ATLANTIC WATERFOWL COUNCIL, AUGUST 2-3, 1966 RESOLUTION Whereas shooting hours for upland game in many states within the Atlantic Waterfowl Flyway have traditionally begun at one-half hour before sunrise, and Whereas attempts by the states to change their shooting hours simply for the purpose of coinciding with the waterfowl shooting hours have been markedly unsuccessful, and Whereas the existing conflict in shooting hours for upland game and waterfowl has a marked effect on the morale of waterfowl hunters, reduces waterfowl hunting opportunity, and promotes a disregard for existing laws governing the hunting of waterfowl, and Whereas the states exerting all possible enforcement and education effort are unable to adequately cope with the situation, and Whereas the Atlantic Waterfowl Council, recognizing these problems, has repeatedly requested the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife to revise the waterfowl hunting regulations so as to permit shooting one-half hour before sunrise, and Whereas the Bureau has consistently rejected this proposal without reasonable justification and without valid data as to any detrimental impact of an earlier opening hour on our waterfowl population, Now therefore be it again resolved that the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife in its regulations for 1966-67 revise the waterfowl shooting hours to allow shooting to begin one-half hour before sunrise, prevailing time. RESOLUTION The objective of securing more equitable distribution of waterfowl hunting opportunity has been almost universally accepted and expressed. It is so stated in the Atlantic Flyway Management Plan and in the more recent Statement of Needs. Achievement of this goal is affected by numerous variables, both manmade and biological, including distribution of the birds, the people, actual and potential habitat, and the regulations. Biological studies are yielding results pertinent to this goal and we should also welcome experimental modifications of the regulations in a study of their effects upon hunting opportunity. Whereas, the status of the scaup population seems to be in a very healthy condition (Atlantic Flyway 1966 "inventory" at about the 10-year average level but with "hundreds of thousands" of scaup and scoters not counted off the coast), and Whereas, the breeding grounds of the scaup, especially of the greater, seem to be in good condition and highly productive, and Whereas, the mortality suffered by these birds from hunting has been comparatively lower than for most species, and Whereas, optimum hunting opportunity on scaup has not been provided under present regulations in large parts of the Flyway, and Whereas, it is believed that greater opportunity in hunting these birds, at some discretion of the various states is justified. Now, be it resolved, that the Atlantic Waterfowl Council recommends that the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, in its regulations for 1966–67, allow the states of the Atlantic Flyway the opportunity of a greater scaup harvest with the option of either (1) a bonus daily bag or (2) additional hunting days for "scaup-only" beyond the regular season, based on the following considerations: 1. States may select either a bonus daily bag for scaup within their regular season or additional scaup-only days after the regular season within the dates of the framework. 2. Portions of such states should be closed to this special scaup season, if in the opinion of the state and the Bureau any other species of waterfowl would be endangered. 3. Selection of a split season would not militate against the selection of additional scaup days, and there would be no penalty on the number of additional Scaup-only days. 4. In the case of either a straight or split season, the additional scaup-only days would begin immediately after the close of the straight season or of either portion of the split. (This is to prevent any additional opening-day effects.) 69-04966- -9 5. During the scaup-only days all regular basic regulations will apply; all other waterfowl, except geese, brant and sea ducks (if their seasons are open) would be protected. 6. Any state selecting additional scaup-only days would be required to specify them at the time of normal season selection. RESOLUTION. COMPENSATION FOR NO SUNDAY HUNTING States in the Atlantic Flyway having State laws prohibiting Sunday hunting whose conservation officers or fish and game wardens enforce those laws, shall be granted by the Service additional week days of hunting in lieu of no Sunday hunting. RESOLUTION The Atlantic Waterfowl Council requests the Service to extend the framework of the waterfowl season to January 20. RECOMMENDED 1966-67 DUCK AND COOT HUNTING REGULATIONS, A. Options: This council disapproves the system whereby the states are offered two or more optional selections involving variable bag limits and season lengths. B. Season Framework: October 8 to January 8. C. Shooting Hours: 15 minutes before sunrise to sunset, including opening days, for all waterfowl. D. Season Length: 45 days, with a 10% penalty in the number of hunting days for a split season. E. Bag Limits: 1. Ducks. 