2001-2002 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

[Federal Register: September 4, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 171)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 46345-46363]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04se01-9]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 32
RIN 1018-AG58
Fish and Wildlife Service

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (we or the Service) adds seven
national wildlife refuges (refuges) to the list of areas open for
hunting and/or sport fishing, along with pertinent refuge-specific
regulations for such activities; and amend certain regulations on other
refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game
hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for 2001-2002.

DATES: This rule is effective September 4, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397; Fax
(703) 358-2248.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (NWRSAA) closes national wildlife refuges to
all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may
open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or fishing, upon a
determination that such uses are compatible with the purposes of the
refuge. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all
laws applicable to the areas, must be developed in coordination with
the appropriate State wildlife agency(ies), must be consistent with the
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration,
and must be otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure
that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental
health of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System) for the benefit
of present and future generations of Americans.
We review refuge hunting and fishing programs annually to determine
whether to include additional refuges or whether individual refuge
regulations governing existing programs need modifications, deletions,
or additions made to them. Changing environmental conditions, State and
Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife
populations and habitat may warrant modifications to refuge-specific
regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and
fishing programs and that these programs will not materially interfere
with or detract from the fulfillment of the System's mission or the
purposes of the refuge.
You may find provisions governing hunting and fishing on national
wildlife refuges in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part
32. We regulate hunting and fishing on refuges to:
Ensure compatibility with the purpose(s) of the refuge;
Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource;
Protect other refuge values;
Ensure refuge visitor safety; and
Provide opportunities for high-quality recreational and
educational experiences.
On many refuges where we decide to allow hunting and fishing, our
general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting and
fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On other
refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more restrictive
Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management
responsibilities, as outlined under the section entitled ``Statutory
Authority.'' We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing
regulations when we open wildlife refuges to either migratory game bird
hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These
regulations list the wildlife species that you may hunt or those
species subject to sport fishing, seasons, bag limits, methods of
hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas, and other provisions as
appropriate. You may find previously issued refuge-specific regulations
for hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. In this rulemaking, we are
promulgating many of the amendments to these sections to standardize
and clarify the existing language of these regulations.
Some refuges make seasonal information available in brochures or
leaflets, which we provide for in 50 CFR 25.31, to supplement these
refuge-specific regulations.

Plain Language Mandate

In this rule some of the revisions to the individual refuge units
are to comply with a Presidential mandate to use plain language in
regulations and do not modify the substance of the previous
regulations. These types of changes include using ``you''to refer to
the reader and ``we'' to refer to the Service and using the word
``allow'' instead of ``permit'' when we do not require the use of a
permit for an activity.

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of
1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended), and the Refuge Recreation Act
(RRA) of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) govern the administration and
public use of national wildlife refuges.
Amendments enacted by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act (NWRSIA) of 1997 amend and build upon the NWRSAA in a
manner that provides an improved ``Organic Act'' for the System similar
to those that exist for other public lands. The NWRSIA serves to ensure
that we effectively manage the System as a national network of lands,
waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our
Nation's wildlife resources. The NWRSAA states first and foremost that
we focus the mission of the System on conservation of fish, wildlife,
and plant resources and their habitats. The NWRSIA requires the
Secretary, before initiating or 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 and promotes public safety. The
NWRSIA establishes as the policy of the United States that wildlife-
dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate
public use of the System, through which the American public can develop
an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The NWRSIA establishes six
wildlife-dependent recreational uses, when compatible, as the priority
general public uses of the System. Those priority uses are: hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental
education and interpretation.
The RRA authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the
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 the area was
established. This act requires that any recreational use of refuge
lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which we
established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously
authorized operations.
The NWRSAA and the RRA also authorize the Secretary to issue
regulations to carry out the purposes of the acts and regulate uses.
We develop hunting and/or sport fishing plans for each refuge prior
to opening it to hunting or fishing. In many cases, we develop refuge-
specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with
the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge. We

[[Page 46347]]

have ensured initial compliance with the NWRSAA and the RRA for hunting
and sport fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim
determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition.
This policy ensures that we make the determinations required by these
acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and
fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance by the
development of Comprehensive Conservation Plans, long-term hunting and
sport fishing plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing
programs and regulations.
In preparation for new openings, we include the following documents
in the refuges' ``opening package:'' (1) Step-down hunting and/or
fishing management plan; (2) Appropriate NEPA documentation
(Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, or Environmental
Impact Statement); (3) Appropriate decision documentation (e.g.,
Finding of No Significant Impact); (4) Section 7 evaluation; (5) Copies
of letters requesting State and, where appropriate, tribal involvement
and the results of the request; (6) A draft news release; (7) Outreach
plan; and (8) Draft refuge-specific regulations. Upon review of these
documents, we have determined that the opening of these national
wildlife refuges to hunting and fishing is compatible with the
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration and
otherwise will be in the public interest.

Response to Comments Received

In the July 3, 2001, Federal Register (66 FR 35193), we published a
proposed rulemaking identifying the refuges and their proposed hunting
and/or fishing programs and invited public comments. We reviewed and
considered all substantive comments following a 30-day comment period.
We received three comments on the proposed rule: two from
nongovernmental organizations and one from an individual. One
respondent strongly supported the proposed rule.
Comment: Two commenters expressed opposition to opening refuges to
hunting and fishing and believe refuges should be places offering
protection and shelter. Along this same line, another commenter
expressed that ``management of NWRs should emphasize wildlife
preservation, habitat protection, and native ecosystem restoration over
public uses, especially consumptive uses.'' Also a commenter suggested
that before we authorize a hunting/fishing program we should census
populations, evaluate habitat, or use other means of ecological study.
Response: The Refuge System provides opportunities for compatible
wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Hunting and fishing are
integral parts of a comprehensive wildlife management program. The
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended
by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
(NWRSIA), identifies them as two of the priority public uses of the
Refuge System. The principal focus of the NWRSIA was to clearly
establish a wildlife conservation mission for the Refuge System and
provide managers clear direction and procedures for making
determinations regarding wildlife conservation and public uses within
the units of the System. The Service does manage national wildlife
refuges primarily for wildlife preservation, habitat protection, and
biological integrity and allows uses only when compatible with
achieving the refuge's purposes. In passing the NWRSIA, Congress
reaffirmed that the Refuge System was created to conserve fish,
wildlife, and plants and their habitats and that this objective had
been facilitated by providing Americans opportunities to participate in
compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting and/or
fishing on Refuge System lands. Additionally, the NWRSIA established
six priority wildlife-dependent uses of the Refuge System, where
compatible. These priority uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and
interpretation. The NWRSIA directs the Secretary to facilitate those
uses.
When lands and waters are under consideration for addition to the
Refuge System, the Refuge manager will make an interim compatibility
determination on any existing priority public uses. The record of
decision establishing the refuge must document the completion of such
determinations. The results of these determinations are in effect until
the completion of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). During the
development of the CCP and implementation of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) process, we accept and incorporate public comments
into the hunting/fishing decision on the refuge. Refuge managers plan
efforts well in advance of any proposed changes in order to obtain as
much involvement from groups and individuals as possible. This may
include public meetings, workshops, news releases, and mailings to
interested groups. The refuge manager consults with any affected
Service Regional Office, State wildlife agencies, tribes, and the
public before opening a refuge to hunting or fishing. The decision to
open a refuge to hunting or fishing depends on the provisions of
Federal and/or State laws and regulations applicable to the specific
refuge and a determination by the Refuge manager that opening an area
to hunting will be compatible with the refuge purpose(s). This decision
must also be consistent with the principles of sound wildlife
management, applicable wildlife objectives, and otherwise be in the
public interest (50 CFR 32.1). The refuge manager must submit a hunting
or fishing plan that has undergone a public input process as required
by NEPA to the Regional Office for approval. The Regional Director
approves the plan before the rulemaking process begins. These hunting/
fishing plans contain:
a. Step-down hunting/fishing plans (compatibility determinations).
The plan should be an appendix to the overall plan for providing public
uses on refuges, providing documentation of the hunting/fishing allowed
on a refuge, including the relationship of hunting/fishing to refuge
purpose(s) goals, objectives, and the System mission;
b. Appropriate NEPA documentation;
c. Appropriate decision documentation;
d. Section 7 evaluation;
e. Copies of letters requesting State and, where appropriate,
tribal involvement and the results of the request;
f. Draft news release; and
g. Outreach plan.
Additionally, we review all hunting programs annually to determine
if they may affect, adversely or beneficially, threatened or endangered
species and their habitat. The refuge manager will initiate
consultation, as appropriate, in accordance with Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act and intra-Service consultation procedures.
With regard to censusing populations, evaluating habitat, or other
means of ecological study, we base our hunting and fishing programs on
State and Federal laws which establish the harvest limits and hunting/
fishing seasons. The respective State issues hunting/fishing licenses,
not the Refuge System or the refuge manager, and we require hunters/
anglers to have all applicable Federal, State, and tribal licenses and/
or stamps in their possession when hunting/fishing on a refuge. We only
allow hunting/fishing if it is compatible with achieving the purposes
of the refuge and in accordance with those State/Federal laws. We may,
however, be more restrictive if the local conditions

