According to the Weeks-McLean Act, who is allowed to set closed seasons for the hunting of migratory birds?

The Weeks-McLean Act is a significant piece of legislation in the history of migratory bird conservation in the United States. Under this act, the responsibility of setting closed seasons for the hunting of migratory birds is designated to the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary has the authority to regulate hunting seasons and bag limits, ensuring that migratory bird populations are sustained and managed effectively.

This federal oversight is necessary because migratory birds traverse various states and regions, and a unified management strategy is essential for their conservation. The role of the Secretary of the Interior is crucial in maintaining consistency and protection across state lines, which individual state governors or wildlife management boards may not be equipped to handle alone due to the interstate nature of migratory bird populations.

Setting closed seasons helps define times during which hunting activities can be restricted or prohibited, thereby allowing bird populations to recover and thrive, especially during critical periods such as breeding and migration.