How are migratory bird hunting regulations determined?
DMB is responsible for establishing regulations, evaluating and modifying existing rules, and allocating Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps. Regulations on migratory bird hunting are determined through the assessment of annual data. Data is obtained through aerial surveys of the North American Flyway which count birds, ponds and nests, and provide information for analyzing population and habitat conditions. Hunter surveys and questionnaires determine the number of hunters participating yearly. Recommendations from the Flyway Council are considered when original rules are created. Rules are presented to the public through the Federal Register and followed by a series of public meetings for any recommendations. The final regulations are assessed based on a collective analysis of all factual information as well as council and public recommendations.
