# National fish hatcheries open for sport fishing.
**AGENCY:**
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
**ACTION:**
Final rule.
**SUMMARY:**
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open or expand hunting or sport fishing opportunities on 16 National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) stations and 1 National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS) station. This includes inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the newest addition to the NWRS, and the formal opening of hunting opportunities at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as well as inaugural sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NFH). These actions open or expand 42 opportunities for hunting and fishing across more than 87,000 acres of Service-managed lands and waters. We also make administrative changes to existing station-specific regulations to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain-language standards.
**DATES:**
This rule is effective August 27, 2025.
*Information Collection Requirements:* If you wish to comment on the information collection requirements in this rule, please note that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information contained in this rule between 30 and 60 days after the date of publication of this rule in the *Federal Register* . Therefore, comments should be submitted to OMB by September 29, 2025.
**ADDRESSES:**
This final rule is available on the internet at *https://www.regulations.gov* . Comments and materials we received are available for public inspection at *https://www.regulations.gov* at Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031.
*Information Collection Requirements:* Written comments and suggestions on the information collection requirements should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this document to *https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain* . Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function. Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or *[email protected]* (email). Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Christian Myers, (571) 422-3595. Please see Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 on *https://www.regulations.gov* for a document that summarizes these revisions and additions to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
**Background**
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended (Administration Act), closes NWRs in all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the use is compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) mission. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
We annually review hunting and sport fishing programs to determine whether to include additional stations or whether individual station regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant modifications to station-specific regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of station purposes or the Refuge System's mission.
Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in title 50 of the CFR at part 32 (50 CFR part 32), and on hatcheries at part 71 (50 CFR part 71). We regulate hunting and sport fishing to:
• Ensure compatibility with refuge and hatchery purpose(s);
• Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s);
• Protect other values;
• Ensure visitor safety; and
• Provide opportunities for fish- and wildlife-dependent recreation.
On many stations where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate to meet these objectives. On other stations, we must supplement State regulations with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined under Statutory Authority, below. We issue station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we open national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations may list the wildlife species that you may hunt or fish; seasons; bag or creel (container for carrying fish) limits; methods of hunting or sport fishing; descriptions of areas open to hunting or sport fishing; and other provisions as appropriate.
**Statutory Authority**
The Administration Act, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act; Pub. L. 105-57), governs the administration and public use of refuges, and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (Recreation Act; 16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) governs the administration and public use of refuges and hatcheries.
Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act were built upon the Administration Act in a manner that provides an “organic act” for the Refuge System, similar to organic acts that exist for other public Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System. The Improvement Act established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the Refuge System and Hatchery System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act requires that any recreational use of refuge or hatchery lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.
The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.
We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop station-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or hatchery and the Refuge and Hatchery System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land through an interim determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges or hatcheries to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32 or 71, respectively. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.
**Summary of Comments and Responses**
On May 15, 2025, we published in the *Federal Register* (90 FR 20600) a proposed rule to modify hunting and fishing programs at 16 refuges and 1 hatchery for the 2025-2026 season. We accepted public comments on the proposed rule for 45 days, ending June 30, 2025. By that date, we received 194 comments on the proposed rule. Approximately 95 percent of these comments were form letters or otherwise identical duplicates of other comments on the proposed rule. We discuss the remaining unique comments we received below by topic. Beyond our responses below, additional station-specific information on how we responded to comments on particular hunting or fishing opportunities at a given refuge or hatchery can be found in that station's final hunting and/or fishing package, available at *https://www.regulations.gov* at Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031.
*Comment (1):* We received several comments expressing general support for the proposed changes in the rule. These comments of general support either expressed appreciation for the increased hunting and fishing access in the rule overall, expressed appreciation for increased access at particular refuges, or both. In addition to this general support, some commenters requested additional hunting and fishing opportunities.
*Our Response:* Hunting and fishing on Service lands is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. In passing the Improvement Act, Congress reaffirmed that the Refuge System was created to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, and would facilitate opportunities for Americans to participate in compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing on Refuge System lands. We prioritize wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and fishing, when doing so is compatible with the purpose of the refuge and the mission of the NWRS.
We will continue to open and expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities across the Refuge System; however, as detailed further in our response to *Comment (2),* below, opening or expanding hunting or fishing opportunities on Service lands is not a quick or simple process. The annual regulatory cycle begins in June or July of each year for the following hunting and sport fishing season (the planning cycle for this 2025-2026 final rule began in June 2024). This annual timeline allows us time to collaborate closely with our State, Tribal, and Territorial partners, as well as other partners including nongovernmental organizations, on potential opportunities. It also provides us with time to complete environmental analyses and other requirements for opening or expanding new opportunities. Therefore, it would be impracticable for the Service to complete multiple regulatory cycles in one calendar year due to the logistics of coordinating with various partners. Once we determine that a hunting or sport fishing opportunity can be carried out in a manner compatible with individual station purposes and objectives, we work expeditiously to open it.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these comments.
*Comment (2):* Several commenters expressed general opposition to any hunting or fishing in the Refuge System. Some of these commenters stated that hunting was antithetical to the purposes of a refuge, which, in their opinion, should serve as an inviolate sanctuary for all wildlife. The remaining commenters generically opposed expanded or new hunting or fishing opportunities at specific stations.
*Our Response:* The Service prioritizes facilitating wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, on Service land in compliance with applicable Service law and policy. For refuges, the Administration Act stipulates that hunting (along with fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation), if found to be compatible, is a legitimate and priority general public use of a refuge and should be facilitated (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(3)(D)). Thus, we only allow hunting of wildlife on Refuge System lands if such activity has been determined compatible with the established purpose(s) of the refuge and the mission of the Refuge System as required by the Administration Act. For all 17 stations for which hunting and/or fishing programs were modified in this rule, we determined that the proposed actions were compatible.
Each station manager makes a decision regarding hunting and fishing opportunities only after rigorous examination of the available information, consultation and coordination with States and Tribes, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ) and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), as well as other applicable laws and regulations. The many steps taken before a station opens or expands ensure that the Service does not allow hunting or fishing opportunities that would compromise the purpose of the station or the mission of the agency.
Hunting of resident wildlife on Service lands generally occurs consistent with State regulations, including seasons and bag limits. Station-specific hunting regulations can be more restrictive (but not more permissive) than State regulations and often are more restrictive to help meet specific refuge objectives. These objectives include resident wildlife population and habitat objectives, minimizing disturbance impacts to wildlife, maintaining high-quality opportunities for hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation, minimizing conflicts with other public uses and/or refuge management activities, and protecting public safety.
The word “refuge” includes the idea of providing a haven of safety as one of its definitions, and as such, hunting might seem an inconsistent use of the Refuge System. However, again, the Administration Act stipulates that hunting, if found compatible, is a legitimate and priority general public use of a wildlife refuge. Furthermore, we manage refuges to support healthy wildlife populations that in many cases produce harvestable surpluses that are a renewable resource. As practiced on refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a negative threat to wildlife populations. It is important to recognize that harvesting certain individuals through hunting does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the overall population, as it can substitute for other types of mortality. In some cases, however, we use hunting as a management tool with the explicit goal of reducing a population; this is often the case with exotic and/or invasive species that threaten ecosystem stability. Therefore, facilitating hunting opportunities is an important aspect of the Service's roles and responsibilities as outlined in the legislation establishing the Refuge System, and the Service will continue to facilitate these opportunities where compatible with the purpose of the specific refuge and the mission of the Refuge System.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these comments.
*Comment (3):* We received comments on the proposed rule from two individual State agencies, representing two States. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) expressed support for the proposed rule, with a focus on Pocosin Lakes NWR, without raising additional topics. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) expressed support for the proposed rule, with a focus on Willapa NWR, and also urged the Service to provide additional opportunities on this refuge.
*Our Response:* The Service appreciates the support of, and is committed to working with, our State partners to identify additional opportunities for expansion of hunting and sport fishing on Service lands and waters. We welcome and value State partner input on all aspects of our hunting and fishing programs.
In response to the NCWRC, we appreciate the support expressed for the opening of a new hunting opportunity at Pocosin Lakes NWR. We value this input and look forward to further coordination, both on this opportunity and future hunting and fishing openings and expansions.
In response to the WDFW, we appreciate the support expressed for waterfowl hunting and archery big game hunting opportunities on Willapa NWR. To date, only archery hunting has been sufficiently evaluated for big game hunts on these lands, so the Service cannot add any firearms as an additional method of take as part of this 2025-2026 annual update. See our responses to *Comments (1)* and *(2)* above for discussion of what is necessary before we can open or expand an opportunity, including adding additional methods of take. However, additional methods of take, including muzzleloader and modern firearms, could potentially be authorized as a future expansion for the same species and acres. The WDFW's assessment that the hunt area is suitable for firearm hunting is helpful to exploring that possibility for a future annual update.
*Comment (4):* We received a comment from the Catawba Indian Nation that focused on Pocosin Lakes NWR. The comment expressed no concerns about the proposed rule content, but did request notification in the case that any Native American artifacts and/or human remains are located in connection with the new hunting opportunity.
*Our Response:* The Service appreciates the support of the Catawba Indian Nation and is committed to working with our Tribal partners. As noted in the November 2021 Joint Secretary's Order (S.O. 3403), the Department of the Interior is committed, alongside the Department of Agriculture, to fulfilling our trust responsibility to Tribes in our management of Federal lands and waters. The Service seeks input from Tribes throughout our hunting and fishing rulemaking processes and welcomes every opportunity to coordinate with Tribal leaders.
In response to the Catawba Indian Nation comment, we will honor the Tribe's wishes. There are no ground disturbing activities anticipated in connection with this new, limited-entry hunting opportunity that uses a temporarily placed portable stand on Pocosin Lakes NWR. Therefore, no impacts to Native American artifacts or human remains are anticipated. We look forward to further discussion and coordination with the Tribe on future hunting and fishing program updates.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
*Comment (5):* We received comments on the proposed rule from six unique commenters expressing concern regarding the relative importance of the six priority public uses of the NWRS defined by the Improvement Act, including hunting and fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation. Some commenters reasoned that the Service should prioritize hunting and fishing above the other four uses. Other commenters expressed the opposite view that the other four non-consumptive wildlife-dependent uses should be prioritized above hunting and fishing.
