50 CFR Part 31

e-CFR data is current as of September 1, 2020
Title 50 → Chapter I → Subchapter C → Part 31
Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries
PART 31—WILDLIFE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Contents
Subpart A—Surplus Wildlife
§31.1 Determination of surplus wildlife populations.
§31.2 Methods of surplus wildlife population control and disposal.
Subpart B—Terms and Conditions of Wildlife Reduction and Disposal
§31.11
§31.12
§31.13
§31.14
§31.15
§31.16
§31.17

Donation and loan of wildlife specimens.
Sale of wildlife specimens.
Do we allow commercial harvest of fishery resources?
Official animal control operations.
Public hunting and fishing programs.
Trapping program.
Disposal of furs and pelts.

A
: Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended, sec. 5, 43 Stat. 651, secs. 5, 10, 45 Stat. 449, 1224, secs.
4, 2, 48 Stat. 402, as amended, 451, as amended, 1270, sec. 4, 76 Stat. 654; 5 U.S.C. 301, 16 U.S.C. 685,
725, 690d, 715i, 664, 718(b), 43 U.S.C. 315a, 16 U.S.C. 460k; sec. 2, 80 Stat. 926; 16 U.S.C. 668bb.

S

: 31 FR 16027, Dec. 15, 1966, unless otherwise noted.

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Subpart A—Surplus Wildlife
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§31.1 Determination of surplus wildlife populations.
The populations and requirements of wildlife species on wildlife refuge areas shall be
determined by population census, habitat evaluation, and other means of ecological study.
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§31.2 Methods of surplus wildlife population control and disposal.
Upon a determination that wildlife are surplus to a balanced conservation program on any
wildlife refuge area, the surplus may be reduced or utilized in accordance with Federal and

State law and regulation by:
(a) Donation or loan to public agencies and institutions.
(b) Sale to public or private agencies and institutions.
(c) Commercial harvest of fishery resources.
(d) Official wildlife control operations.
(e) Public hunting or fishing.
(f) Trapping.
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Subpart B—Terms and Conditions of Wildlife Reduction and Disposal
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§31.11 Donation and loan of wildlife specimens.
Wildlife specimens may be donated or loaned to public institutions for specific purposes.
Donation or loans of resident species of wildlife will not be made unless the recipient has
secured the approval of the State.
[38 FR 16356, June 22, 1973]

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§31.12 Sale of wildlife specimens.
Surplus wildlife specimens may be sold alive or butchered, dressed and processed
subject to Federal and State laws and regulations and the provisions of this part.
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§31.13 Do we allow commercial harvest of fishery resources?
Refuge managers may allow commercial harvest of fishery resources by issuance of a
permit or by refuge-specific regulation in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws
when compatible and in compliance with §29.1 of this subchapter C.
[69 FR 54362, Sept. 8, 2004]

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§31.14 Official animal control operations.

(a) Animal species which are surplus or detrimental to the management program of a
wildlife refuge area may be taken in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations
by Federal or State personnel or by permit issued to private individuals.
(b) Animal species which are damaging or destroying Federal property within a wildlife
refuge area may be taken or destroyed by Federal personnel.
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§31.15 Public hunting and fishing programs.
The privilege of hunting and fishing may be extended to the general public under the
provisions of regulations cited in parts 32 and 33 of this subchapter.
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§31.16 Trapping program.
Except as hereafter noted, persons trapping animals on wildlife refuge areas where
trapping has been authorized shall secure and comply with the provisions of a Federal permit
issued for that purpose. This permit shall specify the terms and conditions of trapping activity
and the rates of charge or division of pelts, hides, and carcasses. Lands acquired as
“waterfowl production areas” shall be open to public trapping without Federal permit provided
that trapping on all or part of individual areas may be temporarily suspended by posting upon
occasions of unusual or critical conditions affecting land, water, vegetation, or wildlife
populations. Each person trapping on any wildlife refuge area shall possess the required State
license or permit and shall comply with the provisions of State laws and regulations.
[36 FR 17998, Sept. 8, 1971]

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§31.17 Disposal of furs and pelts.
The disposition of animals and the pelts or carcasses thereof accruing to the United
States through the trapping programs shall be sold by public auction or on the open market
unless required for official purposes.