.6, B.7, and C; 1. Conditions A2, A3, and A6 apply. must be launched at designated access redesignating paragraphs A.7 and A.8 as 2. You may only use or possess sites. A.8 and A.9, respectively; and adding approved nontoxic shot shells while in 3. You must remove boats, decoys, new paragraphs A.7 and B.8 under the field, including shot shells used for and blinds from the refuge following Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). each day’s hunt. These additions and revisions read as * * * * * * * * * * follows: 5. We prohibit hunting from March 1 Litchfield Wetland Management through August 31. § 32.44 Missouri. District * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * B. Upland Game Hunting. *** B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow 3. Conditions A5 through A7 apply. Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge upland game hunting throughout the * * * * * district (except we prohibit hunting on C. Big Game Hunting. *** Refer to § 32.32 (Illinois) for Missouri that part of the Phare Lake Waterfowl 1. The refuge is closed to turkey regulations. Production Area in Renville County) in hunting, except we allow a turkey hunt * * * * * accordance with State regulations and for youth hunters and persons with subject to the following conditions: disabilities by special use permit (FWS Mingo National Wildlife Refuge 1. Conditions A1, A4, and A5 apply. Form 3–1383–G). A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We 2. You may only use or possess * * * * * allow waterfowl hunting in Pool 7 and approved nontoxic shot shells while in 7. Turkey hunters may possess only Pool 8 in accordance with State and the field, including shot shells used for approved nontoxic shot while in the Federal regulations and subject to the hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). field (see § 32.2(k)). following conditions: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14832 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

3. We prohibit the use of paint, non- General Hunt Area, you must remove all Benton Lake Wetland Management biodegradable flagging, reflectors, tacks, personal property. District or other manmade materials to mark 8. We allow only one tree stand per A. Migratory Game Bird Management. trails or hunting locations (see § 27.61 of deer hunter. We allow migratory game bird hunting this chapter). 9. We allow only non-motorized boats on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) * * * * * in the Mingo Wilderness Area. throughout the District, excluding Sands 10. We require archery deer hunters to 6. We require hunters to go through WPA in Hill County and H2–0 WPA in wear a hunter-orange (i.e., blaze or the Missouri Department of Powell County, in accordance with State international orange) hat and a hunter- Conservation daily draw process at regulations and subject to the following orange shirt, vest, or coat. These hunter- Duck Creek Conservation Area to hunt conditions: in Pool 7 and Pool 8. orange clothes need to be plainly visible from all sides while scouting or hunting * * * * * 7. We will only open Pool 7 for B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow waterfowl hunting 3 days a week, when during the overlapping portion of the squirrel, archery deer, and turkey the hunting of coyotes, skunks, red fox, conditions allow. raccoons, hares, rabbits, and tree * * * * * seasons. Camouflage orange does not satisfy this requirement. squirrels on Waterfowl Production B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow Areas (WPAs) throughout the District, * * * * * hunting of squirrel, raccoon, and bobcat excluding Sands WPA in Hill County in designated areas of the refuge in ■ 21. Amend § 32.45 by: and H2–0 WPA in Powell County, in accordance with State regulations and ■ a. Removing paragraph A.7; accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions: redesignating paragraphs A.3, A.4, A.5, subject to the following conditions: 1. Conditions A3, A8, and A9 apply. and A.6 as paragraphs A.4, A.5, A.6, and * * * * * 2. We allow hunter access from 11⁄2 A.7, respectively; revising paragraph C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big hours before legal shooting time until B.1; and adding paragraphs A.3 and B.4 game hunting on WPAs throughout the 11⁄2 hours after legal shooting time. under Benton Lake National Wildlife District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill Refuge. * * * * * County and H2–0 WPA in Powell ■ b. Revising the introductory text in 5. We allow squirrel hunting from the County, in accordance with State paragraphs A, B, and C under Benton State opening day until the day before regulations and subject to the following Lake Wetland Management District. the State opening of archery deer condition: Condition B2 applies. season. ■ c. Revising paragraphs A.1, A.3, A.5, * * * * * 6. You may only use or possess A.7, A.13, C.1, C.3, and C.4 and adding approved nontoxic shot shells while in paragraphs A.19, C.10, and C.11 under Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge the field (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. ■ d. Revising paragraphs B.1, B.3, B.5, A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. chambered for rimfire cartridges. *** 7. Archery hunters may take squirrels, B.6, B.7, B.9, C.1, C.2, and C.3 and removing paragraphs C.4, C.5, C.6, C.7, 1. Hunting Access: Hunters must raccoons, and bobcats while archery enter and exit the Waterfowl Hunt Area deer hunting. C.8, C.9, C.10, and C.11 under Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. (see map in refuge Hunting and Fishing 8. We allow raccoon hunting by brochure) through the Waterfowl Hunt special use permit during the Statewide ■ e. Revising paragraphs A.1, A.2, B.1, B.2, C.1, and D; redesignating paragraph Area parking lot. All hunters, except raccoon season. those with a Montana disability license, C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big A.3 as paragraph A.6; and adding must park in the Waterfowl Hunt Area game hunting in designated areas of the paragraphs A.3, A.4, A.5, A.7, C.2, and parking lot to access the Waterfowl refuge in accordance with State C.3 under Northwest Montana Wetland Hunt Area. For those hunters with regulations subject to the following Management District. Montana disability licenses, contact the conditions: ■ f. Revising paragraphs A.5 and C.10 Refuge Manager by phone or email for 1. Conditions A3, A5, A8, A9, and B2 under Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife disability guidelines. Hunters must walk apply. Refuge. to the blind selected along mowed trails 2. We require that all hunters register ■ g. Revising paragraph A under Swan designated in the refuge Hunting and at the hunter sign-in stations and River National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing brochure. Legal entry time into complete the Big Game Harvest Report These additions and revisions read as the hunting area is no earlier than 2 (FWS Form 3–2359) located at the exit follows: hours before legal shooting hours. kiosks prior to exiting the refuge. § 32.45 Montana. Wildlife observation, scouting, and 3. We allow archery hunting for deer loitering during waterfowl hunting and turkey during the fall season. * * * * * season are prohibited at the Waterfowl 4. We allow spring turkey hunting. Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Area parking lot and on the You may only use or possess approved A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. refuge road leading to the Waterfowl nontoxic shot shells while in the field, *** Hunt Area parking lot. including shot shells used for hunting 3. We allow hunting during youth wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)). * * * * * waterfowl hunts in accordance with 3. Registration (Kiosk Sign-In/Sign- 5. You must remove all boats brought State regulations. onto the refuge at the end of each day Out box): Each hunter must complete (see § 27.93 of this chapter). * * * * * the Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS 6. We allow archery hunting in the B. Upland Game Hunting. *** Form 3–2361), must set the appropriate Expanded General Hunt Area through 1. Conditions A2 and A7 apply. blind selector (metal flip tag) before and October 31. * * * * * after hunting, and must record hunting 7. We allow portable tree stands only 4. We allow hunting during youth data (hours hunted and birds harvested) from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the pheasant hunts in accordance with State on FWS Form 3–2361 before departing State archery deer season with the regulations. the hunting area. following exception: In the Expanded * * * * * * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14833

