Havasu NWR Draft Hunting and Fishing Plan I

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Draft Hunting and Fishing Plan

April 2021

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu National Wildlife Refuge 317 Mesquite Ave. Needles, CA 92363

Submitted By:

Havasu NWR Refuge Manager Signature Date:

Concurrence:

Refuge Supervisor Signature Date:

Approved:

Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System Signature Date:

Contents I. Introduction ...... 1 II. Statement of Objectives ...... 3 III. Description of Hunting and Fishing Program ...... 4 A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting and Fishing ...... 4 B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access ...... 10 1. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING: ...... 12 2. UPLAND GAME HUNTING: ...... 13 3. BIG GAME HUNTING: ...... 13 4. SPORT FISHING: ...... 14 C. Hunter and Angler Permit Requirements ...... 14 D. Consultation and Coordination with the State ...... 15 E. Law Enforcement ...... 16 F. Funding and Staffing Requirements ...... 16 IV. Conduct of the Hunting and Fishing Program ...... 17 A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures ...... 17 1. Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area Waterfowl Hunt ...... 17 2. Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area Youth Waterfowl Hunt ...... 17 B. Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations ...... 18 C. Relevant State Regulations ...... 19 D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting and Fishing...... 20 V. Public Engagement ...... 21 A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program ...... 21 B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting and Fishing Program ...... 21 C. How Hunters and Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ...... 22 VI. Compatibility Determination ...... 22 VII. References ...... 22

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List of Tables TABLE 1.—Havasu NWR management units, acreage, and hunt species & fishing info...... 7 TABLE 2.—Havasu NWR established hunts: species and hunt dates...... 10 List of Figures FIGURE 1.—Havasu NWR management units...... 8 FIGURE 2.—Map of Pintail Slough Management Unit on Havasu NWR...... 9

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I. Introduction National wildlife refuges (NWRs) are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), the establishing purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (NWRSIA), Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. The Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) was established pursuant to Executive Order 8647 on January 22, 1941. The primary purpose of the refuge is as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge was renamed Havasu NWR in 1969 is comprised of 37,515 acres along the Lower Colorado River (LCR) in Arizona and California. The refuge protects 26 river miles and encompasses over 200 miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the LCR flows through the 15-mile long Topock Gorge. Havasu NWR occurs within the Pacific Flyway, and thousands of birds use the refuge during their migration. Historically, the LCR wound its way through desert valleys and canyons surrounded by dense riparian forest. Periodic flooding created a landscape consisting of a mosaic of willow, cottonwood, and other riparian vegetation. Wildlife thrived in the backwaters and forested habitat supported by the LCR. However, with the construction of Hoover Dam in 1936 and several other dams along the LCR, natural restoration of desert riparian habitat fundamentally ceased. Havasu NWR protects the remaining native riparian area and surrounding desert upland and manages the landscape to provide habitat for neotropical migratory birds, other native wildlife, and federally listed threatened and endangered species. Many species of birds (~318 species), reptiles and amphibians (~48 species) and mammals (~46 species) have been documented at Havasu NWR. Threatened and endangered species include the Ridgway’s rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis), western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), bonytail chub (Gila elegans), and northern Mexican garter snake (Thamnophis eques megalops).

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The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the NWRSAA, as amended by the NWRSIA (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is “to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.” The NWRSAA (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4) mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to

● provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the NWRS;

● ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

● ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out;

● ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agencies of the States in which the units of the NWRS are located;

● assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;

● recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

● ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife- dependent recreational uses; and

● monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge. The refuge is open for hunting and fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations. Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the NWRS. Havasu Lake NWR was established with hunting and fishing occurring at the start, but it was not until 1960 that the first refuge hunting and fishing plan was developed (USFWS 1960). The hunting and fishing plan was updated in 1969 when the refuge name changed (USFWS 1969).

