Balcones Canyonlands NWR Big Game Upland Game and … · 2020. 3. 30. · Page 5 (Streptopelia...

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Page 1 Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge Big Game (White-tailed Deer and Exotic Species), Upland Game (Turkey), and Migratory Birds (Dove) Hunt Plan January 2020 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge 24518 FM 1431 Marble Falls, Texas 78654 Submitted By: Project Leader ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date Concurrence: Refuge Supervisor ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date Approved: Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date

Transcript of Balcones Canyonlands NWR Big Game Upland Game and … · 2020. 3. 30. · Page 5 (Streptopelia...

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    Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge Big Game (White-tailed Deer and Exotic Species),

    Upland Game (Turkey), and Migratory Birds (Dove) Hunt Plan

    January 2020

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge 24518 FM 1431

    Marble Falls, Texas 78654

    Submitted By: Project Leader

    ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date

    Concurrence:

    Refuge Supervisor

    ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date

    Approved:

    Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System

    ______________________________________________ ____________ Signature Date

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    Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3 II. Statement of Objectives ............................................................................................................. 5 III. Description of Hunting Program ............................................................................................... 5

    A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting ........................................................................................ 5 B. Species to be Taken, Hunting periods, Hunting Access .................................................. 9 C. Consultation and Coordination with the State .................................................................. 9 D. Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................... 10 E. Funding and Staffing Requirements ............................................................................... 10

    IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program ............................................................................................ 11 A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if applicable) . 11 B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ............................................................................ 12 C. Relevant State Regulations ............................................................................................. 13 D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting ......................................................... 13

    V. Public Engagement .................................................................................................................. 13 A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program .................................. 13 B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program .................................................... 13 C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ............................ 14

    VI. Compatibility Determination .................................................................................................. 14

    List of Tables Table 1. Hunting Units (Deer, Feral Hog and Other Exotic Species, Turkey, and Dove) .............. 6

    List of Figures Figure 1. Hunt Areas at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge .................................... 8

    file://ifw2aus-gis.fws.doi.net/karst/Refuges/PLANNING/NEPA%20Compliance/Hunt-Fish%20Packages/2019%20Working%20Drafts/Balcones%20Canyonlands%20NWR/Hunt%20Plan/Final%20Draft%20Hunt%20Plan%202020%20Balcones_JA012420.docx#_Toc30771220

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    BALCONES CANYONLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Big Game (White-tailed Deer and Feral Hog), Upland Game (Turkey), and

    Migratory Birds (Dove) Hunting Plan

    I. Introduction National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

    Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR/refuge) was established in February, 1992, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1534); the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat. 1119), as amended; and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 4601 – 4601-11).

    In order to meet specific refuge and other broader Service directives, the following purpose established the Balcones Canyonlands NWR:

    “... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened species .... or (B) plants …” 16 U.S.C. § 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973) "... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources ..." 16 U.S.C. § 742f(a)(4) "... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude ..." 16 U.S.C. § 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956).

    The refuge was established as part of a larger conservation strategy in the Austin, Texas area. The stated Service criteria for location of refuge boundaries are:

    “…to ensure that (1) A sufficient representation of Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo habitat is included; (2) Watersheds and water quality will be protected; (3) Destroyed or fragmented nesting habitats acquired have high potential for ecological restoration; (4) A protective buffer zone for nesting habitat and nesting populations is in place within the Refuge boundary…”

    The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:

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    “... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

    The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4):

    • Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the NWRS;

    • Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

    • Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out;

    • Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the NWRS are located;

    • Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;

    • Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

    • Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses; and

    • Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

    Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

    The refuge was opened to hunting activities starting in 1997, for white-tailed deer, turkeys, and feral hogs and in 2001, for dove. A comprehensive hunt plan was written and approved in March 1997. An addendum to the hunting plan was approved in February 2000, to allow hunting of doves (mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared-dove, and rock dove). The Big Game, Upland Game, Feral Hog, and Migratory Bird Hunt Plan was revised and approved in January 2013, to expand hunting opportunity to several additional tracts of land that had been acquired in the intervening years. Since the refuge began the hunting program, 46 additional tracts of land totaling 13,645 acres have been purchased – many of which have been opened to hunting in an effort to provide visitors with additional recreational opportunity in a state where public hunting lands are in short supply.