[[Page 46348]]

warrant. We periodically adjust the hunting/fishing program to ensure
that those allowed activities remain compatible, that the amount of
take per hunter/angler is sustainable, and that the take does not
affect the viability of a population.
Comment: Another commenter suggested there was ``insufficient time
and notice given to the public to comment on the process.''
Response: We provided the public a 30-day period to comment on the
July 3, 2001, proposed rule. The Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport
Fishing Regulations are an annual process with the proposed rule
published each summer with a 30-day comment period. There is nothing
contained in this annual regulation outside of the scope of the annual
review process where we add refuges or determine whether individual
refuge regulations need modifications, deletions, or additions made to
them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from
refuges nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time
available for public review. As we stated in the proposed rule, by
allowing a 30-day comment period, we are trying to avoid jeopardizing
the establishment of hunting and fishing programs this year (two of the
six priority uses established by the NWRSIA) or shortening their
duration. Many of these rules also relieve restrictions and allow the
public to participate in recreational activities on a number of
refuges. Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept comments,
suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate
subsequent rulemaking.
Comment: A commenter suggested using a sequence to standardize
refuge planning that Defenders of Wildlife recommended in their
publication, ``Recommendations for Implementing the National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act,'' and delay our final decisionmaking
until population and habitat information required by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act is presented and analyzed.
Response: Our Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) process
consists of eight steps (see the Service Manual chapter published in
final in the Federal Register on May 25, 2000, 65 FR 33892--
specifically in that policy, 602 FW 3.4C): (1) Preplanning: Planning
the Plan; (2) Initiate Public Involvement and Scoping; (3) Review
Vision Statement and Goals and Determine Significant Issues; (4)
Develop and Analyze Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action; (5)
Prepare Draft Plan and NEPA Document; (6) Prepare and Adopt Final Plan;
(7) Implement Plan, Monitor, and Evaluate; and (8) Review and Revise
Plan. These steps closely parallel the standardized sequence for refuge
planning suggested by Defenders of Wildlife in the publication
referenced by the comment. In situations where we are unable to develop
new data for the CCP, such as conducting biological inventories in
advance of the planning effort, the CCP may identify the need for
further data collection. In such cases we may delay decisionmaking,
pending additional data collection and analysis. There are many sources
of data that can aid in CCP development. We include a list of potential
data sources in our Comprehensive Conservation Planning policy (602 FW
3.4 C(1)(e)). A lack of data should not delay completion of the CCP.
Comment: A commenter suggested that we thoroughly analyze and
discuss all current and proposed habitat management practices for the
refuges in question.
Response: We address current and proposed habitat management
practices (general principles, tundra, grassland, grazing and haying,
wetland/water, moist soil, cropland, and forest management) in existing
guidance to managers. This guidance provides a framework for refuge
managers to develop specific habitat management programs and requires
refuge managers to thoroughly investigate fundamental habitat
management practices.

Effective Date

This rule is effective upon publication in the Federal Register. We
have determined that any further delay in implementing these refuge-
specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would not be in the
public interest in that a delay would hinder the effective planning and
administration of the hunting and fishing programs. We provided a 30-
day comment period for the July 3, 2001, proposed rule. An additional
30-day delay would jeopardize holding the hunting and/or fishing
programs this year or shorten their duration and thereby lessen the
management effectiveness of this regulation. These rules do not impact
the public generally in terms of requiring lead time for compliance.
Rather, they relieve restrictions in that they permit activities on
refuges that would otherwise not be allowed. Therefore, we find good
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553 (d)(3) to make this rule effective upon
publication.
We allow the following wildlife-dependent recreational activities:
Hunting of migratory game birds on seven refuges, including:
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama and
Mississippi
Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and
Missouri
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge,
Illinois and Missouri
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Iowa
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Upland game hunting on six refuges, including:
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama and
Mississippi
Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and
Missouri
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge,
Illinois and Missouri
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Iowa
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Missouri
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky
Big game hunting on eight refuges, including:
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama and
Mississippi
Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and
Missouri
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge,
Illinois and Missouri
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Iowa
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, Indiana
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri
Sport fishing on nine refuges, including:
Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, California
Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and
Missouri
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge,
Illinois and Missouri
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Iowa
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois and Missouri
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, Indiana
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey
In accordance with the NWRSAA and the RRA, we have determined that
these openings are compatible and consistent

[[Page 46349]]

with the purpose(s) for which we established the respective refuges. A
copy of the compatibility determinations for these respective refuges
is available by request to the contact noted under the heading FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
We are correcting administrative errors in 50 CFR part 32 that
occurred when we inadvertently dropped migratory game bird hunting and
sport fishing as activities open to the public in Lacreek National
Wildlife Refuge in the State of South Dakota and sport fishing as an
activity open to the public in Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge in the
State of Idaho, and when we did not remove sport fishing from the list
of activities open to the public in Delevan National Wildlife Refuge in
the State of California. Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge has been open
to sport fishing and migratory game bird hunting since the late 1960s.
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge has been open to sport fishing since
the late 1980s. Delevan National Wildlife Refuge closed to sport
fishing over a decade ago. We are adding Litchfield Wetland Management
District in the State of Minnesota, which has been open since 1978, to
clarify a hunting blind issue. Wetland management districts contain
numerous waterfowl production areas. Land acquired as a ``waterfowl
production area'' is annually open to hunting of migratory game birds,
upland game, and big game (see 50 CFR 32.1).
We are making another technical correction by removing Mark Twain
National Wildlife Refuge from the listing for the States of Illinois,
Iowa, and Missouri. We have officially renamed units of Mark Twain
National Wildlife Refuge as Great River National Wildlife Refuge,
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, Port Louisa National
Wildlife Refuge, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, and Clarence
Cannon National Wildlife Refuge. The headquarters administrative site
will retain the name Mark Twain Refuge Complex.
We incorporate this regulation into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32
contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting
and sport fishing on national wildlife refuges.

Regulatory Planning and Review

In accordance with the criteria in Executive Order 12866, the
Service asserts that this rule is not a significant regulatory action.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) makes the final determination
under Executive Order 12866.
a. This rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100
million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the
environment, or other units of the government. A cost-benefit and full
economic analysis is not required. The purpose of this rule is to open
12 refuges to hunting and fishing activities. We created five of these
refuges from existing units of Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge in
Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri and, as such, hunting and fishing
activities were already available to the public. We exclude these five
refuges from the analysis because they do not provide an increase in
supply of hunting and fishing opportunities. The seven new refuges are
located in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Indiana,
Oklahoma, Maine, California, and New Jersey. Fishing and hunting are
two of the priority public uses of national wildlife refuges recognized
as legitimate and appropriate, and we should facilitate their
implementation, subject to such restrictions or regulations as may be
necessary to ensure their compatibility with the purpose of each
refuge. Many of the 535 existing national wildlife refuges already have
programs where we allow fishing and hunting. Not all refuges have the
necessary resources and landscape that would make fishing and hunting
opportunities available to the public. By opening these seven new
refuges, we have determined that we can make high-quality and safe
experiences available to the public. This rule establishes new hunting
and/or fishing programs at the following refuges: Grand Bay, Clarks
River, Big Oaks, Deep Fork, Petit Manan, Sacramento River, and Supawna
Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Following a best-case scenario, if the refuges establishing new
fishing and hunting programs were a pure addition to the supply of such
activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 14,630 days of
hunting and 18,460 user days of fishing (Table 1). However, the number
of Americans participating in fishing and hunting activities has been
stable since 1991. Any increase in the supply of these activities
introduced by adding refuges where the activity is available will most
likely be offset by other sites losing participants, especially if the
new sites have higher quality fishing and/or hunting opportunities.
Using the value of the difference in the upper and lower bounds of the
95 percent confidence interval for average consumer surplus to
represent the estimate of the increase in consumer surplus for higher
quality fishing and hunting (Walsh, Johnson, and McKean, 1990 \1\)
yields an estimated increase in consumer surplus of $672,000 annually
(2001 dollars based on consumer surplus quality change). If the
possible fishing and hunting opportunities attributable to this rule
are a pure addition to the current supply, then the consumer surplus
will be slightly over $2 million annually. As stated earlier, the trend
is flat in participation in fishing and hunting activities in the last
10 years and, therefore, if new refuges are open to these activities,
the true estimate of the benefits will be closer to $672,000 annually.
Consequently, this rule will have a small measurable economic benefit
on the United States economy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ Article presented at the Western Regional Science
Association Annual Meeting in Molokai, Hawaii, on February 22, 1990.