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The refuge has always been open for fishing, but was closed to hunting for all species with the exception of waterfowl. Between 1963 and 1969, the hunting program was updated to allow the hunting of Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii), desert cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), and desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) (USFWS 1966; USFWS 1969). Between 1977 and 1983, hunting in the Pintail Slough Management Unit was reduced from seven days per week to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only and a reservation system for the permanent hunt blinds was created (USFWS 1978; USFWS 1983). The permit system for the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area went through a series of incremental changes from 1983 to 2017 (USFWS 2004), when the current system, as described in “Hunter Permit Requirements,” was adopted. Havasu NWR remains an important resource for waterfowl hunting in Arizona, where opportunities are limited off refuge. This plan outlines hunting opportunities for mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto), African collared-dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea), duck species permitted by the State of Arizona, American coot (Fulica americana), common gallinule (Gallinula galeata), dark geese, light geese, Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata), Gambel’s quail, desert cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), desert bighorn sheep, bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), and feral swine (Sus scrofa). This plan expands hunting acres, hunt days, and adds seasonal take of new games species including Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox. The plan also adds the incidental take of feral swine by individuals participating in other established hunt opportunities on the refuge. This revised hunting and fishing plan for Havasu NWR incorporates the following objectives to conform to the Secretarial mandates. This plan supersedes all former refuge hunting or fishing plans.

II. Statement of Objectives The objectives of hunting and fishing program on Havasu NWR are: • To provide the public with improved hunting and fishing recreational opportunities with an emphasis on youth, families, and disabled users. • To provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities compatible with refuge purposes in designated areas, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s goal of expanding hunting opportunities on Federal lands (Secretarial Order 3347 and 3356).

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• To standardize and simplify hunt unit boundaries and regulations. • To more closely align refuge regulations with Arizona State regulations. • To maintain biodiversity by preserving the natural diversity and variety of biotic communities on refuge lands. • To foster support of refuge goals and objectives by working in close association with the general public, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Bureau of Reclamation BOR), Bureau of Land Management, Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu NWRs, Tribal Nations, and other entities to manage wildlife and habitat on the refuge. • To provide hunting and fishing opportunities, while also offering other wildlife- dependent recreational activities, such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation.

III. Description of Hunting and Fishing Program Havasu NWR currently consists of 37,515 acres of varying habitat including open water, marshland, woody vegetation, and open fields. The refuge maintains a waterfowl sanctuary on 60 percent or more of total refuge acres for the benefit and protection of wintering waterfowl species. Havasu is open to waterfowl hunting on approximately 31 percent of the refuge (11,553 acres), and 87 percent of the refuge (32,639 acres) is open and accessible for upland game, big game, and migratory bird (dove) hunting. Fishing is allowed on all refuge acres, but only 14 percent of the refuge (5,400 acres) contains open water habitat that can sustain fish species.

A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting and Fishing There are seven management units on Havasu NWR, five of which are available for hunting, and all units are open to fishing, but only five units currently have fisheries habitat (table 1). Also, not all species may be hunted in all units and varying State and refuge regulations apply. Upland game, migratory bird hunting, big game hunting, and fishing will continue within the Topock Marsh East Management Unit (7,240 acres) (figure 1). The Pintail Slough Management Unit (443 acres) will continue upland game and migratory bird hunting (figure 2). The Topock Marsh West Management Unit (6,065 acres) will expand upland game hunting in the months of September, February, and March only. It remains closed to hunting, fishing, and all other entry from October 1 to January 31, to serve as a waterfowl sanctuary (figure 1). Fishing will continue in this unit from February 1 through September 30.

