Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Hunt Plan

January 2020

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

4200 East Pine Lodge Road

Roswell, NM 88201

Submitted By:

Refuge Manager

______

Signature Date

Concurrence:

Refuge Supervisor

______

Signature Date

Approved:

Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System

______

Signature Date

Table of Contents

I. Introduction ...... 3

II. Statement of Objectives ...... 6

III. Description of Hunting Program ...... 6

A. Areas Opened to Hunting ...... 6

B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access ...... 10

C. Hunter Permit Requirements ...... 14

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State ...... 14

E. Law Enforcement ...... 15

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements ...... 15

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program ...... 15

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection and/or Registration ...... 15

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ...... 16

C. Relevant State Regulations...... 16

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting ...... 17

V. Public Engagement ...... 18

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program ...... 18

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program ...... 18

C. How Hunters will be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ...... 18

VI. Compatibility Determination ...... 18

References ...... 19

BITTER LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

MIGRATORY GAME BIRD, UPLAND GAME, AND BIG GAME

HUNTING PLAN

I. Introduction National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), the 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, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, Wilderness Act of 1964, Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or refuge) was established on October 8, 1937, by Executive Order 7724. The primary purpose of the refuge is to serve “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” The refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan was completed in September 1998 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998).

The 24,608-acre refuge in Chaves County, New Mexico, is comprised of the following three tracts of land: the 12,269-acre North Tract, of which 9,620 acres are designated federal wilderness; the 11,279-acre Middle Tract; and the 1,169-acre South Tract. Refuge lands are surrounded mainly by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or privately-held, large ranches. All three tracts have various forms of authorized recreational opportunities, although the South Tract offers limited hunting for youth and hunters with disabilities only.

The refuge is a mix of diverse vegetative biomes, including shortgrass prairie, Chihuahuan Desert, alkali/salt flats, and wet areas. These biomes are driven and shaped by the semi-arid climate, which receives twelve inches of precipitation annually. Collectively, the natural and man-made wetlands, riverine habitat, seasonal playas, springs, and sinkholes of Bitter Lake NWR are listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Additionally, the refuge is designated by the National Park Service as a National Natural Landmark; has three Research Natural Areas; is recognized by the American Bird Conservancy as a Globally Important Bird Area; and is listed by New Mexico Audubon as an Important Bird Area.

Bitter Lake NWR is home to a variety of migratory birds and resident wildlife, of which several are part of a huntable species list in New Mexico. Migratory birds, including many species of waterfowl, sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis), mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), and white- winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) are found on the refuge in seasonally fluctuating numbers. Resident wildlife populations are found in varying numbers and include game species such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), pronghorn (Antilocapra americanus), scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni), and black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). The refuge also has occasional sightings of feral swine (Sus scrofa).

The refuge also contains eight federally-listed threatened or endangered species, including designated critical habitat designations. These species and their habitats are actively monitored and managed with numerous methods and tools, including ESA Section 7 Biological Consultations and seasonal unit closures. Hunting does not materially conflict with listed species because of active consultation, management, and consideration for these species.

The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (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 mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4):

 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 agency 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.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when these opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the NWRS.

Bitter Lake NWR receives approximately 71,000 visitors annually who engage in a variety of “Big Six” wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2007). These six wildlife-dependent uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and education.

Hunting of big game (mule deer, white-tailed deer, and feral hog), upland game (rabbit, hare, pheasant, and Eurasian collared-dove), quail (scaled, Gambel’s, northern bobwhite, and

Montezuma), and migratory birds (duck, goose, coot, sandhill crane, and dove (mourning and white-winged)) is permitted in accordance with refuge regulations in various locations on the refuge, and has been, since 1961, when the first refuge hunt plan was written. Since that time, periodic updates have been made to reflect such things as: 1) wildlife population surveys which indicated that bird and mammal populations had reached or exceeded refuge habitat carrying capacities enough to provide a harvestable surplus; 2) comments from neighboring landowners experiencing increased crop depredation from wildlife which otherwise used the refuge as a sanctuary area; and 3) a reasonable demand for recreational hunting opportunities on public land. The following is a tract-specific, general history of refuge hunting.