Table 1.--Estimated Changes in Consumer Surplus From Additional Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Fishing and
Refuge fishing Additional hunting days hunting
days combined
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Bay.................................................... ........... 330 330
Clarks River................................................. 5,000 5,000 10,000
Big Oaks..................................................... 7,000 9,000 16,000
Deep Fork.................................................... ........... 250 250
Petit Manan.................................................. ........... 50 50
Sacramento River............................................. 1,000 ....................... 1,000

[[Page 46350]]

Supawna Meadows.............................................. 5,460 ....................... 5,460
--------------------------------------------------
Total Days/Year.......................................... 18,460 14,630 33,090
Consumer surplus per day (1987 $)............................ $39.25 $41.69
Consumer surplus for quality change.......................... $14.90 $10.66
Change in total consumer surplus for quality change.......... $724,555 $609,925 (1987$) $1,334,480
(2001$) $2,080,661
Change in quality consumer surplus........................... $275,054 $155,956 (1987$) $431,010
(2001$) $672,011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies'
actions. This action pertains solely to the management of the National
Wildlife Refuge System. The fishing and hunting activities located on
national wildlife refuges account for approximately 1 percent of the
available supply in the United States. Any small, incremental change in
the supply of fishing and hunting opportunities will not measurably
impact any other agency's existing programs.
c. This rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user
fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients.
This rule does not affect entitlement programs. There are no grants or
other Federal assistance programs associated with public use of
national wildlife refuges.
d. This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. It opens
seven additional refuges for fishing and hunting activities and
continues the practice of allowing recreational public use of national
wildlife refuges. Many refuges in the System currently have
opportunities for the public to hunt and fish on refuge lands.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

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.
Congress created the National Wildlife Refuge System to conserve
fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats and facilitated this
conservation mission by providing Americans opportunities to visit and
participate in compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including
fishing and hunting, as priority general uses on national wildlife
refuges and to better appreciate the value of, and need for, wildlife
conservation.
This rulemaking does not increase the types of recreation allowed
on the System but establishes hunting and/or fishing programs on seven
additional refuges. As a result, there will be opportunities for an
increase in wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges.
The changes in the amount of allowed use are likely to increase visitor
activity on the seven national wildlife refuges. But, as stated above,
this is likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not
necessarily an increase in participation rates for the activity. To the
extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the refuge that
would not have been spent there anyway, they contribute new income to
the regional economy and benefit local businesses.
For purposes of analysis, we will assume that any increase in
refuge visitation is a pure addition to the supply of the available
activity. This will result in a best-case scenario and is expected to
overstate the benefits to local businesses. The latest information on
the distances traveled for fishing and hunting activities indicates
that over 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles
from home to engage in the activity. This indicates that participants
will spend their travel-related expenditures in the local economy.
Since participation is scattered across the country, many small
businesses benefit. The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife Associated Recreation identifies expenditures for food and
lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the
average expenditures for these categories with the expected maximum
additional participation on the System as a result of this rule yields
the following estimates (Table 2) compared to total business activity
for these sectors.

Table 2.--Estimation of the Additional Fishing and Hunting Opportunities With the Opening of Seven Refuges to
Fishing and/or Hunting in 2001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Possible
U.S. total Average per Current refuge additional
participation in 1996 day participation w/o refuge
duplication participation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anglers:
Total days spent................ 626 mil.............. .............. 6.7 mil.............. 18,460
Total expenditures.............. $38.0 bil............ $61 $406.3 mil........... $1,120,575
Trip related.................. $15.4 bil............ $25 $164.6 mil........... $454,128
Food and lodging.............. $6.0 bil............. $10 $64.1 mil............ $176,933
Transportation................ $3.7 bil............. $6 $39.6 mil............ $109,109
Other......................... $5.7 bil............. $9 $60.9 mil............ $168,086
Hunters:
Total days spent................ 257 mil.............. .............. 2.0 mil.............. 14,630
Total expenditures.............. $21 bil.............. $82 $164.4 mil........... $1,195,447
Trip related.................. $5.2 bil............. $20 $40.7 mil............ $296,016
Food and lodging.............. $2.5 bil............. $10 $19.6 mil............ $142,315

[[Page 46351]]

Transportation................ $1.8 bil............. $7 $14.1 mil............ $102,467
Other......................... $900 mil............. $4 $7.0 mil............. $51,233
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using a national impact multiplier for wildlife-associated
recreation developed for the report ``1996 National and State Economic
Impacts of Wildlife Watching'' for the estimated increase in direct
expenditures yields a total economic impact of $7.7 million (2001
dollars). Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occur
within 100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that
most of this spending would be ``new'' money coming into a local
economy and, therefore, would be offset with a decrease in some other
sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies would
be no more than $7.7 million and most likely considerably less. Since
80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in
hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add
new money in the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would be
on the order of $1.5 million annually. Taken as percent of similar
figures for this type of economic activity, it shows that the maximum
increase at most (if all spending were new money) ranges from .01
percent to 3.58 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 3). Even
the three counties in Indiana (Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge) that
would have a share of the $3.7 million increase in recreationist
spending (if all spending were from outside the retail area) would
average approximately $7,000 per establishment.
The majority of affected counties have a large percentage of their
retail trade establishments that qualify as small businesses. With such
a small increase in overall spending that we anticipate from this rule,
it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have
more than a small benefit from the increased recreationist spending
near the affected refuges.

Table 3.--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation in 2001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addition as Total Establ.
Refuge/County(ies) Retail trade in Estimated max. a % of retail with 10
1997 refuge addition total establ. emp.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Bay....................... $77 thou........... .................. .01% ........... ...........
Mobile, AL.................. $608 mil........... .................. ........... 2,229 1,467
Jackson, MS................. $131 mil........... .................. ........... 681 491
Clarks River.................... ................... $2.3 mil.......... 1.03 ........... ...........
Graves, KY.................. $37 mil............ .................. ........... 175 119
McCracken, KY............... $154 mil........... .................. ........... 659 443
Marshall, KY................ $36 mil............ .................. ........... 168 122
Big Oaks........................ ................... $3.7 mil.......... 3.58 ........... ...........
Jefferson, IN............... $45 mil............ .................. ........... 218 153
Jennings, IN................ $32 mil............ .................. ........... 100 70
Ripley, IN.................. $27 mil............ .................. ........... 168 113
Deep Fork....................... ................... $58 thou.......... .18 ........... ...........
Okmulgee, OK................ $32 mil............ .................. ........... 194 140
Petit Manan..................... ................... $12 thou.......... .03 ........... ...........
Washington, ME.............. $40 mil............ .................. ........... 281 206
Sacramento River................ ................... $233 thou......... .06 ........... ...........
Butte, CA................... $287 mil........... .................. ........... 1,095 736
Lake, CA.................... $58 mil............ .................. ........... 296 229
Tehama, CA.................. $70 mil............ .................. ........... 244 168
Supawna Meadows................. ................... $1.3 mil.......... 1.93 ........... ...........
Salem, NJ................... $66 mil............ .................. ........... 305 203
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many small businesses may benefit from some increased wildlife
refuge visitation. However, we expect that much of this benefit will be
offset as recreationists spend the same money in a different location.
We expect that the incremental recreational opportunities will be
scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a
significant economic effect (benefit) on a substantial number of small
entities in any region or nationally.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. The additional fishing and hunting opportunities at the seven
refuges that do not currently have these programs would generate
expenditures by anglers and hunters with an economic impact estimated
at $7.7 million per year (2001 dollars). Consequently, the maximum
benefit of this rule for businesses, both small and large, would not be
sufficient to make this a major rule. The impact would be scattered
across the country and would 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. This rule will have only a slight
effect on the costs of hunting and fishing opportunities of Americans.
Under the assumption that