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Big game hunting will be added to the Pintail Slough and Topock West management units with the incidental take of feral swine by hunters participating in other hunting opportunities also known as established hunts (seasonal hunts). The Havasu Wilderness Management Unit (15,021 acres) will remain open to upland game and big game hunting, but will close to all waterfowl hunting to serve as 58 percent of the total waterfowl sanctuary. Fishing will continue to be allowed in this unit despite a lack of open water habitat. The Lake Havasu Management Unit (3,870 acres) of the refuge is open to fishing, migratory bird, upland game, and big game hunting on refuge lands and waters south of Blankenship Bend to the boundary of the Lake Havasu City limits (figure 1). All units are accessible by foot and most are accessible by boat. Big game hunting at Havasu NWR includes the incidental take of feral swine by hunters participating in established hunt opportunities and the AZGFD managed desert bighorn sheep hunts within the Topock Marsh East and Havasu Wilderness management units. These areas are within AZGFD game management units 15D and 16B. Lottery sheep hunt permits are issued by AZGFD. Hunters must possess a valid AZGFD-issued big game tag for the specific season/hunt. No hunting is permitted within the Mesquite Bay Management Unit (232 acres) which is located within the Lake Havasu City limits. No hunting is permitted in the Topock Gorge Management Unit (4,644 acres), which is comprised of all the waters of the Colorado River and those refuge lands within 1/4 mile (.4 kilometer) of the waters of the Colorado River from Blankenship Bend northward through the Topock Gorge to Interstate 40 bridge (figure 1). The refuge is unable to support safe hunting activities in these areas because of high-density visitation by millions of recreational boaters. Both of these management units combined provide a one-fifth of the total waterfowl sanctuary acres. Fishing is the only recreational use allowed to occur year-round and at any hour of a day. Fishing follows all Arizona State fishing regulation for all species. The vast majority of anglers conduct fishing activities within the Lake Havasu and Mesquite Bay management units, and bank fishing and non-motorized boat launch facilities are located within these two units. Fishing also occurs to a lesser extent in both the East & West Topock Marsh management units. Topock Marsh as a whole unit is a 4,000-acre shallow water impoundment constructed in 1966. This warm water fishery has offers anglers year-round fishing for channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. Bass and catfish are the most abundant species with crappie as the third most popular fished species.

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Topock Marsh is located just north of Topock, Arizona, where the I-40 Bridge crosses the Colorado River. The marsh lies entirely within the Havasu NWR. The Colorado River forms the western boundary of the refuge and supplies the impounded marsh with freshwater through a large concrete canal known at the Firebreak Canal. Marsh water returns to the Colorado River through the South Dike Outlet structure. Topock Marsh currently represents about 40 percent of the remaining backwaters on the Lower Colorado River. The Topock Marsh East management unit offers anglers easy boat access at three improved boat launches located at North Dike, 5 Mile Landing, and Catfish Paradise recreational areas. All three of these motorized boat launches offer ample parking for vehicles with boat trailers, and improved visitor facilities. Catfish Paradise has restrooms, picnic tables, and a shaded floating fishing pier for bank fishing users.

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TABLE 1.—Havasu NWR management units, acreage, and hunt species and fishing information. Management Acres Species Hunted or Fishing Access Unit Pintail Slough 443 Mourning dove, white-winged dove, duck, American coot, (foot/road access) common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, snipe, desert cottontail rabbit, Gambel’s quail, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, kit fox, and incidental take of feral swine. No fishing habitat. Topock Marsh 7,240 Mourning dove, white-winged dove, duck, American coot, East common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, snipe, desert (foot/road/boat cottontail rabbit, Gambel’s quail, desert bighorn sheep, Eurasian access) collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, kit fox, and incidental take of feral swine. Fishing by all State regulations. Topock Marsh 6,065 Mourning dove, white-winged dove, desert cottontail rabbit, West Gambel’s quail, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, (foot/road/boat black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, kit fox, and access) incidental take of feral swine. Closed to all public access and hunting to serve as a waterfowl sanctuary from October 1 through January 31. Fishing by all State regulation from February 1through September 30. Havasu 15,021 Mourning dove, white-winged dove, desert cottontail rabbit, Wilderness Gambel’s quail, and desert bighorn sheep, Eurasian collared- (foot access) dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, kit fox, and incidental take of feral swine. Closed to all waterfowl hunting, and serves half of the refuge’s waterfowl sanctuary. No fishing habitat. Topock Gorge 4,644 Closed to all hunting and serves as one-fifth of the refuge’s (boat access) waterfowl sanctuary. Fishing by all State regulations. Lake Havasu 3,870 Mourning dove, white-winged dove, duck, American coot, (foot/boat access) common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, snipe, desert cottontail rabbit, Gambel’s quail, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, kit fox, and incidental take of feral swine. Fishing by all State regulations. Mesquite Bay 232 Closed to all hunting and is included as part of the refuge’s (foot/road/boat waterfowl sanctuary. Fishing by all State regulations. access)

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FIGURE 1.—Havasu NWR management units.

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FIGURE 2.—Map of Pintail Slough Management Unit on Havasu NWR.

