# Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry.
**AGENCY:**
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
**ACTION:**
Final rule.
**SUMMARY:**
This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits of mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl day; and some extended falconry seasons. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits taking of designated species during the 2015-16 season.
**DATES:**
This rule is effective on September 1, 2015.
**ADDRESSES:**
You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's Web site at *http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/* , or at *http://www.regulations.gov* at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
**Regulations Schedule for 2015**
On April 13, 2015, we published in the *Federal Register* (80 FR 19852) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2015-16 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and *Federal Register* notifications were also identified in the April 13 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items might be discontinuous or appear incomplete.
On June 11, 2015, we published in the *Federal Register* (80 FR 33223) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 11 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2015-16 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.
On June 24-25, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants at which participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 2015-16 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl. We published the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations in a July 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 43266) and final frameworks in an August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
On July 29-30, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl and developed recommendations for the 2015-16 regulations for these species. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons. We published the proposed frameworks for late-season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that start after October 1 and most waterfowl seasons) in an August 25, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51658).
The final rule described here is the sixth in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl hunting day; and some extended falconry seasons. This final rule is the culmination of the rulemaking process for the migratory game bird early hunting seasons, which started with the April 13 proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on June 11 and July 21, and published final early-season frameworks in an August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* that provided the season selection criteria from which the States selected these seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird early hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to early season issues in that August 21 *Federal Register* .
**National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)**
The programmatic document, “Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),” filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in the *Federal Register* on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent being “Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015-16,” with its corresponding August 2015 finding of no significant impact. In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled “Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands” is available from the person indicated under the caption *FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT* .
**Endangered Species Act Consideration**
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), provides that, “The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act” (and) shall “insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat. * * *.” Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final regulations reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available at the address indicated under *ADDRESSES* .
**Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)**
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.
An updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This analysis was based on data from the newly released 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. For the 2015-16 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the 2012-13, and the 2014-15 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at *http://www.regulations.gov* at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064.
**Regulatory Flexibility Act**
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in 2013. Copies of the Analysis are available at *http://www.regulations.gov* at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064.
**Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act**
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
**Paperwork Reduction Act**
This final rule does not contain any new information collection that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB control numbers:
• 1018-0019—North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey (expires 4/30/2015).
• 1018-0023—Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
**Unfunded Mandates Reform Act**
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 *et seq.,* that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
**Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order 12988**
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
**Takings Implication Assessment**
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property.
**Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211**
Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Thus, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.
**Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes**
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 13 *Federal Register* , we solicited proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 4, 2015, proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes.
**Federalism Effects**
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement.
**Review of Public Comments**
The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 13 *Federal Register* ) opened the public comment period for 2015-16 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to early season issues in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* .
**Regulations Promulgation**
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that, when the comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We find that “good cause” exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below.
**List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20**
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Dated: August 26, 2015.
Karen Hyun,
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
**50 CFR Part 20**
**PART 20—[AMENDED]**
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j; Public Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
**Note:**
The following annual hunting regulations provided for by §§ 20.101 through 20.106 and 20.109 of 50 CFR 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.
**50 CFR Part 20**
2. Section 20.101 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.101
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a) *Puerto Rico.*
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves (1) | Sept. 5-Nov. 2 | 20 | 20 | |
| Scaly-naped pigeons | Sept. 5-Nov. 2 | 5 | 5 | |
| Ducks | Nov. 14-Dec. 21 & | 6 | 12 | |
| | Jan. 9-Jan. 25 | 6 | 12 | |
| Common Moorhens | Nov. 14-Dec. 21 & | 6 | 12 | |
| | Jan. 9-Jan. 25 | 6 | 12 | |
| Common Snipe | Nov. 14-Dec. 21 & | 8 | 16 | |
| | Jan. 9-Jan. 25 | 8 | 16 | |
Restrictions: In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon.
Closed Areas: Closed areas are described in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
(b) *Virgin Islands.*
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Zenaida doves | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 10 | 10 | |
| Ducks | CLOSED | | | |
Restrictions: In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and purple gallinule.
