Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) new rule on Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds. GAO found that (1) the final rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits of mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and some extended falconry seasons; and that this rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2009-10 season; and (2) FWS complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.