Cibola National Wildlife Refuge 2020 Hunt Plan

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

Hunt Plan

July 2020

U.S. Fish an

d Wildlife Service

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

66600 Cibola Lake Road

Cibola, AZ 85328

Submitted By:

Project Leader Signature

Date:

Concurrence:

Regional Historic Preservation Officer Signature

Date:

Concurrence:

Refuge Supervisor Signature

Date:

Approved:

Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System Signature

Date:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1

II. Statement of Objectives .......................................................................................................... 5

III. Description of Hunting Program ............................................................................................ 5

A. Areas to be Open to Hunting ........................................................................................... 5

B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access .................................................. 9

1. Waterfowl .................................................................................................................. 9

2. Dove (Mourning, White-winged, and Eurasian collared-dove) .............................. 11

3. Gambel’s quail ......................................................................................................... 12

4. Desert cottontail rabbit ............................................................................................ 13

5. Mule deer ................................................................................................................. 16

C. Hunter Permit Requirements.......................................................................................... 18

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State ............................................................... 18

E. Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................... 18

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements .............................................................................. 19

IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program ........................................................................................ 19

A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Process .............................. 19

B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ........................................................................... 20

C. Relevant State Regulations ............................................................................................ 21

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting ......................................................... 21

V. Public Engagement .............................................................................................................. 22

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program .................................. 22

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program.................................................... 22

C. How Hunters will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ............................. 22

VI. Compatibility Determination ............................................................................................... 22

References .................................................................................................................................. 23

List of Tables

Table 1. Refuge Hunt Units, Acreage, and Allowable Species to Hunt ..................................... 7

Table 2. Dove hunting seasons on Cibola NWR. ...................................................................... 12

Table 3. Gambel's quail hunting season on Cibola NWR. ........................................................ 12

Table 4. Desert cottontail rabbit hunting season on Cibola NWR. ........................................... 13

Table 5. Mule deer hunting season on Cibola NWR................................................................. 16

List of Figures

Figure 1. Map of hunt management units on Cibola NWR ....................................................... 6

Figure 2. Map of waterfowl, snipe, and goose hunting areas on Cibola NWR ....................... 10

Figure 3. Map of dove, quail, and rabbit hunting areas on Cibola NWR ................................ 15

Figure 4. Map of deer hunting areas on Cibola NWR. ............................................................ 17

I. Introduction

National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge

System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

(Service) policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National

Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife

Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected

portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge (Cibola NWR/refuge) was established in 1964 as mitigation

for straightening, channelizing, and armoring the banks of the Colorado River from

approximately river-mile 106 to 87 by the Bureau of Reclamation for flood protection, bank

stabilization, water salvage, and downstream sediment reduction. Its establishment was

recommended by the Lower Colorado River Land Use Plan of 1964 to preserve and enhance

the ancestral waterfowl wintering grounds essential to the maintenance of adequate waterfowl

populations in the Pacific Flyway (USDOI 1964). Public Land Order 3442, August 21, 1964,

established the 16,627-acre Cibola NWR. Public Law No: 109-127, December 7, 2005,

transferred 140.32 acres near Walter’s Camp from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service

to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Between 1964 and 2006, lands were added by

various means including transfer from other federal agencies, lease, purchase, and donation

bringing the total refuge acreage to its current 18,443 acres. The refuge purpose states these

lands are “…reserved for use of the … United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as the Cibola

National Wildlife Refuge” and “…subject to their use for reclamation purposes or wildlife

refuge purposes.”

Approximately 10 miles of the channelized portion of the lower Colorado River bisects the

refuge. Refuge lands are located in both Imperial County, California, and La Paz County,

Arizona. The city of Blythe, California, is located 20 miles north of the refuge, and Yuma,

Arizona, is 83 miles to the south. Situated within the Sonoran Desert, the refuge is located in

the historic floodplain of the Colorado River, known as the lower Colorado River Valley. In

this vast expanse of desert, the refuge contains wetland and riparian habitats including several

lakes, marshes, and backwaters, along with managed moist-soil units, agricultural fields,

mesquite forests, desert uplands, and restored cottonwood/willow forests.

Many species of birds (~288 species), reptiles (~35 species), and mammals (~60 species) have

been documented at Cibola NWR. The refuge is managed as wintering habitat for migratory

waterfowl, sandhill cranes, federally listed threatened and endangered species, and other native

wildlife. The threatened and endangered species include the Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Rallus

obsoletus yumanensis), western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), southwestern

willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), bonytail

chub (Gila elegans), desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius), and desert tortoise (Gopherus

agassizii, Mojave Desert population).