Closed Areas: Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory game birds.
**50 CFR Part 20**
3. Section 20.102 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.102
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
| Area seasons | Dates |
| --- | --- |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Dec. 16. |
| Gulf Coast Zone | Sept. 1-Dec. 16. |
| Southeast Zone | Sept. 16-Dec. 31. |
| Pribilof & Aleutian Islands Zone | Oct. 8-Jan. 22. |
| Kodiak Zone | Oct. 8-Jan. 22. |
| Area | Daily bag and possession limits | Ducks | Canada | White | Light | Brant | Emperor | Snipe | Sandhill |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| North Zone | 10-30 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-6 | Closed | 8-24 | 3-9 | |
| Gulf Coast Zone | 8-24 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-6 | Closed | 8-24 | 2-6 | |
| Southeast Zone | 7-21 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-6 | Closed | 8-24 | 2-6 | |
| Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone | 7-21 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-6 | Closed | 8-24 | 2-6 | |
| Kodiak Zone | 7-21 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-6 | Closed | 8-24 | 2-6 | |
Falconry: The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory game birds taken with the use of a falcon under a falconry permit is 3 per day, 9 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit for any species listed in this subsection.
Special Tundra Swan Season: In Units 17, 18, 22, and 23, there will be a tundra swan season from September 1 through October 31 with a season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by State registration permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the take of up to 3 tundra swans. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after the season is completed. Up to 500 permits may be issued in Unit 18; 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23; and 200 permits in Unit 17.
**50 CFR Part 20**
4. Section 20.103 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.103
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a) *Doves.*
*Note:* Unless otherwise noted, the seasons listed below are for mourning and white-winged doves. Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.
| | | | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Poss. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | | | |
| | North Zone | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 12 only | 15 | 15 | |
| | | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset | Sept. 13-Nov. 15 & Dec. 5-Dec. 29 | 15 | 45 | |
| | South Zone | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 19 only | 15 | 15 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Sept. 26 & Oct. 20-Oct. 31 & Nov. 23-Jan. 13 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 26-Oct. 26 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 5 only | 15 | 15 | |
| (1) | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 14 & Dec. 26-Jan. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 18 & Nov. 1-Nov. 8 & Dec. 12-Jan. 10 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 11 a.m. to sunset | Sept. 1 only | 15 | 15 | |
| | North Zone | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset | Sept. 5-Sept. 27 & Oct. 10-Nov. 8 & Dec. 10-Jan. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | South Zone | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 & Oct. 10-Dec. 1 & Dec. 19-Jan. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 1-Oct. 10 | 15 | 45 | |
| | North Zone | | Sept. 4-Oct. 7 & Oct. 10-Oct. 31 & Dec. 13-Jan. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | South Zone | | Sept. 4-Sept. 13 & Oct. 10-Nov. 15 & Dec. 4-Jan. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 5-Oct. 10 & Nov. 23-Jan. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 8 & Dec. 12-Jan. 1 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 12-Oct. 11 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 5-Sept. 7 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 1 only | 15 | 15 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 5-Sept. 11 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | 12 noon to sunset | Sept. 1 only | 15 | 15 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 29 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | Sept. 5-Oct. 24 & Dec. 19-Jan. 7 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & Nov. 7-Nov. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | North Zone | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | South Zone | | Sept. 1-Oct. 13 & Dec. 5-Dec. 31 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & Dec. 19-Dec. 27 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| (2) | North Zone | | Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & Dec. 18-Jan. 1 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Central Zone | | Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & Dec. 18-Jan. 1 | 15 | 45 | |
| | South Zone | Special Area | Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & Dec. 18-Jan. 18 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | (Special Season) | Sept. 5-Sept. 6 & Sept. 12-Sept. 13 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Remainder of the South Zone | | Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & Dec. 18-Jan. 22 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | | | |
| (3) | | | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & Nov. 26-Jan. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| (4) | | | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & Nov. 14-Dec. 28 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Oct. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 10 | 30 | |
| | | | | | | |
| (5) | | | Nov. 7-Nov. 29 & Dec. 5-Dec. 27 & Jan. 1-Jan. 18 | 10 | 30 | |
(b) *Band-tailed Pigeons.*
| | Season Dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Sept. 4-Sept. 17 | 2 | 6 | |
| | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 2 | 6 | |
| South Zone | Dec. 19-Dec. 27 | 2 | 6 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 14 | 2 | 6 | |
| | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 14 | 2 | 6 | |
| South Zone | Oct. 1-Oct. 14 | 2 | 6 | |
| | Sept. 15-Sept. 23 | 2 | 6 | |
| (1) | Sept. 1-Sept. 14 | 2 | 6 | |
| | Sept. 15-Sept. 23 | 2 | 6 | |
**50 CFR Part 20**
5. Section 20.104 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.104
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
*Note:* States with deferred seasons will select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information.