*Our Response:* The Improvement Act identifies six priority wildlife-dependent recreational uses of the Refuge System, but it does not define any hierarchy among them. When determining whether or not other public uses of a refuge are compatible, the Service protects these priority public uses, as well as the safety of visitors and refuge employees. In the case that conflicts arise between priority public uses, access for multiple uses can often be accommodated through restrictions or regulations, as appropriate.
This rulemaking process is required before hunting and fishing opportunities can be opened or expanded on refuges because they are consumptive recreational uses that inherently have a greater potential for impacts. By completing additional analysis, including NEPA and interagency consultation under section 7 of the ESA, providing opportunity for public input, and following other applicable legal requirements, the Service ensures that any changes to hunting and fishing programs on refuges offer high-quality hunting and fishing opportunities that do not negatively impact refuge purposes or the Refuge System mission. This additional analysis is not required for refuges to offer non-consumptive priority wildlife-dependent uses that are inherently less impactful than hunting and fishing activities, although these uses still require a compatibility determination and often require a special use permit. See our responses to *Comments (1)* and *(2)* above for additional discussion of what is necessary before we can open or expand a hunting or fishing opportunity.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these comments.
*Comment (6):* We received comments on the proposed update from two unique commenters taking the position that the Service is not opening or expanding a sufficient number of hunting and fishing opportunities, when compared to previous annual updates.
*Our Response:* Expanding access to nature for all Americans is a top priority for the Service. The size of the annual station-specific hunting and sport fishing updates varies from year-to-year based on many factors. The 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 annual updates opened or expanded hunting or fishing opportunities at 10 refuges and 31 refuges, respectively. The Service offered more than 1,000 new hunting or fishing opportunities across more than 2 million acres of Service-managed lands and waters from 2019 to 2021.
While the Service's 2025-2026 final update is smaller than some previous years, we acknowledge the successes of our recent rulemaking efforts. This year's annual update is larger than both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2024 updates in terms of the number of stations opening or expanding hunting and fishing. In recent years, the Service successfully opened and expanded many hunting and fishing opportunities across numerous stations—most of which were planned and assessed long in advance. The number of opportunities in future annual updates may fluctuate while new opportunities are being identified and evaluated. The Service was also successful in past years at standardizing language and removing unnecessary and redundant provisions in the CFR. This action required revisions to most stations that are open to hunting or fishing.
Ultimately, there is a finite number of compatible hunting and fishing opportunities possible on the NWRS at a given time. Once the Service has maximized access throughout the Refuge System, and as we get closer to that long-term goal, we will mostly be increasing access when new acres are acquired.
*Comment (7):* Four separate unique comments expressed either support for or opposition to regulations requiring the use of lead-free hunting ammunition or lead-free fishing tackle. These comments spoke to the scientific evidence linking lead hunting ammunition and lead fishing tackle to lead poisoning in wildlife, the cost and availability of lead-free ammunition and tackle, and other topics related to the controversy around the use of lead ammunition and tackle.
*Our Response:* The Service remains engaged in a deliberate, open, and transparent process for evaluating the future of lead use in hunting and fishing on Service lands and waters. We are considering the best available science, working with our State partners, and seeking input from other stakeholders and the public. As we continue the process, we appreciate the additional information provided in these comments and the interest in this topic that they represent.
In this annual update, specifically, the Service is not authorizing any new opportunities that involve the use of lead ammunition or tackle, and the Service is only introducing one new requirement to use lead-free ammunition or tackle, which applies only to one opportunity on one station. As noted in the environmental assessment (EA), the new bear hunting opportunity on Pocosin Lakes NWR will require that participants use lead-free ammunition. This requirement, however, does not create a regulatory burden or implicate lead-free ammunition cost and availability because the partner organization overseeing the hunting opportunity will provide all needed ammunition.
Additionally, the Service will continue its Lead-Free Hunting Voluntary Incentive Program that was piloted at seven NWRs during the fall 2024 hunting seasons. This program is designed to increase the use of lead-free ammunition on Service-administered lands while preserving hunter choice, and the program is intended to eventually serve as a proven model for similar efforts by State agencies and other land managers. More information is available online at *https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-07/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-announces-voluntary-pilot-programs-lead-free.*
As the Service continues to consider the best available science and the input of partners and key stakeholders as part of an open and deliberative process for evaluating the future of lead use, we will continue to encourage voluntary use of lead-free ammunition and participation in the Lead-Free Hunting Voluntary Incentive Program, as well as the removal of gut piles.
*Comment (8):* We received two comments on the proposed rule requesting that an environmental impact statement (EIS) be prepared for the rule. Several other comments expressed concern about the cumulative impacts of hunting considering other pressures on wildlife, including urbanization and climate change.
*Our Response:* The Service complies with NEPA and other laws and regulations in preparation of the rule. In developing updates to hunting and fishing programs, the Service completes an analysis of localized direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts through NEPA, which includes consideration of pressures such as urbanization and climate change. At the individual station level, the Service additionally completes ESA section 7 consultation and other environmental compliance procedures, as appropriate. The Service also examines cumulative impacts through our cumulative impacts report that considers national and regional cumulative impacts from hunting and fishing on the Refuge System. These analyses are available as part of the supporting documents for the final rule. See our responses to *Comments (1)* and *(2),* above, for additional discussion of priority public uses identified by law and what is necessary before we can open or expand a hunting or fishing opportunity.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of these comments.
*Comment (9):* We received three comments focusing on the proposed opening of a special opportunity, limited bear hunt at Pocosin Lakes NWR. One comment objected to all hunting of carnivore species on refuges, and specifically, the proposed bear hunt at Pocosin Lakes NWR. The comment raised concerns about impacts to the numbers and sex ratio of the bear population, expressed concerns about safety, and suggested that bear viewing or photography would be superior recreation activities in place of the proposed hunting opportunity. We received two comments in support of the bear hunt. One of the supportive comments also expressed opposition to the lead-free ammunition requirement for this hunt, citing a lack of evidence for any impacts of lead on wildlife.
*Our Response:* Refuge managers consider predator management decisions on a case-by-case basis. As with all species, a refuge manager makes a decision about managing predator populations, which are included in the category of resident wildlife, including allowing predatory species to be hunted, only after careful examination to ensure the action would comply with relevant laws, policies, and directives. The Administration Act directs the Service to manage refuges for biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health. Predators play a critical role in the integrity, diversity, and overall health of ecosystems, so before allowing predators to be hunted, a refuge manager must ensure that these actions do not threaten the integrity, diversity, or health of the refuge ecosystem. The manager must also determine that the action is compatible with the refuge's purposes and the mission of the Refuge System and consistent with the refuge's comprehensive conservation plan and other step-down plans. In addition, the refuge manager analyzes the impacts of the actions on the environment through the NEPA process and section 7 of the ESA. Therefore, a refuge manager must take many steps to ensure that any opportunity for hunting predators on a refuge meets the Service's applicable laws and policies. See our responses to *Comments (1)* and *(2),* above, for additional discussion of priority public uses of refuges identified by law, including hunting, and what is necessary before we can open or expand a hunting opportunity.
The Administration Act also mandates that regulations permitting hunting or fishing of fish and resident wildlife within the Refuge System shall be, to the extent practicable, consistent with State fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans (16 U.S.C. 668dd(m)). Therefore, all the opportunities for hunting predators in this rule that are intended to bring greater consistency with State fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans are part of realizing the Service's mission. In fact, the NCWRC submitted a comment expressing strong support for the proposed bear hunt. See *Comment (3),* above, and our response. All predator hunting determinations and all hunting and fishing determinations were made after careful consideration by the refuge manager to ensure that such actions would not threaten the integrity, diversity, and overall health of the ecosystem and the bear population. We have determined that this action is compatible with both the purpose of the refuge and the mission of the Refuge System.
The current hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR is designed to ensure the black bear population remains a sustainable, renewable wildlife resource. Bear sightings on the refuge are common, and the best available information indicates that the broader coastal North Carolina bear population is healthy, with stable and growing numbers. As of 2020, the statewide bear population was estimated at 17,200 to 19,200 bears. The Service has capped the harvest of bears at five for a given season. The Service has further limited the time and extent of this opportunity by authorizing only one week of hunting within the longer State season, only within designated areas of the refuge and only from an elevated platform as a means to limit the total harvest of bears. These limitations also reduce potential environmental impacts, as discussed further in *Comment (10),* below. In years when the limit of five bears is reached before the end of the season, this limitation will effectively shorten the season and thereby reduce potential environmental impacts and potential for conflict with other recreational uses of the refuge. The Service does not expect any significant impacts to the bear population from this hunting opportunity alone or cumulative impacts from the addition of this opportunity to other existing or planned opportunities in the same region.
The Service coordinates closely with the NCWRC to monitor and consider the status and health of the bear population in terms of demographics in designing hunt plans. NCWRC harvest data indicates that stationary or “still” hunting, which this opportunity is limited to, has lower and less sex-selective (less difference between the harvest rates for female and male bears) harvest rates when compared to other bear hunting methods. While in the past North Carolina hunters selectively targeted male bears, as of 2023, female bears made up 47 percent of the harvest in coastal North Carolina, representing the most balanced harvest reported across the State. Given the short duration of the hunt and the cap of five total permits, the Service does not anticipate population-level impacts to the sex-ratio of bears in coastal North Carolina as a result of this action.
The current hunt plan is also carefully designed to balance the public interest in both quality outdoor recreational hunting and healthy wildlife populations for ecosystem health and other recreational purposes, such as wildlife observation. The Service is aware of several studies showing a correlation between increased hunting and decreased wildlife sightings, which underscores the importance of the limitations included in the design of this hunting opportunity, particularly time and space limitations, to minimize the potential for conflict with other recreational uses of the refuge. These measures are being taken to ensure a quality experience for all visitors to Service-managed lands and waters.
Safety and encouraging the broadest possible participation in hunting opportunities are primary concerns for the Service. Although not required by Tyrrell County where the hunt will occur, for the safety of people and non-target wildlife, the Service has required the use of a raised platform with a minimum elevation of 15 feet for hunters who elect to use a centerfire rifle during the bear hunt. Shooting from an elevated position directs missed shots downward, reducing the likelihood of unintended harm in the relatively flat landscape of coastal North Carolina where ammunition can easily travel long distances. As part of the guided hunt, the State can provide an accessible platform so disabled hunters will be able to participate in the hunt safely, with no additional costs to the hunter or the refuge.