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B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access Regulations follow the respective State’s rules and seasons (table 2) with additional refuge restrictions for some species on hunting hours, methods of take, and/or season length. Dates are approximate and change annually. Refuge regulations may be more restrictive than State regulations.

TABLE 2.—Havasu NWR established hunts: species and hunt dates. Species Approximate Dates based on AZ State Seasons Mourning dove September 1–September 15 (Early AZ Season) November 20–January 3 (Late AZ Season) White-winged dove September 1–September 15 (Early AZ Season) Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR Season) Duck, American coot, common gallinule, dark October 23–February 7 (AZ State Season) geese, light geese, Wilson’s snipe Gambel’s quail October 17–February 7 (AZ State season) Desert cottontail rabbit September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR Season) Black-tailed jackrabbit September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR Season) Desert bighorn sheep December 1–December 31 (AZ State season) Bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox September 1–March 15 (Havasu NWR Season) Feral swine September 1–March 15 (Incidental Take Only) The refuge uses a variety of management practices throughout the refuge to create wildlife habitat, thereby also increasing hunting opportunities. Management practices are implemented as applicable in each management unit to create a mosaic of vegetation types. Guided hunts are available in portions of the refuge but hunting guides must have a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge manager. Access information for scouting and hunting of the different management units is described below. We prohibit night hunting in all units. Pintail Slough—This management unit is bounded to the north and west by the northern and western refuge boundaries, to the south by North Dike Road, and to the east by Mohave County Route 1. Access to Pintail Slough Management Unit is from North Dike Road and Mohave County Route 1. Hunters may access all refuge roads within Pintail Slough Management Unit outside of the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area by foot, bicycle, or electronic bikes from North Dike Road. The only allowed means of off-road travel is on foot. Only permitted hunters may access the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area during the duration of the waterfowl season (FWS Form 3-2439). Scouting is allowed outside of the waterfowl season. Fishing is allowed but does not occur in this management unit since no suitable fisheries habitat currently exists.

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Topock Marsh East—This management unit is bounded to the north by North Dike Road, to the west by the western refuge boundary and by the eastern boundary of Topock Marsh West (posted with marked signs), to the south by Interstate 40, and to the east by the eastern refuge boundary. Access to Topock Marsh East is from the lower Colorado River or public boat launches at North Dike, 5-mile Landing, and Catfish Paradise. Additional information and regulations for these improved areas can be found below in “Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting and Fishing”. Scouting is allowed year-round. Good fishing opportunities are provided to the public in this management unit through bank fishing locations, motorized boat launches, and a fishing pier adjacent to restroom facilities. Topock Marsh West—This management unit is bounded to the north by the northern refuge boundary, to the west and south by the lower Colorado River, and to the east by the Topock Marsh East western boundary (posted with marked signs). Access to Topock Marsh West is from Upper Levee Road. Hunters may access all open roads within Topock Marsh West by foot traffic, bicycle, or electronic bikes from Upper Levee Road. The only allowed means of off-road travel is on foot. This management unit is the refuge’s primary waterfowl sanctuary from October 1st through January 31st. Hunting and fishing can occur outside the sanctuary period. Havasu Wilderness—This management unit is bounded to the north by Interstate 40, to the west by the western refuge boundary, to the south by the LCR, and to the east by the eastern refuge boundary. Access to Havasu Wilderness is by boat from the lower Colorado River or overland travel on foot from adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands. This management unit is a designated wilderness and the only allowed means of travel within the wilderness area is on foot. Scouting is allowed year-round. Fishing is allowed but does not occur in this management unit since no suitable fisheries habitat currently exists. Topock Gorge—This management unit is centered within 1/4 mile of the waters of the Colorado River, and bounded to the north by Interstate 40, to the west by the western refuge boundary, to the south by a designated buoy boundary in the Colorado River at Blankenship Bend, and to the east by the eastern refuge boundary. Access to Topock Gorge is by boat from the Colorado River. This management unit is closed to all hunting but is open to year-round fishing following Arizona State regulations.