| | Sora and Virginia rails | Clapper and King rails | Woodcock | Snipe |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Daily bag limit | 25 (1) | 15 (2) | 3 | 8 |
| Possession limit | 75 (1) | 45 (2) | 9 | 24 |
| | | | | |
| (3) | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Oct. 23-Nov. 21 & | Oct. 23-Nov. 21 & |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Nov. 23-Dec. 5 & | Sept. 22-Dec. 5 & |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Nov. 1-Feb. 15 |
| | Sept. 25-Nov. 15 & | Sept. 25-Nov. 15 & | Dec. 5-Jan. 18 | Nov. 15-Feb. 28 |
| | Nov. 21-Dec. 8 | Nov. 21-Dec. 8 | | |
| (4) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 1-Nov. 14 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| (5) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Oct. 30-Nov. 27 & | Sept. 30-Nov. 27 & |
| (6) | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Closed | Deferred | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Closed | Closed | Oct. 1-Nov. 14 | Sept. 15-Nov. 14 |
| (7): | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Oct. 17-Nov. 21 | Sept. 18-Jan. 2 |
| South Zone | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | Nov. 7-Nov. 28 & | Sept. 18-Jan. 2 |
| (8) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 1-Nov. 14 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 |
| | Sept. 1-Oct. 3 & | Sept. 1-Oct. 3 & | Dec. 17-Jan. 30 | Nov. 13-Feb. 27 |
| | Oct. 23-Nov. 28 | Oct. 23-Nov. 28 | | |
| (9) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 17-Nov. 28 | Oct. 17-Nov. 28 |
| (10) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Oct. 17-Nov. 30 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 |
| | Sept. 26-Oct. 1 & | Sept. 26-Oct. 1 & | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Nov. 14-Feb. 28 |
| | Oct. 25-Dec. 27 | Oct. 25-Dec. 27 | | |
| | Closed | Closed | Oct. 1-Nov. 14 | Oct. 1-Nov. 14 |
| | Sept. 8-Nov. 16 | Sept. 8-Nov. 16 | Nov. 23-Dec. 5 & | Oct. 9-Oct. 12 & |
| (11) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 17-Nov. 30 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | | | | |
| (12) | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Nov. 14-Feb. 28 |
| | Nov. 28-Jan. 20 | Nov. 28-Jan. 20. | | |
| | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | Closed | Nov. 7-Dec. 21 | Nov. 1-Feb. 15 |
| (13) | Sept. 5-Nov. 13 | Closed | Oct. 17-Nov. 30 | Sept. 5-Dec. 20 |
| (14) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 15-Nov. 28 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| (15) | Sept. 5-Nov. 13 | Closed | Oct. 3-Nov. 16 | Sept. 5-Nov. 30 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Nov. 1-Dec. 15 | Sept. 16-Oct. 25 & |
| (16) | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Deferred |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Sept. 19-Nov. 2 | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 2 | Closed | Sept. 19-Nov. 2 | Sept. 1-Nov. 2 |
| | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Nov. 14-Feb. 28 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 15-Nov. 28 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 10-Nov. 23 | Sept. 1-Nov. 29 & |
| | Deferred | Closed | Oct. 31-Dec. 14 | Nov. 15-Feb. 29 |
| | Deferred | Closed | Sept. 19-Nov. 2 | Deferred |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Oct. 17-Nov. 30 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| (17) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Sept. 19-Nov. 2 | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| (18) | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | Closed | Closed | Oct. 24-Feb. 7 |
| | Closed | Closed | Sept. 26-Nov. 9 | Sept. 19-Dec. 6 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Nov. 1-Dec. 15 | Oct. 1-Jan. 15 |
| (19) | Closed | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Oct. 31 |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 & | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 & | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 | Oct. 31-Feb. 14 |
| | Oct. 31-Dec. 23 | Oct. 31-Dec. 23 | | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | | | | |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Deferred |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Oct. 24-Feb. 7 |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Deferred |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Deferred |
| | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | Closed | Closed | Oct. 24-Feb. 7 |
| | | | | |
| Zone 1 | Closed | Closed | Closed | Nov. 7-Feb. 21 |
| Zone 2 | Closed | Closed | Closed | Oct. 10-Dec. 6 & |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Deferred |
| | Closed | Closed | Closed | Deferred |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | Closed | Closed | Sept. 1-Dec. 16 |
6. Section 20.105 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.105
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
*Note:* States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-seasons regulations for further information.
