Migratory bird hunting: continent light goose; harvest increase,

[Federal Register: January 6, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 3)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 821-822]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr06ja99-25]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AF25

Extension of Comment Period: Migratory Bird Hunting; Regulations To Increase Harvest of Mid-Continent Light Geese

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: The Service is extending the comment period on the Federal Register rule dated November 9, 1998 (63 FR 60271). The rule invites public comments on the proposed changes to the migratory bird hunting regulations that authorize additional hunting methods (electronic callers and unplugged shotguns) during a normal open mid-continent light goose hunting season when all other migratory bird hunting seasons are closed.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments is extended from January 8, 1999 to January 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior, Ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, D.C. 20240. The public may inspect comments during normal business hours in room 634--Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

[[Page 822]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Blohm, Acting Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358- 1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Mid-continent lesser snow goose and Ross' goose population has nearly quadrupled in the last 30 years. The Western Central Flyway lesser snow and Ross' goose population also has quadrupled in the last 23 years. Collectively, these central and eastern arctic and subarctic-nesting light goose populations are referred to as Mid-continent light geese (MCLG). Due to high population growth rates, a decline in adult mortality, and an increase in winter survival, MCLG are now seriously injurious to their habitat and habitat important to other migratory birds which poses a serious threat to the short and long-term health and status of migratory bird populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') believes that MCLG populations exceed long-term sustainable levels for their arctic and subarctic breeding habitats and the populations must be reduced.

In a Federal Register notice dated November 9, 1998, we proposed to amend 50 CFR Part 21 to authorize the use of additional hunting methods (electronic callers and unplugged shotguns) during a normal open light- goose hunting season when all other migratory bird hunting seasons are closed. We are concurrently proposing an additional but separate population reduction strategy. In addition to this proposed rule to amend 50 CFR Part 20, we are also proposing to amend 50 CFR Part 21 to authorize the use of a conservation order to increase take of MCLG. This proposal is also in the nature of a proposed rule and the extension of the comment period on the rule is published in this issue of the Federal Register. The combination of these two proposals is designed to increase MCLG harvest and to provide a biologically sound and cost effective and efficient method for the reduction and management of overabundant MCLG populations.

We have received a request to extend the comment period on this rule. The Service invites careful consideration by all parties, and welcomes serious scrutiny from those committed to the long-term conservation of migratory birds. Therefore, to facilitate substantive public review, we are extending the comment period to January 15, 1999.

Dated: December 30, 1998. Thomas O. Melius, Acting Director.

[FR Doc. 99-145Filed1-5-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P