5. We prohibit attempting to ‘‘reserve’’ through the refuge to access off-refuge C. Big Game Hunting. *** a blind for use later in the day by lands as identified in the public use 1. We allow portable tree stands and/ depositing a vehicle or other equipment leaflet. or portable ground blinds; however, on the refuge. A hunter must be * * * * * hunters must remove them and all other physically present in the hunting area in 5. Hunters may possess only approved personal property at the end of each day order to use a blind. The exceptions are nontoxic shot while in the field (see (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit blinds 2 and 7, which may be reserved § 32.2(k)). construction and/or use of tree stands or for hunters with disabilities. 6. We prohibit overnight camping and portable ground blinds from * * * * * open fires (see § 27.95(a) of this dimensional lumber. We prohibit the 7. Hunters with a documented chapter). use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to mobility disability (you must have a 7. We prohibit retrieval of game in attach a stand to a tree or hunting from current year Resident with a Disability areas closed to hunting without a refuge a tree into which a metal object has been Conservation License issued by retrieval permit. driven (see § 32.2(i)). Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) may * * * * * 2. Conditions A2, A3, A6, A7, and B1 reserve an accessible blind in advance 9. We allow parking in designated apply. by contacting a refuge law enforcement areas only as identified in the public use 3. Flathead, Blasdel, and Batavia officer. leaflet. WPAs are restricted to hunting with * * * * * C. Big Game Hunting. *** archery equipment, shotgun, traditional 13. We prohibit boats, fishing, and 1. Conditions B1 through B9 apply. handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter). 2. The first week of the archery elk only. and deer hunting season and the first D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport * * * * * week of general elk and deer hunting fishing on all Waterfowl Production 19. Any mechanical decoy powered season are open to youth-only (ages 12– Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland by battery or solar usage is prohibited. 15 only) hunting. A non-hunting adult district in accordance with State law * * * * * at least 18 years of age must accompany (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint C. Big Game Hunting. *** the youth hunter in the field. State and confederated Salish and 1. Hunting Access: Hunters must 3. Persons assisting disabled hunters Kootenai Tribal regulations (Lake enter and exit the hunt areas (see map must not be afield with a hunting County WPAs) and subject to the in refuge Hunting and Fishing brochure) firearm, bow, or other hunting device. following conditions: through the designated Hunter Access * * * * * 1. We prohibit leaving or dumping Parking sites. We open access points to any dead animal, fish or fish entrails, hunters intending to immediately hunt Northwest Montana Wetland garbage, or litter on the refuge (see on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife Management District § 27.94 of this chapter). observation, scouting, and loitering at A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. 2. We prohibit all public access on access points and parking areas. Hunters *** WPAs from March 1 to July 15 (Flathead may only enter the hunt area 2 hours 1. Hunters must remove all boats, County WPAs) each year to protect prior to legal hunting hours and must decoys, portable blinds (including those nesting birds. exit no later than 2 hours after legal made of native materials), boat blinds, 3. Conditions A2 and A7 apply. hunting hours. and all other personal property at the * * * * * * * * * * end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 3. Registration (Sign-In/Sign-Out box): of this chapter). Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Each hunter must complete the Big 2. We prohibit motorboats except on Refuge Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3– the Flathead and Smith Lake Waterfowl A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. 2359) before departing the hunting area. Production Areas (WPAs) in Flathead *** 4. Tree Stands and Ground Blinds: We County. Motorboats must be operated at 5. We prohibit camping along allow each hunter the use of portable no wake speeds. roadsides. We allow camping only in tree stands or ground blinds. All tree 3. We prohibit the construction or use two established campgrounds. We stands and ground blinds must be of permanent blinds, stands, or restrict camping to 16 consecutive days identified with a tag that has the scaffolds. within any 30-day period. We prohibit owner’s name and Montana archery 4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, horses in the campgrounds. From March license (ALS) number on it. We prohibit provided the dog is under the 1 to December 1, all bear attractants hunters leaving each stand/blind immediate control of the hunter at all including, but not limited to, food, unattended for more than 72 hours. times during the State-approved hunting garbage, and carcasses or parts thereof, * * * * * season. Commercial dog trials are not must be acceptably stored at night 10. Rallying game to another hunter allowed. Pets must be on a leash at all (unless in immediate use) and during and/or deer drives is prohibited. other times. the day if unattended. Acceptably stored 11. We prohibit the installation or use 5. Shotgun hunters may possess only means any of the following: of remote cameras on the refuge. approved nontoxic shot while in the i. Suspended at least 10 feet high and * * * * * field (see § 32.2(k)). 4 feet from any vertical support 100 * * * * * yards from any camp or hiking trail; Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge 7. We prohibit overnight camping and ii. Secured in a certified bear safe * * * * * open fires (see § 27.95(a) of this container; or B. Upland Game Hunting. *** chapter). iii. Secured in a hard-sided vehicle, 1. We do not allow hunting in areas B. Upland Game Hunting. *** including an enclosed camper or horse posted as ‘‘Closed to Hunting’’ and 1. We prohibit hunting with a shotgun trailer. identified in the public use leaflet. capable of holding more than three * * * * * * * * * * shells. C. Big Game Hunting. *** 3. We allow use of riding or pack 2. Conditions A1 through A7 apply. 10. We prohibit hunting and/or stock on designated access routes * * * * * shooting from or onto refuge lands from

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14834 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

within 50 yards (45 meters) of the ground. Tree stands, elevated platforms, 1. We close the refuge to the general centerline of any public road open to and/or ground blinds may be put up no public from legal sunset to legal sunrise; motorized vehicles. earlier than the opening day of deer however, anglers may enter the refuge 1 * * * * * season and must be removed by the last hour before legal sunrise and remain 1.5 day of deer season. hours after legal sunset. Swan River National Wildlife Refuge 10. We prohibit hunting during the 2. We prohibit the take of reptiles, A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We Nebraska November Firearm Deer amphibians, and minnows, with the allow hunting of geese, ducks, and coots Season. exception that bullfrogs may be taken on on designated areas of the refuge subject 11. We prohibit the use of game carts refuge lakes open to fishing. to the following condition: Hunters may or any other wheeled device to retrieve * * * * * possess only approved nontoxic shot game on the Wilderness Area portion of ■ 23. Amend § 32.50 by: while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). the refuge that is opened for hunting. ■ a. Revising paragraphs A.2.i, A.2.ii, * * * * * 12. We prohibit the marking of any tree or other refuge feature with A.2.iii, A.2.iv, A.5, A.8, B.2.iii, and C.2 ■ 22. Amend § 32.46 by: and adding paragraph B.2.iv under ■ reflectors, flagging, paint, or other a. Revising paragraphs C.1, C.2, C.4, substances. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. and C.5; redesignating paragraphs C.6, 13. We prohibit the use of electronic ■ b. Revising the entry for Bosque del C.7, and C.8 as paragraphs C.7, C.8, and or photographic trail monitoring Apache National Wildlife Refuge. C.9, respectively; revising newly devices. ■ c. Revising paragraph C under San designated paragraph C.9; and adding D. Sport Fishing. *** Andres National Wildlife Refuge. paragraphs C.6, C.10, C.11, C.12, C.13, 3. We prohibit the take of baitfish, ■ D.3, and D.4 under Fort Niobrara d. Revising paragraph A under reptiles, and amphibians. Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. National Wildlife Refuge. 4. We prohibit use or possession of These revisions and additions read as ■ b. Revising the entry for Valentine alcoholic beverages while fishing on follows: National Wildlife Refuge. refuge lands and waters. These additions and revisions read as * * * * * § 32.50 New Mexico. follows: Valentine National Wildlife Refuge * * * * * § 32.46 Nebraska. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge * * * * * allow hunting of waterfowl and coots on A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge designated areas of the refuge in *** * * * * * accordance with State regulations and 2. * * * subject to the following refuge-specific C. Big Game Hunting. *** i. In the designated public hunting regulations: 1. We require the submission of a Big/ area, this is located in the southern 1. We close the refuge to the general Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS portion of the Tract; public from legal sunset to legal sunrise; Form 3–2356). We require hunters to ii. To no closer than 100 yards (90 carry a signed refuge hunting access however, we allow hunter access from 2 hours before legal sunrise to 2 hours meters) to the public auto tour route; permit (hunt application signed by the iii. To Tuesdays, Thursdays, and refuge officer) while hunting. We after legal sunset. 2. We only allow you to unleash dogs Saturdays during the period when the require hunters to complete a Big Game used to locate, point, and retrieve State seasons for the Middle Tract area Harvest Report (FWS Form 3–2359) and upland and small game and migratory are open simultaneously for hunting all return it to the refuge at the conclusion birds on the refuge while hunting (see of the species allowed; and of the hunting season. iv. All hunting must cease at 1 p.m. 2. We allow deer hunting with § 26.21(b) of this chapter). B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow (local time) on each hunt day. muzzleloader and archery equipment. hunting of sharp-tailed grouse, prairie We prohibit deer hunting with firearms * * * * * chicken, ring-necked pheasant, dove, capable of firing cartridge ammunition. 5. We prohibit pit or permanent and coyote on designated areas of the * * * * * blinds and require removal of all refuge in accordance with State waterfowl decoys and all temporary 4. We allow deer hunting in the area regulations and subject to the following defined as, ‘‘Those refuge lands situated blinds/stands daily after each hunt (see refuge-specific regulations: § 27.93 of this chapter). north and west of the Niobrara River.’’ 1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply. We allow access to this area only from 2. Coyote hunting is allowed from the * * * * * designated refuge parking areas and the Saturday closest to November 13 8. We do not require refuge or other Niobrara River. through March 15. Shooting hours are special hunt permits other than those 1 1 required by the State. 5. We prohibit hunting within 200 ⁄2 hour before sunrise to ⁄2 hour after yards (180 meters) of any public use sunset. The use of dogs or bait to hunt * * * * * facility. coyotes is prohibited. B. Upland Game Hunting. *** 6. We allow hunter access from 2 C. Big Game Hunting. We allow 2. * * * hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours hunting of white-tailed and mule deer iii. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and after legal sunset. on designated areas of the refuge in Saturdays during the appropriate State * * * * * accordance with State regulations and season for that area; and 9. We require tree stands, elevated subject to the following refuge-specific iv. All hunting must cease at 1 p.m. platforms, and ground blinds to be condition: Condition A1 applies. (local time) on each hunt day. removed daily. We require hunters to D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on clearly label unattended tree stands, designated areas of the refuge in * * * * * elevated platforms, and ground blinds accordance with State regulations and C. Big Game Hunting. *** with the hunter’s name and address or subject to the following refuge-specific 2. Conditions A8 and A9 apply. hunting license number legible from the regulations: * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14835