(a) *Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules.*
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| (1) | Sept. 1-Nov.9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 | 10 | 30 | |
| | | | | |
| Long Island | Closed | | | |
| Remainder of State | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 8 | 24 | |
| | Sept. 1-Oct. 3 & | 15 | 45 | |
| | Oct. 23-Nov. 28 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 3 | 9 | |
| | Sept. 26-Oct. 1 & | 15 | 45 | |
| | Oct. 25-Dec. 27 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 8-Nov. 16 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & | 15 | 45 | |
| | Nov. 28-Jan. 20 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 3 | 9 | |
| (2) | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 1 | 3 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Sept. 12-Nov. 20 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Zone 1 | Sept. 26-Dec. 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Zone 2 | Sept. 26-Dec. 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| | Sept. 1-Nov. 9 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 & | 15 | 45 | |
| | Oct. 31-Dec. 23 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | |
| | Deferred | | | |
(b) *Sea Ducks* (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic Flyway).
Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks, singly or in the aggregate, of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag limits only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting areas.
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| (1) | Sept. 22-Jan. 20 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 29-Jan. 30 | 7 | 21 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| (2) | Oct. 1-Jan. 30 | 7 | 21 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| (3) | Oct. 1-Jan. 15 | 7 | 21 | |
| | Sept. 29-Jan. 30 | 7 | 21 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Oct. 10-Jan. 24 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Deferred | | | |
| | Deferred | | | |
(c) *Early (September) Duck Seasons.*
*Note:* Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for teal only.
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| (1) | Sept. 11-Sept. 29 | 6 | 18 | |
| (2) | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (1) | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 6 | 18 | |
| (1) | Sept. 12-Sept. 30 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 11-Sept. 26 | 6 | 18 | |
| (1) | Sept. 17-Sept. 30 | 6 | 18 | |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| (2) | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 7 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (3) | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| (2) | Sept. 12-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept.1-Sept. 7 | 6 | 18 | |
| | | | | |
| (1) | Sept. 12-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| | | | | |
| Low Plains | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| High Plains | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| (1) | | | | |
| Low Plains | Sept. 5-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| High Plains | Sept. 12-Sept. 20 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 19 | 6 | 18 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| | | | | |
| High Plains | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
| Rest of State | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 6 | 18 | |
(d) *Special Early Canada Goose Seasons.*
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| (1): | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 4 & | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 8-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| South Zone | Sept. 15-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 5-Sept. 27 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 5-Sept. 27 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| Northern Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 6 | 18 | |
| Southern Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 10 | 30 | |
| Coastal Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 10 | 30 | |
| (1) (2): | | | | |
| Eastern Unit | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 8 | 24 | |
| Western Unit | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 8 | 24 | |
| | | | | |
| Central Zone | Sept. 8-Sept. 25 | 7 | 21 | |
| Coastal Zone | Sept. 8-Sept. 25 | 7 | 21 | |
| Western Zone | Sept. 8-Sept. 25 | 7 | 21 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 5 | 15 | |
| (1) (2) (3): | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| (4): | | | | |
| Lake Champlain Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 8 | 24 | |
| Northeastern Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| East Central Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| Hudson Valley Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| West Central Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| South Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 15 | 45 | |
| Western Long Island Zone | Closed | | | |
| Central Long Island Zone | Sept. 8-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| Eastern Long Island Zone | Sept. 8-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| (5) (6): | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| (7): | | | | |
| SJBP Zone (8) | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 3 | 9 | |
| Rest of State (9) | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 8 | 24 | |
| (1): | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | |
| Early-Season Hunt Unit | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | |
| Lake Champlain Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 8 | 24 | |