Based on the best available information, there is public support for bear hunting and current State management of bear populations more generally in North Carolina, according to a 2005 survey conducted by the NCWRC. Bear hunting is a traditional activity in the State, practiced by families and groups of friends. A large share of the public believe it is important that access to bear hunting opportunities be maintained. More information on this topic is available as part of the supporting documents for the final rule, see Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 on *https://www.regulations.gov.*
Finally, both the NEPA process and the rulemaking process provide the opportunity for the public to provide comments and any additional information on impacts of our actions. The information provided in the public comment period did not change our conclusion that a limited bear hunt on one refuge will have only minor impacts on wildlife populations. Additionally, the Service uses an adaptive management approach for its hunting programs, reviewing the station programs annually with relevant information from monitoring and other relevant data, and thus the Pocosin Lakes NWR bear hunting opportunity can be revised in the future based on new information, if necessary.
We did not make any changes to the hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR, or to the rule, as a result of these comments.
*Comment (10):* We received one comment specifically requesting an EIS for changes to the hunting program at Pocosin Lakes NWR and expressing concern about analysis of the potential for impacts to species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.
*Our Response:* In preparation for this year's rule, Pocosin Lakes NWR completed an updated compatibility determination, updated hunt plan, an EA to meet NEPA requirements, and an ESA section 7 consultation to meet ESA requirements. The Service's analysis under NEPA found that the changes to the hunting program will not significantly impact the environment, including threatened and endangered species. The Service's analysis under the ESA found that the changes to the hunting program will have either no effect on, or may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect, threatened or endangered species that could be present on the refuge.
The analyses specific to the hunt plan for Pocosin Lakes NWR are available as part of the supporting documents for the final rule. See our responses to *Comments (8)* and *(9),* above, for additional discussion regarding environmental compliance for the rule and the evaluation conducted at the station level for changes to the hunting program at Pocosin Lakes NWR, respectively.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
*Comment (11):* We received three comments on the proposed changes at Ash Meadows NWR. One comment was generally supportive of the changes. Two comments expressed opposition to changes to boating access. These two commenters questioned why the change is needed and noted a lack of water in Crystal Reservoir and difficulty in accessing open water at Peterson Reservoir, due to thick shoreline vegetation.
*Our Response:* Conditions at Ash Meadows NWR have changed substantially since the previous regulations for hunting and fishing at the NWR were finalized. Due to rapid expansion of non-native, aquatic invasive species in the West, and the risk of invasive species introductions reducing habitat and populations of endemic species, recreational boating was determined not an appropriate public use at Ash Meadows NWR in 2009. The State of Nevada determined Crystal Reservoir dam was in poor condition and at risk of failure in 2012. The Nevada Division of Water Resources placed a limit on the height of water levels for storage in Crystal Reservoir. With no water control mechanism built on Crystal Reservoir during its original construction in 1967, and the significant cost estimated to rebuild the dam, the only recourse for safety was to reroute water away from Crystal Reservoir. Degraded, concrete-lined irrigation ditches further reduced inflow to Crystal Reservoir. As a result, it is no longer possible to supply or maintain water levels, and Crystal Reservoir is now almost entirely dry. As commenters noted, the conditions at Crystal Reservoir and Peterson Reservoir no longer support boating, due to both the lack of water and poor access.
For all of the above reasons, Ash Meadows NWR has proposed a rule change that removes the use of boats when hunting waterfowl at Crystal and Peterson Reservoirs. The change brings obsolete regulations up to date to reflect the current appropriate and compatible uses of the refuge, better protects aquatic habitats, and corrects the misperception that Crystal and Peterson Reservoirs have water and/or access to support boating. Restoration of marsh habitat to pre-dam conditions is planned, which will hopefully increase waterfowl use and provide more hunting opportunities in the future.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
*Comment (12):* We received one comment focused on the proposed minor changes to the hunting program at Tamarac NWR. The commenter expressed opposition to the lack of early teal hunting opportunity within the north migratory bird hunting unit of the refuge and particularly expressed concern about negative impacts on the youth waterfowl hunting season.
*Our Response:* We made no changes to the regulations governing Tamarac NWR, but we did amend the hunt plan for the refuge to provide additional clarity and transparency for the public regarding the administration of waterfowl hunting programs, specific to the early teal season. Since the publication of the proposed rule, the State of Minnesota has formalized the early teal season that was previously experimental in nature. The updated hunt plan accurately reflects the boundaries where the early teal season is open on 11,776 acres in the southern portion of the refuge, formalized through this final rule. At the request of the White Earth Nation, the Service will align with State regulations on refuge lands within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation (5,614 acres), which state, “within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation, the taking of teal during the early-teal season is prohibited on wild rice waters identified by Tribal authorities.” This action protects a culturally and biologically important resource during traditional wild rice harvest. These changes will not affect the Minnesota youth waterfowl season. The north migratory bird hunting unit will remain open to the other Minnesota waterfowl seasons, including the youth waterfowl and regular season hunts, providing opportunities for youth hunters to participate in waterfowl hunting activities. In total, the refuge currently provides 17,390 acres for waterfowl hunters to pursue hunting during the regular waterfowl season and the youth waterfowl weekend.
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
*Comment (13):* We received one comment in support of the opening of sport-fishing on North Attleboro NFH. This commenter also expressed interest in sport fishing to relocate and stock fish in ponds on privately owned land.
*Our Response:* Public sport fishing at Pond 2 of the hatchery is offered for consumption purposes and is conducted according to laws and regulations established and published by the State of Massachusetts, including licensing requirements, season dates, fishing methods, and harvest, with additional hatchery-specific restrictions. The transfer of fish to other ponds requires permits or licenses through the State. State regulations are located in title 321 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (321 CMR 4.00: Fishing).
We did not make any changes to the rule as a result of this comment.
**Changes From the Proposed Rule**
As discussed above, under Summary of Comments and Responses, we made no changes to these revisions and additions to the CFR based on comments we received on the May 15, 2025, proposed rule (90 FR 20600) and NEPA documents for individual refuges.
We are making several minor administrative changes to the regulations for Savannah NWR that were intended to be but were inadvertently omitted in the proposed regulation promulgation for that individual station. These changes, because they were intended administrative regulatory changes, were described in the CFR Changes Summary Table supporting document provided in the *Federal Register* docket for the proposed rule. These changes were not made in response to public comments. We received no public comments concerning these changes for Savannah NWR as described in the CFR Summary Table or concerning the other regulatory changes that were included, as intended, in the proposed rule for Savannah NWR. Additionally, we received no public comments concerning the similar administrative regulatory changes for other stations in the same administrative complex as Savannah NWR that were included, as intended, in the proposed rule. Thus, we consider these minor administrative changes to be non-controversial.
**Effective Date**
This rule is effective upon the date of its filing at the Office of the Federal Register (see *DATES* , above). We provided a 45-day public comment period for the May 15, 2025, proposed rule (90 FR 20600). We have determined that any further delay in implementing these station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would not be in the public interest and that a delay would hinder the effective planning and administration of refuges' hunting and sport fishing programs. This rule does not impact the public generally in terms of requiring lead time for compliance. Rather, it relieves restrictions in that it allows activities on refuges and hatcheries that the Service would otherwise prohibit. Therefore, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) and 808(1) to make this rule effective upon the date of its filing at the Office of the Federal Register.
**Amendments to Existing Regulations**
**Revisions and Additions to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on FWS Stations**
This document codifies in the CFR all the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that we are revising or adding since the last time we amended these regulations (89 FR 88147; November 7, 2024) and that are applicable at Refuge System units and Hatchery System units previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. This rule better informs the general public of the regulations at each station, increases understanding and compliance with these regulations, increases efficiency in the enforcement of these regulations. The Service has strived to align with State hunting and fishing regulations; for example, modifications in 2019 removed or simplified thousands of regulations to reduce the regulatory burden on the public (84 FR 47641; September 10, 2019). The Service is committed to continuing to align with State regulations with respect to the use of ammunition and/or fishing tackle in future amendments. In addition to finding these regulations in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, visitors to our stations may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each station or posted on signs. Table 1, below, summarizes the hunting and sport fishing openings and expansions that are part of this 2025-2026 annual update. Tamarac NWR was incorrectly included in the equivalent table as part of the proposed annual update, which has been corrected.
| Station | State | Migratory | Upland game | Big game | Sport |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black Coulee NWR | Montana | O | Already Open | Already Open | Already Closed. |
| Bowdoin NWR | Montana | O | Already Open | Already Closed | Already Closed. |
| Buffalo Lake NWR | Texas | Already Open | Already Open | E | Already Closed. |
| Creedman Coulee NWR | Montana | O | Already Open | Already Open | Already Closed. |
| Eufaula NWR | Alabama | Already Open | E | Already Open | Already Open. |
| Grasslands WMA * | California | O | O | Already Closed | Already Closed. |
| Grays Lake NWR | Idaho | E | Already Closed | Already Closed | Already Closed. |
| Hewitt Lake NWR | Montana | O | Already Open | Already Open | Already Closed. |
| Laguna Atascosa NWR | Texas | Already Closed | Already Closed | E | Already Open. |
| Lake Thibadeau NWR | Montana | O | Already Open | Already Open | Already Closed. |
| Moosehorn NWR | Maine | Already Open | Already Open | O | Already Open. |
| North Attleboro NFH | Massachusetts | Already Closed | Already Closed | Already Closed | N. |
| Pocosin Lakes NWR | North Carolina | Already Open | Already Open | O | Already Open. |
| San Luis NWR | California | E | Already Open | Already Closed | Already Open. |
| Shiawassee NWR | Michigan | E | Already Open | Already Open | Already Open. |
| Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR | Maryland | Already Closed | Already Closed | N | Already Closed. |
| Willapa NWR | Washington | E | Already Open | E | Already Open. |
The changes for the 2025-2026 hunting and fishing seasons noted in the table above are each based on a complete administrative record which, among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a compatibility determination (for refuges), and the appropriate NEPA analysis, all of which were the subject of a public review and comment process. The record also includes the appropriate ESA analysis. These documents are available upon request.
Through these openings and expansions, we are opening or expanding hunting or fishing on 87,587 acres within the NWRS and the NFHS.