4 daily, with special limits of 2 mallards, 2 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks. Possession limits double the daily limits. Special bag limits of 2 scaup or ringnecked ducks daily or 4 in possession in addition to the basic duck bag limits in those portions of the Flyway where the States and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife agree scaup hunting will present no serious hazard to other species. 2. Mergansers.-5 daily, including not more than 2 hooded mergansers. Possession 10, including not more than 4 hooded mergansers. (Season concurrent with ducks). 3. Coots.-10 daily, possession 20. (Season concurrent with ducks). LARRY R. GALE, HARRY RUHL, Chairman. Cochairman. ROBERT L. DUNKESON, CENTRAL FLYWAY WATERFOWL COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 1, 1966 DUCK REGULATIONS Whereas, it is the decision of the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council to increase the breeding population of ducks on primary breeding areas of the Central Flyway, And whereas, the 1966 Fall Flight Forecast indicates a substantial increase from 1965, Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Council recommends the establishment of the following regulations for duck hunting in 1966 : (1) A. Season length shall be fifty (50) days with a daily bag limit of five (5) and a possession limit of ten (10) which may include not more than three (3) mallards, or three (3) canvasbacks, or three (3) woodducks per day and possession limit of six (6) on the restricted species; or B. Season length shall be eighty (80) days with a daily bag limit of four (4) and a possession of eight (8) which may include not more than two (2) mallards, or two (2) canvasbacks, or two (2) woodducks per day and possession limit of four (4) on the restricted species; (2) That the daily shooting hours shall be one-half (2) hour before sunrise to sunset; (3) That the season framework on ducks shall extend from October 1, 1966 through January 15, 1967; (4) That the daily bag limit of coot be ten (10) with twenty (20) in possession; (5) That the daily bag limit of mergansers be five (5) with ten (10) in possession. Moved by South Dakota. Seconded by Montana. Unanimously carried, RESOLUTION NO. 2. 1966-67 GOOSE HUNTING REGULATIONS Whereas, (1) the Hi-Line Canada goose population has shown a slight increase over the ten-year average, and (2) the Short Grass Prairie Canada goose population is in excellent status with the January inventory of 1966 of about 110,000 birds as compared to the 1965 inventory of 103,000 birds, and (3) the status of the Tall Grass Prairie Canada goose population is not accurately known but some sources indicate that this population has decreased slightly in recent years, and (4) the 1966 January inventory of snow, blue and whitefronted geese indicated a moderate decrease from the 1965 inventory; and Furthermore, it is our objective that the goose populations be maintained or increased, Now therefore, the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council recommends that— (1) There shall be a goose season in the Central Flyway of seventy-five (75) days on all goose species, and (2) The daily bag and possession limit on geese shall be five (5) provided that the daily bag limit may include no more than one (1) white-fronted goose, or two (2) Canada geese of all sub-species, or one (1) white-fronted goose and one (1) Canada goose, and (3) That the hunting season framework shall be from October 1, 1966 through January 15, 1967, and (4) That the hunting hours shall be from one-half (2) hour before sunrise to sunset each day of the open season. Moved by Oklahoma. Seconded by Nebraska. Unanimously carried. RESOLUTION NO. 3. SAN LUIS VALLEY EXPERIMENTAL MALLARD SEASON RECOMMENDATIONS Whereas, experimental regulations for the San Luis Valley of Colorado initiated during the 1963 waterfowl hunting season and continued in 1964 and 1965 did not alter the status of breeding waterfowl in the Valley during the 1966 breeding season, And whereas, waterfowl populations available for continuance of the experiment for the coming fall are at a satisfactory level, Furthermore, techniques for evaluating the effects of this experiment have been revised and improved, and are capable of making this evaluation within reasonable limits of accuracy, And furthermore, the objective for this year's experimental season is to test the influence of half day hunting and hunting by special permit on the number of hunters participating and harvest. Further, to determine the effect of harvest on a breeding mallard population, Now therefore be it resolved, that the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council requests continuation of the cooperative investigation between the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Council to determine the influence of hunting on the San Luis Valley mallard population. To implement this, it is recommended that the following special regulations be established: 1. The experimental San Luis Valley duck hunting season shall open on October 1 and continue through October 18, 1966. 