[[Page 46352]]

any additional hunting and fishing opportunities would be of high
quality, participants would be attracted to the refuge. If the refuge
were closer to the participant's residence, then a reduction in travel
costs would occur and benefit the participants. We do not have
information to quantify this reduction in travel cost; but we have to
assume that, since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt and
fish now, the reduced travel cost would be small for the additional
days of hunting and fishing generated by this rule. We do not expect
this rule to affect the supply or demand for fishing and hunting
opportunities in the United States and, therefore, it should not affect
prices for fishing and hunting equipment and supplies, or the retailers
that sell equipment. Additional refuge hunting and fishing
opportunities would account for less than .04 percent of the available
opportunities in the United States.
c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
enterprises. Because this rule represents such a small proportion of
recreational spending of a small number of affected hunters and anglers
(approximately a maximum impact of $7.7 million annually), there will
be no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent industry,
which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72
billion nationwide. This rule adds seven refuges to the list of refuges
that have hunting and/or fishing programs. Refuges that establish
hunting and fishing programs may hire additional staff from the local
community to assist with the programs, but this would not be a
significant increase with this rule adding only seven refuges.
Consequently, there are no anticipated significant employment or small
business effects.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Since this rule applies to public use of federally owned and
managed refuges, it does not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The rule does 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 (Executive Order 12630)

In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have
significant takings implications. This regulation will affect only
visitors at national wildlife refuges and limit what they can do while
they are on a refuge.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act sections above, this rule does not have sufficient
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism
Assessment under Executive Order 13132. In preparing this rule, we
worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2)
of the Order. The regulation will clarify established regulations and
result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and
use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. Because this rule only
adds seven refuges to the list of refuges that have hunting and/or
fishing programs and makes minor changes to other refuges open to those
activities, it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive
Order 12866 and is not expected to significantly affect energy
supplies, distribution, and 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
(Executive Order 13175)

In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated
possible effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have
determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on
national wildlife refuges with tribal governments having adjoining or
overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations. This
regulation is consistent with and not less restrictive than tribal
reservation rules.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This regulation does not contain any information collection
requirements other than those already approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (OMB Control
Number is 1018-0102). See 50 CFR 25.23 for information concerning that
approval. 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.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

In preparation for new openings, we include Section 7 consultation
documents approved by the Service's Endangered Species program in the
refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and approval from the
Washington Office. We reviewed the changes in hunting and fishing
regulations herein with regard to Section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). For the national wildlife refuges
proposed to open for hunting and/or fishing, we have determined that
Grand Bay, Supawna Meadows, Petit Manan, Sacramento River (for valley
elderberry longhorn beetle), and Clarks River (for bald eagles)
National Wildlife Refuges will not likely adversely affect and Clarks
River (for Indiana bat) and Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuges
will not affect the continued existence of any endangered or threatened
species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of
designated critical habitat of such species within the System.
We also comply with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) when developing Comprehensive Conservation Plans,
step-down management plans for public use of refuges, and prior to
implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a refuge
as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We also make determinations required by
the Endangered Species Act on a case-by-case basis before the addition
of a refuge to the lists of areas open to hunting or fishing as
contained in 50 CFR 32.7.

National Environmental Policy Act

We analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C))
and 516 DM 6, Appendix 1. This rule does not constitute a major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An
environmental impact statement/assessment is not required.
A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to this

[[Page 46353]]

amendment of refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations since it
is technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects
are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to
meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10).
Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge
hunting and fishing activities in the refuge Comprehensive Conservation
Plans (CCPs) and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our
refuge planning guidance in 602 FW 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these CCPs
and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and
the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing
NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to
participate in the review, development, and implementation of these
plans.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public
use programs and the conditions that apply to their specific programs
and maps of their respective areas. You may also obtain information
from the Regional offices at the addresses listed below:
Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 N.E.
11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.
Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief,
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box
1306, 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505)
248-7419.
Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Federal Building, Fort
Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5401.
Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico,
and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard,
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.
Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National Wildlife
Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center
Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8306.
Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood,
Colorado 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
Region 7--Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska
99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.

Primary Author

Leslie A. Marler, Management Analyst, National Wildlife Refuge
System, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Arlington, VA 22203, is the primary author of this
rulemaking document.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we amend Title 50,
Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 32--[AMENDED]

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.

2. In Sec. 32.7 ``What refuge units are open to hunting and/or
fishing?'' by:
a. Alphabetically adding Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the
States of Alabama and Mississippi;
b. Alphabetically adding Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge,
removing ``Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge,'' and alphabetically
adding ``Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State
of California;
c. Removing Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge in the States of
Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri;
d. Alphabetically adding Great River National Wildlife Refuge,
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, Port Louisa National
Wildlife Refuge, and Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge in the State
of Illinois;
e. Alphabetically adding Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in the
State of Indiana;
f. Alphabetically adding Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge in
the State of Iowa;
g. Alphabetically adding Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in
the State of Kentucky;
h. Alphabetically adding Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge in
the State of Maine;
i. Alphabetically adding Litchfield Wetland Management District in
the State of Minnesota;
j. Alphabetically adding Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge,
Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Middle Mississippi River National
Wildlife Refuge, and Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge in the State
of Missouri; and
k. Removing ``Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of
Washington and alphabetically adding ``Hanford Reach National Monument/
Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge'' to read as follows:

Sec. 32.7 What refuge units are open to hunting and/or fishing?

3. In Sec. 32.20 Alabama by alphabetically adding Grand Bay
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.20 Alabama.

* * * * *

Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to Sec. 32.43 Mississippi for regulations.
* * * * *

4. In Sec. 32.22 Arizona by:
a. Revising paragraph A., adding paragraph B.4., and revising
paragraphs C., and D. of Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraph A. of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge; and
c. Revising paragraph A.4.i., adding paragraphs A.4.iii, and
A.4.iv., revising paragraph A.5., adding paragraphs A.6., and B.5., and
revising paragraph D. of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.22 Arizona.

* * * * *

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
and white-winged doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following conditions:
1. We allow only shotguns.
2. You may possess only nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any building,
road, or levee.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any building,
road, or levee.

[[Page 46354]]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of desert bighorn sheep on
designated areas of the refuge with a valid State permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in designated areas
subject to the following condition: We prohibit personal watercraft
(PWC, as defined by State law), air boats, or hovercraft on all
waters within the boundaries of the refuge.
* * * * *

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, moorhens, common snipe, and mourning and white-winged
doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow only shotguns.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
3. You must obtain a permit to enter the Island Unit.
4. You must pay a hunt fee in portions of the refuge. Consult
refuge hunting leaflet for locations.
5. We do not allow pit or permanent blinds.
6. You may hunt only during seasons, dates, times, and areas
posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets, special
regulations, and maps available at the refuge office.
7. You must remove all temporary blinds, boats, and decoys from
the refuge following each day's hunt.
8. We do not allow hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any public
roads or levees.
9. We close Farm Unit 2 to all hunting except goose hunting
during the Arizona waterfowl season.
10. Consult the refuge hunt leaflet for the shot limit.
11. The area known as Pretty Water is open to waterfowl hunting
from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to 3:00 p.m. MST during the Arizona
and California waterfowl seasons.
12. The Hart Mine Marsh area is open to hunting from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. daily during goose season.
* * * * *

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
4. * * *
i. We require a fee for waterfowl hunting, and you must have in
your possession proof of payment (refuge permit) while hunting.
* * * * *
iii. Waterfowl hunters must hunt only at the assigned location.
iv. We limit waterfowl hunters to 16 shells each.
5. You must remove temporary blinds, boats, hunting equipment,
and decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt.
6. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45m) of any building, road,
or levee.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any building,
road, or levee.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We close designated portions of the Topock Marsh to all entry
from October 1 through January 31.
2. We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as defined by State
law), air boats, or hovercraft on all waters within Topock Marsh or
other waters indicated by signs or buoys.
* * * * *

5. In Sec. 32.24 California by:
a. Revising paragraph D. of Delevan National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraph A. of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Alphabetically adding Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge;
d. Revising the heading ``Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge,'' placing it in
appropriate alphabetical order, and revising paragraph A.2.;
e. Revising paragraphs A.1. and D.2. of San Luis National Wildlife
Refuge; and
f. Revising San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.24 California.