**Refuge Name Change**
On March 4, 2025, Executive Order (E.O.) 14229 renamed the Anahuac NWR to honor Jocelyn Nungaray. This rule revises the CFR to reflect the name change.
**Fish Advisory**
For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about current fish-consumption advisories on the internet at *https://www.epa.gov/choose-fish-and-shellfish-wisely.*
**Required Determinations**
**Regulatory Planning and Review—E.O.s 12866 and 13563**
E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the OMB will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not significant.
E.O. 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. E.O. 13563 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 final rule and additions to the CFR in a manner consistent with these requirements.
**Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
et seq.
)**
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 *et seq.* ), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities ( *i.e.,* small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a threshold for “significant impact” and a threshold for a “substantial number of small entities.” See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA amended the RFA to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
These revisions and additions to the CFR open or expand hunting or fishing on 17 stations. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on these stations will change. If the stations establishing new programs were a pure addition to the current supply of those activities, it would mean an estimated maximum increase of 189 user days (one person per day participating in a recreational opportunity; see table 2, below). Because the participation trend is flat in these activities, this increase in supply will most likely be offset by other sites losing participants. Therefore, this is likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation rates for the activity.
| Station | Additional | Additional | Additional |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black Coulee NWR | 0 | | $0 |
| Bowdoin NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Buffalo Lake NWR | 20 | | 1 |
| Creedman Coulee NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Eufaula NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Grasslands WMA | 0 | | 0 |
| Grays Lake NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Hewitt Lake NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Laguna Atascosa NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Lake Thibadeau NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Moosehorn NWR | 2 | | <1 |
| North Attleboro NFH | | 156 | 5 |
| Pocosin Lakes NWR | 7 | | <1 |
| San Luis NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Shiawassee NWR | 2 | | <1 |
| Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR | 2 | | <1 |
| Willapa NWR | 0 | | 0 |
| Total | 33 | 156 | 6 |
To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the station that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national estimates from the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected additional participation of the Refuge System yields approximately $6,000 in recreation-related expenditures (see table 2, above). By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part of the economic impact of these recreational activities. Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.4) derived from the report “Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation” and for fishing activities (2.3) derived from the report “Sportfishing in America” yields a total maximum economic impact of approximately $14,000 (2024 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2024).
Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 100 miles of a participant's residence, it is unlikely that most of this spending will be “new” money coming into a local economy; therefore, this spending will be offset with a decrease in some other sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies will be no more than $14,000 and likely less. Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns will not add new money into the local economy, and, therefore, the real impact will be on the order of about $3,000 annually.
Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait-and-tackle shops, and similar businesses) may be affected by some increased or decreased station visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local communities around stations qualify as small businesses (see table 3, below). We expect that the incremental recreational changes will be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect at most $14,000 to be spent in total in the stations' local economies. The maximum increase will be less than one-tenth of one percent for local retail trade spending (see table 3, below). Table 3 does not include entries for those stations for which we project no changes in recreation opportunities in 2025-2026; see table 2, above.
| Station & county(ies) | Retail | Estimated | Addition as % of | Establishments | Establishments |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Buffalo Lake NWR: | | | | | |
| Randall, TX | $2,340,561 | <$1 | <0.1 | 351 | 237 |
| Moosehorn NWR: | | | | | |
| Washington, ME | 516,503 | <1 | <0.1 | 141 | 88 |
| North Attleboro NFH: | | | | | |
| Bristol, MA | 11,953,854 | 5 | <0.1 | 2,147 | 1,439 |
| Pocosin Lakes NWR: | | | | | |
| Hyde, NC | 36,521 | <1 | <0.1 | 41 | 38 |
| Tyrrell, NC | 43,816 | <1 | <0.1 | 20 | 17 |
| Washington, NC | 120,827 | <1 | <0.1 | 46 | 35 |
| Shiawassee NWR: | | | | | |
| Saginaw, MI | 4,019,898 | <1 | <0.1 | 825 | 528 |
| Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR: | | | | | |
| Anne Arundel, MD | 11,736,536 | <1 | <0.1 | 1,984 | 1,216 |
| Calvert, MD | 1,166,179 | <1 | <0.1 | 204 | 137 |
| Charles, MD | 2,882,128 | <1 | <0.1 | 479 | 281 |
| Prince George's, MD | 13,034,013 | <1 | <0.1 | 2,361 | 1,482 |
| St. Mary's, MD | 1,703,425 | <1 | <0.1 | 294 | 172 |
With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this action, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have more than a small impact from the spending change near the affected stations. Therefore, we certify that this rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 *et seq.* ). A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small entity compliance guide is not required.
**Congressional Review Act**
These revisions and additions to the CFR, collectively, are not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Congressional Review Act. We anticipate no significant employment or small business effects. Collectively, the revisions and additions to the CFR:
a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The minimal impact will be scattered across the country and will most likely not be significant in any local area.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government agencies; or geographic regions. The opportunities will have only a slight effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If the substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, then an increase in travel costs will occur. The Service does not have information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that, since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased travel cost will be small. We do not expect these hunting and fishing opportunities to affect the supply or demand for hunting or fishing opportunities in the United States, and, therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting or fishing equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.
c. Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The additions and revisions to existing opportunities represent only a small proportion of recreational spending at NWRs. Therefore, the additions and revisions to the CFR will have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide.
**Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501
et seq.
)**
Since the revisions and additions to the CFR will apply to public use of federally owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The revisions and additions will not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ) is not required.
**Takings—E.O. 12630**
In accordance with E.O. 12630, the revisions and additions to the CFR will not have significant takings implications. The revisions and additions will affect only visitors to NWRs and NFHs and will describe what they can do while they are on a Service station.
**Federalism—E.O. 13132**
As discussed under *Regulatory Planning and Review* and *Unfunded Mandates Reform Act,* above, the revisions and additions to the CFR would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement under E.O. 13132. In preparing these revisions and additions to the CFR, we worked with State governments.
**Civil Justice Reform—E.O. 12988**
In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior has determined that these revisions and additions to the CFR would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the E.O.
**Energy Supply, Distribution or Use—E.O. 13211**
On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare statements of energy effects when undertaking certain actions. Because these revisions and additions would open or expand hunting at 17 NWRS and NFHS stations, the revisions and additions are not collectively a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and we do not expect it to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action, and no statement of energy effects is required.
**Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments—E.O. 13175**
In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes and have determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on NWRs and NFHs with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations.
**Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.
)**
This rule contains existing and new collections of information. All information collections require approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with hunting and sport fishing activities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System and assigned the following OMB control numbers:
• 1018-0140, “Hunting and Sport Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41, 25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72” (Expires 09/30/2025, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10, an agency may continue to conduct or sponsor this collection of information while the submission is pending at OMB),
• 1018-0102, “National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36” (Expires 08/31/2025, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10, an agency may continue to conduct or sponsor this collection of information while the submission is pending at OMB),
• 1018-0135, “Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program” (Expires 06/30/2028),
• 1018-0093, “Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Management Authority; 50 CFR 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23” (Expires 12/31/2026), and
• 1024-0252, “The Interagency Access Pass and Senior Pass Application Processes” (Expires 10/31/2027).
In accordance with the PRA and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on our proposed revision to OMB Control Number 1018-0140. This input will help us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It will also help the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
The existing and new reporting and/or recordkeeping requirements identified below require approval by OMB:
*Form 3-2358, “Sport Fishing-Shrimping-Crabbing Permit Application”* —Form 3-2358 collects the following information:
• *Date of application:* We often have application deadlines, and this information helps staff determine the order in which we received the applications. It also ensures that the information is current.
• *State fishing license number:* We ask for this information to verify the applicant is legally licensed by the State (where required).
• *Permit type:* On sport fishing permits, we ask what type of activity (crabbing, shrimping, crabbing, frogging, etc.) is being applied for.
• *Applicant information:* We collect name, address, phone number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either during the application process or after receiving a permit.
• *Signature and date:* To confirm that the applicant (and parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and conditions of the permit.
*Form 3-2405 “Self-Clearing Check-In/Out Permit”* —Form 3-2405 has three parts:
• Self-Clearing Daily Check-in Permit. Each user completes this portion of the form (date of visit, name, and telephone numbers) and deposits it in the permit box prior to engaging in any activity on the refuge.
• Self-Clearing Daily Visitor Registration Permit. Each user must complete the front side of the form (date, name, city, State, zip code, and purpose of visit) and carry this portion while on the refuge. At the completion of the visit, each user must complete the reverse side of the form (number of hours on refuge, harvest information (species and number), harvest method, angler information (species and number), and wildlife sighted ( *e.g.,* black bear and hog)) and deposit it in the permit box.
• Self-Clearing Daily Vehicle Permit. The driver and each user traveling in the vehicle must complete this part and display in clear view in the vehicle while on the refuge.
Form 3-2405 collects:
• Information on the visitor (name, address, and contact information). We use this information to identify the visitor or driver/passenger of a vehicle while on the refuge. This is extremely valuable information should visitors become lost or injured. Law enforcement officers can easily check vehicles for these cards in order to determine a starting point for the search or to contact family members in the event of an abandoned vehicle. Having this information readily available is critical in a search and rescue situation.
• Purpose of visit (hunting, sport fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, auto touring, birding, hiking, boating/canoeing, visitor center, special event, environmental education class, volunteering, other recreation). This information is critical in determining public use participation in wildlife management programs. This not only allows the refuge to manage its hunt and other visitor use programs, but also to increase and/or improve facilities for non-consumptive uses that are becoming more popular on refuges. Data collected will also help managers better allocate staff and resources to serve the public as well as develop annual performance measures.
• Total number of hunt days on the refuge (at the conclusion of their hunting activities). Refuge management will use this information to monitor and evaluate hunt quality and resource impacts.
• Success of harvest by hunters/anglers (number and type of harvest/caught). This information is critical to wildlife management programs on refuges. Each refuge will customize the form by listing game species and incidental species available on the refuge, hunting methods allowed, and data needed for certain species ( *e.g.,* for deer, whether it's a buck or doe and the number of points; or for turkeys, the weight and beard and spur lengths).
• Whether or not visitors observed black bear or hogs, for example. This information will help managers develop annual performance measures for hog removal, and it provides information to help develop resource management planning.
