Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations and Final Regulatory Alternatives for the 1997-98 Duck Hunting Season

The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service) is proposing to establish the 1997-98 early-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. The Service annually prescribes frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early seasons. Early seasons generally open prior to October 1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population status and habitat conditions. This supplement to the proposed rule also provides the Service's final regulatory alternatives for the 1997-98 duck hunting season.