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Lake Havasu—This management unit is bounded to the north by a designated buoy boundary at Blankenship Bend in the Colorado River, to the west by the western refuge boundary, to the south by southern refuge boundary within Lake Havasu, and to the east by the Lake Havasu City limits. Access to Lake Havasu management unit is by boat from the Colorado River and the Castle Rock non-motorized boat launch. Additional information and regulations for Castle Rock can be found below in “Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting and Fishing”. Fishing and scouting are allowed year-round. Mesquite Bay—This management unit is bounded to the north and west by Lake Havasu City limits and to the south and east by the southern and eastern refuge boundaries. This management unit is completely within Lake Havasu City limits and closed to all hunting. Access to Mesquite Bay is from London Bridge Road or through the non-motorized boat zone on the Arizona side of Lake Havasu. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline, fishing piers, and from non- motorized vessels like kayaks or canoes.

1. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING: Hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, duck, American coot, common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, and Wilson’s snipe is permitted on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the conditions outlined in “Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations”. State regulations are followed for migratory bird hunt dates in all hunt areas with the exception of Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. A permit system is employed within the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area and hunting may only occur Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 2 p.m. MST during waterfowl season. The refuge provides approximately 110 hunt days for duck, American coot, common gallinule, dark geese, light geese, and snipe. Not all methods of take permitted by the State are permitted on the refuge. Methods of take for these species on the refuge are federally approved nontoxic ammunition only and include shotgun, crossbow, and archery. The use of dogs is permitted. Falconry is not allowed as a method of take on Havasu NWR for any species. The refuge provides approximately 60 hunt days for mourning and white-winged dove. Not all methods of take permitted by the State are permitted on the refuge. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved nontoxic ammunition only and include shotgun, archery, and crossbow. The use of dogs is permitted.

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2. UPLAND GAME HUNTING: Hunting of Gambel’s quail is permitted on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the conditions outlined in “Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations”. Hunt dates align with State regulations for Gambel’s quail in all permitted hunt areas with the exception of Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area. A permit system is employed in the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area and incidental take of this species may only occur by permitted hunters Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from legal shooting time until 2 p.m. MST during the waterfowl season. The refuge provides approximately 115 hunt days for Gambel’s quail and methods of take are in partial alignment with the State. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved nontoxic ammunition only and include shotgun, handgun, pneumatic weapons, archery, and crossbow. The use of dogs is permitted. The harvest of desert cottontail rabbit, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black- tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray, and kit fox is permitted during the designated upland game season September 1 to March 15, providing 196 hunt days. Hunting is permitted within Pintail Slough, Topock Marsh East, Topock Marsh West, Havasu Wilderness, and Lake Havasu management units. Incidental take of upland game species within Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area may only occur by permitted hunters Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from legal shooting time until 2 p.m. MST during waterfowl season. Methods of take for upland game species are in partial alignment with the State. Methods of take permitted on the refuge are federally approved nontoxic ammunition only and include shotgun, handgun, pneumatic weapons, archery, crossbow, and muzzleloader. The use of dogs is permitted. Night hunting for any species is not allowed.

3. BIG GAME HUNTING: Hunting of desert bighorn sheep is permitted on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the conditions outlined in “Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations.” Desert bighorn sheep hunting consists of the AZGFD managed hunt within the Topock Marsh East and Havasu Wilderness management units, providing approximately 31 hunt days. Methods of take for desert bighorn sheep are in full alignment with the State of Arizona and include rifle, handgun, muzzleloader, shotgun, archery, crossbow, and pneumatic weapons. These areas are encompassed within AZGFD game management unit 16B. Desert bighorn sheep hunting permits are issued by AZGFD through a lottery system. Hunters must possess a valid AZGFD-issued tag for bighorn sheep for the relevant season and hunt.

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Feral swine are categorized as a nuisance, non-game species in Arizona and California. The incidental take of feral swine is permitted by licensed hunters participating in established hunt opportunities on the refuge. Havasu NWR established hunts are for specific game species during specific season dates as listed in table 2. The harvest of this mammal species is permitted during the Havasu NWR upland game season (September 1 to March 15), providing 196 hunt days. Hunting is permitted within Pintail Slough, Topock Marsh East, Topock Marsh West, Havasu Wilderness, and Lake Havasu management units. Incidental take of feral swine within Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area may only occur by permitted hunters Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from legal shooting time until 2 p.m. MST during waterfowl season. Methods of take permitted on the refuge require federally approved nontoxic ammunition only and include shotgun, handgun, pneumatic weapons, archery, and crossbow. The use of rifles, live traps, falconry, and bait are not permitted.