    This hunt plan expands hunting activities for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), feral hog (Sus scrofa) and other non-native ungulate species, wild turkey (Meleagris gallopovo) and doves [mourning (Zenaida macroura), white-winged (Zenaida asiatica), Eurasian collared-

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    (Streptopelia decaocto), and rock (Columba livia)] on Balcones Canyonlands NWR to all current Service-owned tracts (from the current 13,645 acres to 21,842 acres).

    II. Statement of Objectives

    The objectives of big game (white-tailed deer and exotic species), upland game (turkey), and migratory bird (dove) hunting program on Balcones Canyonlands NWR are:

    1. To manage white-tailed deer population levels in order to sustain quality habitat for endangered species and other native wildlife (flora and fauna);

    2. To provide the public with a recreational experience and increase opportunities for hunters;

    3. To reduce or eliminate feral hogs and other exotic species, thereby reducing the negative impacts to habitat and other native wildlife species (flora and fauna); and

    4. To foster support of refuge goals and objectives by working in close association with the public, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and other agencies and land managers to manage wildlife and its supporting habitat on the refuge.

    Hunting is consistent with the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan’s (CCP) larger objectives to restore and enhance vegetation to optimize habitat for endangered species by reducing consumption of oak acorns and browsing of oak species that provide nesting substrate for endangered birds.

    III. Description of Hunting Program

    A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting

    The refuge currently includes a total of 27,317 acres, comprised of fee title lands (21,842 acres) and conservation easements (5,475 acres). All of the refuge tracts (Table 1) (Figure 1), approximately 21,842 acres, are open to hunting. Each year the refuge conducts an evaluation of the recreation potential (presence of game, environmental concerns, access, safety considerations, conflicts with other activities, etc.) and determines to administratively open or close the unit(s) to hunting, what means and methods should be employed, and what species of game should be hunted. The units will be open or closed administratively via a local regulations brochure.

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    Table 1. Hunting Units for Deer, Feral Hog and Other Exotic Species, Turkey, and Dove TRACT TRACT # ACRES MEANS AND METHODS

    Shaw 42 200 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Victoria 10 585 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Barho 80 112 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Rathgeber 18 906 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw Rodgers Front Range

    11 834 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Archery or Shotgun limited to western ½ of the tract

    Arnold S.E. 121 29 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw Barho House 81 57 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Williams 82 13 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Lyda N & S 39 &39a 90 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun England 89 27 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Payton 85 27 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun New Salem 14a 264 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Gregg 83 & 83a 40 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Shoup 502 10 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Martin 15 305 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Mountain Creek 527 21 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Connolly 509 5 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Bye 73 150 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Clausius 522 19 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Circle 3S 45 195 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun Mouton 57a

    57b 57c

    181 161 100

    Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun

    Rust 64 103 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun McKeever 23 361 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun RPI 13

    13a 596 433

    Permit Only, State Lottery Draw

    3-Creeks 35 35a

    232 117

    Permit Only, State Lottery Draw, Limited to Archery or Shotgun

    Peaceful Springs 51 520 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw Igau To be acquired 1479 Permit Only, State Lottery Draw Simons 99 631 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Mullen D. Damrow D. Damrow N. Damrow Wier

    97 20 20a 21 22

    441 34 1.5 2.7 1.7

    Permit only, State Lottery Draw

    Eckhardt Kennedy Heine

    10a 92 66

    1020 173 60

    Permit only, State Lottery Draw

    Gainer Kindred

    62 63

    707 Permit only, State Lottery Draw

    N. Nagel 58 630 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Doeskin 54 357 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Rodgers 40 3703 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Webster 30 3527 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Old Salem 14 207 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Beard Owens

