WILDLIFE SPECIES MANAGEMENT

• Citation: 50 CFR Part 31
• Sections: 9

§ 31.1 Determination of surplus wildlife populations.

The populations and requirements of wildlife species on wildlife refuge areas shall be determined by population census, habitat evaluation, and other means of ecological study.

§ 31.2 Methods of surplus wildlife population control and disposal.

Upon a determination that wildlife are surplus to a balanced conservation program on any wildlife refuge area, the surplus may be reduced or utilized in accordance with Federal and State law and regulation by:

(a) Donation or loan to public agencies and institutions.

(b) Sale to public or private agencies and institutions.

(c) Commercial harvest of fishery resources.

(d) Official wildlife control operations.

(e) Public hunting or fishing.

(f) Trapping.

§ 31.11 Donation and loan of wildlife specimens.

Wildlife specimens may be donated or loaned to public institutions for specific purposes. Donation or loans of resident species of wildlife will not be made unless the recipient has secured the approval of the State.

§ 31.12 Sale of wildlife specimens.

Surplus wildlife specimens may be sold alive or butchered, dressed and processed subject to Federal and State laws and regulations and the provisions of this part.

§ 31.13 Do we allow commercial harvest of fishery resources?

Refuge managers may allow commercial harvest of fishery resources by issuance of a permit or by refuge-specific regulation in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws when compatible and in compliance with § 29.1 of this subchapter C.

§ 31.14 Official animal control operations.

(a) Animal species which are surplus or detrimental to the management program of a wildlife refuge area may be taken in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations by Federal or State personnel or by permit issued to private individuals.

(b) Animal species which are damaging or destroying Federal property within a wildlife refuge area may be taken or destroyed by Federal personnel.

§ 31.15 Public hunting and fishing programs.

The privilege of hunting and fishing may be extended to the general public under the provisions of regulations cited in parts 32 and 33 of this subchapter.

§ 31.16 Trapping program.

Except as hereafter noted, persons trapping animals on wildlife refuge areas where trapping has been authorized shall secure and comply with the provisions of a Federal permit issued for that purpose. This permit shall specify the terms and conditions of trapping activity and the rates of charge or division of pelts, hides, and carcasses. Lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” shall be open to public trapping without Federal permit provided that trapping on all or part of individual areas may be temporarily suspended by posting upon occasions of unusual or critical conditions affecting land, water, vegetation, or wildlife populations. Each person trapping on any wildlife refuge area shall possess the required State license or permit and shall comply with the provisions of State laws and regulations.

§ 31.17 Disposal of furs and pelts.

The disposition of animals and the pelts or carcasses thereof accruing to the United States through the trapping programs shall be sold by public auction or on the open market unless required for official purposes.