* * * * *

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese
(except Canada geese), ducks, coots, common moorhens, and snipe on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting on Salmon Creek only on Tuesdays and
Saturdays from \1/2\ hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m., and we
require a valid refuge daily permit issued prior to each hunt by
random drawing.
2. We restrict hunters on Salmon Creek to within 100 feet (30 m)
of the assigned hunt site except for placing and retrieving decoys,
retrieving downed birds, or traveling to and from the parking area.
3. The Teal Island and Egret Island units of the refuge are open
on Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Federal holidays, and the opening
and closing days of the State waterfowl hunting season.
4. Portions of the Jacoby Creek, Eureka Slough, and Table Bluff
units of the refuge are open during the State waterfowl hunting
season. We designate the Jacoby Creek and Eureka Slough units boat
access only.
5. We require that adults 18 years of age or older accompany
hunters under the age of 16.
6. You must unload firearms while transporting them between the
parking area and designated blind sites in the Salmon Creek unit.
7. You may possess no more than 25 approved nontoxic shells
while in the field.
8. You may use only portable blinds or blinds constructed of
vegetation in the free-roam hunting areas.
9. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other
personal equipment from the refuge following each day's hunt.
* * * * *

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on Packer Lake subject to the
following conditions:
1. Due to primitive access, you may fish only from boats up to
14 feet (4.2 m) long and canoes.
2. You may fish from the western shoreline from sunrise to
sunset.
* * * * *

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
1. You may use only portable blinds or blinds constructed of
vegetation in the free-roam hunting area.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow only the use of pole and line or rod and reel, and
anglers must attend their equipment at all times.
* * * * *

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
2. Access is by foot, bicycle, and boat only.
3. You must remove all portable blinds, decoys, and personal
equipment following each day's hunt.
4. We allow floating blinds on the refuge, and they are
available to any hunter on a first-come, first-serve basis. Floating
blinds require refuge manager approval or are subject to removal.
5. We prohibit digging into levees and slough channels.
6. We allow only dogs engaged in hunting activities on the
refuge during waterfowl season.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting
regulations and the following conditions:
1. Contact the refuge manager for details.
2. You may possess a maximum of 25 approved nontoxic shot while
in the field.
3. Access is by foot and bicycle only.
4. We allow only dogs engaged in hunting activities on the
refuge during pheasant season.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *

[[Page 46355]]

2. You must hunt from assigned blinds on the Union Tract and
within 100 feet (30 m) of blind sites on the Hazard Tract, except
when shooting to retrieve crippled birds.
* * * * *

6. In Sec. 32.27 Delaware by revising Prime Hook National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.27 Delaware.

* * * * *

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following conditions:
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information
regarding species, areas, and days open to hunting, rules, and
regulations.
2. We require a refuge permit and fee for waterfowl hunting.
3. Refuge hunt dates will correspond with State-established
migratory game bird seasons.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland species on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information
regarding species, areas, and days open to hunting, rules, and
regulations.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
3. We do not allow upland game hunting beginning March 1 through
August 31.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information
regarding areas and days open to hunting, rules, and specific
regulations.
2. You may use only portable tree stands and must remove them
from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. During the firearm deer season, hunters must wear in a
conspicuous manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square
inches (10.16 m\2\) of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or
material.
4. We require a refuge permit and fee for deer hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Consult refuge regulations regarding access areas, launch
points, and motor restrictions.
2. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset in all areas
except those areas marked by signs as closed to public entry.

7. In Sec. 32.28 Florida by:
a. Adding paragraph D.8. of J. N. ``Ding'' Darling National
Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraphs A.5., A.7., A.8., A.17., and D. of Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge; and
c. Revising paragraph A. of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.28 Florida.

* * * * *

J. N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. With the exception of those nonregulated species generally
used as bait, all fish caught for commercial purposes in the waters
of the refuge or transported into the refuge must remain in an
intact and whole condition until removed from the refuge.
* * * * *

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
5. All persons must successfully complete a Firearm Hunter
Education course before they may hunt and must possess the Firearm
Hunter Education certificate when hunting.
* * * * *
7. We close the refuge between sunset and sunrise except
waterfowl hunters may enter at 4:00 a.m. on hunting days with a
valid Refuge Hunt Permit.
8. You may not park along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Playalinda
Beach Road, or Scrub Ridge Trail for the purpose of waterfowl
hunting.
* * * * *
17. Boats must not exceed idle speed in Bairs Cove and KARS
(Kennedy Athletic Recreational Social Organization) Marina or 8 mph
in Haulover Canal.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. You may fish, crab, clam, oyster, and shrimp
in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. We close the refuge between sunset and sunrise except anglers
may enter after dark to fish from a boat with a valid Refuge Night
Fishing Permit. We allow nighttime boat launching only at Bairs Cove
and Beacon 42 Fish Camp. We allow night fishing only in Haulover
Canal and the open waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon,
and Banana River.
2. Anglers must attend their lines at all times.
3. Vehicles must use only designated public access routes and
boat launching areas north and south of Haulover Canal.
4. You may not launch boats, crab, or fish from Black Point
Wildlife Drive.
5. You may not use air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal
watercraft, or similar craft on refuge waters.
6. You may not use motorized boats in the Banana River Manatee
Sanctuary (north of KARS Park on the west side of the Barge Channel
and north of the Air Force power line on the east side of the Barge
Channel). This includes any boat having an attached motor or a
nonattached motor capable of use (including electric trolling
motors). This is in effect throughout the year.
7. Boats must not exceed idle speed in Bairs Cove and KARS
Marina or 8 mph in Haulover Canal.
8. We prohibit harvest or possession of horseshoe crabs while on
the refuge.
* * * * *

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. You may hunt ducks and coots
in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting only on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday,
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day within the State season
from \1/2\ hour before sunrise until noon.
2. You must possess a valid refuge hunt permit at all times
while hunting on the refuge.
3. You will need to break down temporary blinds, including those
of native vegetation, following each day's hunt. We prohibit the
construction of permanent or pit blinds.
4. You must remove decoys, guns, blinds, and boats from the
refuge by 1:00 p.m. daily.
5. We allow public hunting only in the area shown on the refuge
hunt brochure. We will post closed areas with signs or delineate
them by red reflectors on posts along the small road extending south
off U.S. 41. Entry into the refuge for hunting may not begin until
4:00 a.m. for designated hunt days.
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal
watercraft, and off-road vehicles at all times. We limit watercraft
to outboard engines with a maximum of 25 hp.
7. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded
waterfowl. Dogs must remain under the control of their handlers at
all times.
8. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
9. We require all guides to purchase and possess a refuge
Special Use Permit.
10. We prohibit the possession of alcoholic beverages.
11. Hunters under the age of 16 may hunt only with an adult 21
years of age or older, and they must remain in sight and normal
voice contact with the adult.
12. You may take ducks and coots with shotguns only. We prohibit
the possession of handguns and other long guns.
* * * * *

8. In Sec. 32.29 Georgia by revising paragraph C. of Okefenokee
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.29 Georgia.

* * * * *

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit for Suwannee Canal Unit.

* * * * *

9. In Sec. 32.31 Idaho by:
a. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., A.4., and D.1. of Deer Flat
National Wildlife Refuge; and

[[Page 46356]]

b. Revising paragraph D. of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.31 Idaho.

* * * * *

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
1. You may hunt only ducks, coots, and doves on the Lake Lowell
sector.
* * * * *
3. Snipe and dove hunters may possess only approved nontoxic
shot while in the field.
4. We restrict nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors
only to the area bounded by the water's edge and extending to a
point 200 yards (180 m) lakeward in hunting area 1 on the Lake Lowel
sector.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. During the waterfowl season, we allow fishing only within the
area bounded by the water's edge extending to a point 200 yards (180
m) lakeward in front of the Lower Dam, fishing area A and in front
of the Upper Dam, and fishing area B on the Lake Lowell sector.