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife upland game. We prohibit the use of D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on Refuge archery equipment on the refuge except designated areas of the refuge in A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We when hunting for upland and big game. accordance with State regulations and allow hunting of mourning and white- 2. Conditions A2 through A13 apply. any special posting or publications C. Big Game Hunting. We allow winged dove and light goose on subject to the following conditions: hunting of mule deer, oryx, and bearded designated areas of the refuge in 1. Condition A9 applies. Rio Grande turkey on designated areas 2. We allow fishing from April 1 accordance with State and Federal of the refuge in accordance with State through September 30. regulations and any special posting or regulations and any special posting or 3. We allow fishing from 1⁄2 hour publications and subject to the publications subject to the following before legal sunrise until 1⁄2 hour after following conditions: 1. We allow hunting of light goose on conditions: legal sunset. 1. Conditions A5 through A13 apply. 4. We allow fishing on all canals dates to be determined by refuge staff. 2. Refer to the refuge hunt leaflet for within the refuge boundaries (Interior The permit is available through a lottery designated hunting areas. Drain, Riverside, Canal, and Low Flow drawing (Waterfowl Lottery 3. Hunting on the east side of the Rio Conveyance Channel), and unit 25AS Application, FWS Form 3–2355) and Grande is only by foot, horseback, or either from the boardwalk or from shore. hunters must pay a fee. Contact the bicycle. Bicycles must stay on 5. We prohibit trotlines, bows and refuge for more information. designated roads. arrows, boats or other flotation devices, 2. Legal hunting hours will run from 4. We may allow oryx hunting from seining, dip netting, traps, using bait 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise and will not the east bank of the Rio Grande to the taken from the refuge, taking of turtle, extend past 1:00 p.m. (local time) on east boundary of the refuge for littering, and all other activities not each hunt day. population management purposes for 3. Refer to the refuge hunt leaflet for expressly allowed (see § 27.2l of this hunters possessing a valid State permit. designated hunting areas. chapter). We may also establish special hunts of 4. You may use only approved 6. Access to the canals is via the tour the oryx on dates established by refuge nontoxic shot while hunting (see loop. We prohibit fishing in closed areas staff. Contact the refuge for more § 32.2(k)). of the refuge, with the exception of the 5. We prohibit pit or permanent information. Low Flow Conveyance Channel. 5. Legal hunting hours will run from blinds and require daily removal of all 7. We allow frogging for bullfrog on 1 hour before legal sunrise and will not waterfowl decoys, spent shells, all the refuge in areas that are open to extend past 1 hour after legal sunset. temporary blinds/stands, and all other fishing. 6. We allow hunting of bearded Rio personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 8. All State and Federal fishing Grande turkey for youth hunters only on 27.94 of this chapter). regulations regarding methods of take, 6. We allow unleashed hunting and/ dates determined by refuge staff. All dates, creel limits, and other factors or retrieving dogs on the refuge when hunters must fill out FWS Form 3–2356 apply to all fishing on the refuge, in hunters are legally present in areas (Big/Upland Game Hunt Application) addition to these refuge-specific where we allow hunters, only if the and pay a fee. The permit is available regulations. dogs are under the immediate control of through a lottery drawing. If selected, 9. We prohibit fishing for any species hunters at all time (see § 26.21(b) of this you must carry your refuge special use on the Rio Grande within the refuge. chapter), and only to pursue species permit (FWS Form 3–1383–G) at all * * * * * times during the hunt. All hunters are legally in season at that time. San Andres National Wildlife Refuge 7. We prohibit hunters and dogs from required to fill out a harvest report entering closed areas for retrieval of (FWS Form 3–2359, Big Game Harvest * * * * * game. Report) and return it to the refuge C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of oryx 8. We prohibit falconry on the refuge. within 72 hours. Contact the refuge for or gemsbok (Oryx gazella) and desert 9. We prohibit canoeing, boating, or more information. bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis floating through the refuge on the Rio 7. Youth hunters age 17 and under mexicana) is allowed on designated Grande. must successfully complete a State- areas of the refuge in accordance with 10. We prohibit hunting any species approved hunter education course prior New Mexico Department of Game and on the Rio Grande within the refuge. to the refuge hunt. While hunting, each Fish (NMDGF) and White Sands Missile 11. We prohibit overnight camping youth must possess and carry a card or Range (WSMR) regulations and subject without a permit. certificate of completion. to the following conditions: 12. All State and Federal hunting and 8. Each youth hunter must remain 1. Hunters are required to check in fishing regulations regarding methods of with an adult companion age 18 or and out of the hunt area. take, dates, bag limits, and other factors older. Each adult companion must 2. Hunters are required to complete an apply to all hunting and fishing on the possess and carry an adult companion unexploded ordnance (UXO) training refuge, in addition to these refuge- permit (signed refuge youth turkey hunt prior to entering hunt area. specific regulations. brochure) and can supervise no more 3. The hunter may be accompanied by 13. Visit the refuge visitor center or than one youth hunter. Adult no more than three guests including Web site, and/or refer to additional on- companions may observe and call, but their guide(s). site brochures, leaflets, or postings for they cannot shoot. 4. Only approved WSMR outfitters additional information. 9. We allow the use of temporary can be used. B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow ground blinds only for youth turkey 5. All hunters must enter and exit hunting of quail and cottontail rabbit on hunts, and hunters must remove them through the Small Missile Range gate on designated areas of the refuge in from the refuge daily (see § 27.93 of this Range Road 7. accordance with State regulations and chapter). It is unlawful to damage, cut, 6. All members of the hunting party any special posting or publications or mark any tree or other refuge are required to wear solid or subject to the following conditions: structure with paint, flagging tape, camouflage-style, florescent orange 1. We allow only shotguns and ribbon, cat-eyes, or any similar marking (hunter’s orange) clothing while away archery equipment for hunting of device. from the vehicle and in the field

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14836 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

hunting. A minimum of 144 square any special posting or publications and 2356) to hunt on the refuge. We require inches must appear on both the chest subject to the following conditions: hunters to possess a signed refuge hunt and back (a typical blaze-orange hunting 1. Legal hunting hours will run from permit (name and address only) at all vest). 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise and will not times while scouting and hunting on the 7. Hunters may be escorted, but not extend past 1:00 p.m. (local time) on refuge. We charge a fee for all hunters guided, by WSMR, NMDGF, or refuge each hunt day. except youth age 16 and younger. personnel or their agent(s). Check 2. The refuge may designate special 2. We provide hunters with hunt stations may be used in lieu of hunt youth and/or persons with disabilities maps and parking permits (name only), escorts. hunting days during the regular game which they must clearly display in their 8. Hunters must follow photo and bird season. This will apply to areas and vehicle. Hunters who park on the refuge video policy as described by WSMR species that are currently part of the must park in identified hunt parking regulations. refuge’s hunting program. Contact the areas. 9. Youth hunters, 16 years of age and refuge for more information. 3. We prohibit the use of all-terrain younger, must be under the direct 3. Refer to the refuge hunt leaflet for vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge. supervision of an adult, 18 years of age designated hunting areas. 4. We prohibit baiting on refuge lands or older. 4. You may use only approved (see § 32.2(h)). 10. Persons possessing, transporting, nontoxic shot while hunting (see 5. We require hunters to wear (in a or carrying firearms on National § 32.2(k)) in the field, in quantities of 25 conspicuous manner) a minimum of 400 Wildlife Refuges must comply with all or fewer. square inches (2,600 square centimeters) provisions of State and local law. 5. We prohibit pit or permanent of solid-color, hunter-orange clothing or Persons may only use (discharge) blinds and require daily removal of all material on the head, chest, and back. firearms in accordance with refuge waterfowl decoys, spent shells, all 6. We prohibit hunters using or regulations (see § 27.42 of this chapter temporary blinds/stands, and all other erecting permanent blinds. and specific refuge regulations in this personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 7. We allow pre-hunt scouting part 32). 27.94 of this chapter). beginning 2 weeks prior to the bow 11. Hunters and their guests must 6. We allow unleashed hunting and/ opener and continuing through the end abide by all rules established by the or retrieving dogs on the refuge when of the deer season. refuge, WSMR, and NMDGF regulations. hunters are legally present in areas 8. The refuge only allows archery 12. Bighorn Sheep: Hunting desert where we allow hunters, only if the equipment (crossbows allowed) to bighorn sheep is allowed on designated dogs are under the immediate control of harvest deer. areas of the refuge in accordance with hunters at all time (see § 26.21(b) of this D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] NMDGF and WSMR regulations and chapter), and only to pursue species * * * * * subject to the following conditions legally in season at that time. ■ 25. Amend § 32.53 by: specifically for bighorn sheep: 7. We prohibit hunters and dogs from ■ a. Adding paragraph B.4 under i. If camping is allowed on WSMR entering closed areas for retrieval of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. lands, then camping is allowed at Little game. ■ b. Revising paragraphs B and C under San Nicholas Camp on the refuge. 8. All State and Federal hunting Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. ii. Four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle regulations regarding methods of take, ■ c. Revising the introductory text in (ATV) use by hunters or members of dates, bag limits, and other factors, paragraphs B and D; revising paragraphs their hunting party is prohibited on the apply to all hunting on the refuge, in A.2, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.5, C.2, C.3, C.4, C.5, refuge, although ATVs may be used to addition to these refuge-specific D.2, D.3, D.4, D.5, and D.6; and adding retrieve game on WSMR. regulations. paragraphs B.6, B.7, B.8, B.9, C.6, C.7, iii. Hunters using livestock (i.e., 9. Visit the refuge visitor center or C.8, C.9, D.7, and D.8 under J. Clark horses or mules) must provide only Web site, and/or refer to additional on- Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. weed-free feed to their animals while on site brochures, leaflets, or postings for ■ d. Revising the introductory text in the refuge. additional information. paragraph B and revising paragraphs C.2 iv. Hunters or other members of the * * * * * and D under Tewaukon National hunting party are not allowed to hunt ■ 24. Amend § 32.51 New York by Wildlife Refuge. small game or other species during adding, in alphabetical order, an entry These revisions and additions read as desert bighorn ram hunts. Only bighorn for Shawangunk Grasslands National follows: sheep may be hunted by individuals Wildlife Refuge to read as follows: with ram tags. § 32.53 North Dakota. 13. Oryx. Hunting oryx is allowed on § 32.51 New York. * * * * * designated areas of the refuge in * * * * * accordance with NMDGF and WSMR Audubon National Wildlife Refuge regulations and subject to the following Shawangunk Grasslands National * * * * * condition specifically for oryx: Four- Wildlife Refuge B. Upland Game Hunting. * * * wheeled all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use by A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. hunters or members of their hunting [RESERVED] 4. You may possess only approved party is allowed on the refuge and B. Upland Game Hunting. nontoxic shot while in the field (see WSMR only to retrieve game. [RESERVED] § 32.2(k)). * * * * * C. Big Game Hunting. We allow * * * * * hunting of white-tailed deer on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge designated areas of the refuge in Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We accordance with State of New York * * * * * allow hunting of mourning and white- regulations and subject to the following B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters winged doves, geese, ducks, and coots conditions: may hunt sharp-tailed grouse, on designated areas of the refuge in 1. You must submit a Big/Upland Hungarian partridge, turkey, ring- accordance with State regulations and Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3– necked pheasant, cottontail rabbit,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14837

