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 the following
based on adjustments to agency estimates since the previous
submission (See Table 15.1 in the SSA for itemization by IC): • A
decrease of 37,452 total annual responses • A decrease of 6,528
annual burden hours In order to more accurately report the burden
associated with the Migratory Bird Hunter and the Parks Collection
Surveys, the burden associated with each form for the Migratory
Bird Hunter and Parts Collection Surveys was entered into ROCIS
separately. Previously, these surveys were entered as two ICs using
the average time for the forms associated with each survey.
Entering each form separately provides a more accurate depiction of
the total burden associated with this collection. It also provides
a more accurate method of calculating the total dollar value of the
burden hours. We are also reporting a decrease in the annualized
cost to the government of $174,116, from $1,905,700 in 2014 to
$1,731,584 in 2017. This decrease in cost is due primarily to the
loss of IT staff, who were consolidated into the USFWS’ IRTM IT
support program. Other changes to the costs associated with the
information collection are as follows: 1. Changes to the allocation
of sampling effort in the Mourning Dove Parts Collection Survey
following an analysis of optimal allocation to increase sampling
efficiency; this resulted in a net decrease in sampling effort and
reduced costs. 2. Changes in the calculations used (median step
salary rates vs. actual) to account for fluctuations in encumbered
positions/salaries; 3. The Federal 2017 pay raise; 4. An increase
in postage costs (from $0.43 to $0.46 for first class letter); and
5. Reduced respondent burden from decreasing hunter participation
in the surveys, partly due to reduced harvest (fewer wings
returned), and fewer active hunters 6. Reduced sample size for
sandhill crane harvest survey, due to improved state permitting
systems to identify crane hunters from the general hunting
population. We have implemented some measures to keep costs down,
including contracting out the printing of the survey forms. We
found that printing contractors could do the job more cheaply than
we could. We will also be developing an online data entry
application for implementation in 2-3 years, which when implemented
is expected to reduce printing and postage costs by 10-30%
($60,000-200,000/year). We will seek OMB approval prior to
implementing any changes to the data collections methods used with
this collection.
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.
Form 3-165E Parts Collection Survey (Form 3-165E) - Individuals
1018-0023 30-day FRN Published 06192017 82FR27863 2017-12724.pdf
1018-0023 SSA Updated 051602017.docx
Reminder 1 post card layout.pptx
Parts Collection Survey (Form 3-165E) - Individuals