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The Migratory Bird Regulation Process
All migratory birds (birds which migrate from wintering areas to summer
areas) are governed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunting regulations
(seasons, bag limits, etc.) for migratory game birds are established by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service via the SRC (Service Regulation Committee) with the
final rule made by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The SRC conducts three meetings each year with representatives from each of
the four Flyway Councils in the U.S. to discuss migratory game bird management
regulatory issues. The first meeting is in January to review the status of
migratory bird populations and outline anticipated actions for the coming
hunting season. The second meeting is held in late June to develop regulations
for early seasons (e.g. dove, woodcock, rails, etc.) and discuss proposed
regulatory alternatives for duck seasons. The third meeting is held in early
August to develop regulations for late seasons (regular duck and goose seasons).
The three scheduled meetings are held to hear the concerns and
recommendations of the four flyways and staff recommendations of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Management Office.
The four flyways are the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific. A Flyway
Council is made up of one representative from each state and province in the
flyway. Flyway Councils meet twice each year (March and July) to provide
recommendations for migratory bird management in the Flyway. Flyway Councils
have the expertise of flyway technical committees to provide biological
foundation for their recommendations. Maryland biologists are part of the
Atlantic Flyway Council's Technical Section and thus bring the concerns relating
to Maryland conditions and Maryland hunters to the Flyway deliberations.
Two consultants are elected by each Flyway Council to represent them at the
SRC meetings. The role of the consultants is to present the Flyway
recommendations and to work with other flyways to resolve common issues of
national and international importance.
Public attendance is permitted at the SRC meetings, but participation is
limited to listening. The public does have the opportunity to comment on all
proposed regulations, which are published in the Federal Register, by submitting
written comments to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All
regulations are first published as proposed regulations for comment, usually 30
days prior to final rule.
Specific concerns by Maryland sportsmen and other waterfowl enthusiasts are
brought forward by Maryland biologists during the Technical Section Committee
meetings as well as by the Maryland representative at Flyway Council meetings.
However, majority rule of the Council determines the Flyway's position.
Maryland citizens can voice their opinion on migratory bird issues at any
time. Two formal opportunities are provided by the Department of Natural
Resources for comment on seasons and bag limits. The first opportunity is at the
March hearings (held every other year) when resident game species and early
migratory seasons are discussed. The second opportunity is in late August when
special waterfowl regulation hearings are conducted.
The Atlantic Flyway Council
The Atlantic Flyway, which Maryland belongs to, includes one representative from
each of the following states:
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Florida
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Georgia
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Maine
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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New York
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North Carolina
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Pennsylvania
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Rhode Island
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South Carolina
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Vermont
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Virginia
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West Virginia
Also members of the Atlantic Flyway Council are:
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New Brunswick
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New Foundland
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Nova Scotia
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Ontario
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Prince Edward Island
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Puerto Rico
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Quebec
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Virgin Islands
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