jackrabbit, snowshoe hare, and fox on Refuge roads open to the public may be Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge designated areas of the refuge in accessed before 12 p.m. (noon). * * * * * accordance with State regulations and 9. Conditions B8 and B9 apply. C. Big Game Hunting. *** subject to the following conditions: D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport 2. We require that hunters check out 1. We open the refuge daily from 5 fishing on the refuge in accordance with at the refuge check station with a State- a.m. to 10 p.m. State regulations and subject to the issued Big Game Harvest Report no later 2. You may possess only approved following conditions: than 1 hour after the conclusion of their nontoxic shot while in the field (see * * * * * controlled hunt. § 32.2(k)). 2. We allow boat and bank fishing * * * * * 3. Upland game bird and rabbit season only on specifically designated portions ■ opens on the day following the close of of the refuge as delineated on maps, 27. Amend § 32.56 by: the regular firearm deer season through leaflets and/or signs, available at the a. Revising paragraph A under the end of the State season. refuge headquarters or posted on refuge Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. b. Adding, in alphabetical order, an 4. You may use hunting dogs for information boards. retrieval of upland game. Dogs must be 3. We only allow non-motorized boats entry for Baskett Slough National under direct control. or boats with electric motors. Wildlife Refuge. ■ c. Revising the introductory text in 5. Turkey hunting is subject to all 4. Boat fishing is allowed from May 1 paragraph A, revising paragraphs A.2 State regulations, license requirements, through September 30. and A.3, and adding paragraph A.4 units, and dates. 5. We prohibit entry to or fishing from 6. Fox hunting is allowed on the day any water control structure. under Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the following the regular firearm deer 6. We open all refuge waters to ice Columbian White-Tailed Deer. ■ d. Adding paragraphs A.4 and A.5 season and closes on March 31. fishing. Ice fishing access is limited to 7. We prohibit hunting the area foot traffic only. under Lewis and Clark National around refuge headquarters, buildings, 7. We allow the use of portable fish Wildlife Refuge. ■ e. Redesignating paragraph A.2 as A.4; shops, and residences. We post these houses for ice fishing. Portable fish revising paragraphs A.1, B, C, D.1, and areas with ‘‘Closed to Hunting’’ signs. houses may not be left out overnight. D.2; and adding paragraphs A.2, A.3, 8. We proibit the use of snowmobiles, 8. Conditions B8 and B9 apply. A.5, A.6, A.7, A.8, D.3, D.4, and D.5 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway * * * * * under Malheur National Wildlife vehicles (OHVs), utility terrain vehicles Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge Refuge. (UTVs), bicycles, or similar vehicles on ■ f. Adding, in alphabetical order, an the refuge. * * * * * entry for Nestucca Bay National Wildlife 9. We prohibit the use of horses, B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow Refuge. mules, or similar livestock on the refuge ring-necked pheasant hunting on designated areas of the refuge (see ■ g. Adding, in alphabetical order, an during all hunting seasons. entry for Siletz Bay National Wildlife C. Big Game Hunting. *** refuge brochure/maps for designated Refuge. 2. We prohibit hunting the area area) in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following These revisions and additions read as around the refuge headquarters, follows: buildings, shops, and residences. We conditions: post these areas with ‘‘Closed to * * * * * § 32.56 Oregon. Hunting’’ signs. C. Big Game Hunting. *** * * * * * 3. We open nine designated Public 2. We allow deer gun hunting on Hunting Areas (as delineated on the designated areas of the refuge (see Bandon Marsh National Wildlife refuge hunting brochure map available refuge brochure/maps for designated Refuge at the refuge headquarters or posted on areas) in accordance with State A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We refuge information boards and/or regulations. allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and kiosks) on the refuge for deer hunting * * * * * snipe on that portion of the refuge west during the regular firearms issued from D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport of U.S. Highway 101 and outside the the State. fishing on designated waters (Tewaukon Bandon city limits 7 days per week, and 4. You must possess and carry a and Sprague Lakes only) in accordance hunting of goose, duck, and coot on the refuge permit to hunt antlered deer on with State regulations and subject to the Ni-les’tun Unit of the refuge 3 days per the refuge outside the nine Public following conditions: week, in accordance with State Hunting Areas during the regular 1. We allow boats from May 1 through regulations and subject to the following firearms season. September 30. conditions: 5. We only allow the use of portable 2. We allow ice fishing on designated 1. The established days for waterfowl tree stands and ground blinds. We portions of Tewaukon and Sprague hunting on the Ni-les’tun Unit will be prohibit leaving stands and blinds Lakes (see refuge brochure/maps for Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter) on designated areas) in accordance with 2. Only portable blinds or blinds the refuge. State regulations. constructed of on-site dead vegetation or 6. We prohibit the use of flagging, trail * * * * * driftwood may be used (see § 27.51 of markers, paint, reflective tacks, or other ■ 26. Amend § 32.54 by revising this chapter). types of markers (see § 27.93 of this paragraph C.2; removing paragraph C.3; 3. All blinds, decoys, shotshell hulls, chapter). and redesignating paragraphs C.4, C.5, and other personal equipment and 7. We prohibit the use of trail cameras C.6, C.7, C.8, and C.9 as paragraphs C.3, refuse must be removed from the refuge and other electronic surveillance C.4, C.5, C.6, C.7, and C.8, respectively, at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and equipment. under Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 27.94 of this chapter). 8. We prohibit entry to the refuge to read as follows: 4. Only federally approved nontoxic before 12 p.m. (noon) on the first day of shot may be used or be in hunters’ the respective bow, gun, or § 32.54 Ohio. possession while hunting on the refuge muzzleloader deer hunting seasons. * * * * * (see § 32.2(k)).

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14838 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

