The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711) and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742d) designate the Department of the Interior as the key agency responsible for: (1) the wise management of migratory bird populations frequenting the United States, and (2) setting hunting regulations that allow appropriate harvests that are within the guidelines that will allow for those populations' well-being. These responsibilities dictate that we gather accurate data on various characteristics of migratory bird harvest. Based on information from harvest surveys, we can adjust hunting regulations as needed to optimize harvests at levels that provide a maximum of hunting recreation while keeping populations at desired levels.
US Code:
16 USC 742d
Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
US Code:
16 USC 703-711
Name of Law: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
We are reporting 227,586 responses totaling 144,021 annual burden hours. This is an adjustment decrease of 200 responses and 50 burden hours from what is currently approved for this information collection. Based on our experience in administering this collection, we made minor adjustments in the number of respondents and completion times. We decreased the completion time for the sandhill crane survey to more accurately reflect the time it takes the average crane hunter to fill out the form based on the number of birds harvested. The original calculation did not include the lower hunting success of Alaskan crane hunters compared to mid-continent sandhill crane hunters.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.