• Photograph of animal harvested (specific refuges only). This requirement documents the sex of animal prior to the hunter being eligible to harvest the opposite sex (where allowed).
• Date of visit and/or area visited.
• Comments. We encourage visitors to comment on their experience.
*Form 3-2439, “Hunting Application/Permit”* —Form 3-2439 collects the following information:
• *Lottery application:* Refuges who administer hunting via a lottery system use Form 3-2439 as the lottery application. If the applicant is successful, the completed Form 3-2439 also serves as their permit application, avoiding a duplication of burden on the public filling out two separate forms.
• *Date of application:* We often have application deadlines, and this information helps staff determine the order in which we received the applications. It also ensures that the information is current.
• *Methods:* Some refuges hold multiple types of hunts ( *i.e.* archery, shotgun, primitive weapons, etc). We ask for this information to identify which opportunity(ies) a hunter is applying for.
• *Species permit type:* Some refuges allow only certain species, such as moose, elk, or bighorn sheep, to be hunted. We ask hunters to identify which species hunt they are applying for.
• *Applicant information:* We collect name, address, phone number(s), and email so we can contact the applicant/permittee either during the application process, when the applicant is successful in a lottery drawing, or after receiving a permit.
• *Party members:* Some refuges allow the permit applicant to include additional hunters in their group. We collect the names of all additional hunters, when allowed by the refuge.
• *Parent/Guardian contact information:* We collect name, relationship, address, phone number(s), and email for a parent/guardian of youth hunters. We ask for this information in the event of an emergency.
• *Date:* We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt dates.
• *Hunt/Blind location:* We ask hunters for their preferences for hunt units, areas, or blinds.
• *Special hunts:* Some refuges hold special hunts for youth, hunters who are disabled, or other underserved populations. We ask hunters to identify if they are applying for these special hunts. For youth hunts, we ask for the age of the hunter at the time of the hunt.
• *Signature and date:* To confirm that the applicant (and parent/guardian, if a youth hunter) understands the terms and conditions of the permit.
• *Disabled hunts:* Some refuges provide an option to allow mobility-impaired applicants to reserve specific hunting blinds upon providing proof of disability. The refuge will not retain the proof of disability. The documentation will be shredded upon approval of the blind reservation.
*Form 3-2542, “Hunter Harvest Report”* —Form 3-2542 collects the following information:
• State-issued hunter identification (ID)/license number. ( *Note:* Refuges/hatcheries who rely on the State agency to issue hunting permits are not required to collect the permittee's personal identifying information (PII) on the harvest form. Those refuges/hatcheries may opt to collect only the State ID number assigned to the hunter in order to match harvest data with their issued permit. Refuges/hatcheries will collect either hunter PII or State-issued ID number, but not both.)
• Species observed—Data will be used by refuge/hatchery staff to document the presence of rare or unusual species.
• Permit number/type—Data will be used to link the harvest report to the issued permit.
• Hunt tag number—Data will be used to link the harvest report to the species-specific hunt tag.
• Number of youth (younger than age 18) in party—Data will be used to better understand volume of youth hunting on a refuge/hatchery. Specific hunter names are not collected, just total number of youths in hunting party.
• Harvested by—Data will be used to determine ratio of adults to youth hunters. Specific hunter names are not collected.
• Species observed—Data will be used by a refuge/hatchery to determine the presence of any unusual species ( *e.g.,* endangered or threatened species, or invasive species).
*Labeling/Marking Requirements* —As a condition of the permit, some refuges require permittees to label hunting and/or sport fishing gear used on the refuge. This equipment may include items such as the following: tree stands, blinds, or game cameras; hunting dogs (collars); flagging/trail markers; boats; and/or sport fishing equipment such as jugs, trotlines, and crawfish or crab traps. Refuges require the owner label their equipment with their last name, the State-issued hunting/fishing license number, and/or hunting/fishing permit number. Refuges may also require equipment for youth hunters include “YOUTH” on the label. This minimal information is necessary in the event the refuge needs to contact the owner.
*Required Notifications* —On occasion, hunters may find their game has landed outside of established hunting boundaries. In this situation, hunters must notify an authorized refuge employee to obtain consent to retrieve the game from an area closed to hunting or entry only upon specific consent. Certain refuges also require hunters to notify the refuge manager when hunting specific species ( *e.g.,* black bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote) with trailing dogs. Refuges encompassing privately owned lands, referred to as “easement overlay refuges,” may also require the hunter obtain written or oral permission from the landowner prior to accessing the land.
*Proposed Revisions* —With this submission, we will request OMB approval of the revisions to OMB Control No. 1018-0140 as described below:
1. *Updates to Form 3-2439, “Hunting Application/Permit”* —With the submission, we propose to incorporate the fields listed below from the Mentored Hunt Application (no form number assigned), which is currently approved under OMB Control No. 1018-0191, Lenape NWR Complex Mentored Hunt Application, into the currently approved Form 3-2439, “Hunting Application/Permit.” The Service requires all mentored hunt participants to sign the Service's “USFWS Release and Waiver of Liability,” as well as a Form 3-2260, “Agreement for Use of Likeness in Audio/Visual Products,” when they are on the Refuge.
• Emergency contact (name and phone number);
• Applicant hunting history, such as:
• Whether applicant has completed a basic hunter education course;
• Whether applicant has purchased a hunting license, and if yes, when;
• Previous hunting experience;
• Previous participation in a mentored hunt program;
• Interest in hunting;
• Family history of hunting;
• Whether applicant owns equipment and if yes, type of equipment; and
• Medical conditions/allergies for program staff to be aware of in the event of an emergency.
The information collected via the application will be used by the Service and partners to determine eligibility for the program the hunter applies to participate in. Upon OMB approval of this revision at the final rule stage, we will discontinue OMB Control No. 1018-0191.
2. *Update Regarding Terms of Clearance* —With this submission, we are also providing OMB with an update regarding the Terms of Clearance they assigned to Control Number 1018-0140 on 09/16/2022 regarding the implementation of a single, FedRAMP-certified platform for hunt applications. The Service obtained FedRAMP authorization for the RecAccess platform. We are also working with a contractor to improve services on the *Recreation.gov* platform. However, based on customer experience analysis, a mandate to consolidate to one platform would adversely affect the customer experience at some sites that offer free opportunities to veterans and youth. It would also create a problem for some refuges that charge for issued permits, not for each permit application. The use of two platforms allows the Service to account for the variability in fee models and to continue to offer free and low-cost options to our customers, as the Service primarily uses permits to limit use, not to generate fees.
3. *New IC for Web-Based Permit Application Platforms* —With this submission, we are also splitting the previously approved burden associated with hunting applications into separate information collections for hardcopy permit applications and those that are web-based permit applications on the *Recreation.gov* and *RecAccess.com platforms* . The online systems do not collect any information above what is currently approved to be collected via the hardcopy version of Form 3-2439.
4. *Renewal of OMB Control No. 1018-0140:* With this submission, we are renewing this information collection (current expiration date of 09/30/2025) for an additional 3 years from the effective date of OMB's conclusion of the submission in conjunction with this final rule.
Copies of the draft forms are available to the public by submitting a request to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer using one of the methods identified above in *ADDRESSES* .
*Title of Collection:* Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries (50 CFR parts 32 and 71).
*OMB Control Number:* 1018-0140.
*Form Numbers:* 3-2348, 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2542.
*Type of Review:* Revision of a currently approved collection.
*Respondents/Affected Public:* Individuals/households.
*Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents:* 1,632,055.
*Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses:* 1,632,055.
*Estimated Completion Time per Response:* Varies from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on activity.
*Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours:* 265,117.
*Respondent's Obligation:* Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
*Frequency of Collection:* On occasion for applications; annually or on occasion for reports.
*Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost:* $87,365 (primarily associated with application fees at some refuges hunting and/or sport fishing).
On May 15, 2025, we published in the *Federal Register* (90 FR 20600) a proposed rule (RIN 1018-BI01) that announced our intention to request OMB approval of the revisions to this collection explained above and the simultaneous renewal of OMB Control No. 1018-0140. In that proposed rule, we solicited comments for 60 days on the information collections in this submission, ending on July 15, 2025. We did not receive any public comments regarding the information collections in response to that proposed rule.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on any aspect of this proposed information collection, including:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.,* permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to the proposed revisions and additions to the information collection are a matter of public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Send your written comments and suggestions on this information collection by the date indicated in *DATES* to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by email to *[email protected].* Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments.
**Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.
)**
We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), when developing comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans—which includes hunting and/or fishing plans—for public use of refuges and hatcheries, and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a station as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We complied with section 7 for each of the stations affected by these openings and expansions of hunting and fishing opportunities.
**National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.
)**
We analyzed these openings and expansions in accordance with the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.
A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to publication of amendments to station-specific hunting and fishing regulations because they are technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis (516 DM 8). Concerning the actions that are the subject of these additions and revisions, we have complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each hunting or fishing opportunity. This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document.
Prior to the addition of a refuge or hatchery to the list of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, we develop hunting and fishing plans for the affected stations. We incorporate these hunting and fishing activities in the appropriate station comprehensive conservation plan and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these comprehensive conservation plans and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA and the Department of Interior's NEPA regulations at 43 CFR part 46. We invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available upon request.
**Available Information for Specific Stations**
More information about the Service's hunting and fishing programs is available online, including an interactive map of hunting and fishing opportunities. Hunting information is available at *https://www.fws.gov/initiative/hunting/hunting-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-lands-and-waters* and *https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting.* Sport fishing information is available at *https://www.fws.gov/activity/fishing.*
Individual refuge and hatchery offices also have more detailed information about public use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and maps of their respective areas. To find contact information for the appropriate Service office, you may locate the office on an interactive map at *https://www.fws.gov/locations.*
**Primary Author**
Christian Myers, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary author of this document.
**Regulation Summary Table**
The regulatory amendments set forth below are presented alongside existing station-specific regulations that have not been amended. For a table that provides additional clarity on which specific regulatory provisions have been amended, please see Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 on *https://www.regulations.gov* for a separate document containing a table that provides additional clarity on which specific regulatory provisions have been amended and how they have been amended.
**List of Subjects**
Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.
Fish, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife.
**Regulation Promulgation**
For the reasons described in the preamble, we amend title 50, chapter I, subchapters C and E of the CFR as set forth below:
**PART 32—HUNTING AND FISHING**
**50 CFR Part 32**
1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i; Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.