5. Hunters accessing the Ni-les’tun regulations (see § 27.42 of this chapter access point for public safety, or when Unit via boat must secure or anchor and refuge-specific regulations in this travel may be detrimental to the area. boats and use established boat launch part 32). 6. The North Malheur Lake Hunt Unit areas. Hunters may park boats within B. Upland Game Hunting. is open during all established State of the marsh while they hunt, but boats [RESERVED] Oregon migratory bird hunting seasons. landing on the bank of the Coquille C. Big Game Hunting. [RESERVED] 7. The South Malheur Lake and Buena River within the Ni-les’tun Unit will be D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] Vista Hunt Units open for migratory required to park within a designated * * * * * bird hunting on the fourth Saturday of location. October and close at the end of the State Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the 6. Access to the refuge will be waterfowl season. Columbian White-Tailed Deer prohibited from 1 hour after sunset to 1 8. The South Malheur Lake Hunt Unit hour before sunrise. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We may be accessed from the Boat Launch 7. Hunters may use dogs as an aid to allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and Road, or from the North Malheur Lake retrieving waterfowl during the hunting common snipe on the refuge-owned Hunt Unit, but no earlier than the fourth season; however, dogs must remain shorelines of Crims and Wallace Islands Saturday of October. under control of the handler at all times. in accordance with State regulations B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow Dogs must be in a vehicle or on a leash and subject to the following conditions: hunting of pheasant, quail, partridge, until they are in the marsh as a part of * * * * * chukar, and rabbit on designated areas the hunt. 2. We prohibit permanent blinds. You of the refuge in accordance with State 8. Hunters may enter closed areas of must remove all personal property, regulations and subject to the following the refuge only to retrieve downed including decoys and boats, by 1 hour conditions: birds. after legal sunset (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 1. You may possess only approved * * * * * of this chapter). nontoxic shot while in the field (see 3. We open the refuge for day-use Baskett Slough National Wildlife § 32.2(k)) access from 11 2 Refuge ⁄ hours before legal 2. We allow hunting of upland game sunrise until 11⁄2 hours after legal species on designated areas of the A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We sunset. Blitzen Valley east of Highway 205 from allow hunting of duck and goose on 4. We prohibit dogs on the refuge, the fourth Saturday in October through designated areas of the refuge in except for hunting dogs engaged in the end of the State pheasant season. accordance with State regulations and authorized hunting activities, and under 3. We allow hunting of upland game subject to the following conditions: the immediate control of a licensed species on the North Malheur Lake Hunt 1. Only hunters 15 years of age and hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Unit concurrent with the State pheasant younger are allowed to participate in the * * * * * season. Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Youths must be 4. We allow hunting of all upland accompanied by an adult 21 years of age Lewis and Clark National Wildlife game species on designated areas of the or older. Refuge refuge west of Highway 205 and south 2. Blinds, decoys, and other personal A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. of Foster Flat Road, and on designated property must be removed at the end of *** areas of Krumbo Creek east of the each day’s hunt (see § 27.93 of this 4. We open the refuge for hunting Krumbo Reservoir in accordance with chapter). access from 11⁄2 hours before legal State regulations. 3. Vehicles are restricted to sunrise until 11⁄2 hours after legal 5. We may close any refuge access designated public use roads and sunset. easement road, refuge road, or hunting designated parking areas. 5. We prohibit dogs on the refuge, access point for public safety, or when 4. We prohibit dogs on the refuge, except for hunting dogs engaged in travel may be detrimental to the area. except for hunting dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities, and under C. Big Game Hunting. We allow authorized hunting activities, and under the immediate control of a licensed hunting of deer and pronghorn on the immediate control of a licensed hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). designated areas of the refuge west of hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). 5. You may possess only approved * * * * * Highway 205 and south of Foster Flat Road, and on designated areas of nontoxic shells for hunting during the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge early September Goose Hunt and the Krumbo Creek east of the Krumbo Youth Duck Hunt. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Reservoir, in accordance with State 6. Open fires are not allowed. *** regulations. 7. Waterfowl and goose permit (name 1. We allow nonmotorized boats or D. Sport Fishing. *** only) hunters must check back to the boats equipped with only electric 1. We prohibit ice fishing on and all refuge check station prior to leaving the motors on the North and South Malheur public access to any ice formations. refuge and submit a Migratory Bird Lake Hunt Units. All boats are 2. We allow fishing year-round on Hunt Report (FWS Form 3–2361). prohibited on the Buena Vista Hunt Krumbo Reservoir and in the Blitzen 8. Goose hunters are required to space Unit. River, East Canal, and Mud Creek themselves no less than 200 yards apart 2. We allow only portable and upstream from and including Bridge from each other during the early temporary hunting blinds. We prohibit Creek. September Goose Hunt. permanent structures. 3. Fishing is allowed on the north 9. No overnight camping or after- 3. You must remove boats, decoys, bank of the Blitzen River from Sodhouse hours parking is allowed on the refuge. blinds, materials and all personal Lane downstream to the bridge on the 10. No hunting is allowed from refuge property at the end of each day (see Boat Landing Road between August 1 structures, observation blinds, § 27.93 of this chapter). and September 15. boardwalks, or similar structures. * * * * * 4. We prohibit boats on public fishing 11. Persons may only use (discharge) 5. We may close any refuge access areas, except that nonmotorized boats firearms in accordance with refuge easement road, refuge road, or hunting and boats equipped with only electric

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14839

motors may be used on Krumbo driftwood may be used (see § 27.51 of consistent with Pennsylvania Game Reservoir. this chapter). Commission regulations. 5. We may close any refuge access 4. All blinds, decoys, shotshell hulls, 5. We prohibit hunters using or easement road, refuge road, or fishing and other personal equipment and erecting permanent or pit blinds. access point for public safety, or when refuse must be removed from the refuge 6. We require hunters to remove all travel may be detrimental to the area. at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and hunting blind material, boats, and * * * * * 27.94 of this chapter). decoys from the refuge at the end of 5. Access to the refuge will be each hunting season (see § 27.93 of this Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge prohibited from 1 hour after sunset to 2 chapter). A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We hours before sunrise. 7. We allow pre-hunt scouting allow hunting of ducks and coot on 6. The use or possession of alcoholic concurrent with big game scouting refuge lands at Brooten Marsh and the beverages while hunting is prohibited. continuing through the end of the mouth of the Little Nestucca River 7 7. Hunters may use dogs as an aid to migratory bird season; however, we days per week in accordance with State retrieving waterfowl during the hunting prohibit the use of dogs during scouting. regulations and subject to the following season; however, dogs must remain 8. Dogs may only be used for conditions: under control of the handler at all time waterfowl hunting. We limit the number 1. Only federally approved nontoxic (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Dogs of dogs per waterfowl hunting party to shot may be used or be in hunters’ must be in a vehicle or on a leash until no more than two dogs. possession while hunting on the refuge they are in the marsh as a part of the 9. We allow hunters to enter the (see § 32.2(k)). hunt. refuge 2 hours before shooting time (as 2. Only portable blinds or blinds B. Upland Game Hunting. prescribed by Pennsylvania Game constructed of on-site dead vegetation or [RESERVED] Commission regulations), and they must driftwood may be used (see § 27.51 of C. Big Game Hunting. [RESERVED] leave no later than 2 hours after the end this chapter). D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] of shooting time. 3. All blinds, decoys, shotshell hulls, * * * * * B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrels, grouse, rabbit, and other personal equipment and ■ 28. Amend § 32.57 by adding, in pheasant, quail, woodchuck, crow, fox, refuse must be removed from the refuge alphabetical order, an entry for Cherry raccoon, opossum, skunk, weasel, at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and Valley National Wildlife Refuge to read coyote, and bobcat on designated areas 27.94 of this chapter). as follows: 4. Access to the refuge will be of the refuge in accordance with State of prohibited from 1 hour after sunset to 2 § 32.57 Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania regulations and subject to hours before sunrise. * * * * * the following conditions: 5. Hunters may use dogs as an aid to 1. We require hunters to submit a Big/ retrieving waterfowl during the hunting Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Upland Game Hunt Application/Permit season; however, dogs must remain A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We (FWS Form 3–2356) to hunt on the under control of the handler at all times allow hunting of migratory birds, refuge. We require hunters to possess a (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Dogs including waterfowl (i.e., ducks, signed refuge hunt permit (name and must be in a vehicle or on a leash until mergansers, coots, and geese), doves, address only) at all times while scouting they are in the marsh as a part of the woodcock, snipe, rails, moorhens, and and hunting on the refuge. We charge a hunt. gallinules, on designated areas of the fee for all hunters except youth age 16 6. Hunters may enter closed areas of refuge in accordance with State of and younger. the refuge only to retrieve downed Pennsylvania regulations and subject to 2. Conditions A3, A4, A5, and A9 birds. the following conditions: apply. B. Upland Game Hunting. 1. You must submit a Migratory Bird 3. We prohibit scouting. [RESERVED] Hunt Application (FWS Form 3–2357) 4. No dogs allowed. C. Big Game Hunting. [RESERVED] to hunt on the refuge. We require 5. We prohibit baiting on refuge lands D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] hunters to possess a signed refuge hunt (see § 32.2(h)). * * * * * permit (name and address only) at all 6. We only allow hunting from 1 half times while scouting and hunting on the hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset. Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge refuge. We charge a fee for all hunters We prohibit night hunting. A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We except youth age 16 and younger. C. Big Game Hunting. We allow allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot 2. We issue one companion permit hunting of white-tailed deer, bear, and on refuge lands west of U.S. Highway (no personal information) at no charge wild turkey on designated areas of the 101 7 days per week and on the Millport to each hunter. We allow companions to refuge in accordance with State of Slough South Unit of the refuge 3 days observe and/or call, but not to shoot a Pennsylvania regulations and subject to per week, in accordance with State firearm or bow. Companion and hunters the following conditions: regulations and subject to the following must set up in the same location. We 1. Conditions A3, A4, A5, A9, B1, and conditions: provide hunters with hunt maps and B5 apply. 1. The established days for waterfowl parking permits (name only), which 2. We allow pre-hunt scouting hunting on the Millport Slough South they must clearly display in their beginning 2 weeks prior to the bow Unit will be Wednesday, Saturday, and vehicle. Hunters who park on the refuge opener and continuing through the end Sunday. must park in identified hunt parking of the deer season. 2. Only federally approved nontoxic areas. 3. We require hunters to remove all shot may be used or be in hunters’ 3. We prohibit the use of all-terrain portable hunting blind materials from possession while hunting on the refuge vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge. the refuge at the end of each hunting (see § 32.2(k)). 4. We require hunters to wear (in a season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). 3. Only portable blinds or blinds conspicuous manner) solid-color, D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] constructed of on-site dead vegetation or hunter-orange clothing or material, * * * * *