| Interior Vermont Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 8 | 24 | |
| Connecticut River Zone (10) | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 5 | 15 | |
| (11) | Sept. 1-Sept. 25 | 10 | 30 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 12 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| Northwest Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Rest of State | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Central Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| South Central Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 2 | 6 | |
| South Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 2 | 6 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| South Goose Zone: | | | | |
| Des Moines Goose Zone | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 5 | 15 | |
| Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 5 | 15 | |
| Remainder of South Zone | Closed | | | |
| North Goose Zone: | | | | |
| Cedar Falls/Waterloo Zone | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 5 | 15 | |
| Remainder of North Zone | Closed. | | | |
| (12) | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 10 | 5 | 15 | |
| Middle Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| South Zone: | | | | |
| Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties | Sept. 1-Sept. 10 | 5 | 15 | |
| Rest of South Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| Northwest Zone | Sept. 5-Sept. 22 | 5 | 15 | |
| Intensive Harvest Zone | Sept. 5-Sept. 22 | 10 | 30 | |
| Remainder of State | Sept. 5-Sept. 22 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Missouri River Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 7 | 15 | 45 | |
| Remainder of State | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| | Sept. 12-Sept. 21 | 8 | 24 | |
| (12) | Sept. 1-Sept. 30 | 15 | 45 | |
| | | | | |
| East Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 27 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| | Sept. 1-Sept. 9 | 4 | 12 | |
| | | | | |
| Zone 4 | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| Northwest Permit Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 20 | 5 | 15 | |
| Southwest Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Eastern Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Klamath County Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Harney and Lake County Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Malheur County Zone | Sept. 12-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| | | | | |
| Management Area 2B | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 15 | 45 | |
| Management Areas 1 & 3 | Sept. 10-Sept. 15 | 5 | 15 | |
| Management Area 4 & 5 | Sept. 13-Sept. 14 | 3 | 9 | |
| Management Area 2A | Sept. 10-Sept. 15 | 3 | 9 | |
| | | | | |
| Teton County Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 3 | 9 | |
| Balance of State Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 2 | 6 | |
(e) *Regular Goose Seasons.*
*Note:* Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season. Additional season dates occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections.
| | Season dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Canada Geese: | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 11-Dec. 11 | 2 | 6 | |
| Middle Zone | Sept. 19-Dec. 19 | 2 | 6 | |
| South Zone: | | | | |
| Muskegon GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Allegan Co. GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Saginaw Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 2 | 6 | |
| Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 2 | 6 | |
| Remainder of Zone | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 2 | 6 | |
| White-fronted Geese: | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 11-Sept. 26 | 1 | 3 | |
| Middle Zone | Sept. 19-Sept. 26 | 1 | 3 | |
| South Zone: | | | | |
| Muskegon GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Allegan Co. GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Saginaw Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 1 | 3 | |
| Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 1 | 3 | |
| Remainder of Zone | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 1 | 3 | |
| Light Geese: | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 11-Dec. 11 | 20 | 60 | |
| Middle Zone | Sept. 19-Dec. 19 | 20 | 60 | |
| South Zone: | | | | |
| Muskegon GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Allegan Co. GMU | Deferred | | | |
| Saginaw Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 20 | 60 | |
| Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU | Sept. 19-Sept. 27 | 20 | 60 | |
| Remainder of Zone | Deferred | | | |
| Brant: | | | | |
| North Zone | Same as for Light Geese | 1 | 3 | |
| Middle Zone | Same as for Light Geese | 1 | 3 | |
| South Zone | Same as for Light Geese | 1 | 3 | |
| | | | | |
| Canada Geese: | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 2 | 6 | |
| South Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 2 | 6 | |
| Mississippi River Zone | Deferred | | | |
| Horicon Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | Tag System | | |
| White-fronted Geese: | | | | |
| North Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 1 | 3 | |
| South Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 1 | 3 | |
| Mississippi River Zone | Deferred | | | |
| Horicon Zone | Sept. 16-Sept. 30 | 1 | 3 | |
| Light Geese | Same as for Canada Geese | 20 | | |
| Brant | Same as for Canada Geese | 1 | 3 | |
(f) *Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.*
The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth hunters must be accompanied into the field by an adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons.