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from boats on the main reservoir from
Minidoka Dam to the west tip of Bird Island, April 1 through
September 30.
2. We allow fishing from boats within boating lanes at Smith and
Gifford Springs year around.
3. We allow bank fishing all year.

10. In Sec. 32.32 Illinois by:
a. Alphabetically adding Great River National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Removing Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Alphabetically adding Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife
Refuge;
d. Alphabetically adding Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge;
e. Alphabetically adding Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge; and
f. Revising paragraphs A.1., B.1., B.2., B.3., C.1., C.2., C.3.,
D.1. and D.2. of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.32 Illinois.

* * * * *

Great River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to
brochures and posted regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to brochures and posted
regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to brochures and posted
regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to brochures and posted regulations.
* * * * *

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to brochures and posted
regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to brochures and posted regulations.

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
1. In areas posted ``Area Closed'' or ``No Hunting Zone,'' we
prohibit hunting of migratory game birds at any time.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. In areas posted ``No Hunting Zone,'' we prohibit hunting or
possession of firearms at all times.
2. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we only allow hunting
beginning the day after the close of the applicable State duck
hunting season until upland game season closure or March 15,
whichever occurs first, except we allow spring turkey hunting during
State seasons.
3. On areas open to hunting, we prohibit hunting or possession
of firearms from March 16 until the opening of State fall hunting
seasons, except we allow spring turkey hunting during State seasons.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. In areas posted ``No Hunting Zone,'' we prohibit hunting or
possession of firearms at all times.
2. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we only allow hunting
beginning the day after the close of the applicable State duck
hunting season until big game season closure or March 15, whichever
occurs first.
3. On areas open to hunting, we only allow hunting or possession
of firearms until season closure or March 15, whichever occurs
first.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. On Spring Lake Closed Areas, Carroll County, Illinois, we
prohibit fishing from October 1 until the day after the close of the
State duck hunting season.
2. On Mertes Slough, Buffalo County, Wisconsin, we allow only
hand-powered boats or boats with electric motors.

11. In Sec. 32.33 Indiana by alphabetically adding Big Oaks
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.33 Indiana.

* * * * *

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge access permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following condition: We require a refuge
access permit.
* * * * *

12. In Sec. 32.34 Iowa by:
a. Revising paragraphs B. and C. of Driftless Area National
Wildlife Refuge;
b. Removing Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Revising paragraph B. of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge;
d. Alphabetically adding Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge; and
e. Revising Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.34 Iowa.

* * * * *

Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we prohibit entry, including
hunting.
2. In areas open to hunting, we allow hunting beginning November
1 until the close of State hunting seasons or January 15, whichever
occurs first.

[[Page 46357]]

3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for
any allowed birds or other small game.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we prohibit all public
entry, including hunting.
2. In areas open to hunting, we allow hunting beginning November
1 until the close of State hunting seasons or January 15, whichever
occurs first.
3. We allow archery and muzzleloader hunting only.
4. We allow deer drives only during lawful party hunting
conducted within the refuge, in accordance with State regulations.
We prohibit driving deer from or through the refuge to any persons
hunting outside the refuge boundary.
5. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders.
6. You must remove all stands from the refuge following each
day's hunt.
* * * * *

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ringnecked pheasant,
bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, and squirrel on designated areas
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for
any permitted birds or other small game.
2. We allow hunting only during the dates posted at the refuge.
3. All hunters must wear one or more of the following articles
of visible, external, solid-blaze-orange clothing: a hat, vest,
coat, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt, or coveralls.
* * * * *

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to Sec. 32.32 Illinois for regulations.

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to
brochures and posted regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on
designated areas of the refuge subject to brochures and posted
regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated
areas of the refuge subject to brochures and posted regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to brochures and posted regulations.
* * * * *

13. In Sec. 32.36 Kentucky by alphabetically adding Clarks River
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.36 Kentucky.

* * * * *

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, woodcock, snipe, and mourning doves on designated
areas of the refuge subject to State regulations and the following
conditions:
1. Hunting of waterfowl will cease at 2:00 p.m. each day of open
season.
2. You may use only portable or temporary blinds.
3. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and decoys from
the refuge following each day's hunt.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting
waterfowl in the field.
5. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
6. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge
hunts.
7. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
8. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
9. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
10. Each hunter must have in his/her possession a current,
signed copy of the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting/
Fishing Permit while participating in refuge hunts.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, raccoon, opossum, bobcat and coyote on designated areas of
the refuge subject to State regulations and the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
2. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles on all refuge hunts.
3. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
4. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
5. We limit shotguns to no larger than 10 gauge. All shotgun
ammunition must meet legal shot-size requirements for each hunted
species. We limit the use of rifles and pistols to rimfire only for
upland game.
6. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
7. You must have in your possession a current, signed copy of
the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting/Fishing Permit
while participating in refuge hunts.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to State
regulations and the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use or construction of any permanent tree
stand.
2. We allow portable stands and climbing stands, but you must
remove them from the tree when they are not in use.
3. We require safety belts at all times with the use of tree
stands.
4. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge
hunts.
6. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
7. You may not hunt by organized deer drives of two or more
hunters. The definition of drive is: the act of chasing, pursuing,
disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animals
more susceptible to harvest.
8. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
9. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
10. You must have in your possession a current, signed copy of
the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting/Fishing Permit
while participating in refuge hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of
the refuge subject to State regulations, any refuge-specific
regulations listed in the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting/Fishing Permit, and the following conditions:
1. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
fishing activities.
2. You must have in your possession a current, signed copy of
the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting/Fishing Permit
while fishing on the refuge.

* * * * *

14. In Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by:
a. Adding paragraphs A.3., B.3., and C.3., and revising paragraph
D.2. of Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraphs A. and D.1. of Bayou Cocodrie National
Wildlife Refuge;
c. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., paragraph A.1.,
the introductory text of paragraph B., and paragraphs B.1., C.1., and
D.1. of Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge; and
d. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Upper Ouachita National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.

* * * * *

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
3. For the Shatters Bayou Unit, hunting must be in accordance
with the Attakapas Wildlife Management Area rules and regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. For the Shatters Bayou Unit, hunting must be in accordance
with the Attakapas Wildlife Management Area rules and regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. For the Shatters Bayou Unit, hunting must be in accordance
with the Attakapas Wildlife Management Area rules and regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. For the Indian Bayou and Shatters Bayou Unit, we require an
Army Corps of Engineers permit for commercial shellfishing.

[[Page 46358]]

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. You may hunt ducks, coots,
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following condition: We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Anglers must possess a refuge permit.
* * * * *

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks,
geese, coots, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote on designated areas
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks,
geese, coots, mourning doves, and woodcock on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require a refuge
permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.

* * * * *

15. In Sec. 32.38 Maine by alphabetically adding Petit Manan
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.38 Maine.

* * * * *

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks,
geese, woodcock, rails, gallinules, and snipe on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may not erect permanent waterfowl blinds on the refuge.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, concealment materials,
boats, and decoys following each day's hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
2. We prohibit the use of pursuit or trailing dogs on the
refuge.
3. We prohibit the hunting of crows on the refuge.
4. The refuge will be open to hunting of coyotes no earlier than
November 1 and no later than March 31.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of pursuit or trailing dogs on the
refuge.
2. We allow black bear hunting only during the firearm season
for white-tailed deer.
3. You must remove all tree stands by the last day of the white-
tailed deer hunting season.
4. We close the refuge to all visitation from sunrise to sunset.
However, during hunting season, we allow hunters to enter the refuge
\1/2\ hour prior to sunrise and remain on the refuge \1/2\ hour
after sunset.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

* * * * *

16. In Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts by revising paragraph D.1. of
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts.

* * * * *

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We allow saltwater fishing on the ocean beach and the
surrounding waters of the Broad Sound.
* * * * *

17. In Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by:
a. Revising Fergus Falls Wetland Management District;
b. Alphabetically adding Litchfield Wetland Management District;
and
c. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C., in Windom Wetland Management
District to read as follows:

Sec. 32.42 Minnesota.