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14840 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

■ 29. Amend § 32.61 by: 1. You must remove boats, motor 10. Waterfowl hunts are morning ■ a. Removing paragraph A.1; vehicles, fishing equipment, and other only, begin at legal shooting time, and redesignating paragraphs A.2 and A.3 as personal property (excluding ice end at 12:00 p.m. (noon). paragraphs A.1 and A.2, respectively; houses) by the end of each day (see 11. Dogs accompanying hunters must revising paragraphs B.1 and C.5; and §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). be under the immediate control of adding paragraphs B.3 and C.10 under 2. We allow the use of motorized handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. boats. this chapter). ■ b. Revising paragraphs A, C.4, and D * * * * * 12. Hunters must remove all decoys, under Sand Lake Wetland Management ■ 30. Amend § 32.63 by: boats, spent shells, marsh chairs, and District. ■ a. Revising paragraphs A, C.1, C.2, other equipment from the refuge daily These revisions and additions read as and C.3 and removing paragraphs C.4, (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). follows: C.5, C.6, C.7, C.8, C.9, C.10, C.11, C.12, We prohibit the use of plastic flagging, § 32.61 South Dakota. C.13, C.14, C.15, C.16, C.17, C.18, C.19, reflectors, or reflective tape. 13. Hunting of geese is prohibited. * * * * * and C.20 under Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. 14. The entire refuge or any portion Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge ■ b. Revising paragraphs A.2, A.3, A.4, thereof may immediately close to hunting in the event of whooping cranes * * * * * A.5, A.6, A.7, A.9, A.11, B, and C under B. Upland Game Hunting. *** Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife present within the hunt area. 1. The game bird season begins the Refuge. * * * * * Monday following closure of the refuge These additions and revisions read as C. Big Game Hunting. *** firearms deer season and continues follows: 1. On the Blackjack Unit, we allow hunting subject to the following through the first Sunday in January. § 32.63 Texas. conditions: * * * * * * * * * * 3. Hunters are not allowed to enter the i. We may immediately close the refuge each day until 10:00 a.m. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge entire refuge or any portion thereof to hunting in the event of the appearance C. Big Game Hunting. *** A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We 5. Hunters may place their tree stands, of in the hunt area or allow hunting of ducks, coots, and elevated platforms, and portable ground in order to conduct habitat management mergansers on designated areas of the blinds on the refuge only during their practices as required during the refuge in accordance with State designated licensed season. These available windows (e.g., prescribed regulations and subject to the following stands must be removed by the end of burns, roller chopping, fire breaks). conditions: ii. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail their designated licensed season (see 1. Each adult hunter 17 years of age game. § 27.93 of this chapter). or older must possess an Annual Public iii. We prohibit target practice or any * * * * * Hunting Permit (APH) administered by nonhunting discharge of firearms. 10. Trail monitor cameras are not the State. allowed on the refuge. 2. Hunters may enter the refuge hunt iv. We prohibit hunting with the aid * * * * * units no earlier than 4 a.m. Hunting of bait, salt, or any ingestible attractant starts at the designated legal shooting (see § 32.2(h)). We allow sprays and Sand Lake Wetland Management time and ends at 12 p.m. (noon). other non-ingestible attractants. District Hunters must leave refuge hunt units by v. Firearm hunters must wear a total A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We 12:30 p.m. of 400 square inches (2,600 square allow migratory game bird hunting on 3. Youth under 17 years of age are centimeters) hunter orange, including Waterfowl Production Areas throughout required to be under the immediate 144 square inches (936 square the District in accordance with State supervision of a duly permitted, centimeters) visible in front and 144 regulations and subject to the following authorized supervising adult, age 18 or square inches visible in rear. Some conditions: older. hunter orange must appear on head 1. You must remove boats, decoys, 4. Shotguns with nontoxic shot are gear. portable blinds, other personal property, the legal means that may be used or vi. All hunters must fill out FWS and any materials brought onto the area possessed during these hunts (see Form 3–2359 (Big Game Harvest Report) for blind construction by the end of § 32.2(k)). upon leaving the hunt area. each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this 5. We prohibit pits and permanent vii. For the archery and rifle season, chapter). blinds. We allow portable blinds or hunters must obtain a refuge permit 2. We prohibit bringing any type of temporary natural vegetation blinds. (name only required) and pay a fee. The live or dead vegetation onto the refuge You must remove all blinds from the hunter must tape the smaller vehicle tag for any purpose at any time. refuge daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter). on the driver’s side windshield. The 3. We allow the use of motorized 6. We only allow vehicular travel on hunter must sign the larger permit and boats. designated roads and in parking areas. possess it at all times while on the * * * * * 7. All hunters are transported to and refuge. C. Big Game Hunting. *** from their hunting location by Texas viii. We define youth hunters as ages 4. You must remove portable ground Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) 9 to 16. A Texas-licensed, adult hunter, blinds, trail cameras, and other personal personnel. age 17 or older who has successfully property by the end of each day (see 8. Hunter check-in begins at 5:00 a.m. completed a Hunter Education Training §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). and ends at 5:30 a.m. All hunters are Course, must accompany youth hunters. D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport required to check in and out at the We exempt those persons born prior to fishing on Waterfowl Production Areas hunter check station located on the September 2, 1971, from the Hunter throughout the District in accordance north end of the Island. Education Training course requirement. with State regulations and subject to the 9. Hunters will select hunt sites on a Each adult hunter may supervise two following conditions: first-come, first-served basis. youth hunters.

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14841

ix. We will annually designate bag 2. On the Unit, we be under control of the handler at all limits in the refuge hunt brochure. allow hunting subject to the following times and not allowed to roam free (see x. We allow archery hunting within conditions: § 26.21(b) of this chapter). the deer season for the county on i. Big Game Hunting Blackjack Unit 7. Hunters must be at least 12 years specified days listed in the refuge hunt conditions: C.1.i through C.1.vi apply. of age. An adult 21 years of age or older brochure. ii. Special permits are issued by must accompany hunters between the xi. We allow firearm hunting within lottery drawing through the TPWD ages of 12 and 17 (inclusive) as per State the deer season for the county on Public Hunting Program for big game regulations. specified days listed in the refuge hunt hunts. * * * * * iii. TPWD staff will transport all brochure. 9. The entire refuge or any portion hunters to and from the designated xii. Hunters must clean all harvested thereof may be closed to hunting for the game in the field. hunting stand. iv. All hunters are required to stay in protection of resources or public safety xiii. We prohibit hunting on or across their designated stand unless they are as determined by the Refuge Manager. any part of the refuge road system, or retrieving their game. Stalking of game * * * * * hunting from a vehicle on any refuge is prohibited. 11. Hunter may bring up to two road or road right-of-way. Hunters must v. For hunts administered by TPWD, guests. Guests may not use a hunting remain at a minimum of 100 yards (90 youth hunters are not required to firearm. Guests must be with the hunter meters) off any designated refuge road complete a Hunter Education Training at all times. or structure. Course. However, supervising adults B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow xiv. We prohibit hunters using born on or after September 2, 1971, hunting of wild turkey at designated handguns during archery and rifle must have passed a Hunter Education times on designated areas of the refuge hunts. Hunters may use bows and Training Course or possess a State- in accordance with State regulations arrows only in accordance with State issued deferral. and subject to the following conditions: law. We prohibit use of crossbows for vi. Each adult hunter may supervise 1. Hunting is permitted consistent hunting unless we issue a special use up to two youth hunters. with the State season. permit (FWS Form 3–1383–G) due to vii. Hunters can clean all harvested 2. Hunters are required to check in ‘‘upper 2 limb’’ disability. We allow the game in the field or at the designated and out daily at designated check use of archery equipment and centerfire cleaning area at the headquarters. station(s). rifles for hunting in accordance with viii. All deer harvested during the 3. Weapons will be consistent with State law. hunt will be tagged with a TPWD-issued State and Federal regulations. xv. We allow use of portable hunting Special Drawn Legal Deer Tag. 4. The entire refuge or any portion stands, stalking of game, and still ix. Hunters are allowed to camp in the thereof may be closed to hunting for the hunting. There is a limit of two portable designated camping area. protection of resources or public safety stands per permitted hunter. A hunter 3. On the Tatton Unit, we allow as determined by the Refuge Manager. may set up the portable stands during hunting subject to the following 5. Hunters must be at least 12 years the scouting week, but must remove conditions: of age. An adult 21 years of age or older them when the hunter’s permit expires i. Big Game Hunting Blackjack Unit must accompany hunters between the (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit conditions: C.1.i through C.1.v apply. ages of 12 and 17 (inclusive) as per State ii. We define youth hunters as ages 9 hunters from driving nails, spikes, or regulations. This adult may supervise to 16. All hunters born after September other objects into trees or hunting from no more than two hunters. 2, 1971 must have completed a State- stands secured with objects driven into 6. The refuge will set the bag limits. certified hunter education course for trees (see § 32.2(i)). We prohibit the 7. Hunters must visibly wear 400 refuge administered hunts. A Texas- building of pits and permanent blinds. square inches (2,600 square centimeters) xvi. We prohibit blocking of gates and licensed, adult hunter, age 17 or older who has successfully completed a of hunter orange on the outermost layer roadways (see § 27.31(h) of this Hunter Education Training Course, must of the head, chest, and back, which chapter). We prohibit vehicles operating accompany youth hunters. We exempt must include a hunter-orange hat or cap. off-road for any reason. Hunters must those persons born prior to September 2, 8. Refuge permits and the payment of park vehicles in such a manner as to not 1971, from the Hunter Education a hunt fee are required. obstruct normal vehicle traffic. 9. Dogs are not allowed for hunting. Training course requirement. xvii. We allow the use of only iii. Hunters are transported to and 10. Vehicles may only be operated on biodegradable flagging tape to mark from their hunting location via designated roads and parking areas. trails and hunt stand location during the government vehicles. 11. Off road use of all-terrain vehicles archery and rifle hunts on the refuge. (ATVs) is prohibited, except to retrieve We color-code the flagging tape used * * * * * bagged game. each weekend during the rifle hunts. Balcones Canyonlands National 12. Standby hunting permits are Hunters must use the designated Wildlife Refuge issued only if openings are available on flagging tape color specified for A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. the day of each hunt on a first-come, particular hunt dates. We provide this *** first-served basis. Contact Refuge information on the refuge hunt permit 2. Hunting allowed in designated Manager for details. and in refuge regulations sent to area(s) from noon to sunset. 13. The use or possession of bait is permittees. Hunters must remove 3. Refuge will set the bag limits. prohibited during scouting or hunting flagging (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at 4. You may possess only approved (see § 32.2(h)). Bait is considered the end of the hunt. The hunter must nontoxic shot for hunting while in the anything that may be eaten or ingested write his/her last name in black field (see § 32.2(k)). by wildlife. Scent attractants are permanent marker on the first piece of 5. Refuge permits (name only) are allowed. flagging tape nearest the adjacent required with payment of a hunt fee. 14. A hunter may bring one guest. designated roadway. 6. Dogs are allowed to retrieve game Guest may not use a hunting firearm or xiii. We prohibit camping. birds during the hunt, but the dogs must other hunting weapon (archery). Guest