    61 65

    164 18

    Permit only, State Lottery Draw

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    TRACT TRACT # ACRES MEANS AND METHODS Flying X Hoyer

    60 70

    1009 148

    Permit only, State Lottery Draw

    Johnson 120 274 Big Game and Upland Game by Permit only, State Lottery Draw. Dove First-Come-First-Served

    Arnold (SW of CR 286)

    121 100 Permit only, State Lottery Draw

    Russell 93 98 Permit only, State Lottery Draw Tater Hill 57 241 Permit only, State Lottery Draw McKeever (Phase 2)

    23a 97 Dove: First-Come-First-Served

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    Figure 1. Map of Hunt Areas at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

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    B. Species to be Taken, Hunting periods, Hunting Access

    BIG GAME HUNTING: Hunting for white-tailed deer, feral hogs, and other exotics species will take place on each of the units listed in Table 1 on any lands that are suitable for hunting as described in the previous section. These hunts will be conducted within the appropriate State seasons for firearms, archery, or muzzleloader. These hunts are limited to one two and a half-day firearms hunt for youth, and three, two and a half-day firearms hunts conducted in November and December. The hunts will run from noon on Friday to the end of shooting hours on Sunday. Hunters will be selected by lottery drawing (currently done in conjunction with TPWD via their Texas Public Hunt System). The number of participants drawn will be determined on a “per unit” basis depending on the method of take (i.e., firearms or archery), and predicated on safety considerations. No more than 100 participants are issued permits for each of the 4 weekend hunts (no more than 400 total for the season). Bag limits for deer will be consistent with the TPWD regulations for Travis, Williamson, or Burnet County - with no limit on feral hogs and other exotic species. Turkey bag limits on the refuge (currently 1) may be more restrictive than the State in order to manage the refuge population. Hunters will be required to have a State Permit. See “Hunter Permit Application and/or Registration Procedures” below.

    UPLAND GAME HUNTING: Fall hunting for turkey will take place concurrently with the big game hunt on each of the units listed in table 1 on any lands that are suitable for hunting as described in the previous section. A Special Spring Turkey Hunt limited to military Veterans and their children is also conducted in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation and Candlelight Ranch, a local educational and rehabilitative organization, and has been limited to no more than 6 total participants that are identified and selected by a third party Veterans advocate organization. This hunt takes place on any lands that are suitable for hunting on a single weekend in the spring.

    MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING: Dove hunting will take place on each of the units listed in table 1 on any lands that are suitable for hunting as described in the previous section. Hunters will be required to have a State Permit, as well as a Refuge-Specific Permit. See “Hunter Permit Application and/or Registration Procedures” below.

    C. Consultation and Coordination with the State

    Throughout this planning process the refuge supervisor for the Texas Gulf Coast zone met with, in person or by telephone, TPWD to discuss opportunities. The draft hunt plans for Laguna Atascosa, Lower Rio Grande Valley and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuges were provided to the TPWD Program Director for Private Lands & Public Hunting. Additionally, the draft hunt plan was provided to TPWD Wildlife Division Region II Wildlife Director and he provided suggestions on deer hunts, spring and fall turkey hunting as well as addition of proposed new hunts into state public lands system. All of these comments were incorporated into the hunt plan and environmental assessment. The TPWD supports the proposed action.

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    D. Law Enforcement

    Enforcement of refuge regulations normally associated with management of a national wildlife refuge is the responsibility of commissioned federal wildlife officers. Other federal wildlife officers, special agents, state game wardens, and the local sheriff’s department often assist the Balcones Canyonlands NWR full time law enforcement officer.

    The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations: • Refuge and hunt area boundaries are posted and fenced; • The refuge provides a map and brochure that shows hunt areas and lists rules; • The refuge requires completion of a hunter orientation before the Big Game Hunt; • Service law enforcement staff checks hunters for compliance with Federal and

    State Laws as well as refuge-specific regulations pertinent to the hunt, including compatibility stipulations;

    • Service law enforcement staff coordinates with TPWD and other law enforcement agencies; and

    • Information is available at the refuge headquarters and on the refuge website.