Hunting is one of several wildlife-dependent recreational activities that are compatible with

refuge goals. Other wildlife-dependent recreational activities include fishing, wildlife

observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation. All are equally

important activities on the refuge. Paramount to any recreational use is providing wildlife a

refuge; a place to rest, feed, reproduce, live “for the benefit of present and future generations of

Americans.”

History

Although the refuge was established in 1964, it was not until 1975 that the first refuge hunt

plan was written. The refuge totaled 13,487 acres of marsh and water, upland habitat, and

some cropland. Most of the refuge was accessible for hunting, with the exception of Unit 1

North and the Cibola Lake Management Area. These two units were set aside to provide

resting and feeding areas for wildlife without hunting disturbance. At that time, hunting

pressure was considered low and there were few regulations beyond the general State

regulations, with the exception of season dates being more limited on the refuge. The plan

opened portions of the refuge to waterfowl, dove (white-winged and mourning), Gambel’s

quail, desert cottontail rabbit, and mule deer hunting.

Hunting was allowed from September through January. The 1975 hunt plan estimated that the

refuge would provide 2,000 hours of dove hunting; 1,500 hours of resident game hunting; and

up to 1,500 hours of waterfowl hunting opportunities. Predator/furbearer hunting and trapping

was prohibited. Methods of take were species dependent and included rifle, muzzleloader,

shotgun, and archery. No fees were charged.

Between 1975 and 1988, additional regulations were implemented to safely accommodate

sportsmen hunting different species, while still fulfilling the mission of the refuge. The refuge

employed a hunt coordinator and monitors for waterfowl hunts. Waterfowl hunting was

permitted from ½ hour before sunrise to 3:00 p.m. Hunting times for other species followed

State shooting hours, although season dates varied between the State(s) and the refuge.

During the goose season, a lottery-based drawing system was implemented in the 1980s for

hunt blinds in Unit 2. During waterfowl season, Unit 2 was available only to waterfowl

hunters until noon to improve the quality of the hunt by reducing hunt pressure. The

requirement for steel shot for waterfowl hunting was established in the 1980s.

Areas open to hunters were also available for wildlife observation and other outdoor

recreational activities. In 1984, an Auto Tour Loop was established in Unit 1 North, an area

not open to hunting, with the intent of reducing hunter/recreationist conflicts and providing

enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.

The adverse impacts of lead ammunition to wildlife and the environment had been gaining

science-based attention for several years. By 1993, the steel shot requirement was broadened

to include desert cottontail, quail, and dove to aid in the responsible management of the refuge.

Around 1997–98, local sportsman’s clubs and other partners raised funds and helped refuge

staff install 18 pit-blinds for goose hunting in Unit 2. Five of the blinds were later moved to

the Island Unit for safety reasons. Two blinds were built for physically challenged hunters. A

nominal fee was charged to defray the costs of conducting the lottery for goose pit-blinds.

From 1998 through 2002, the Island Unit access times were changed, removing evening hunts

to give birds a place and time to rest and to improve hunt quality and hunter success. The Unit

2 lottery system for goose hunting remained in place, but hunt days were reduced from seven

days a week to four days per week.

In 2008, restoration of Hart Mine Marsh was initiated under the Multi-Species Conservation

Program overseen by the Bureau of Reclamation. This restoration created more actual wetland

habitat. Construction was completed and the unit was flooded in 2010. The area was open to

entry from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily during the season, but all other hunting and public

entry was prohibited from October through February.

Around 2010, a private contractor was hired to conduct the goose-blind lottery and a small fee

increase resulted. This change was an attempt to reduce refuge administrative cost and needed

personnel time to conduct the lottery. In approximately 2015, the private contractor was

released due to various issues. The fee was dropped and the pit-blind drawing returned to

being conducted by refuge personnel and volunteers.

For over 10 years, Cibola NWR has provided a quality hunting experience for youth waterfowl

hunters. In conjunction with Arizona Game and Fish Department and other partners, Cibola

NWR sponsors a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Camp in which young hunters are given the

opportunity to hunt waterfowl with a mentor. Annually, during the second weekend of

December, Unit 2 and the hunt blind area of the Island Unit are closed to all other hunters to

allow a safe and quality hunting experience for young hunters. This tradition is extremely

popular and one in which Cibola NWR will continue to participate.