4. SPORT FISHING: Havasu National Wildlife Refuge operates under all State and Federal laws governing freshwater game fish size and bag limits. The refuge allows the take of warm water game fish species such as; largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), sunfish (Lepomis sp.), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) shad (Dorosoma sp.), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis). The hook and line method of take is allowed for fish species, but only carp and shad species are allowed to be harvested using bowfishing method. The Service, BOR, and AZGFD cooperatively stock and manage two endangered fish species; razorback sucker and bonytail chub on Havasu NWR. Anglers are required to release these critically endangered species if accidentally caught.

C. Hunter and Angler Permit Requirements Several hunts on Havasu NWR require permits, including a State permit for bighorn sheep hunting, and a refuge permit for hunting in Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area during waterfowl season. No refuge permits are required for fishing. Anglers must follow State regulations. Permits for desert bighorn sheep hunting are issued by the AZGFD through a formal permit application and drawing. The number of issued permits is based on data from aerial surveys conducted by the AZGFD. Bighorn sheep hunting at Havasu NWR occurs within game management units 15D and 16B.

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Permits (FWS 3-2439) for waterfowl and goose hunts at Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area are managed through a formal application and drawing. Permits are issued to drawn applicants, and undrawn applicants can purchase available remaining hunt dates. See “Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures” below. Permitted waterfowl and goose hunters at Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area are provided a temporary gate code and must navigate to their permitted blind at least 1/2 hour before legal sunrise as part of the quota hunt permit system. These permitted hunters following “Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations” will be allowed the incidental take of Eurasian collared-dove, African-collared dove, Gambel’s quail, desert cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray and kit fox, and feral swine. The permit system was changed to the formal application and drawing system in August 2017 to remove the necessity for refuge staff to be on-site for each hunt day to issue permits to stand-by hunters. This change removed resident hunter bias and allowed for a greater diversity of hunters to enjoy waterfowl hunting opportunities at the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area.

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State Havasu NWR reviewed the hunting and fishing programs and regulations for neighboring wildlife management areas to find consistency where possible. The refuge first reached out to the AZGFD regional office informally in March 2019 to discuss this iteration of the hunting and fishing plan. Havasu NWR worked with local managers, biologists, and conservation officers with the AZGFD early in the development of this plan. On April 9, 2019, the Service asked for review by the State regional office to help adjust our plan to align, where appropriate, with State management goals. The AZGFD regional office reviewed and commented on the draft hunting and fishing Plan, and refuge specific regulations in November 2020. Refuge staff coordinated through the calendar year of 2020 on specific aspects of the hunting and fishing plan. Havasu NWR and AZGFD will continue to work together to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational hunting and fishing opportunities occur on Havasu NWR. Hunter participation and harvest data are shared annually.

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E. Law Enforcement Enforcement of refuge regulations normally associated with management of a national wildlife refuge is the responsibility of commissioned Federal wildlife officers. Other officers, special agents, State game wardens, and the local Sheriff’s Department often assist Havasu NWR’s Federal wildlife officers (FWO). Law enforcement officers from Havasu NWR and AZGFD work together to patrol refuge management units to safeguard hunters, anglers, non-consumptive user, and refuge wildlife species. The following methods will be used to control and enforce hunting and fishing regulations: • Refuge and management unit boundaries will be posted. • The refuge will provide a brochure outlining management units and permit hunt areas and will include specific hunting and fishing regulations. This information will be available at Havasu NWR administrative office and on Havasu NWR’s website. • Federal and State wildlife officers will conduct hunter compliance checks to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and refuge-specific regulations. • Federal wildlife officers will coordinate with State, county and other law enforcement agencies.

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements Annual hunting and fishing administration costs for Havasu NWR, including salary, equipment, law enforcement patrols, brochures, oversight of the lottery and reservation program, signage, outreach, visitor services, collection of hunt data and analysis of biological information, etc., totals approximately $88,500 annually. Funding specifically for the hunting and fishing programs has not been allocated, although some funds are available through permit fees. It is anticipated that funding would continue to be sufficient to continue the hunting and fishing program.

