Proposed Rule Would Clarify Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 implements four international conservation treaties that the US is a signatory to. It prohibits the take of protected migratory bird species, such as killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport without prior authorization of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

On January 7th, the Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule which would clarify that it only applied to intentional taking of protected migratory birds. It would not apply to actions which indirectly kill protected migratory birds. The public was given until February 8th to post comments; however, on January 20th, President Joe Biden signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to consider postponing the effective date for any rules published by the Trump Administration in the Federal Register but have not yet taken effect. Also, the Congressional Review Act provides that major rules shall not take effect for at least 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting public comments about the proposed rule. Comments will be accepted until March 1st. To leave a comment, visit here and click on the "Comment Now" link. 

Waterfowl workshops planned for hunting seasons and zones

The Missouri Department of Conservation is holding workshops statewide to gather hunter ideas about the timing of duck season and where waterfowl hunting zone boundaries should be located.

Workshops for northwest Missouri are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

· Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge on April 4. The headquarters is five miles south of Mound City, just off Interstate 29. Take exit 79 and drive 3 miles west on Missouri 159. For information call 816-271-3100.

· Chillicothe on April 5 at the Comfort Inn, 250 W. Business 36. For information call 816-271-3100.

States set their waterfowl hunting seasons, zones and bag limits within a framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The framework is based on waterfowl population surveys on breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada.

Every five years, states can adjust existing duck zones and seasons. MDC will consider this year season dates and zone boundaries for the 2011 through the 2015 hunting seasons. Hunters attending workshops will have a chance to express their experiences in past years and their preferences for the next five waterfowl seasons.