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14842 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

may assist hunter in game retrieval or remote telemetry (see § 26.21(b) of this hunting permits are available on the field dressing activities. Guest must be chapter). refuge’s Web site. with the hunter at all times. 4. We prohibit the use of all-terrain * * * * * C. Big Game Hunting. We allow and off-highway vehicles (ATVs and 5. All selected and standby applicants hunting of white-tailed deer and feral OHVs). must enter the refuge between 4 a.m. hog at designated times on designated 5. You must remove all blinds, and 4:30 a.m. on each hunt day. We may areas of the refuge in accordance with decoys, shell casings, and other issue standby hunters permits (name State regulations and subject to the personal equipment and refuse from the only) to fill vacant slots by lottery. following conditions: refuge at the end of each hunt day (see Hunting hours will comply with State 1. Conditions B1 through B14 apply. §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). laws. * * * * * B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow * * * * * ■ 31. Amend § 32.64 by revising hunting of coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat, 12. We allow scouting on designated paragraphs C.4, C.5, C.6, and C.7 under woodchuck, red squirrel, eastern gray days prior to the start of each refuge Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to read squirrel, porcupine, skunk, snowshoe hunt period. Hunters may enter the hunt as follows. hare, eastern cottontail, and ruffed zones on foot, on bicycle, or through grouse at the Nulhegan Basin Division transportation provided by the refuge § 32.64 Utah. and Putney Mountain Unit in only. Scouts must wear 400 square * * * * * accordance with State of Vermont inches (2,600 square centimeters) of visible blaze orange. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge regulations, seasons, and bag limits subject to the following conditions: 13. Hunters may go to Hunt Zone 1 * * * * * 1. Conditions A1 through A4 apply. (Long Island) only by hand-launched C. Big Game Hunting. *** 2. To monitor and mitigate potential watercraft (canoe, punt, rowboat, and 4. We allow any-legal-weapon elk disturbances to wildlife and neighboring similar watercraft) from the canoe hunting for youth, disabled, and landowners, raccoon hunters hunting at launch at refuge headquarters. Your boat depredation pool hunters during State night with dogs will require a special must meet Coast Guard safety seasons subject to refuge regulations. use permit (FWS Form 1383–G) issued requirements. We prohibit use of 5. We allow archery elk hunting by the refuge manager. trailers. during the general and the Uintah Basin C. Big Game Hunting. We allow * * * * * extended archery elk hunts during State hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, ■ 34. Amend § 32.67 by: seasons subject to refuge regulations. black bear, and wild turkey at the ■ a. Removing paragraphs B.2 and C.2 6. We are closed for the general any- Nulhegan Basin Division and Putney and redesignating paragraphs B.3 and legal-weapon (rifle) and muzzleloader Mountain Unit in accordance with State C.3 as paragraphs B.2 and C.2, bull elk hunts. of Vermont regulations, seasons, and respectively, under Columbia National 7. We allow any-legal-weapon elk bag limits subject to the following Wildlife Refuge. ■ hunting during limited late season conditions: b. Revising paragraphs A, C.9, and D antlerless elk hunts starting on 1. Conditions A1 through A4 apply. under Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the December 1 during State seasons subject Columbian White-Tailed Deer. to refuge regulations. 2. We allow only temporary tree ■ c. Revising paragraph A.6 under stands and you must remove them (see * * * * * McNary National Wildlife Refuge. § 27.93 of this chapter) by the end of the ■ d. Revising paragraphs A.3, A.5, A.11, ■ 32. Amend § 32.65 by adding, in final deer season. Your name and A.13, and A.14 and adding paragraph alphabetical order, an entry for Silvio O. address must be clearly visible on the A.17 under Ridgefield National Wildlife Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge tree stand. We prohibit nails, screws, or Refuge. to read as follows: screw-in climbing pegs to build or ■ e. Revising paragraphs A, B, and C § 32.65 Vermont. access a stand (see § 32.2(i)). under Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. 3. Moose may be retrieved at the * * * * * These revisions and additions read as Nulhegan Basin Division by a follows: Silvio O. Conte National Fish and commercial moose hauler, subject to a Wildlife Refuge special use permit (FWS Form 1383–C) § 32.67 Washington. * * * * * A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We issued by the refuge manager. allow hunting of ducks, geese, crows, D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the and American woodcock at the * * * * * Columbian White-Tailed Deer Nulhegan Basin Division and Putney ■ 33. Amend § 32.66 by revising A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We Mountain Unit in accordance with State paragraphs C.1, C.5, C.12, and C.13 allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and of Vermont regulations, seasons, and under Back Bay National Wildlife common snipe on the refuge-owned bag limits subject to the following Refuge to read as follows: shorelines of Hunting and Price Islands conditions: in accordance with State regulations § 32.66 Virginia. 1. Shooting across, over, or within 10 and subject to the following conditions: feet of the traveled portion of any gravel * * * * * 1. You may possess only approved road is prohibited in the interest of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge nontoxic shot for hunting (see § 32.2(k)). public safety (see §§ 25.71 of this 2. You may not shoot or discharge any chapter). * * * * * hunting firearm from, across, or along a 2. You may only use portable blinds. C. Big Game Hunting. *** public highway, designated route of 3. We allow the use of retrieving, 1. Hunt regulations, hunting travel, road, road shoulder, road flushing, pointing, and pursuit dogs; application procedures, seasons, embankment, or designated parking however, dogs must be under control as methods of hunting, maps depicting area. is reasonable and customary for that areas open to hunting, and the terms 3. We prohibit permanent blinds. You activity, such as voice command or and conditions under which we issue must remove all personal property,