* * * * *

Fergus Falls Wetland Management District

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds throughout the district except that we allow no
hunting on the Townsend, Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore Waterfowl
Production Areas (WPA) in Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in
Douglas County.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout
the district except that we allow no hunting on the Townsend,
Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and
Larson WPA in Douglas County.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the
district except that we allow no hunting on the Townsend,
Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and
Larson WPA in Douglas County.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the district
except that we allow no fishing on the Townsend, Headquarters,
Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in
Douglas County.

Litchfield Wetland Management District

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds throughout the district subject to the
following conditions:
1. You must remove boats, decoys, and other personal property
following each day's hunt.
2. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and any material
brought onto the area for blind construction following each day's
hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout
the district.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the
district subject to the following conditions:
1. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds,
stands, or platforms.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, stands, or platforms
following each day's hunt.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing throughout the district.
* * * * *

Windom Wetland Management District

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds throughout the district except that you may not
hunt on the Worthington Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Nobles
County, Headquarters WPA in Jackson County, or designated portions
of the Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood County.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game
throughout the district except that you may not hunt on the
Worthington WPA in Nobles County, Headquarters WPA in Jackson
County, or designated portions of the Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood
County.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game throughout the
district except that you may not hunt on the Worthington WPA in
Nobles County, Headquarters WPA in Jackson County, or designated
portions of the Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood County.
* * * * *

18. In Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by:
a. Alphabetically adding Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising Hillside National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Revising Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
d. Revising Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
e. Revising Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; and
f. Revising Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.43 Mississippi.

* * * * *

Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, and

[[Page 46359]]

mourning doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to State
regulations and the following conditions:
1. Hunting of waterfowl will cease at 2:00 p.m. each day of open
season.
2. You may use only portable or temporary blinds.
3. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and decoys from
the refuge following each day's hunt.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting
waterfowl in the field.
5. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
6. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge
hunts.
7. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
8. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
9. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
10. Each hunter must have in his/her possession a current,
signed copy of the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Permit
while participating in refuge hunts.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel on
designated areas of the refuge subject to State regulations and the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
2. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge
hunts.
3. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
4. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
5. We limit shotguns to no larger than 10 gauge. All shotgun
ammunition must meet legal shot-size requirements.
6. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
7. Each hunter must have in his/her possession a current, signed
copy of the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Permit while
participating in refuge hunts.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to State
regulations and the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use or construction of any permanent tree
stand.
2. We allow portable and climbing stands, but you must remove
them from the tree when not in use or they will be subject to
confiscation.
3. We require safety belts at all times with the use of tree
stands.
4. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal
hunting activities.
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge
hunts.
6. We prohibit the use of mules and horses on refuge hunts.
7. You may not hunt by organized deer drives of two or more
hunters. The definition of drive is: the act of chasing, pursuing,
disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animals
more susceptible to harvest.
8. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
9. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms before
transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the
refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the
refuge.
10. You must have in your possession a current, signed copy of
the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Permit while
participating in refuge hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Hillside National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
doves, waterfowl, and coots on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, rabbit,
squirrel, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging in designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: We
require a refuge permit.

Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
doves, waterfowl, and coots on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, rabbit,
squirrel, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: We
require a refuge permit.

Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
doves, waterfowl, and coots on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, rabbit,
squirrel, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging in designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: We
require a refuge permit.
* * * * *

Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit. Please consult the refuge
brochure for species information.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, squirrel,
and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following condition: We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

19. In Sec. 32.44 Missouri by:
a. Alphabetically adding Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Alphabetically adding Great River National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Removing Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge;
d. Alphabetically adding Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife
Refuge; and
e. Alphabetically adding Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.44 Missouri.

* * * * *

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to posted regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to posted regulations.

Great River National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to Sec. 32.32 Illinois for regulations.

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to Sec. 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
* * * * *

[[Page 46360]]

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to Sec. 32.32 Illinois for regulations.

20. In Sec. 32.47 Nevada by revising paragraphs A. and D. of Ruby
Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.47 Nevada.

* * * * *

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State laws and subject to the following
conditions:
1. The refuge is open to the public from 1 hour before sunrise
until 2 hours after sunset.
2. We do not allow off-road vehicles on the refuge.
3. We do not allow permanent or pit blinds on the refuge. You
must remove all blind materials and decoys following each day's
hunt.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State laws and subject to the following
conditions:
1. The refuge is open to the public from 1 hour before sunrise
until 2 hours after sunset.
2. We allow fishing only from the dikes in the areas north of
the Brown Dike and east of the Collection Ditch, with the exception
that you may fish from foot-propelled, personal flotation devices
(float tubes) in designated areas.
3. We prohibit fishing from the bank on the South Marsh except
at Brown Dike, the Main Boat Landing, and Narciss Boat Landing.
4. You may use only artificial lures in the Collection Ditch and
spring ponds adjoining the ditch.
5. We do not allow boats on the refuge beginning January 1
through June 14.
6. During the boating season, we allow boats only on the South
Marsh. Beginning June 15 through July 31, we allow only motorless
boats or boats with battery-powered electric motors. Beginning
August 1 through December 31, we allow only motorless boats and
boats propelled by motors with a total of 10 hp or less.
7. You may launch boats only from designated landings.
8. We do not allow storage of boats of any kind on the refuge
beginning January 1 through May 31.
9. We do not allow off-road vehicles on the refuge.
* * * * *

21. In Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraphs A., C.5., and
D. of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.49 New Jersey.

* * * * *

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese
and ducks on designated areas of the refuge during designated refuge
seasons subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow loaded and uncased firearms in an unanchored boat
only when retrieving crippled birds.
2. You must remove all hunting blind materials, boats, and
decoys following each day's hunt. We do not allow permanent blinds.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. You may only use single-projectile ammunition when hunting
from a stand elevated at least 6 feet (1.8 m) above ground level and
only in firearms equipped with adjustable sights or a scope. Hunters
may use buckshot when hunting from the ground or from stands less
than 6 feet above ground level.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on the refuge in
designated areas subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the taking of frogs, salamanders, and turtles
from all nontidal waters and refuge lands.
2. We prohibit fishing in designated nontidal waters from sunset
to sunrise.
3. We prohibit bow fishing in nontidal waters.
* * * * *

22. In Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by:
a. Revising Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge; and
b. Revising paragraph C. of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.50 New Mexico.

* * * * *

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, mourning doves, and sandhill cranes on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may hunt during seasons, dates, times, and areas posted
by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets, special regulations,
and maps available at the refuge office.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
3. We do not allow pit or permanent blinds.
4. Neither hunters nor dogs may enter closed areas to retrieve
game.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail,
cottontail, and jack rabbit on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting during seasons, dates, times, and areas as
posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets, special
regulations, and maps available at the refuge office.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer and white-
tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following condition: We allow hunting during seasons, dates, times,
and areas as posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets,
special regulations, and maps available at the refuge office.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Refer to refuge map for designated areas.
2. Hunts are subject to State regulations and seasons.
* * * * *

23. In Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by:
a. Revising paragraph D. of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge;
and
b. Revising paragraphs A., B.1., and C. of Roanoke River National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.

* * * * *

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing and crabbing in North Pond, South Pond,
and Newfield impoundments.
2. We require a refuge permit for night fishing.
* * * * *

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks
and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a State-issued refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require a State-issued refuge permit.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a State-issued refuge permit.
* * * * *

24. In Sec. 32.53 North Dakota by:
a. Revising Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraph C.2. of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
and
c. Revising paragraph C. of Slade National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:

Sec. 32.53 North Dakota.