**50 CFR Part 32**
2. Amend § 32.7 by revising and republishing paragraphs (e), (t), and (qq) to read as follows:
§ 32.7
(e) *California.* (1) Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.
(4) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge.
(5) Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(6) Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.
(7) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
(8) Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(9) Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
(10) Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
(11) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
(12) Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
(13) Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
(14) Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.
(15) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
(16) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge.
(17) Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.
(18) San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.
(19) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(20) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.
(21) San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
(22) Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
(23) Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
(24) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.
(25) Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(t) *Maryland.* (1) Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Patuxent Research Refuge.
(4) Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge.
(qq) *Texas.* (1) Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge.
(4) Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.
(5) Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(6) Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
(7) Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.
(8) Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
(9) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
(10) Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
(11) McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.
(12) Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.
(13) Neches River National Wildlife Refuge.
(14) San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.
(15) Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge.
(16) Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge.
**50 CFR Part 32**
3. Amend § 32.20 by revising and republishing paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 32.20
(d) *Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of mourning dove and Eurasian-collared dove, duck, and goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) when hunting.
(ii) All youth hunters (ages 10 through 15) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly licensed hunting adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
(iii) All waterfowl hunting opportunities are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our waterfowl hunt must submit a Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).
(iv) Hunters must remove all stands/blinds and other personal property at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(v) We allow access to the refuge for hunting from 1 1/2 hours before legal sunrise to 1 1/2 hours after legal sunset.
(vi) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(vii) We prohibit hunting or observing from an elevated stand without use of a full body harness.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of gray squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i), (ii) and (v) through (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow only shotguns and State-designated archery equipment as means of take for upland game hunting.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) through (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow youth gun hunting opportunities that are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our youth gun hunt must submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).
(iii) All youth hunters must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly hunting-licensed adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iv) All big game hunting opportunities, except for youth gun, are archery-only.
(v) We close those portions of the refuge between Bustahatchee and Rood Creeks to archery hunting until November 1.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing, including bowfishing, in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow shoreline access for fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
(ii) We prohibit taking frog or turtle on all refuge lands and waters (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
(iii) We adopt reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and Georgia for fishing in Lake Eufaula. Anglers fishing in waters not directly connected to Lake Eufaula must be properly licensed for the State in which they are fishing.
**50 CFR Part 32**
4. Amend § 32.24 by:
a. Redesignating paragraphs (f) through (x) as paragraphs (g) through (y), respectively;
b. Adding new paragraph (f); and
c. Revising and republishing newly redesignated paragraphs (r) and (t).
The addition and revisions read as follows:
§ 32.24
(f) *Grasslands Wildlife Management Area* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot. On the Freitas Units, you may not possess more than 25 shot shells once you are in the field.
(ii) You must return your permits (State-issued) to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(iv) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear Creek Unit and West Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(v) Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.
(vi) We require State-issued Type A area permits for accessing the Freitas Unit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
(r) *San Diego National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) [Reserved]
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of quail, mourning and white-winged dove, spotted and ringed turtle dove, Eurasian collared-dove, brush rabbit, cottontail rabbit, and jackrabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Archery hunting of quail is limited to September 1 to the closing date established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
(ii) Hunting of brush rabbit and cottontail rabbit is limited to September 1 to the closing date established by the CDFW.
(iii) Hunting of Eurasian collared-dove and jackrabbit is limited to September 1 to the last day of February.
(iv) We allow shotguns and archery only. Falconry is prohibited.
(v) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of mule deer on designated areas of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
(t) *San Luis National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot. On the Freitas Units, you may not possess more than 25 shot shells once you are in the field.
(ii) You must return your permits (State-issued) to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(iv) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear Creek Unit and West Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.
(v) Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.
(vi) We require State-issued Type A area permits for accessing the Freitas Unit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(vii) We prohibit the use of motorized boats and other flotation devices in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit.
(viii) We prohibit vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any location on the refuge.
(ix) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge.
(3) [Reserved]
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We only allow fishing during normal refuge visitation hours in designated areas as posted.
(ii) We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take fish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.
**50 CFR Part 32**
5. Amend § 32.29 by revising and republishing paragraphs (b), (e), (h), and (i) to read as follows:
§ 32.29
(b) *Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge* —(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than one month prior to the opening day of each hunt but must remove the stand by the end of each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) Only permitted hunters may camp at the designated camping area during refuge hunts.
(iv) For hunting, we allow only bows as governed by State regulations.
(v) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(vi) We allow mooring of boats to the government dock only for loading and unloading purposes.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank/beach saltwater fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
(e) *Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge* —(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week preceding each hunt but must remove the stand by the end of each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91 meters) of Harris Neck Road, the refuge entrance drive, Visitor Contact Station/Office, Barbour River Landing, Barbour River Road, or Gould's Cemetery.
(iv) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(v) During the gun hunt, we allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger), muzzleloaders, bows, air rifles (.30 caliber or larger), and air bows, as governed by State regulations. We prohibit the use of centerfire rifles and prohibit the use of buckshot.
(vi) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, feral hog, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations. There is no bag limit for these species.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
(iii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
(h) *Savannah National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of waterfowl and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) You may take feral hog and coyote during all refuge hunts with weapons authorized and legal for those hunts.
(iii) We allow the incidental take of armadillo, beaver, opossum, and raccoon during all refuge hunts with firearms and other equipment authorized for use on refuge lands in Georgia only.
(iv) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) You may not hunt on or within 100 yards (90 meters) of public roads, refuge facilities, roads and trails, and railroad rights-of-way, or in closed areas.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, alligator, feral hog, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) and (h)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) You may only use bows, as governed by State regulations, for deer, feral hog, and coyote hunting during the archery hunt for these species.
(iii) You may only use shotguns (20 gauge or larger), centerfire rifles, centerfire pistols, muzzleloaders, and bows, as governed by State regulations, for deer, feral hog, and coyote hunting during the firearm hunts for these species.
(iv) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(v) We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic #2 shot or smaller, and bows, as governed by State regulations, for turkey hunting.
(vi) We prohibit the use of buckshot
(vii) We prohibit catch-and-release of alligators.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Anglers may fish in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1 through November 30 annually.
(ii) Anglers may fish in Kingfisher Pond and all tidal creeks year-round.
(iii) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
(iv) Anglers may bank fish year-round throughout the refuge, unless otherwise posted.
(v) Anglers may only use nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors within impounded waters.
(i) *Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge* —(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(iii) We prohibit the use of buckshot.
(iv) We allow mooring of boats to the government dock only for loading or unloading purposes.
(v) We allow only permitted hunters to camp at the designated camping area while participating in refuge hunts.
(vi) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than one month prior to the opening day of each hunt, but you must remove all stands by the end of each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We allow bank/beach fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
(iii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
**50 CFR Part 32**
6. Amend § 32.37 by revising and republishing paragraphs (l), (t), and (u) to read as follows:
§ 32.37
(l) *D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed public use regulations brochure) and must carry and fill out daily a Visitor Check-In Permit and Report (FWS Form 3-2405).
(ii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 1:30 p.m.
(iv) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters (m)) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) or trespassing on aboveground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities.
(v) Hunters must remove boats, blinds, and decoys from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to locate, point, and retrieve game.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
(iii) When hunting upland game, you may only use dogs to locate, point, and retrieve game.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as indicated subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (iv) and (l)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) You must check all deer taken during general gun deer hunts at a refuge check station on the same day taken.
(iii) We prohibit hunters from placing or hunting from stands on pine trees with white-painted bands or rings.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
(t) *Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) All hunters and anglers age 16 and older must purchase an Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439). This permit allows individuals to participate in open (non-quota) hunting and fishing seasons.
(ii) All hunters and anglers must obtain a Self-Clearing Permit (FWS Form 3-2405), available at refuge entry points and at the Visitor Center, or utilize electronic check in and check out, and complete the self-clearing process when exiting the refuge at the end of each day.
(iii) We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, gallinule, coot, and snipe on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 2 p.m. during the State season. We prohibit migratory bird hunting during refuge gun hunts for deer.
(iv) We allow refuge hunters to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., and they must leave no later than 2 hours after legal sunset unless they are participating in the refuge nighttime raccoon hunt or tracking wounded deer.
(v) We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails for access typically from October 1 to the last day of the refuge squirrel season.
(vi) We prohibit field dressing of game within 150 feet (45 meters) of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
(vii) An adult age 18 or older must supervise youth hunters age 17 and younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them.
(viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum, feral hog, armadillo, and nutria during authorized hunts with firearms and archery equipment legal for use during the hunt.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of raccoon, squirrel, and rabbit, and the incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) A nighttime raccoon hunt will be conducted during December, January, and/or February, usually in conjunction with the adjacent State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) raccoon hunting season.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when squirrel and rabbit hunting subject to the following conditions:
(A) We allow hunting without dogs from the beginning of the State season to December 31.
(B) From the beginning of the State season to December 31, we do not require hunters to wear hunter orange.
(C) We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with or without dogs from January 1 to the last day of February.
(D) From January 1 to the last day of February, squirrel and rabbit hunters are required to wear a minimum solid hunter orange cap.
(E) We allow no more than three dogs per hunting party.
(iv) We close squirrel and rabbit hunting during the following gun hunts for deer: Refuge-wide youth hunt, primitive firearms hunt, and modern firearms hunts.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) through (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) We require a valid Quota Firearm Permit (FWS Form 3-2439) to hunt during a Deer Quota Firearm Hunt. You must complete and submit an application for all Deer Quota Hunts, and hunters will be notified of their drawing status. If selected, hunters are required to purchase the Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439) to claim their Quota Firearm Permit for the selected hunt. Hunters must carry a signed paper copy or electronic version of the permit with them on their person while hunting.
(iii) Deer archery season will begin the first Saturday in November and will conclude on January 31, except for during the youth gun hunt and modern firearms hunts, when archery is prohibited.
(iv) The deer primitive firearms season will occur between November 1 and January 31. We allow all legal primitive firearms as governed by State regulations.
(v) During the deer primitive firearms season, hunters may fit any legal primitive firearms with magnified scopes.
(vi) We allow hunters using primitive weapons to hunt reforested areas.
(vii) We prohibit youth hunters from using modern firearms during the primitive weapon hunt.