**Definitions**
Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger.
The Atlantic Flyway: Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all Counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
The Pacific Flyway: Includes Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin).
*Note:* In States where zones are not identified, seasons are statewide. Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season unless there is a special season already open ( *e.g.,* September Canada goose season), in which case, that season's daily bag limit will prevail.
| | Season dates |
| --- | --- |
| | |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, and coots | Oct. 17 & Feb. 6. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules | Nov. 14 & 15. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: | |
| North Zone | Sept. 19 & Dec. 12. |
| South Zone | Sept. 26 & Oct. 24. |
| Coastal Zone | Sept. 26 & Nov. 7. |
| (1) | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| | Deferred. |
| (2): | |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots, brant, and Canada geese: | |
| Long Island Zone | Nov. 14 & 15. |
| Lake Champlain Zone | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| Northeastern Zone | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| Southeastern Zone | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| Western Zone | Oct. 3 & 4. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese, coots, and moorhens | Sept. 19. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots | Oct. 24 & 25. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers and coots | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| | Deferred. |
| (3): | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules | Sept. 19 & Nov. 7. |
| | |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, moorhens, and gallinules | Nov. 21 & Feb. 6. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: | |
| West Zone | Feb. 6 & 7. |
| East Zone | Nov. 7 & 8. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules | Sept. 12 & 13. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules | Sept. 12. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| | |
| | |
| Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots: | |
| Mountain/Foothills Zone | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| Northeast Zone | Oct. 3 & 4. |
| Southeast Zone | Oct. 17 & 18. |
| (4) | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| (5): | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: | |
| North Zone | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| South Zone | Oct. 10 & 11. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: | |
| Zone C1 | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| Zone C2 | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| Zone C3 | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| | |
| | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: | |
| Northeastern Zone | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| Colorado River Zone | Jan. 30 & 31. |
| Southern Zone | Feb. 6 & 7. |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Feb. 6 & 7. |
| Balance of State Zone | Feb. 6 & 7. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | Oct. 17 & 18. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | |
| Zone 1 | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| Zones 2 & 3 | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots. | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and moorhens: | |
| Northeast Zone | Sept. 12 & 13. |
| South Zone | Deferred. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens | Oct. 3 & 4. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 26 & 27. |
| | |
| Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19. |
| (6): | |
| Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19 & 20. |
| | |
| Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19 & 20. |
**50 CFR Part 20**
7. Section 20.106 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.106
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090).
Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
*Note:* States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information.