* * * * *

Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
tundra swans, ducks, coots, and mourning doves on designated areas
of the refuge; consult refuge publication.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game and furbearer
hunting on

[[Page 46361]]

designated portions of the refuge at certain times of the year;
consult refuge publication.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow special refuge permit holders to
hunt deer and fox with rifles during the State firearm deer season
on designated portions of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow fox hunting on certain areas of the refuge outside
of the State firearm deer season without a special refuge permit;
consult refuge publication.
2. We allow archery hunting on designated portions of the
refuge; consult refuge publication.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting.
* * * * *
2. We restrict archery hunters to the portions of the refuge
open to firearm deer hunting during the State firearm deer season.
Prior to and following the firearm deer season, we open additional
refuge areas as designated to archery deer hunting.
* * * * *

Slade National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Hunters may
enter the refuge on foot only.
* * * * *
25. In Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by:

a. Revising paragraphs A., B., C., and revising the introductory
text of paragraph D. and paragraph D.1. of Deep Fork National Wildlife
Refuge;
b. Adding paragraph A.6., revising paragraph B.5., the introductory
text of paragraph C. and paragraph C.1., adding paragraphs C.3. and
C.4., and revising the introductory text of paragraph D. and paragraph
D.1. of Little River National Wildlife Refuge; and
c. Adding paragraph B.3. of Washita National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. You may hunt ducks in
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
You must possess a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. You may hunt squirrel, rabbit, and
raccoon in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: You must possess a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. You may hunt white-tailed deer in
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
You must possess a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. You may sport fish on the refuge in designated
areas subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge is open to fishing as specified in refuge
leaflets, special regulations, permits, maps or as posted on signs.
* * * * *

Little River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. *
* * * * *
6. You must obtain a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. You must obtain a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. You may hunt deer and feral hog on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Deer hunters must obtain a refuge permit and pay fees.
* * * * *
3. You may hunt feral hog during any established refuge hunting
season. Refuge permits and legal weapons apply as for the current
hunting season.
4. You must obtain a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may fish from sunrise to sunset.
* * * * *

Washita National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting.
* * * * *
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field.
* * * * *

26. In Sec. 32.56 Oregon by revising paragraphs A.1. and C. of
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.56 Oregon.

* * * * *

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
1. We allow only nonmotorized boats or boats with electric
motors.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and pronghorn
during the authorized State seasons on the refuge area west of
Highway 205 and south of Foster Road.
* * * * *

27. In Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania by revising paragraph B.1. of Erie
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania.

* * * * *

Erie National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require refuge permits for hunting fox, raccoon, and
coyote.
* * * * *

28. In Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by revising paragraphs A., B., and
C., of Santee National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.60 South Carolina.

* * * * *

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require a refuge
permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
* * * * *

29. In Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by revising paragraphs A. and D. of
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.61 South Dakota.

* * * * *

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow waterfowl hunting
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State law.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in areas posted as open in
accordance with State law.
* * * * *

30. In Sec. 32.62 Tennessee by revising paragraphs B., C., and D.4.
of Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.62 Tennessee.

* * * * *

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Fish lengths and daily creel limits established for Barley
Reservoir by the Tennessee Wildilfe Resources Agency apply to all
waters within the boundary of the refuge.
* * * * *

31. In Sec. 32.63 Texas by:
a. Revising paragraphs C. and D. of Aransas National Wildlife
Refuge; and
b. Revising paragraph A.5. and adding paragraphs C.9., C.10., and
C.11. of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.63 Texas.

* * * * *

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

[[Page 46362]]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion
thereof to hunting in the event of the appearance of whooping cranes
in the hunt area.
2. You must obtain a refuge permit and pay a fee.
3. You may not use dogs to trail game.
4. You may not possess alcoholic beverages while on the refuge.
5. We will annually designate bag limits in the refuge hunt
brochure.
6. We allow archery hunting in October within the deer season
for the county on specified days listed in the refuge hunt brochure.
7. We allow firearm hunting in November within the deer season
for the county on specified days listed in the refuge hunt brochure.
8. Firearm hunters must wear a total of 400 square inches (10.16
m2) hunter orange including 144 square inches (936
cm2) visible in front and 144 square inches visible in
rear. Some hunter orange must appear on head gear.
9. You must unload and encase all firearms while in a vehicle.
10. You may not hunt on or across any part of the refuge road
system, or hunt from a vehicle on any refuge road or road right-of-
way.
11. You may hunt white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated
areas of Matagorda Island in accordance with the State permit system
as administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may not use crab traps in any refuge marshes, including
Matagorda Island.
2. Beginning April 15 through October 15, you may fish on the
refuge only in areas designated in the refuge fishing brochure.
3. You may fish all year in marshes on Matagorda Island and in
areas designated in the refuge fishing brochure.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow dogs to retrieve game birds during the hunt, but the
dogs must be under control of the handler at all times and not
allowed to roam free.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. You may not use dogs for hunting.
10. You may not camp.
11. You may only use vehicles on designated roads and parking
areas.
* * * * *

32. In Sec. 32.67 Washington by:
a. Removing Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex;
b. Alphabetically adding Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle
Mountain National Wildlife Refuge; and
c. Revising paragraphs A. and C. of Willapa National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.67 Washington.

* * * * *

Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife
Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, mourning doves, and common snipe on the Wahluke Unit
and designated Columbia River islands (those islands downstream of
the Bonneville Powerline crossing, between River Mile 351 and 341)
of the Monument/Refuge in accordance with State regulations and
subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the
refuge.
2. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after
sunset. We do not allow overnight camping and/or parking.
3. We close the furthest downstream island (Columbia River Mile
341-343) to hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, and
partridge on designated areas on the Wahluke Unit of the Monument/
Refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the
conditions listed below:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the
refuge.
2. We allow only shotguns and archery hunting.
3. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after
sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on the Wahluke
Unit of the Monument/Refuge in accordance with State regulations and
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery hunting.
2. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after
sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Wahluke Unit and
designated Columbia River islands of the Monument/Refuge (those
islands downstream of the Bonneville Powerline crossing, between
River Mile 351 and 341) in accordance with State regulations and
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow access to the islands from July 1 to September 30,
except for Islands 18 and 19 (downstream of Johnson Island), where
we allow access from July 31 to September 30.
2. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after
sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
3. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on
the WB-10 Ponds, with walk-in access only.
* * * * *

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese,
ducks, coots, and snipe on designated areas of Riekkola, Lewis,
Tarlatt Slough, and Leadbetter Units in accordance with State
hunting regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Prior to entering the hunt area at the Riekkola and Tarlatt
Slough Units, we require you to obtain a refuge permit, pay a
recreation user fee, and obtain a blind assignment.
2. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units, you may take ducks
and coots only coincidental to hunting geese.
3. We allow hunting on Wednesday and Saturday in the Riekkola
and Tarlatt Slough Units only from established blinds.
4. At the Lewis Unit, we prohibit hunting from the outer dike
that separates the bay from the freshwater wetlands.
5. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units, you may possess no
more than 25 approved nontoxic shells per day while in the field.
6. At the Leadbetter Unit, you may possess only approved
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, and bear on
Long Island and on designated areas of the Bear River Unit, in
accordance with State hunting regulations and subject to the
following conditions:
1. At Long Island you must possess a valid refuge permit and
report game taken, as specified with the permit.
2. At Long Island we allow only archery hunting and prohibit
firearms.
3. At Bear River we do not allow bear hunting.
4. We prohibit dogs.
* * * * *

33. In Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by:
a. Revising paragraph C.1. of Fox River National Wildlife Refuge;
b. Revising paragraph D. of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge;
c. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of St. Croix Wetland Management
District; and
d. Revising Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require refuge permits during designated time periods.
* * * * *

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following condition: We allow only bank
fishing.
* * * * *

St. Croix Wetland Management District

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds throughout the district except that you may not
hunt on designated portions posted as closed of the St. Croix
Prairie Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in St. Croix County.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game
throughout the district except that you may not hunt on designated
portions posted as closed of the St. Croix Prairie WPA in St. Croix
County.
* * * * *

[[Page 46363]]

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following condition: We require a refuge permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
We require a refuge permit.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow only hand-powered boats or boats with electric
motors on the refuge.
2. You must remove ice fishing shelters from the refuge
following each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit possessing archery or spearing equipment on
refuge pools at any time. We allow taking rough fish by bow and
arrow or spear only along the refuge boundary in the backwaters of
the Trempealeau River, in accordance with State regulations.
* * * * *

34. In Sec. 32.72 Guam by revising paragraph D. of Guam National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.72 Guam.

* * * * *

Guam National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish and collect marine life on
designated areas of the refuge only in accordance with refuge and
Government of Guam laws and regulations. The leaflet is available at
the refuge headquarters and anglers are subject to the following
additional conditions:
1. Anglers may be on the refuge from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
2. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
3. You may not possess surround or gill nets on the refuge.
4. We prohibit the collection of corals, giant clams (Tridacna
and Hippopus spp.), and coconut crabs (Birgus latro) on the refuge.

Dated: August 23, 2001.
Joseph E. Doddridge,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 01-22035 Filed 8-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

Notices For
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994

2001-2002 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

Local Navigation