(viii) We prohibit hunting and/or shooting into or across any reforested area during the gun hunts for deer.
(ix) For the guided quota youth hunts, we consider youth to be ages 8 through 15.
(x) We will conduct a refuge-wide youth deer hunt that will coincide with the State youth hunt weekend.
(xi) Hunters may take only one deer (one buck or one doe) per day during refuge deer hunts, except that during guided youth and wheelchair-bound hunts, the limit will be one antlerless and one antlered deer per day.
(xii) We allow turkey hunting in designated areas during the State turkey hunt season not to exceed 16 days.
(xiii) We allow a youth turkey hunt weekend in conjunction with the State youth turkey hunt weekend.
(xiv) We allow muzzleloader hunters to discharge their primitive firearms at the end of each hunt safely into the ground at least 150 feet (45 meters (m)) from any designated public road, maintained road, trail, fire break, dwelling, or aboveground oil and gas production facility. We define a “maintained road or trail” as one that has been mowed, disked, or plowed, or one that is free of trees.
(xv) We prohibit deer hunters leaving deer stands unattended before the opening day of the refuge archery season. Hunters must remove stands from the refuge by the end of the last day of the refuge archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove portable stands from trees at the end of each day's hunt and place freestanding stands in a nonhunting position when unattended. Hunters must clearly mark stands left unattended on the refuge with the hunter's last name, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries license number, and I-Sportsman Permit Number.
(xvi) We allow hunting with slugs, rifle, or pistol ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire only during the quota hunts for deer. We prohibit use of buckshot when hunting.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow anglers to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., and they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
(iii) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
(iv) We prohibit fish cleaning within 150 feet (45 m) of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
(u) *Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, dove, rail, gallinule, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a signed refuge public use brochure and must carry and fill out daily a Visitor Check-In Permit and Report (FWS Form 3-2405).
(ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated refuge seasons as listed in the signed refuge public use brochure.
(iii) We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1:30 p.m.
(iv) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
(v) We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 meters (m)) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads and from or across all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) of, or trespassing on, aboveground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities.
(vi) When hunting migratory game birds, you may only use dogs to locate, point, and retrieve.
(vii) We allow ATVs only on trails designated for their use and marked by signs (see § 27.31 of this chapter). ATV trails are closed March 1 through August 31.
(viii) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, and feral hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum, and the incidental take of coyote and beaver, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vii), and (viii) of this section apply.
(ii) You must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours, unless participating in authorized hunting after legal sunset.
(iii) We allow the nighttime hunting of raccoon and opossum from December 1 to January 31 with the aid of dogs. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey, and the incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (u)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vii), and (viii), and (u)(2)(ii) of this section apply.
(ii) Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as governed by State deer hunting regulations in wildlife management areas.
(iii) We prohibit hunters from placing stands or hunting from stands on pine trees with white-painted bands and/or rings.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(ii) You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
(iii) We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
**50 CFR Part 32**
7. Amend § 32.38 by revising and republishing paragraph (c) to read as follows:
§ 32.38
(c) *Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of duck, goose, American woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
(ii) We allow hunters to enter the refuge one (1) hour before legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by one (1) hour past legal shooting hours.
(iii) We only allow portable or temporary blinds and decoys that must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iv) Hunters must retrieve all species harvested on the refuge.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of bobcat, eastern coyote, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, and woodchuck on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii) (except for hunters pursuing raccoon and coyote at night), (iii), and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow hunting for eastern coyote, red squirrel, and woodchuck only from October 1 to March 31.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of black bear, moose, turkey, and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow stands, blinds, and ladders to be set up on the opening day of the archery deer season. Stands, blinds and ladders may not be set up within 50 yards of a road open to motorized vehicles. Hunters must clearly label tree stands, blinds, or ladders left on the refuge overnight with their State hunting license number and last name. Hunters must remove stands, blinds, and ladders from the refuge by the last day of the muzzleloader deer season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) You may hunt black bear, eastern coyote, and white-tailed deer during the State archery and firearms deer seasons on the Baring Division east of State Route 191.
(iv) We prohibit use of firearms to hunt bear during the archery deer season on the Baring Division east of Route 191. We prohibit the use of firearms, other than a muzzleloader, to hunt coyote during the deer muzzleloader season on the Baring Division east of Route 191.
(v) You may hunt turkey during the State fall turkey season using archery equipment only.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We only allow fishing from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.
(ii) We prohibit trapping fish for use as bait.
**50 CFR Part 32**
8. Amend § 32.39 by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 32.39
(d) *Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge* —(1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow only the use of archery equipment, as defined by the State, in designated areas open to hunting.
(ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(4) [Reserved]
**50 CFR Part 32**
9. Amend § 32.41 by revising and republishing paragraph (f) to read as follows:
§ 32.41
(f) *Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck and goose), American woodcock, American crow, American coot, common gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, and Wilson's snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a refuge check-in card (FWS Form 3-2405, Self-Clearing Check-in Permit).
(ii) We allow waterfowl hunting on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the regular goose season after September 30 and during the State youth waterfowl season.
(iii) We allow hunter access to the refuge 2 hours before legal shooting time to 2 hours after legal shooting time.
(iv) You may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells while hunting in the field.
(v) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
(vi) We allow the take of feral hog incidental to other lawful hunting using legal methods of take.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of turkey, small game (eastern fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, and ring-necked pheasant), and furbearers (raccoon, coyote, and red fox) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) and (vi) of this section apply, except we allow hunter access to the refuge for furbearer hunting from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.
(ii) You may only hunt turkey during the spring season.
(iii) We allow dogs for hunting. Raccoon hunting dogs must wear global positioning system (GPS) or radio collars.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) and (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) You must possess and carry a refuge permit (State-issued permit).
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing by boat in navigable waterways but not within any managed refuge units.
(ii) We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset only at designated sites along the Tittabawassee and Cass Rivers.
**50 CFR Part 32**
10. Amend § 32.45 by revising and republishing paragraphs (c), (d), (h), (j), and (l) to read as follows:
§ 32.45
(c) *Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow big game hunting on designated portions of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 through December 15.
(ii) You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
(4) [Reserved]
(d) *Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) to hunt fox and coyote.
(ii) Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
(h) *Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
(j) *Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fox and coyote hunters may use only centerfire rifles, rim-fire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 through December 15.
(ii) You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
(4) [Reserved]
(l) *Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
**50 CFR Part 32**
11. Amend § 32.47 by revising and republishing paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 32.47
(a) *Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We open the refuge to the public from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of quail and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We open the refuge to the public from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
**50 CFR Part 32**
12. Amend § 32.51 by revising and republishing paragraph (e) to read as follows:
§ 32.51
(e) *Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of waterfowl, Canada goose, snow goose, and gallinule on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
(ii) For the regular waterfowl season and October through January season for Canada goose:
(A) We require daily electronic refuge permits and reservations. We require you to check in, check out, and report your harvest each hunt day using the designated online platform.
(B) We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the established refuge season set within the State western zone season, and during New York State's established special hunts, which can occur any day of the week as set by the State. Veteran and active military hunters may be accompanied by a non-hunting companion. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a qualified guide (qualified guides must be of legal hunting age and possess a valid hunting license, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (as known as a “Federal Duck Stamp”), Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, and proof of successful completion of a waterfowl identification course as described in paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(F) of this section).
(C) Hunters may not enter the refuge earlier than 5 a.m. and must exit the hunt area by 1 p.m.
(D) We allow motorless boats to hunt waterfowl. We limit hunters to one boat per reservation and one motor vehicle in the hunt area per reservation. Participants in the New York State youth waterfowl hunt may request exceptions to this provision at the discretion of refuge staff.
(E) We prohibit shooting from within 500 feet (152 meters) of the Tschache Pool observation tower.
(F) We require proof of successful completion of the New York State waterfowl identification course, the Montezuma nonresident waterfowl identification course, or a suitable nonresident State waterfowl identification course. All hunters must show proof of successful course completion each time they hunt.
(G) You may hunt gallinule and Canada goose on refuge areas designated for the regular waterfowl season only during the regular waterfowl season.
(iii) For Canada goose in September and snow goose hunting:
(A) We allow hunting of Canada goose during the New York State September season and hunting of snow goose during portions of the New York State snow goose season and portions of the period covered by the Light Goose Conservation Order.
(B) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542). We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the end of the hunt day.
(C) For snow goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter Check Station area no earlier than 4 hours before legal sunrise. For Canada goose hunting, hunters may enter the refuge/Hunter Check Station area no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542) and are required to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the end of each hunt day.
(iii) We allow upland game hunters to access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
(iv) We require the use of approved non-lead shot for upland game hunting (see § 32.2(k)).
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) You must possess a valid daily hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2542). We require you to complete and return the daily hunt permit card by the end of the hunt day.
(iii) We allow white-tailed deer and turkey hunters to access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
(iv) We allow youth and special big game hunts during New York State's established youth and special big game hunts each year.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow access for fishing from designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
**50 CFR Part 32**
13. Amend § 32.52 by revising and republishing paragraph (i) to read as follows:
§ 32.52
(i) *Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of duck, goose, swan, dove, woodcock, rail, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require all hunters and anglers to possess and carry a signed, self-service refuge hunting/fishing permit (signed brochure) while hunting and fishing on the refuge. We require all hunters age 16 and older to purchase and carry a special refuge recreational activity permit (name/address/phone number).
(ii) We allow hunters to enter and remain in hunting areas from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset when we allow hunting in those areas.
(iii) We allow the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) only on designated ATV roads (see § 27.31 of this chapter) and only to transport hunters and their equipment to hunt and scout. We allow hunting from ATVs while on these designated ATV roads when they are stationary and the engine is turned off. We allow ATV use only on the ATV roads at the following times:
(A) When we open the ATV road and surrounding area to hunting;
(B) One week prior to the ATV road and surrounding area opening to hunting; and
(C) On Sundays, when we open the ATV road and surrounding area for hunting the following Monday.
(iv) We allow the use of only biodegradable-type flagging.
(v) We allow the use of only portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials. You must remove portable blinds at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(vi) We allow the use of dogs to point and retrieve migratory game birds.
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, rabbit, beaver, nutria, and fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We only allow the taking of beaver and nutria with firearms and only during those times when the area is open to hunting of other game animals with firearms.