| | Season Dates | Limits | Bag | Possession |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| (1) | Dec. 12-Jan. 10 | 2 | 2 | |
| (1) | | | | |
| NW Goose Zone | Sept. 12-Oct. 18 | 1 | 3 | |
| (1) | Deferred | | | |
| | | | | |
| (1) | Oct. 3-Nov. 29 | 3 | 9 | |
| (1)(2)(3) | Nov. 11-Jan. 7 | 3 | 9 | |
| | | | | |
| Regular Season Area (1) | Oct. 3-Nov. 29 | 3 | 9 per season | |
| Special Season Area (4) | Sept. 12-Oct. 4 | 2 per season | | |
| | | | | |
| Regular Season Area (1) | Oct. 31-Jan. 31 | 3 | 6 | |
| Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (4)(5) | Oct. 24-Oct. 25 & | | | |
| | Nov. 14-Nov. 15 & | 2 per season | | |
| | Nov. 7 & | 2 per season | | |
| | Nov. 28-Nov. 29 & | 2 per season | | |
| | Jan. 9-Jan. 10 | 2 per season | | |
| Southwest Area (4) | Oct. 24-Nov. 1 & | 2 per season | | |
| | Jan. 2-Jan. 3 | 2 per season | | |
| Estancia Valley (4) | Oct. 24-Nov. 1 | 3 | 6 | |
| (1) | | | | |
| Area 1 | Sept. 19-Nov. 15 | 3 | 9 | |
| Area 2 | Sept. 19-Nov. 15 | 2 | 6 | |
| (1) | Deferred | | | |
| (1) | Sept. 26-Nov. 22 | 3 | 9 | |
| (1) | Deferred | | | |
| | | | | |
| Regular Season (Area 7) (1) | Sept. 19-Nov. 15 | 3 | 9 | |
| Riverton-Boysen Unit (Area 4) (4) | Sept. 19-Oct. 11 | 1 per season | | |
| Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties (Area 6) (4) | Sept. 19-Oct. 11 | 1 per season | | |
| | | | | |
| (4) | | | | |
| Special Season Area | Nov. 13-Nov. 15 & | 3 per season | | |
| | Nov. 17-Nov. 19 & | 3 per season | | |
| | Nov. 21-Nov. 23 & | 3 per season | | |
| | Nov. 25-Nov. 27 & | 3 per season | | |
| | Nov. 29-Dec. 1 & | 3 per season | | |
| | Dec. 4-Dec. 6 | 3 per season | | |
| (4) | | | | |
| Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 | Sept. 1-Sept. 15 | 2 per season | | |
| (4)(6) | | | | |
| Zone 1 | Sept. 12-Oct. 4 | 1 | 1 | |
| Zone 2 | Sept. 12-Oct. 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| Zone 3 | Sept. 12-Oct. 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| Zone 4 | Sept. 12-Oct. 4 | 1 | 1 | |
| (4) | | | | |
| Rich County | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 1 per season | | |
| Cache County | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 1 per season | | |
| East Box Elder County | Sept. 5-Sept. 13 | 1 per season | | |
| Uintah County | Sept. 19-Oct. 18 | 1 per season | | |
| (4) | | | | |
| Area 1 | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 1 per season | | |
| Area 2 | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 1 per season | | |
| Area 3 | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 1 per season | | |
| Area 5 | Sept. 1-Sept. 8 | 1 per season | | |
**50 CFR Part 20**
8. Section 20.109 is revised to read as follows:
§ 20.109
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51090). For those extended seasons for ducks, mergansers, and coots, area descriptions were published in an August 25, 2015, *Federal Register* (80 FR 51658) and will be published again in a late-September 2015, *Federal Register* .
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
| | |
| --- | --- |
| Daily bag limit | 3 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate. |
| Possession limit | 9 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate. |
These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons—unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks within the special sea duck areas. Only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Many States permit falconry during the gun seasons. Please consult State regulations for details.
For ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and some moorhen seasons; additional season days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections. Some States have deferred selections. Consult late-season regulations for further information.
