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16 U.S.C. 718j: DefinitionsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 16-CONSERVATIONCHAPTER 7-PROTECTION OF MIGRATORY GAME AND INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS

§718j. Definitions

(a)  In general

In this subchapter, the terms defined in the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715 et seq.) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.) have the meanings given those terms in those Acts.

(b)  Other definitions

In this subchapter:

(1)  Hunting year

The term “hunting year” means the 1-year period beginning on July 1 of each year.

(2)  Migratory waterfowl

The term “migratory waterfowl” means the species enumerated in paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of article I of the Convention between the United States and Great Britain for the Protection of Migratory Birds, signed at Washington on August 16, 1916 (USTS 628) (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.).

(3)  Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

(4)  State

The term “State” means⁠—

(A)  a State;

(B)  the District of Columbia;

(C)  the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

(D)  Guam;

(E)  American Samoa;

(F)  the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;

(G)  the Federated States of Micronesia;

(H)  the Republic of the Marshall Islands;

(I)  the Republic of Palau; and

(J)  the United States Virgin Islands.

(5)  Take

The term “take” means⁠—

(A)  to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill; or

(B)  to attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill.

( Mar. 16, 1934, ch. 71, § 10 , as added Pub. L. 109–266, § 10(h) , Aug. 3, 2006 , 120 Stat. 678 .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Feb. 18, 1929, ch. 257, 45 Stat. 1222, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 715 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 715 of this title and Tables.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act July 3, 1918, ch. 128, 40 Stat. 755, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 703 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 710 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 718j, Mar. 16, 1934, ch. 71, § 10, as added Pub. L. 97–307, Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1450, related to crediting of funds received as fees for entering migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp contest prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–266, § 10(h), Aug. 3, 2006, 120 Stat. 677.