(iii) We prohibit the hunting of raccoon and opossum during, 5 days before, and 5 days after the State bear seasons. Outside of these periods, we allow the hunting of raccoon and opossum at night but only while possessing a General Special Use Application and Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G).
(iv) We prohibit the use of rifles, other than .22-caliber rimfire rifles, for hunting, and we prohibit the use of pistols for hunting.
(v) We allow the use of dogs for pointing and retrieving upland game and for chasing rabbit (but not fox). We prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs while hunting with dogs.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of black bear, deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) You may hunt turkey only if you carry a valid permit (General Activities Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G). These permits are valid only for the dates and areas shown on the permit. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting turkeys west of Evans Road and on the Pungo Unit.
(iii) We only allow the take of white-tailed deer with the use of archery equipment, black powder firearms, and shotguns as authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
(iv) For the special opportunity black bear hunt:
(A) We allow the use of centerfire rifle only;
(B) Hunters must shoot from a raised position (portable stand) of 15 feet or higher; and
(C) Additional requirements may apply for hunters selected to participate in the special opportunity hunt.
(v) We allow deer hunting on the Pungo Unit only through the end of October each season, except that we allow deer hunting with archery equipment on the Pungo Unit through the end of November.
(vi) We allow hunters to take feral hog in any area that is open to hunting deer using only those weapons authorized for taking deer. On the Frying Pan tracts, we also allow hunters to take feral hog, using only those weapons authorized for taking deer, whenever we open those tracts to hunting any game species with firearms.
(vii) We allow the use of only portable deer stands (tree climbers, ladders, tripods, etc.). We require that you remove all stands, blinds, and other personal property at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing in Pungo Lake and New Lake only from March 1 through October 31, except that we close Pungo Lake and the entire Pungo Unit to fishing during the limited big game hunts.
(ii) We allow fishing only from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 1/2 hour after legal sunset.
**50 CFR Part 32**
14. Amend § 32.59 by revising and republishing paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 32.59
(d) *Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge* (1)-(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require a refuge hunt permit (electronic form) for all hunters age 16 and older.
(ii) Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week preceding the hunt. You must remove your stand at the end of the hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger), muzzleloaders, and bows as governed by State regulations.
(iv) We prohibit the use of buckshot.
(v) We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 meters (m)) to U.S. Highway 278 or the check station area, or closer than 200 yards (180 m) to the residence area.
(vi) Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered).
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
(ii) We prohibit freshwater fishing.
**50 CFR Part 32**
15. Amend § 32.62 by:
a. Removing paragraph (a);
b. Redesignating paragraphs (b) through (h) as paragraphs (a) through (g), respectively;
c. Revising and republishing newly redesignated paragraph (e);
d. Adding new paragraph (h); and
e. Revising and republishing paragraph (i).
The revisions and addition read as follows:
§ 32.62
(e) *Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of mourning dove, white-winged dove, and Eurasian collared-dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We require hunters to obtain a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).
(ii) All hunters must check in and out at refuge headquarters.
(iii) Bag limits will be determined annually for each species but will never exceed the limits set by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Bag limits and other hunting information, such as number of hunt days and permits issued, will be posted prior to the hunt.
(iv) We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
(v) 1 hour after legal sunset, hunters may only be present on the refuge in designated camping areas.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving game.
(vii) Hunters must attend a briefing prior to all hunts.
(viii) We prohibit falconry.
(ix) All bird harvests must be checked at the designated check points.
(x) Hunting hours will be from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(2) *Upland game hunting.* We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant, northern bobwhite, and scaled quail on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (ix) of this section apply.
(ii) Hunting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(iii) We allow only shotguns for pheasant and quail hunting.
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, mule deer, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraph (f)(1)(i) through (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) Hunters may enter the hunting area and begin hunting 1 hour before legal sunrise and must exit the hunting area by 1 hour after legal sunset.
(iii) We prohibit the use of tree stands and any devices, such as nails, tacks, or scaffolding, used to climb trees. We also prohibit the use of elevated blinds, including tripod blinds.
(iv) We prohibit the use of decoys.
(v) We only allow archery equipment or centerfire rifles (.243/6mm or larger) as methods of take.
(4) [Reserved]
(h) *Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, white-winged dove, mourning dove, rock dove, Eurasian collared-dove, and rock pigeon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must carry a current signed refuge hunting permit (signed refuge hunt brochure) while waterfowl hunting on all refuge hunt units.
(ii) Season dates for waterfowl will be concurrent with the State, except as specified in the refuge hunt brochure.
(iii) Hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
(iv) For waterfowl hunting, you may enter the refuge hunt units no earlier than 4 a.m. Hunting starts at the designated legal shooting time and ends at 12 p.m. (noon). You must leave refuge hunt units by 12:30 p.m. For dove hunting, you may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise and must leave the refuge by 1/2 hour after legal sunset. We close refuge hunt units on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
(v) For waterfowl hunting, we allow hunting in portions of the East Unit on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays during the regular waterfowl seasons.
(vi) Hunters must check in and out through the check station (FWS Form 3-2405) when accessing the East Unit by vehicle.
(vii) We require hunters to remain in an assigned area for that day's hunt.
(viii) We allow hunters to access designated areas of the East Unit by boat from Jackson Ditch, East Bay Bayou, or Onion Bayou.
(ix) We allow hunting on the East Unit as governed by the State light goose conservation order. Hunt areas are by permit on a first-come, first-served basis the morning of the hunt. We allow a maximum of six persons per field. Individuals in each group must set up and stay in their permitted area and stay within 50 feet (15 meters (m)) of each other unless retrieving goose.
(x) Hunters must set up within 50 yards (45 m) of the post marker and must stay within 50 feet (15 m) of each other unless retrieving waterfowl. We allow a minimum of two, and a maximum of six, persons per permit.
(xi) We allow hunting in portions of the Middleton Tract daily during the September teal season and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays of the regular waterfowl season.
(xii) We restrict motorized boats in inland waters of the Middleton Tract to motors of 25 horsepower or less or electric trolling motors during hunting season.
(xiii) You may access hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft, outboard motorboat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 horsepower with direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120 centimeters) or less.
(xiv) On inland waters of refuge hunt areas open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways when hunting. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.
(xv) On inland waters of the refuge hunt areas open to motorized boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 centimeters) in diameter or less during the hunting season.
(xvi) We allow portable blinds or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove all blinds, decoys, boats, spent shells, marsh chairs, and other equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(xvii) We require a minimum distance between hunt parties of 200 yards (180 m).
(xviii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2)-(3) [Reserved]
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing and crabbing only with pole and line, rod and reel, or handheld line. We prohibit the use any method not expressly allowed, including trotlines, setlines, jug lines, limb lines, bows and arrows, gigs, spears, or crab traps.
(ii) We allow cast netting for bait for personal use along waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
(iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(xiii) and (xv) of this section apply.
(iv) We prohibit mooring to water control structures.
(i) *Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge* —(1) *Migratory game bird hunting.* The refuge is closed to migratory bird hunting, including shoreline hunting, but retrieval of birds downed by hunters hunting on nearby navigable waters under State regulations is authorized subject to the following conditions:
(i) Hunters may not discharge firearms while retrieving waterfowl on the refuge.
(ii) Access for waterfowl retrieval will be allowed only during State specified hunting seasons. We only allow hunters to enter the Laguna Atascosa Unit by boat, and hunters may only enter subunits 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10, for retrieval of downed waterfowl.
(2) [Reserved]
(3) *Big game hunting.* We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, nilgai antelope, other exotic ungulates, and American alligator on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow the incidental take of nilgai antelope, feral hog, and other rarely observed exotic ungulates (such as fallow deer, axis deer, sika deer, Barbary sheep, and black buck) during all refuge hunts, with the exception of American alligator hunts.
(ii) We require hunters to review the refuge hunter orientation email prior to any refuge hunt activity.
(iii) Bag limits for species hunted on the refuge are provided in the refuge hunt brochure annually.
(iv) We allow a scouting period prior to the commencement of each refuge hunt period. A permitted hunter and a limit of two non-permitted individuals may enter the hunt units during the scouting period, which begins after hunter orientation and ends at legal sunset. Each hunter must clearly display a Vehicle Validation Tag (FWS Form 3-2405) face up on the vehicle dashboard when scouting and hunting.
(v) We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 1/2 hours before legal sunrise during their permitted hunt periods. Hunters must leave the hunt units no later than 1 hour after State legal shooting hours.
(vi) Hunters may access hunt units only by foot or bicycle, including electric bicycles. You may only use a bicycle on designated routes; we prohibit off-road use of a bicycle.
(vii) We allow hunting from portable stands or by stalking and still hunting. There is a limit of one blind or stand per permitted hunter. Hunters must attach hunter identification (permit number or State license number) to the blind or stand. Hunters must remove all blinds and stands at the end of the permitted hunt period (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) During American alligator hunts, we allow hunters to leave hooks set over only one night period at a time; set lines must be checked daily.
(ix) Hunters must field dress all harvested big game in the field and check the game at the hunt check station before removal from the refuge. Hunters may use a nonmotorized cart to assist with the transportation of harvested game animals.
(x) We prohibit the killing or wounding of a game animal and then intentionally or knowingly failing to make a reasonable effort to retrieve and include it in the hunter's bag limit.
(4) *Sport fishing.* We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow only pole and line, rod and reel, hand line, dip net, and cast net for fishing. We prohibit the use of crab traps or pots for crabbing.
(ii) Anglers must attend all fishing lines, crabbing equipment, and other fishing devices at all times.
(iii) Inside the refuge boundary on San Martin Lake, we allow bank and wade fishing within a designated area, which may be accessed only on foot.
**PART 71—HUNTING AND SPORT FISHING ON NATIONAL FISH HATCHERIES**
**50 CFR Part 71**
16. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:
**Authority:**
Sec. 4, Pub. L. 73-121, 48 Stat. 402, as amended; sec. 4, Pub. L. 87-714, 76 Stat. 654; 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, 1534.
**50 CFR Part 71**
17. Amend § 71.12 by:
a. Redesignating paragraphs (o) through (s) as paragraphs (p) through (t), respectively; and
b. Adding new paragraph (o).
The addition reads as follows:
§ 71.12
(o) *North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery.* We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the hatchery.
Kevin Lilly,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.