Part II.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Chapter 65.
Wildlife
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department proposes the repeal of §65.321,
new §65.321, and new §65.322, concerning the Migratory Game Bird
Proclamation. The repeal and new sections are necessary to implement measures
being implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage the severe
impact that the overpopulation of light geese are exerting on their arctic
and subarctic breeding grounds, threatening the long-term health of those
species. The repeal and new sections will function by establishing early closures
for current migratory game bird seasons and by setting forth special shooting
hours, means and methods, hunting dates, and bag limits for the take of light
geese. The repeal and new rules are contingent upon final federal regulations
that will not be released until mid-January of 1999; however, the department
does not anticipate that final federal rules will exceed the scope of this
proposal or affect any additional class of persons affected by the proposed
rule.
Robert Macdonald, Wildlife Division regulations coordinator, has determined
that for each of the first five years that the proposed rules are in effect,
there will be no additional fiscal implications to state or local governments
as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rules.
Mr. Macdonald also has determined that for each of the first five years
the new rules as proposed are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as
a result of enforcing the rules as proposed will be the department's discharge
of its statutory obligation to manage the state's populations of migratory
game birds, and to assist other states and the signatories to the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act in conservation efforts with respect to migratory game bird
resources enjoyed by the citizens of this state.
There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no additional economic
costs to persons required to comply with the rules as proposed.
The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce
Commission as required by Government Code, §2001.022, as this agency
has determined that the rules as proposed will not impact local economies.
The department has determined that there will not be a taking of private
real property, as defined by Government Code, Chapter 2007, as a result of
the proposed rules.
Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Vernon Bevill, Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744;
(512) 389-4578 or 1-800-792-1112.
Subchapter N. Migratory Game Bird Proclamation