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IV. Conduct of the Hunting and Fishing Program

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures

1. Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area Waterfowl Hunt Individuals wishing to hunt waterfowl in the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area must submit an application for a quota waterfowl hunt. Applications are available from the refuge website at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Havasu/activities/hunting.html or at the Havasu NWR administrative office (317 Mesquite Ave. Needles, CA 92363). Applications will be accepted by mail or in person from September 1 until the public drawing in mid-September. Quota permits (FWS 3-2439) will be selected by random drawing at a public location on or near the refuge. The drawing order will determine permit number priority. Once the permit fee is collected from a drawn applicant, a quota permit number will be issued. Preferred hunt date and one of ten blind locations (hunt slot) will be filled by ascending permit order. The opportunity to hunt Goose Field 1 within Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area (figure 2) will be available through this permit system. Successful applicants will have 7 business days to secure a permit number with payment ($25). Each drawn hunter may purchase up to four hunt slots through the quota hunt permit system. Any unselected hunt slots remaining after the drawing-based selections will be filled on a first come, first served basis until the end of waterfowl season by contacting refuge staff at 760-326- 3853. A maximum of 10 quota hunt permits per season is allowed per hunter. Quota hunt permits can only be issued by refuge staff at the Havasu NWR office during business hours.

2. Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area Youth Waterfowl Hunt Havasu NWR, in partnership with AZGFD, conducts an annual youth hunter education hunt/camp the first weekend of January. During these youth-only hunts, the hunt blinds within the Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area will only be available to registered youth hunters and designated adult mentors. Information on youth participation or opportunities to volunteer as a mentor can be obtained by contacting the AZGFD Kingman office at 928-692-7700. Havasu NWR hosts these youth hunts and does not play a role in hunter application, registration, or selection processes.

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B. Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations Listed below are refuge-specific regulations that pertain to hunting and fishing on Havasu NWR as of the date of this plan. These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge expansion continues/occurs. (e) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove, duck, American coot, common gallinule, goose, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit falconry. (ii) We allow only shotguns, crossbows, and archery equipment for hunting. (iii) You must remove all decoys, boats, trash items, cameras, temporary blinds, stands, and other equipment at the end of each day’s activities (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). (iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting. (v) The following conditions apply to Pintail Slough (Quota Hunt Area): (A) We require a fee and permit (FWS 3-2439) for Quota waterfowl hunting. (B) We limit the number of persons at each waterfowl hunt blind or field to four. Observers cannot hold shells or guns for hunting unless in possession of a valid State hunting license and stamps. (C) Waterfowl hunters must hunt within the designated boundaries of their assigned blind or field. (D) You may use only native vegetation or materials for making or fixing hunt blinds. (E) We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Waterfowl hunting ends at 2 p.m. MST (Mountain Standard Time). Hunters must be out of the Pintail Slough area by 3 p.m. MST. (F) We allow dove hunting at Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area outside the general State waterfowl season. (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, cottontail rabbit, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply, except that we also allow pneumatic weapons, muzzleloaders, and hand guns for upland game hunting.

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(ii) We prohibit night hunting from ½ hour after legal sunset until ½ hour before legal sunrise the following day. (iii) We allow hunting of Gambel's quail, cottontail rabbit, Eurasian collared-dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox from September 1–March 15. (iv) We allow the incidental take of Gambel’s quail, cottontail rabbit, Eurasian collared- dove, African collared-dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, and kit fox in Pintail Slough Quota Hunt Area during the general State waterfowl season by hunters possessing a valid permit (FWS 3-2439) at their designated waterfowl hunt blind or field. (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of desert bighorn sheep and the incidental take of feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply. (ii) We allow rifles only for desert bighorn sheep hunting. (4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section applies. (ii) We prohibit overnight boat mooring and shore anchoring unless actively fishing, as governed by State regulations.