2. The bag limit shall be five (5) ducks with ten (10) ducks in possession, and five (5) coots with ten (10) coots in possession. 3. That shooting hours be sunrise until twelve (12) noon for all days of the season. 4. That hunting be by special permit which will be issued free at times and locations within Colorado which will be advertised prior to the season. 5. That the area known as the San Luis Valley of Colorado shall be opened during this experimental season and shall include the following counties: Rio Grande, Conejos, Costilla, Alamosa, and those parts of Saguache, Mineral, and Hinsdale lying east of the Continental Divide. . Moved by Colorado. Seconded by New Mexico. Unanimously carried. RESOLUTION NO. 4. LESSER SANDHILL CRANE SEASON IN THE CENTRAL FLYWAY, 1966 Whereas, hunting seasons on lesser sandhill cranes have been conducted in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas; and Whereas, data collected during the course of these hunts indicated that future controlled hunting seasons in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas would not be detrimental to either the greater or lesser sandhill crane population; and Whereas, the data further indicates that because of its excellent table qualities the lesser sandhill crane has the potential of being an important and worthy game bird; and Whereas, the data further indicates that hunting might be a highly successful method of controlling crop depredations locally; and Whereas, the wintering population of lesser sandhill cranes approximates 240,000 in southeast New Mexico and west Texas; Now therefore, the Central Flyway Council proposes the following: (1) That the season dates for hunting lesser sandhill cranes shall be from October 29, 1966 through November 27, 1966; (2) That the daily bag and possession limit shall be two (2) and four (4); (3) That the hunting area shall be limited to that portion of Texas lying west of a line from the International Toll Bridge at Del Rio, Val Verde County; thence northward following U.S. Highway 277 to its junction with U.S. Highway 87 at San Angelo, Tom Green County; thence northwesterly along U.S. Highway 87 to Dumas, Texas; thence northward following Highway 287 to the point of its intersection with the Texas-Oklahoma State line in Dallam County; and in New Mexico to the Counties of Lea, Chaves, Eddy, Roosevelt, Quay, Curry and De Baca; (4) That the shooting hours shall be from thirty (30) minutes before sunrise to sunset on all days of the season. Moved by New Mexico. Seconded by Texas. Unanimously carried. RESOLUTION NO. 5. LESSER SANDHILL CRANE HUNTING REGULATION RECOMMENDATIONS; EASTERN WYOMING; EASTERN COLORADO; WESTERN OKLAHOMA; WALWORTH COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA; AND KIDDER COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA Whereas, experimental hunting seasons on lesser sandhill cranes have been conducted in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, which indicate that a controlled hunting season is not detrimental to the crane population; and Whereas, information from a cooperative crane study in the Central Flyway indicates that no greater sandhill cranes mingle with populations of lesser sandhill cranes which migrate through eastern Colorado and Wyoming, and western Oklahoma; Furthermore, that data derived from the experimental hunting season in New Mexico and Texas indicates that hunting may be a highly successful method of controlling crop depredations, and Furthermore, that the current status of lesser sandhill cranes which would migrate through this area is high with peak counts of 20,000 birds depending upon the year, and would definitely support hunting and harvest, Now therefore, be it resolved that the following hunting regulations be permitted in Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota for the 1966-67 hunting season: 1. Those portions of Colorado and Wyoming east of the Continental Divide except the area commonly referred to as the San Luis Valley: Oklahoma west of Highway 81: Walworth County, South Dakota: and Kidder County, North Dakota: be opened to the hunting of lesser sandhill cranes. 