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 USFWSâ 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.
Parts Collection Survey (Form 3-165E) - Individuals