Effective July 1, 2019, under California Fish and Game Code, the use of any lead projectiles,

or ammunition containing lead projectiles when taking any wildlife with a firearm is

prohibited. The law was phased in starting in 2013. Lead presents a high risk to wildlife

through ingesting spent shot from the ground or as a result of scavenging carcasses. The

negative effects of lead contamination on human health, wildlife, and the environment are

extremely detrimental and often irreversible. Therefore, firearm ammunition used in pursuing

waterfowl, small and upland game on Cibola NWR must be approved non-toxic (non-lead).

Deer hunting on refuge lands in California also require non-toxic ammunition. For deer

hunting on refuge lands in Arizona to be consistent with California, the refuge requests

voluntary compliance with using non-toxic ammunition.

Refuge hunt plans continually evolve to best manage natural resources and balance recreational

use. This updated plan adds hunting opportunities for species in areas of the refuge, most

notably Hart Mine Marsh and Unit 2. Methods of take have also been markedly increased and

are now more in-line with the respective state’s hunting regulations.

The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration

Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16

U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation,

management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant

resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and

future generations of Americans.”

The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16

U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4):

● Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the

NWRS;

● Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS

are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

● Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the

purposes of each refuge are carried out;

● Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land

adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the

NWRS are located;

● Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the

mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;

● Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general

public uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an

appreciation for fish and wildlife;

● Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-

dependent recreational uses; and

● Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation

opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the

purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the NWRS.

For certain species, the refuge has different hunting seasons from the state seasons to minimize

conflicts with other refuge wildlife-dependent activities. The refuge also has limited the

method of take for some species in certain units. Such unit-by-unit restrictions are based upon

considerations of a specific unit’s characteristics (e.g., size, shape, habitat type), potential

safety issues, or potential for conflict with other on-unit or off-unit uses or activities.

This plan outlines public hunting opportunities on Cibola NWR for waterfowl (ducks, geese,

and coots), Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicate), common gallinule (Gallinula galeata), white-

winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), mourning dove (Z. macroura), Eurasian collared-dove

(Streptopelia decaocto), Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii), desert cottontail rabbit

(Sylvilagus audubonii), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).

This plan supports the update of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), defines boundaries of

hunt units, and reinitiates harvest reporting of all species on the refuge. This plan adds

Eurasian collared-dove to the list of legal species to hunt and simplifies the Unit 2 goose hunt

program.

This revised hunt plan for Cibola NWR incorporates the following objectives to conform to the

Secretarial mandates. This plan supersedes all former refuge hunt plans.

II. Statement of Objectives

The objectives of the hunting program on Cibola NWR are:

• To provide wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities compatible with refuge

purposes in designated areas, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy

Act (NEPA), and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s goal of expanding

hunting opportunities on Federal lands (Secretarial Order 3347 and 3356).

● To standardize and simplify hunt unit boundaries and regulations.

● To more closely align refuge regulations with state regulations.

● To maintain biodiversity by preserving the natural diversity and variety of biotic

communities on refuge lands.

● To foster support of refuge goals and objectives by working in close association with

the public, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), California Department of Fish

and Wildlife (CDFW), Bureau of Reclamation, partner groups, and other entities to

manage wildlife and habitat on the refuge.

● To provide hunting opportunities, while also offering other wildlife-dependent

recreation such as fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental

education and conservation interpretation.

III. Description of Hunting Program

Cibola NWR consists of 18,443 acres of varying habitat including open water; marshland;

dense, woody vegetation; and open fields. Greater than 66 percent of the refuge (12,243 acres)

is available for hunting for ducks, coots, geese, snipe, gallinule, mourning dove, white-winged

dove, Eurasian collared-dove, Gamble’s quail, desert cottontail rabbit, and mule deer. The

various refuge hunts occur on different areas of the refuge as shown in Figure 1.

A. Areas to be Open to Hunting

There are seven managed units open to hunting (Table 1). However, not all species may be

hunted in all units and varying State and refuge regulations apply.

Boat launches are available at different locations on the refuge. Cibola Lake, Three Fingers

Lake, and Hart Mine Marsh are no wake zones and only electric trolling motors or manually

powered vessels may be used. With the exception of the main channel of the Colorado River,

all waters on the refuge are No-Wake Zones.

Figure 1. Map of hunt management units on Cibola NWR

Table 1. Refuge Hunt Units, Acreage, and Allowable Species to Hunt

Hunt Unit

Acres

Species Hunted

Unit 1 South

1,074

Dove, Gambel’s quail, desert cottontail

rabbit, mule deer

Unit 2

386