C. Relevant State Regulations • Hunting: The refuge hunt program operates in accordance with all State of Arizona Hunt Regulations with the addition of conditions outlined in “Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations” and “Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting and Fishing”. • Dove Hunting: General State regulation for licenses and bag limits are in place. • Waterfowl and Snipe Hunting: State regulation for licenses and bag limits are in place. • Fishing: State regulation for license are in place.

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D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting and Fishing The following apply on all refuge land: • Open fires are not permitted on the refuge. • Camping is not permitted on the refuge. • Off-road vehicle use is not permitted on the refuge. • The collection of cultural artifacts, rocks, plants, animals, or any other objects is not permitted on the refuge. • We prohibit target shooting. • Littering is prohibited. Shell casings and cartridges constitute litter and must be picked up and disposed of properly. • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of Federal, State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge hunting and fishing regulations. • We prohibit retrieving game from closed areas. You may retrieve game from areas closed to hunting, but otherwise open to entry, as long as you possess no hunting firearms or other means of take. • Anyone hired to assist or guide hunter(s) or anglers must possess and carry a valid Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge manager. • We prohibit the marking or removing of native vegetation. • We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats and floating aircraft. The following apply only on Topock Marsh: • We close designated portions to all entry from October 1 through January 31. • We close designated portions to all entry from April 1 through August 31. These areas are indicated in refuge brochures and identified by buoys and or signs. • We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as defined by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys in all backwaters. • We prohibit water-skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, kiteboarding, hydro-flight, or other recreational-towed devices. The following apply to all waters of the Colorado River within Havasu NWR from the south regulatory buoy line to the north regulatory buoy line at Interstate 40 (approximately 17 miles [27.2 km]) (refer the hunt brochure or 50 CFR part 26.34): • We prohibit PWC (as defined by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys in all backwaters.

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• We limit watercraft speed as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys to no wake (as defined by State law) in all backwaters and at Devil’s Elbow and Interstate 40 areas. • We prohibit water-skiing, tubing, wake boarding, kite boarding, hydro-flight, or other recreational-towed devices. The following apply to improved areas within the refuge. Improved areas include the Mesquite Bay areas, Castle Rock, the Diving Cliffs, Catfish Paradise, Five Mile Landing, North Dike, South Dike, and Lower Levee Road: • Improved areas are day-use only and are open from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset, with the exception that we allow fishing and launching watercraft at these and other areas 24 hours a day. • We prohibit entry of all motorized watercraft in all three bays of the Mesquite Bay areas as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys. • We prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol or the possession of glass beverage containers in improved areas.

V. Public Engagement

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program A mailing list is maintained to distribute information to the public via news releases to local newspapers, radio stations, television stations, websites, and interest groups. Special announcements, articles, and postings may be released in conjunction with hunting season. In addition, information about the hunt will be available at Havasu NWR administrative office, by calling 760-326-3853, or by visiting the Havasu NWR website at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Havasu/.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting and Fishing Program Hunting and fishing has occurred on Havasu NWR for decades and it is anticipated that the hunting and fishing communities will be in favor of this new plan due to the expansion of hunting opportunities. It is anticipated that there will be little negative feedback from the general community as the expanded hunting opportunities will not interfere with refuge purposes or other recreational users of the refuge. Hunting and fishing are important economic and recreational uses of Arizona’s natural resources. Havasu NWR is already recognized as an important resource for fishing and waterfowl hunting which has limited opportunities off- refuge.

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C. How Hunters and Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations General information regarding hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained at the Havasu NWR website, Havasu NWR administrative office, or by calling (760) 326-3853. New Releases will be prepared and sent to local new papers and posted on social media outlets in major changes occur. In addition, informational and regulatory signs are posted at all hunting and fishing area entry points.

VI. Compatibility Determination Draft hunting and fishing Compatibility Determinations have been completed for each use in conjunction with this hunting and fishing plan and the environmental assessment. Hunting, fishing, and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are expected to be found compatible with the purposes of the refuge.

VII. References

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1960. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Plan. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

———.1966. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Plan: Revised. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

———.1969. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Plan. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

———.1978. Modification of 1977-1978 Hunting Program at Pintail Slough Management Unit. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

———.1983. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Hunt Plan: Pintail Slough Management Unit. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

———. 2004. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Plan: Revised. https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/.

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