    E. Funding and Staffing Requirements

    Annual hunt administration costs for Balcones Canyonlands NWR - including salary, equipment, law enforcement, brochures, collection of hunt data and analysis of biological information, etc. totals approximately $9,000. We anticipate that first-year costs to expand the program would be approximately $13,000, but would return to the current cost in successive years. Refuge base funding is available to cover most of the labor and fixed costs required to conduct hunts. Recreational Fee funding from collected hunting fees can be used to cover the cost of many of these activities. It is anticipated that funding would continue to be sufficient to continue the hunting program at Balcones Canyonlands NWR in the future.

    • The refuge has sufficient full-time staff and volunteers (or interns) to support the administration of permitting, fee collection, staffing the check station, and hunt data entry;

    • Preparation of units – parking lot development, posting and signing boundaries, and recurring road and parking lot maintenance (also used outside of hunt seasons) – $ 5,000;

    • Administrative time - NEPA compliance, hunter inquiries, completing hunting & fee report, etc – $ 2,000;

    • Biological review – consultation with State, wildlife surveys, pre- and post-hunt data review – $ 1,000;

    • Law enforcement – includes overtime or detailing temporary staff - $ 5,000; and • Offsetting revenues – return of 80 percent of permit fees - which average around

    $10,500 per year.

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    IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if

    applicable)

    BIG GAME HUNT: Hunters wishing to participate in the refuge Big Game Hunt must apply online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Drawn Hunts program found at TPWD’s website https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/. Currently, there is a $3 application fee for the General Hunts – and if the applicant is successful, an $80 permit fee is required. Parties of up to two hunters may apply together. Applicants may specify which hunt weekend they prefer. The application deadline is September 15, and the hunter must accept and pay for the permit by approximately October 1.

    Youths, age 9–16 apply (with a sponsor adult) for the Youth Big Game Hunt online. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. There is no application or permit fee charged for participants in this hunt. The application deadline is October 1. Successful applicants will be notified by TPWD by October 22.

    TPWD will send permits to the selected hunters, and the refuge will send hunters a Permit Letter containing the unit assignment that serves as their permit to hunt. Those selected will be provided information on hunt orientation.

    No standby slots are available.

    MIGRATORY BIRD HUNT: Dove hunting is on a first-come-first-served basis. Hunters participate in a “self check-in” at the entrance to the hunt areas by following instructions posted on a kiosk. Hunters secure a numbered envelope at the check-in site and place their ($20) hunt fee in a locked “Iron Ranger” receptacle. This is valid for September 1–4 and hunters may come and go at will during this abbreviated hunt. Hunting is restricted to afternoons only (noon to the end of legal shooting hours).

    Additional information on these hunts can be found at the Balcones Canyonlands NWR website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Balcones_Canyonlands/visit/visitor_activities/hunting.html.

    SPECIAL VETERAN TURKEY HUNT: The refuge and our Friends group partner with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Candlelight Ranch to host a weekend turkey hunt for military veterans. Recruitment and applications for up to three veteran/youth pairs are accepted by a third-party partner, Fallen Outdoors, and they and the NWTF select the participants through a competitive process. Balcones Canyonlands NWR hosts these veteran hunters and does not play a role in hunter recruitment, application, registration, or selection processes.

    https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Balcones_Canyonlands/visit/visitor_activities/hunting.html

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    B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations

    Listed below are refuge-specific regulations that pertain to hunting on Balcones Canyonlands NWR as of the date of this plan (50 CFR § 32.62(c)). These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge expansion continues/occurs.

    50 CFR § 32.62

    (c) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning, white-wing, rock, and Eurasian-collared dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

    (i) We allow hunters in designated area(s) from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset.

    (ii) We require refuge permits (name only).

    (iii) We allow the use of dogs to retrieve game birds during the hunt.