North Tract Public hunting has been allowed since 1961. Big game, upland game, and migratory bird species are hunted during season dates set by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). From the early 1990s to present, rabbit and hare hunting has only been allowed during the season dates that are concurrent with quail hunting dates. This is because NMDGF allows year-round rabbit and hare hunting, but since the North Tract has other year-round public uses (hiking, wildlife observation, horseback riding, etc.), a compromise of a more restrictive season was initiated to minimize user conflicts. Eurasian collared-doves are a relatively new huntable species to New Mexico (circa 2000), and NMDGF classifies them as upland game with a year- round season. The refuge’s pre-2019 United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) language allowed “dove” hunting. The 2019 changes specifically list “Eurasian collared-dove” and place them under the upland game category. Again, to minimize user conflicts, the season date mirrors mourning and white-winged dove season dates and not year-round hunting. Teal species have always been allowed to be hunted during the regular waterfowl season, but the refuge never participated in the NMDGF’s early, teal-specific, season, which occurs for about 8–10 days in mid-September, prior to the regular waterfowl opener in late October.

Middle Tract Public hunting has been allowed since 1961. Originally, upland game (pheasant) and waterfowl (duck, goose, coot, and sandhill crane) were hunted during season dates set by NMDGF. Beginning in October 1993, the refuge altered its hunting program after publishing changes in CFR regarding hunting hours of the day and hunting days of the week. These changes were initiated to increase hunter satisfaction and success, reduce law enforcement monitoring and costs, reduce illegal hunting activity (primarily late shooting), and allow migratory birds an opportunity to utilize habitat without constant hunting pressure. From 1993 to present, hunting for waterfowl is only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the state hunting season, and hunters are allowed to hunt from one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m. For pheasant, the refuge has followed the NMDGF four-day season but only allows hunting on the days that fall on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Pheasant hunters are allowed to hunt from one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m.

South Tract The South Tract was acquired in 1988. The first published hunting language in CFR allowed for special hunts for youth (seventeen years and younger) and hunters with disabilities only. The language did not specify which species were allowed to be hunted. A youth pheasant hunt was started in 2000, and continues to present day, with shotgun being the only allowed method of take. Youth hunters apply to the refuge and 16 permits are randomly drawn for a one-day hunt

during the regular NMDGF pheasant season in early December. Since the quail season coincides with the pheasant season, youth hunters are allowed to take quail as well.

Estimated annual hunter visits to the refuge:

Deer and feral hog: 41 Waterfowl and sandhill crane: 200 Upland game: 30 Dove: 22

This plan allows participation in early teal season, which occurs for about 8–10 days in mid- September, prior to the regular waterfowl opener in late October. For all huntable species on the North Tract, the refuge will allow all legal methods of take for that season and follow all season dates per NMDGF regulations. For all huntable species on the Middle Tract, the refuge will allow all legal methods of take for that season and follow all season dates per NMDGF regulations. This plan also allows a limited, youth and hunters with disabilities firearms deer on the South Tract.

II. Statement of Objectives

Objectives of the refuge hunting program are to:

1. Manage resident wildlife population levels within the carrying capacity of refuge lands in order to sustain quality habitat for native wildlife;

2. Foster support from the public, NMDGF, and other government and private agencies for professional management of wildlife and habitat by the Service and the refuge;

3. Provide wildlife-dependent public recreation as mandated by and according to Service policy; and

4. Provide recreational hunting opportunities to the public, especially for youth and hunters with disabilities, where possible.

III. Description of Hunting Program

A. Areas Opened to Hunting

Bitter Lake NWR is open to hunting for big game (deer and feral hogs), migratory birds (duck, goose, sandhill crane, mourning dove, and white-winged dove), and resident upland game (rabbit, pheasant, quail, and Eurasian collared-dove). The various refuge hunting opportunities occur on three different tracts of the refuge as shown on the Bitter Lake NWR Hunt Area Maps (Figures 1 and 2).

Hunting for big game, migratory birds, and upland game takes place on the entire North Tract (12,269 acres). Hunting for migratory birds and pheasant takes place on selected portions of the Middle Tract (approximately 831 hunted acres). Hunting for pheasant and quail takes place on

6 the entire South Tract (1,186 acres), though only to opportunities for youth and hunters with disabilities.

On the Middle Tract, during the appropriate NMDGF and refuge-established seasons, the hunting days of the week are limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and only from one-half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. This three-day per week hunting schedule was established in the 1990s to provide rest and respite for migrating birds during the off-days, while providing a quality experience for hunters.