| | Extended falconry dates |
| --- | --- |
| | |
| | |
| Doves | Jan. 14-Jan. 30. |
| Rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Woodcock | Oct. 21-Oct. 24 & Jan. 13-Mar. 10. |
| | |
| Doves | Jan. 16-Feb. 1. |
| Rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Woodcock | Nov. 24-Dec. 17 & Feb. 1-Mar. 9. |
| Common moorhens | Nov. 10-Dec. 14. |
| | |
| Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and sea ducks | Nov. 30-Dec. 7. |
| | |
| Doves | Jan. 16-Feb. 1. |
| Rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Woodcock | Oct. 1-Oct. 29 & Feb. 7-Mar. 10. |
| | |
| Doves | Oct. 15-Oct. 31. |
| Rails, moorhens, and gallinules | Dec. 5-Jan. 9. |
| Woodcock | Nov. 7-Dec. 5 & Feb. 1-Feb. 27. |
| | |
| Doves | Oct. 12-Oct. 16 & Nov. 30-Dec. 11. |
| Rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Woodcock and snipe | Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Nov. 30-Dec. 17. |
| Moorhens and gallinules | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| | |
| Doves | Dec. 23 & Jan. 16-Jan. 31. |
| Woodcock | Oct. 17-Nov. 22 & Dec. 6-Dec. 14 & Jan. 16-Jan. 31. |
| Rails, moorhens, and gallinules | Nov. 17-Dec. 23. |
| | |
| | |
| Doves | Nov. 15-Dec. 1. |
| Rails | Sept. 1-Sept. 4 & Nov. 14-Dec. 16. |
| Woodcock | Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Dec. 1-Dec. 16. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots | Feb. 10-Mar. 10. |
| | |
| Doves | Oct. 19-Oct. 31 & Jan. 11-Jan. 17. |
| Woodcock | Sept. 20-Oct. 14 & Nov. 29-Jan. 4. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) | |
| North Zone | Sept. 27-Sept. 30. |
| | |
| Doves | Sept. 13-Sept. 29. |
| Woodcock | Oct. 28-Dec. 17 & Feb. 1-Feb. 11. |
| | |
| Woodcock | Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Nov. 3-Dec. 16. |
| Rails and snipe | Nov. 3-Dec. 16. |
| Doves | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| | |
| Doves | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 12-Sept. 27. |
| | |
| Doves | Sept. 29-Oct. 9 & Nov. 2-Nov. 7. |
| Ducks (1) | Sept. 15-Oct. 20. |
| | |
| Rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules (1) | Sept. 1-Sept. 25. |
| Woodcock | Sept. 1-Sept. 18. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots | Sept. 19-Sept. 20. |
| | |
| (2) | |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) | Sept. 23-Sept. 30. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots: | |
| Zone 1 | Sept. 5-Sept. 20. |
| Zone 2: | |
| Low Plains | Sept.-Sept. 20. |
| High Plains | Sept. 12-Sept. 20. |
| Zone 3: | |
| Low Plains | Sept. 5-Sept. 20. |
| High Plains | Sept. 12-Sept. 20. |
| Zone 4 | Sept. 5-Sept. 20. |
| | |
| Doves: | |
| North Zone | Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 31. |
| South Zone | Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 4. |
| Ducks and coots | Sept. 12-Sept. 19. |
| Sandhill cranes: | |
| Regular Season Area | Oct. 17-Oct. 30. |
| Estancia Valley Area (3) | Nov. 2-Dec. 22. |
| Common moorhens | Dec. 5-Jan. 10. |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Nov. 21-Dec. 27. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots, and snipe | Sept. 7-Sept. 11 & Sept. 14-Sept. 18. |
| | |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) | |
| High Plains | Oct. 2-Oct. 9. |
| Low Plains: | |
| North Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25. |
| Middle Zone | Sept. 1-Sept. 25. |
| South Zone | Sept. 15-Oct. 9. |
| | |
| Doves | Nov. 7-Dec. 13. |
| Rails, gallinules, and woodcock | Feb. 1-Feb. 14. |
| | |
| Rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots | |
| Zone C1 | Sept. 26-Sept. 27 & Oct. 22-Oct. 29. |
| Zone C2 & C3 | Sept. 19-Sept. 25 & Dec. 7-Dec. 9. |
| | |
| | |
| Doves | Sept. 16-Nov. 1. |
| | |
| Doves: | |
| North Zone | Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 31. |
| South Zone | Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 4. |
| | |
| Doves: | Oct. 31-Dec. 16. |
| Band-tailed pigeons (4) | Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 24-Dec. 16. |
| | |
| Doves | Nov. 1-Dec. 16. |
| Band-tailed pigeons | Oct. 1-Dec. 16. |
| | |
| Doves | Oct. 31-Dec. 16. |
| | |
| Sora and Virginia rails | Nov. 10-Dec. 16. |
| Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1) | Sept. 19-Sept. 20. |