    (iv) Hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older.

    (v) Hunter may bring up to two guests. Guests may not use a hunting firearm. Guests must be with the hunter at all times.

    (vi) We require the use of non-toxic shot for dove hunting.

    (2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

    (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and (iv) of this section apply.

    (ii) We require hunters to check in and out daily at designated check station(s).

    (iii) The annual refuge hunt brochure (tearsheet) provides bag limits.

    (iv) We allow the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to retrieve downed game.

    (v) We allow scent attractants.

    (vi) A hunter may bring one guest. The guest may not use a hunting firearm or other hunting weapon (archery). The guest may assist the hunter in game retrieval or field dressing activities. The guest must be with the hunter at all times.

    (3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

    (i)The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) and (c)(2)(ii) through (vi) of this section apply.9

    (4) [Reserved]

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    C. Relevant State Regulations

    Current State regulations for white-tailed deer specify that antlered deer harvested in Williamson County must have at least one unbranched antler, or have a minimum 13” inside spread. This regulation does not apply to Burnet or Travis County refuge units where hunting occurs.

    Hunters must possess and use the tags contained on their TPWD hunting license. Harvested animals must be tagged according to TPWD regulations. All hunters must visibly wear 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist and a hunter orange hat or cap while hunting or scouting during the fall Big Game Hunt season.

    D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting

    1. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations.

    2. Portable hunting stands are allowed. They may be set up on the last scouting day before a participant’s assigned weekend hunt. The refuge is not responsible for theft of hunting stands. Driving nails, spikes, or other metal objects into trees, or hunting from trees in which any objects have been driven into a tree, is prohibited.

    3. The unauthorized distribution of bait and the hunting over bait is prohibited on wildlife refuge areas. (Baiting is authorized in accordance with State regulations on national wildlife refuges in Alaska). 32.2 (h)

    4. The use or possession of alcohol while on Balcones Canyonlands NWR is prohibited. 5. Dogs may not be used for scouting or hunting during the Big Game Hunts. 6. Hunting is not allowed within 50 yards of a road open to vehicular travel or 200 yards of

    a building. 7. Fires, camping, and target practice while on the refuge are prohibited.

    V. Public Engagement A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program

    The refuge maintains a mailing list, for news release purposes, of local newspapers, radio, and websites. Special announcements and articles may be released in conjunction with hunting seasons. In addition, information about the hunt will be available at the Balcones Canyonlands NWR headquarters, via Facebook, and/or on the refuge website.

    B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program

    Hunting has been an ongoing activity on Balcones Canyonlands NWR since 1997. Based on the comments received during the CCP process (2001), and various iterations of the Hunt Plan (latest version approved in 2013), little negative public reaction is expected. Hunting is an important economic and recreational use of Texas’ natural resources.

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    C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations

    General information regarding hunting and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained at the Balcones Canyonlands NWR headquarters at 24518 FM 1431, Marble Falls, Texas, 78654 or by calling (512) 339-9432. Dates, information, directions, maps, and hunt permit requirements will be available on the station’s website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/balcones_canyonlands/ and at the refuge headquarters.

    VI. Compatibility Determination

    Hunting and all associated program activities in this plan are expected to be found compatible with the purposes of the refuge. See Compatibility Determination for Recreational Hunting for Big Game (deer and hog), Upland Game (turkey), and Migratory Birds (dove).

    https://www.fws.gov/refuge/balcones_canyonlands/

    I. IntroductionII. Statement of ObjectivesIII. Description of Hunting ProgramA. Areas to be Opened to HuntingB. Species to be Taken, Hunting periods, Hunting AccessC. Consultation and Coordination with the StateD. Law EnforcementE. Funding and Staffing Requirements

    IV. Conduct of the Hunting ProgramA. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if applicable)B. Refuge-Specific Hunting RegulationsC. Relevant State RegulationsD. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting

    V. Public EngagementA. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting ProgramB. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting ProgramC. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations

    VI. Compatibility Determination