2. That the season dates in Colorado and Wyoming. North Dakota and South Dakota, shall be October 15, 1966 through November 15, 1966; and in Oklahoma November 6, 1966 through November 30, 1966. 3. That the daily bag limit shall be two (2) with a possession limit of four (4). 4. That the shooting hours be from one-half (1) hour before sunrise to sunset all days of the season. Moved by Montana. Seconded by Colorado. Unanimously carried. RESOLUTION NO. 6. REJECTING THE PROPOSED IDEA OF ADJUSTING THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE CENTRAL FLYWAY Whereas, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has proposed that the eastern boundary of the Central Flyway be moved westward to place a portion of the eastern tier of states into the Mississippi Flyway; and Whereas, the division of these eastern Central Flyway states has not been delineated in terms of land area to be included in the Mississippi Flyway; Furthermore, it is the present opinion of the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council that the Central Flyway boundary as it now exists adequately fulfills the administrative function necessary for flyway management; and Furthermore, the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council is firmly convinced that management of waterfowl on a unit basis relating to specific populations offers the most logical approach to equitable utilization of the waterfowl resource within this flyway; Now therefore, be it resolved that the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council rejects the proposal of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife to alter the present administrative boundaries of the Central Flyway and recommends that 1. The concept of waterfowl management units within the Central Flyway be given primary consideration. 2. An immediate effort be made to delineate the boundaries of these units through analysis of existing band recovery information by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife in cooperation with the Central Flyway Technical Committee. 3. That the cooperative banding program between the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and Central Flyway states be continued within the framework of the present banding program to determine the number and location of all possible waterfowl management units within the Central Flyway. Moved by Montana. Seconded by South Dakota. Unanimously carried. RESOLUTION NO. 7. HIGH PLAINS MALLARD MANAGEMENT UNIT RECOMMENDATION Whereas, management of waterfowl on a population unit basis within flyways will permit a maximum utilization of this resource by harvesting duck populations where surplus exist and protecting populations where it is needed; and Whereas, the analysis of recoveries from about 72,000 wintering mallards banded along the eastern slopes of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming establishes the existence of a mallard management unit in the eastern slopes of these states, the eastern boundaries of which extend to the vicinity of the 100th Meridian and the southern boundary to the southern border of the United States; Furthermore, the analysis indicates that wintering mallards in this area have lower first year recovery rates and lower annual mortality rates than the rest of the Central Flyway, the Mississippi Flyway, and the Pacific Flyway with the exception of the Columbia Basin; Now therefore, be it resolved that the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council recommends the following for the Central Flyway for the 1966-67 hunting season: 1. A special waterfowl management unit be established in the western portion of the Central Flyway to be known as the "High Plains Mallard Management Unit". This unit will include the east slopes of Wyoming and Colorado from the Continental Divide on the west to the eastern state lines, and that portion of Montana consisting of the Counties of Blaine, Fergus, Judith Basin, Wheatland, Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Carbon and all counties east thereof. 2. In addition it is recommended that portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico be placed within this proposed unit as soon as analysis of band recovery data is completed indicating the extent of these states which can be included. 3. That a two-week special season be granted this management unit in addition to the regular season, which must be selected by the States of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming to begin no earlier than December 1, 1966, and to an no later than January 15, 1967. Bag and possession limits to be four (4) and eight (8) ducks, and all other hunting regulations to remain the same as during the regular season. Moved by Montana. Seconded by Colorado. Unanimously carried. Adopted August 4, 1966. CENTRAL FLYWAY WATERFOWL COUNCIL, Jackson, Wyo. |