Refuge staff work with hunters with mobility impairments to arrange feasible hunting access. Hunters requiring special access should contact refuge officials for additional details. Examples of special provisions include the opening and closure of gated roads to allow the hunter to drive a vehicle closer to the hunt area or the assistance of a non-hunting adult who is not otherwise authorized to participate in the hunt. If a public hunt participant informs refuge staff in advance that he/she has special needs or limitations, every reasonable effort will be made to address those concerns so the person may fully participate and have an enjoyable experience.

Pre-hunt scouting is allowed year-round for the hunts, in areas that are open to public access at the time of the pre-hunt scouting. In areas inside the public hunting area that are normally closed to visitors, hunters may conduct pre-hunt scouting after 2:00 p.m. on the day before their hunt. Refuge staff will open hunter access roads that are normally closed to prepare for the next day’s hunt, and hunters are allowed to use these roads for scouting.

7 Figure 1. Bitter Lake NWR Hunt Area Map – North and Middle Tracts

8 (1,186 ac.)

/Restroom

Entrance Gate

Figure 2. Bitter Lake NWR Hunt Area Map – South Tract

B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access

Table 1. Wildlife Species Open to Hunting on Bitter Lake NWR

Species and Method of Take General Location and General Dates of Hunt

Mule deer, White-tailed deer, and North Tract: Hunting with firearms in Feral hog: All legal methods of take October/November and with archery in per deer permit issued by NMDGF; September/January (34 hunt days (combined total feral hog may be hunted only while for all methods of take)) legally hunting deer and only with the weapon legal for deer on that day Middle Tract: Closed South Tract: Hunting with firearms (youth and hunters with disabilities only) during selected weekends in November/December/January (8 hunt days)

Waterfowl and Sandhill Crane: North Tract: September/October/November/ Shotgun (federally approved non- toxic shot only) and archery December/January (proposed early teal season beginning in September 2020) (104 hunt days for duck/coot; 107 hunt days for goose; 93 hunt days for crane)

Portions of Middle Tract: October/November/December/January (hunt days on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday only, from one- half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m.) (41 hunt days for duck/coot; 46 hunt days for goose; 40 hunt days for crane)

South Tract: Closed

Dove (mourning, white-winged, North Tract: September/October/December/January Eurasian collared-): All legal (no extended season for Eurasian collared-dove) (58 methods of take hunt days)

Middle Tract: Closed

South Tract: Closed

Quail (scaled, Gambel’s, northern North Tract: November/December/January/February bobwhite, Montezuma) and (93 hunt days) Rabbit/Hare: Shotgun (federally approved non-toxic shot only) and Middle Tract: Closed

archery, except South Tract which is South Tract: Open to only quail during December shotgun only youth hunters’ pheasant hunt (1 hunt day)

Pheasant: All legal methods of take North Tract: December (4 hunt days) including shotgun (federally approved non-toxic shot only) except Middle Tract: December (hunt days on Tuesday, South Tract which is shotgun only Thursday, and Saturday only, from one-half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m.) (2 hunt days)

South Tract: December (youth/ hunters with disabilities only) (1 hunt day)

Big Game

Deer and Feral Hog

The North and South Tract occurs in NMDGF Game Management Unit (GMU) 32. Species that are taken include mule and white-tailed deer and feral hogs. For feral hogs, the hunter must be in possession of a valid deer tag and using the weapon legal for that tag. This hunt is not a special hunt; rather, hunters can hunt off-refuge as well as within GMU 32. Approximately 25 hunters participate in refuge big game hunts on the North Tract per year.

Permits for deer hunting on the North Tract of the refuge are issued by NMDGF through its annual hunter lottery system and follow the appropriate state season dates and methods of take. The entire North Tract is open for deer and feral hog hunting.

An additional special-demographic only (youth and hunters with disabilities) deer hunt takes place on the South Tract, which began in the 2020–2021 season. Similar to the North Tract, NMDGF issues the permits through its lottery system for a season that comprises four weekends (3–4 different hunters per weekend). Method of take is firearms only, and hunters hunt from established blinds with a non-hunting adult (parent/guardian or assistant) present. Approximately 12–16 youth and hunters with disabilities participate in the special-demographic only South Tract deer hunt.

Hunters on the North Tract are not required by the refuge to check in any harvested game. Instead, they must follow NMDGF harvest regulations for tagging and reporting. Youth and hunters with disabilities on the South Tract have assistance from refuge staff and NMDGF personnel during the hunt, in order to satisfy and track harvest requirements and success.

Access for Big Game Hunting

Big game hunting access is allowed via controlled access points and entrances to each hunt unit as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Maps of the hunting units are available from the refuge that show the unit boundaries.

Route 70 and one which is accessible from Cottonwood Road (Figure 1). There are no facilities or restrooms on the North Tract.

South Tract hunters are allowed to drive personal vehicles to their respective blinds on established field roads within the unit. Use of the blinds is mandatory, and blind locations are drawn randomly at a mandatory safety and orientation meeting prior to the South Tract hunt. Access roads are also discussed at that meeting and maps are distributed to the hunters. There is one parking area that is accessible from U.S. Route 380 through a locked gate that is opened by refuge staff during the hunt (Figure 2). The parking area is located near a metal shop building, and portable restrooms are brought in during the hunt.

Migratory Birds

Waterfowl and Sandhill Crane

Species to be taken include all species of ducks, geese, coots, and sandhill cranes as permitted under State and Federal regulations. Hunting for waterfowl and sandhill cranes is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis on both the North Tract and selected portions of the Middle Tract.

Hunting seasons follow established NMDGF dates. The refuge’s Middle Tract is an exception where hunting days of the week are limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and only from one-half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m.

Dove

Dove species to be taken include mourning dove and white-winged dove. By NMDGF hunting definitions, Eurasian collared-doves are classified under “upland game” rather than migratory birds since they do not always migrate like white-winged and mourning doves.

Dove hunting is allowed on the North Tract only. The seasons, bag limits, and methods of take are in accordance with State regulations, with the exception that non-toxic shot is required when hunting with shotguns.

Access for Migratory Bird and Dove Hunting

Migratory bird and dove hunting is by walk-in access to designated areas as shown in Figure 1 from public parking areas or roads. Maps of the hunting units are available from the refuge that show the unit boundaries.

Access to the North Tract is restricted to walk-in or via horseback, except non-motorized bicycles may be used on established field roads but only east of the Salt Creek Wilderness. There are three parking lots to access the North Tract, two of which are accessible from U.S. Route 70 and one which is accessible from Cottonwood Road (Figure 1). There are no facilities or restrooms on the North Tract.

public hunting area and are accessible by a parking area. There are also restrooms and water fountains at the visitor center, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on hunting days.

Upland Game

Quail, Rabbit, Hare, Pheasant, and Eurasian collared-dove

Upland game species that are hunted on the refuge include quail (scaled, northern bobwhite, Montezuma, and Gambel’s), pheasant, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, and Eurasian collared-dove. Hunting for quail and pheasant is permitted on the North Tract during established NMDGF season dates while hunting on the North Tract for rabbit and hare follows the established quail season. Even though NMDGF allows year-round Eurasian collared-dove hunting, the refuge restricts the season to normal dove hunting season dates and only on the North Tract. Hunting for quail, rabbit, hare, and Eurasian collared-dove is not allowed on the Middle Tract. On the Middle Tract, pheasant hunting is allowed during the NMDGF season but the hunting days of the week are limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and only from one half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. On the South Tract, a special one-day only quail and pheasant hunt for youth is held in early December.

The South Tract will remain open to upland game hunting for special demographic hunts even with the addition of a special demographic hunt for deer. This is proposed with the understanding that refuge staff will evaluate the recreation potential (presence of game, environmental concerns, access, safety considerations, public interest, conflicts with other activities, etc.) and determine whether to administratively close the hunt during a given year. The special demographic hunts for a given season will be provided on the refuge hunting tearsheet.

Access for Upland Game Hunting

Upland game hunting is by walk-in access to designated areas as shown in Figure 1 from public parking areas or roads. On the South Tract only, with their accompanying adult, youth hunters for pheasant and quail are allowed to drive interior refuge roads, determined that day, subject to weather conditions. Maps of the hunting units are available from the refuge that show the unit boundaries.

The Middle Tract hunting area is accessible by three parking areas located off of the wildlife drive (Figure 1). An additional two parking areas are available along a hunter access road that is opened before each day’s hunt. Restroom facilities are located on the northwest corner of the public hunting area and are accessible by a parking area. There are also restrooms and water fountains at the visitor center, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on hunting days.

Access roads are also discussed at a safety meeting prior to the South Tract hunt, and maps are distributed to the hunters. There is one parking area that is accessible from U.S. Route 380 through a locked gate that is opened by refuge staff during the hunt (Figure 2). The parking area is located near a metal shop building, and portable restrooms are brought in during the hunt.

C. Hunter Permit Requirements

No Federal user permit is required for big game, migratory birds, or upland game with the exception of the Youth Pheasant and Quail Hunt on the South Tract (see below). All necessary NMDGF hunting licenses and stamps per applicable species are required as well as the following:

Big Game

Permits to hunt deer on the refuge are issued by NMDGF, which accepts applications and issues permits to hunters through its annual lottery draw system. Hunters can find more information about the NMDGF lottery draw system by visiting a NMDGF area office, calling 1-888-248- 6866, or going online to the NMDGF website.

Migratory Birds

Sandhill crane hunters are required to obtain a free, NMDGF-issued, crane hunting permit, which is available at all NMDGF offices.

Upland Game

For the South Tract Youth Pheasant and Quail Hunt only, once applications are received, 16 random-draw, refuge-issued permits are given for the one-day hunt. Hunters who are drawn for a permit are notified by phone at least two weeks prior to the date of the hunt.

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State

Bitter Lake NWR and NMDGF work together to provide safe and enjoyable hunting opportunities for the public. Frequent discussions between the refuge and NMDGF staff (Roswell Field Office) help guide improvements to the refuge’s hunting program. Federal wildlife officers (FWOs) from the Service and conservation officers from NMDGF work together to patrol the refuge and surrounding areas.

Annual consultation and coordination with NMDGF will continue in the future. Meetings are held as necessary, prior to finalizing the state’s regulations, to ensure that any changes are properly coordinated. Bitter Lake NWR staff met with the NMDGF Roswell Field Office to discuss proposed changes to the refuge’s hunting program prior to writing this hunt plan, and comments were incorporated wherever relevant and possible.

E. Law Enforcement

Enforcement of hunt regulations is primarily carried out by the shared senior FWO who is stationed at Bitter Lake NWR, but also covers Buffalo Lake and Muleshoe NWRs. Other FWOs, zone officers, special agents, state conservation officers, and the local sheriff’s department assist when needed.

The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations:

 Refuge and hunt area boundaries are clearly posted (signs);

 Information sheets and maps of refuge hunting areas are made available at the refuge office, at kiosks in the hunt areas, and on the refuge’s website;

 The refuge FWO regularly checks hunters for compliance with federal and state laws, as well as refuge-specific regulations pertinent to hunting, including compatibility stipulations;

 Refuge law enforcement staff coordinate with NMDGF and other law enforcement agencies regarding procedures for obtaining law enforcement assistance based on legal jurisdiction, depending where the incident occurs; and

 The refuge FWO regularly meets with local law enforcement agencies in the surrounding area to develop and maintain good working relationships and coordinate appropriate strategies.

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements

The annual hunt administration cost at Bitter Lake NWR, including salaries, equipment, law enforcement, brochures, collection of hunt data, and analysis of biological information, is approximately $18,000. Funding specifically for hunts has not been allocated. It is anticipated that future funding levels would be sufficient to continue the hunting program at the refuge in the foreseeable future.

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection and/or Registration

For all hunting programs on the refuge, no Federal user fee is collected by the refuge from participants.

The refuge deer hunting permits are issued for the North Tract through NMDGF as a part of its annual big game lottery-draw system for GMU 32. The additional deer hunt on the South Tract for youth and hunters with disabilities follows the same procedure.

Hunters are not required to apply for or register to the refuge for waterfowl and crane hunting, upland game hunting, or dove hunting on the North and Middle Tracts. For the South Tract

Youth Pheasant and Quail Hunt, hunters are required to apply for the 16, random-draw, refuge- issued permits, which are free.

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations

Listed below are proposed refuge-specific regulations that pertain to Bitter Lake NWR, as of the date of this plan. These regulations may be modified as conditions change.

50 CFR §32.50 New Mexico.

(a) Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose; duck; coot; mourning and white- winged dove; and sandhill crane on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We restrict hunting in the Middle Tract to the following times:

(A) You may hunt only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the period when the State seasons that apply to the Middle Tract area are open.

(B) You may hunt only until 1 p.m. on each hunt day.

(ii) On the South Tract, we allow hunting only during special hunts (hunters with disabilities and/or youth hunters age 17 and younger).

(iii) You must remove all waterfowl decoys and all temporary blinds/stands after each day's hunt (see §27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail (scaled, Gambel's, northern bobwhite, and Montezuma), Eurasian collared-dove, desert cottontail, and black-tailed jack rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow rabbit hunting on the North Tract only during the season that is concurrently open for quail hunting within the State.

(ii) We allow Eurasian collared-dove hunting on the North Tract only during the season that is concurrently open for dove hunting within the State.

(iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer, white-tailed deer, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters may take feral hog (no bag limit) only while legally hunting deer and only with the weapon legal for deer on that day in that area.

(ii) You must remove all temporary blinds/stands after each day's hunt (see §27.93 of this chapter).

(4) [Reserved]

C. Relevant State Regulations

All hunting at Bitter Lake NWR is in accordance with State regulations as published annually in the NMDGF Hunting Rules and Information Booklet and NMDGF Hunting Migratory Game Bird Supplement Booklet, except where refuge-specific hunting regulations occur and apply as listed above and which are also included in the refuge’s “Hunting Regulations at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge” pamphlet.

General hunting regulations, hunter orange requirements, hunter education certification, license requirements and exemptions, special licenses and permits, field checking and tagging requirements, season dates, and bag limits are also included in the applicable NMDGF hunting booklet.

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting

In addition to the above relevant State and refuge-specific hunting regulations, the following applies:

 Legal hunting equipment on the refuge varies by species and includes bow and arrow, crossbow, shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, and air rifle. NMDGF requires hunters to possess and use only Service-approved nontoxic shot when hunting any waterfowl, coot, common moorhen, crane, snipe, sora, or Virginia rail with shotguns (including muzzle-loading shotguns).

 Waterfowl hunters on the Middle Tract are encouraged to acquire and submit a voluntary daily harvest success and satisfaction survey (OMB Control No. 1018-0140). The survey forms are located at a self-help kiosk in the visitor center parking lot.

 All hunting sites are considered available to hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. No pit blinds or permanent blinds are allowed. Portable blinds are allowed but must be removed each day. One notable exception on the use of blinds is for the South Tract youth and hunters with disabilities, firearms deer hunt for which semi-permanent blinds are assigned for each hunt to each participant.

 The use of hunting dogs in hunting areas to flush upland game and to retrieve downed upland game and migratory birds is permitted. Dogs are required to be under close control of their handlers at all times. Neither hunters nor their dogs may exit hunt areas to retrieve game in closed areas without first notifying proper law enforcement authorities.

 Off-road use of vehicles including ORUVs is prohibited. Access to the North Tract is restricted to walk-in or via horseback, except non-motorized bicycles may be used on established field roads but only east of the Salt Creek Wilderness.

 Open fires and overnight camping are not permitted on the refuge.

V. Public Engagement

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program

The refuge maintains a mailing list for news release purposes to local newspapers, radio, and websites. Special announcements and articles may be released in conjunction with hunting seasons. In addition, information about hunts will be available at the Bitter Lake NWR headquarters and on the refuge website.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program

Preliminary contact with refuge hunters and NMDGF staff (Roswell Field Office) indicate that both are in support of expanding opportunities for youth and hunters with disabilities and aligning season dates and methods of take where possible. Little negative public reaction is expected. Hunting is an important economic and recreational activity in New Mexico.

C. How Hunters will be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations

General and specific hunting information regarding season dates, forms and applications, unit maps, and other miscellaneous hunting information is available by visiting the refuge office located at 4200 East Pine Lodge Road, Roswell, NM 88201; by calling the refuge at 575-625- 4011; or by visiting the refuge’s website.

Information on NMDGF hunting programs is available here.

VI. Compatibility Determination

A draft compatibility determination has been completed in conjunction with this hunt plan and the Environmental Assessment. Hunting and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are expected to be found compatible with the purposes of the refuge.

References

Dubovsky, J.A. 2018. Status and harvests of sandhill cranes: Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley and Eastern Populations. Administrative Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, CO.

Seamans, M. E. 2016. Mourning dove population status- 2016. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management. Washington, D.C. USA.

U.S. Department of the Interior. 2018. Waterfowl population status. Washington, D.C. USA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Albuquerque, NM.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation. Washington, D.C. USA.