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14843

including decoys and boats, by 1 hour dusky Canada goose harvest reaches the approved nontoxic shells per day while after legal sunset (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 refuge quota assigned by the State. hunting. of this chapter). * * * * * 5. You may possess only approved 4. We prohibit hunting along refuge- 5. Prior to entering the hunt area, you nontoxic shot for hunting (see § 32.2(k)). owned shorelines of Hunting and Price must pay a recreation user fee, obtain a 6. You may not shoot or discharge any Islands where it parallels Steamboat blind assignment, and obtain a hunting firearm from, across, or along a Slough. Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form public highway, designated route of 5. We open the refuge for hunting 3–2361). You must carry the Migratory travel, road, road shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking access from 11⁄2 hour before legal Bird Hunt Report while hunting as proof area. sunrise until 11⁄2 hour after legal sunset. of blind assignment and user fee 7. We prohibit camping on the refuge 6. We prohibit dogs on the refuge, payment. except in designated campgrounds on except for hunting dogs engaged in * * * * * Long Island for up to 14 days. authorized hunting activities, and under 11. You may possess only approved 8. We open the refuge for hunting the immediate control of a licensed nontoxic shotshells for hunting (see access from 11⁄2 hour before legal hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or fewer per sunrise until 11⁄2 hour after legal sunset. * * * * * day. 9. We require dogs to be kept on a C. Big Game Hunting. *** * * * * * leash, except for hunting dogs engaged 9. We require hunters to sign in and 13. Prior to switching blinds, you in authorized hunting activities, and out each day at the refuge headquarters. must first report to the refuge check under the immediate control of a When signing out for the day, you must station to obtain a new blind licensed hunter (see § 26.21(b) of this report hunting success, failure, and any assignment. You must submit an chapter). We prohibit dogs on Long hit-but-not retrieved animals on the Big accurate Migratory Bird Hunt Report Island and on beaches within the Game Harvest Report (FWS Form (FWS Form 3–2361) for the blind being Leadbetter Point Unit. 3–2359). vacated, and obtain a new Migratory 10. Access to the hunt area is by foot * * * * * Bird Hunt Report for the new blind. or boat access only. We allow bicycles D. Sport Fishing. Bank fishing is 14. Prior to leaving the hunt area, you on designated roads and trails only. allowed from the Mainland Unit must check out at the refuge check Mobility-impaired hunters should consult the refuge manager for allowed shoreline adjoining the Elochoman and station, submit an accurate Migratory conveyances. Columbia Rivers as well as Steamboat Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3–2361), 11. We prohibit permanent blinds. and present all harvested birds for and Brooks Sloughs, in accordance with You must remove all personal property, inspection by check station personnel. State fishing regulations. Bank fishing is including decoys and boats, by 1 hour allowed in the pond adjacent to the * * * * * after legal sunset (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 diking district pumping station by 17. Persons possessing, transporting, of this chapter). Brooks Slough. All other areas of the or carrying firearms on national wildlife B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow mainland unit are closed to fishing. refuges must comply with all provisions hunting of forest grouse (sooty and Bank fishing is allowed along the of State and local law. Persons may only ruffed) on Long Island, subject to the shorelines of refuge islands in use (discharge) firearms in accordance following conditions: accordance with State regulations. with refuge regulations (see § 27.42 of 1. Hunters are required to obtain and * * * * * this chapter and specific refuge carry a Big/Upland Game Hunt regulations in this part 32). Application (FWS Form 3–2356) and McNary National Wildlife Refuge * * * * * report game taken, hours hunted, and A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. name/address/date on the Upland/Small *** Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Game/Furbearer Report (FWS Form 6. On the Peninsula Unit, we allow A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. 3–2362). hunting subject to the following Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, and 2. Archery hunting only. conditions: On the east shoreline of the snipe is allowed on designated areas of 3. You may not shoot or discharge a Peninsula Unit, we allow hunting only the refuge in accordance with State firearm on Long Island. from established numbered blind sites, hunting regulations and subject to the 4. Dogs are not allowed on Long assigned on a first-come, first-served following conditions: Island. basis, and we require hunters to remain 5. Conditions A7 through A10 apply. 1. Prior to entering the hunt area at 6. We prohibit fires on the refuge, within 100 feet (30 meters) of marked the Riekkola and Tarlatt Units, all except in designated campgrounds on posts unless retrieving birds or setting hunters are required to obtain and carry Long Island (see § 27.95(a) of this decoys. a Migratory Bird Hunt Application chapter). * * * * * (FWS Form 3–2357), pay a recreation C. Big Game Hunting. We allow user fee, obtain a blind assignment, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge hunting of deer, elk, and bear on report waterfowl taken per instructions designated areas of the refuge, in A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. on the Migratory Bird Hunt Report accordance with State regulations *** (FWS Form 3–2361). subject to the following conditions: 3. We limit hunting of dusky Canada 2. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Units, 1. At Long Island hunters must obtain goose in accordance with State hunters may take ducks and coots only and carry a Big/Upland Game Hunt regulations and quotas. The State coincidental to hunting geese. Application (FWS Form 3–2356) and defines dusky Canada goose as a dark 3. Goose hunting is allowed on report game taken, hours hunted and breasted Canada goose, as determined Wednesday and Saturday in the name/address/date on the Big Game by a Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or Riekkola and Tarlatt Units only from Harvest Report (FWS Form 3–2359). less, with a culmen (bill) length of 40 to established blinds. 2. At Long Island, only archery 50 millimeters (1.6 to 2 inches). We will 4. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Units, hunting is allowed, and hunting close the refuge goose season early if the you may possess no more than 25 firearms are prohibited.

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2 14844 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 51 / Monday, March 17, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

3. Bear hunting is prohibited on any 1. We prohibit hunting of migratory 1. Conditions A2 through A7 and A9 portion of the refuge except Long Island. game birds in areas of the refuge through A11 apply. 4. The use of centerfire or rimfire indicated on the Cokeville Meadows 2. We prohibit hunting of upland rifles is prohibited within the Lewis, National Wildlife Refuge Hunting game species in areas of the refuge Porter Point, and Riekkola Units. Brochure and marked by signs as closed indicated on the Cokeville Meadows 5. Dogs are prohibited. to all hunting or closed to migratory National Wildlife Refuge Hunting 6. Conditions A7 through A10 and B6 bird hunting. Brochure and marked by signs as closed apply. 2. You may only possess approved to all hunting. 7. We prohibit construction or use of nontoxic shot while in the field (see 3. Dogs must be leashed and/or under permanent blinds, platforms, ladders, or § 32.2(k)). the direct control of a handler. The use screw-in foot pegs. 3. We prohibit pits and permanent of dogs to find and retrieve legally 8. You must remove all personal blinds. harvested upland game birds, cottontail property, including stands, from the 4. You may use portable blinds or rabbits, and squirrels is allowed and refuge by 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset blinds constructed of natural dead encouraged. Dogs may not be used to (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). chase red fox, raccoon, striped skunk, or 9. Tree stands may stay in place for 5. You must remove all decoys, shell any other species not specifically 3 days and must be labeled with the casings, portable and temporary blinds, allowed in A8 or this paragraph. hunter’s name and phone number, and and other personal equipment (see 4. Red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk the date the stand was set-up. The stand §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from may be taken on the refuge by licensed 1 the refuge at the end of each day. may be set-up 1 ⁄2 hours before legal migratory bird, big game, or upland/ 6. We prohibit possession or sunrise. The stand must be removed small game hunters from September 1 consumption of any alcoholic beverage before 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset on until the end of the last open big game, while hunting (see § 32.2(j)). the third day. upland bird, or small game season. Red 7. Hunters may not enter closed areas fox, raccoon, or striped skunk that is * * * * * to retrieve animals legally shot in an harvested must be taken into possession ■ 35. Amend § 32.69 by revising open area unless authorization has been and removed from the refuge. paragraph B.5 and removing paragraph given by a refuge employee or State B.6 under Necedah National Wildlife Conservation Officer. Permission must 5. We prohibit hunting of sage grouse. Refuge to read as follows: be obtained from private landowners C. Big Game Hunting. We allow before attempting to retrieve game on hunting of elk, mule deer, white-tailed § 32.69 Wisconsin. private land. deer, pronghorn, and moose in * * * * * 8. Dogs must be leashed and/or under accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge the direct control of a handler (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). The use of 1. Conditions A3 through A7 and A9 * * * * * dogs to find and retrieve legally through A11 apply. B. Upland Game Hunting. *** harvested migratory game birds is 2. We prohibit hunting of big game in 5. You may only hunt snowshoe hare allowed. areas of the refuge indicated on the during the season for cottontail rabbit. 9. Hunters must park in a Designated Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife * * * * * Hunter Parking Area, as identified by Refuge Hunting Brochure and marked ■ 36. Amend § 32.70 Wyoming by signs. by signs as closed to all hunting. adding, in alphabetical order, an entry 10. Hunters are required to access and 3. You may hunt with the aid of a for Cokeville Meadows National exit the hunting areas from a Designated temporary tree stand that does not Wildlife Refuge to read as follows: Hunter Parking Area only. Drop off or require drilling or nailing into the tree. pick up of hunters is prohibited except All personal property, including § 32.70 Wyoming. at Hunter Designated Parking Areas. temporary tree stands, must be removed * * * * * 11. Hunters may only access the at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise until 27.94 of this chapter). Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife 1 hour after legal sunset. Refuge D. Sport Fishing. [RESERVED] B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow * * * * * A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We hunting of blue grouse, ruffed grouse, allow hunting of ducks, dark geese, chuckar partridge, gray partridge, Dated: March 4, 2014. coots, mergansers, snipe, Virginia rail, cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, Michael Bean, Sora rail, sandhill crane, and mourning squirrels (red, gray, and fox), red fox, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and dove in accordance with State raccoon, and striped skunk in Wildlife and Parks Principal Deputy. regulations and subject to the following accordance with State regulations and [FR Doc. 2014–05214 Filed 3–14–14; 8:45 am] conditions: subject to the following conditions: BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Mar 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\17MRR2.SGM 17MRR2 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES2