The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the South Region, adjust specific area regulations regarding the use of centerfire rifles during small ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-15.064Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - South Region

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the South Region, adjust specific area regulations regarding the use of centerfire rifles during small game season in response to proposed changes in rule 68A-15.004, F.A.C., and adjust how season dates are described to better conform to calendar year changes. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources and public use on WMAs.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would adjust how season dates are described to better conform to calendar year changes, adjust specific area regulations regarding the use of centerfire rifles during small game season in response to proposed changes in rule 68A-15.004, F.A.C., and revise specific area regulations on WMAs in the South Region as follows:

Big Cypress WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season except in the Deep Lake, Corn Dance, Loop, and Stairsteps units; allow wild hog to be hunted during small game season; remove the bag limit and 15-inch shoulder height restriction for wild hog; eliminate the check station pass requirement; establish that only deer having at least one antler with 4 or more points can be harvested in Corn Dance Unit; and establish a bag limit for deer of 1 annually (all seasons combined) in Corn Dance, Loop, and Stairsteps units (all units combined).

Dinner Island Ranch WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; allow wild hog to be dismembered before checking at a check station; remove the bag limit for wild hog; shift the first family hunt to occur on the opening weekend of the zonal antlered deer season; and shift each of the three 3-day general gun hunts to occur approximately 1 week later than currently scheduled.

Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

Everglades Headwaters WMA, Kissimmee Bend Unit – establish open seasons and regulations for a new WMA (3,992 acres) in Okeechobee County as follows: 16-day archery season (four 4-day hunts, 10 no-cost, quota permits for each hunt, no exemptions); 3-day muzzleloading gun season (10 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions); 3-day family hunt (5 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions); 6-day general gun season (two 3-day hunts, 10 no-cost, quota permits for each hunt, no exemptions); small game season opening the day after general gun season ends and closing the first Sunday in March (no quota); 2-day youth turkey hunt (5 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions); 9-day spring turkey season (three 3-day hunts, 5 no-cost, quota permits for each hunt, no exemptions); fishing and frogging allowed year-round; prohibit trapping; allow hunting of all legal game, turkey (gobbler or bearded turkey only), fish, frogs, and furbearers (excluding bobcat and otter); prohibit the harvest of antlered deer not having at least 1 antler with 3 or more points or a 10-inch main beam (except by persons less than 16 years of age); bag limit for deer shall be 1 antlered deer per quota permit except during the family hunt when the bag limit shall be 2 antlered deer per quota permit but no more than 1 per person; prohibit the harvest of antlerless deer; allow take of turkey during archery, youth turkey, and spring turkey seasons (gobbler or bearded turkey only); bag limit for turkey shall be 1 per quota permit; allow take of wild hog during small game season and quota hunts (except youth and spring turkey) with no bag limits or size restrictions; allow public access year-round, except during quota hunts when public access is prohibited except for persons participating in a hunt; prohibit vehicular access except for licensed and permitted hunters and their guests on designated roads and trails beginning 15 days prior to the opening of archery season through the day after the last day of spring turkey season; prohibit airboats, off-highway vehicles, swamp buggies, and tracked vehicles except during quota hunts when persons participating in a hunt may operate all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), and swamp buggies on designated roads and trails; prohibit hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; prohibit hunting with dogs except bird dogs and retrievers may be used to hunt migratory game birds in season and any dog may be used to hunt small game (gray squirrel, migratory game birds, quail, and rabbits) during small game season; and allow camping in designated campsites by permit only.

Fisheating Creek WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

Holey Land WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

J.W. Corbett WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; allow wild hog to be dismembered before checking at a check station; allow wild hog to be hunted during small game season; and remove the bag limit and 20-inch shoulder height restriction for wild hog.

Okaloacoochee Slough WMA – establish a 2-day youth spring turkey hunt opening the last Saturday in February (10 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions); lengthen the small game season to open the second Saturday in October and close the first Sunday in February; and in response to the establishment of 5,528 new acres into the WMA, increase the quota from 125 to 145 permits (for each archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun hunt), from 40 to 45 permits for the family hunt, and from 50 to 55 for each spring turkey hunt.

Picayune Strand WMA – allow wild hog to be hunted during small game season; remove the bag limit for wild hog; and prohibit public access from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise, except for permitted campers at designated campsites and individuals participating in a hunt during established seasons.

Rotenberger WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; allow wild hog to be dismembered before checking at a check station; and remove the bag limit for wild hog.

Additionally, the proposed rule amendment would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution n; Sections 379.2223, 375.313, Florida Statutes.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution n; Sections 379.2223, 375.313, Florida Statutes.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 25-26, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Live video conference broadcast via Adobe Connect and The Florida Channel.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: the ADA Coordinator, at [phone].. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: George Warthen, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-15.064 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas – South Region.

(1) J. W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area.

(a) No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, furbearers and frogs. Deer daily bag one, annual bag two; wild hog daily bag one, annual bag two. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 20 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Turkeys may not be taken during the archery season. The take of antlerless deer is prohibited except during the last 9 days of archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. During periods when the check stations are staffed, no deer or wild hog shall be quartered or dismembered until in the hunt area or removed from the area unless checked at a check station.

6. through 20. No change.

(2) Holey Land Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Walk, Opening 14 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 3-18.

2. General gun – Vehicle (tracked vehicles only), Opening 35 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter  October 24 through November 8.

3. Archery – Opening 42 days prior to the first day of the Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 22 days thereafter August 8-30.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 8 days thereafter September 5-13.

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun – vehicle season and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C November 9 through March 7.

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (e) No change.

(3) Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Walk, Opening 14 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 3-18, Conservation Areas 3A North and 2A (north of the East/West Airboat Trail) only.

2. General gun – Vehicle (airboats and tracked vehicles only), Opening 35 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 24 through November 8, in Conservation Areas 3A North, 3A South, 2, and the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area.

3. Archery – Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 22 days thereafter August 8-30, Conservation Area 3A North only.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 8 days thereafter September 5-13, in Conservation Area 3A North only.

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun – vehicle season and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C November 9 though March 7.

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (e) No change.

(4) Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Walk, Opening 14 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 3-18.

2. General gun – Vehicle (tracked vehicles only), Opening 35 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 24 through November 8.

3. Archery – Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 22 days thereafter August 8-30.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of the Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 8 days thereafter September 5-13.

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun – vehicle season and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C November 9 through March 7.

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (e) No change.

(5) Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 21 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter October 10-25, except in the Deep Lake Unit.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C March 6 through April 11.

6. September duck – In the September season as established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C., except on the Bear Island, Addition, and Deep Lake units Units.

7. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. In the Corn Dance and Loop units Unit and zones 1 through 3 of the Stairsteps Unit, taking of deer not having at least one antler with four or more points is prohibited. The take of deer in Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit is prohibited. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The taking of raccoons with a gun and light is prohibited. The taking of turkey or antlerless deer during the archery season is prohibited. Deer and, turkey and wild hog bag limit one per day; two annually, except no more than one deer may be taken annually within the Corn Dance and Loop units Unit and zones 1 through 3 of the Stairsteps Unit, combined.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Hunting with dogs (other than bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers) is prohibited, except that during small game season dogs may be used for hunting small game. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited. All dogs are prohibited in the Loop Unit unit. The possession of dogs (other than for hunting purposes) is prohibited except as authorized by National Park Service regulations. Leashed dogs may not be used for trailing wounded game.

2. through 4. No change.

5. During periods when check stations are staffed, hunters must check in at a designated check station when entering the area, retain in their possession a check station pass while hunting, and check out at the same check station when exiting the area, and must check all game taken. Deer, wild hog, and turkey may be divided or consumed in the field but each portion shall be identified by the number of the license of the person killing it and be readily traceable to the portion of the animal bearing sex identification. Jaw bones of the deer shall be saved for use by the Commission.

6. through 20. No change.

21. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season in the Corn Dance, Loop, and Stairsteps units.

(6) Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 6 days thereafter and reopening 1 day later and closing 8 days thereafter August 8-14 and 15-23.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) September 5-7 and 12-14.

3. Family Hunt – Opening the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 1 day thereafter September 19-20.

4. General gun – Opening 7 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter September 26-29 and September 30 through October 4.

5. Small game – Opening the first day of the gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing the first Sunday in February November 7 through January 10.

6. Youth turkey – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

7.6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter March 6-9 and 10-14.

7. through 9. renumbered 8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 7. No change.

8. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

(7) Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 29 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only), August 21-23 and August 28-29 west of US Highway 27 only.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 8 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only), September 11-13 and 18-20 west of US Highway 27 only.

3. General gun – Opening 13 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, October 2-4 and 16-18 west of US Highway 27 only.

4. Youth Turkey Hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., February 27-28 west of US Highway 27 only.

5. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 3 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, March 6-9, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 and April 2-5 west of US Highway 27 only.

6. Special-opportunity spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 6 days thereafter and reopening 8 days later and closing 6 days thereafter, March 6-12 and 20-26 east of US Highway 27 only.

7. Wild hog-still – Opening 5 days prior to the fourth Thursday in November and closing 1 day thereafter, November 21-22 west of US Highway 27 only.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(8) Picayune Strand Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter August 8-23.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) September 5-7 and 12-14.

3. General gun – Opening 21 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 6 days thereafter October 10-13, 14-18 and 19-25.

4. Small game – Opening 6 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 71 days thereafter October 31 through January 10.

5. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C February 27-28.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter March 6-9 and 10-14.

7. through 8. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during those portions of the general gun season that coincide with the open season established for the South BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.), fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the archery season, the bag limit for deer and wild hog shall be one each. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer and wild hog shall be one per person, two per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. One gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per spring turkey quota permit.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 7. No change.

8. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise, except for permitted campers at designated campsites and individuals participating in a hunt during established seasons.

9. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

(9) Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 43 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 24 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) August 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 and August 28 through September 3.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 8 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter September 11-13.

3. General gun – Opening 6 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 16 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only) September 19-21, 25-27 and October 2-4.

4. No change.

5. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 1 day thereafter, and reopening 27 days later and closing 1 day thereafter October 10-11 and 17-18.

6. Youth Turkey Hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C February 27-28.

7. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) and reopening 19 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 6-8, 13-15 and April 3-5.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer shall be one per quota permit. One gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per spring turkey quota permit. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Wild hog: daily bag one; possession limit two.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. During periods when the check station is staffed, no deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the check station.

7. through 11. No change.

(10) Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 43 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 24 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) August 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 8 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter September 11-13.

3. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter September 19-21, 25-27, and October 2-4.

4. No change.

5. Youth Turkey Hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C February 27-28.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) and reopening 19 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 6-8, 13-15 and April 3-5.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer shall be one per person, two per quota permit. During the spring turkey season, one gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Wild hog: daily bag one; possession limit two.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. During periods when the check station is staffed, no deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the check station.

7. No change.

(11) Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 7 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 24 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays only) September 12-15, 19-22, September 26-29, and October 3-6.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 28 days after the first day of the Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter October 17-19.

3. Family hunt – Opening 42 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter October 31 through November 3.

4. General gun – Opening 49 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 4 days thereafter November 7-11.

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing November 12 through the second Sunday in January.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter March 6-9 and 10-14.

7. through 8. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(12) Everglades Headwaters Wildlife Management Area – Kissimmee Bend Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 49 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 24 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays only).

2. Muzzleloading Gun – Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter.

3. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter.

4. General Gun – Opening 7 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 9 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only).

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

7. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 16 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only).

8. Migratory game birds – During migratory game bird seasons as established by rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

9. Fishing and frogging – Allowed year-round.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, turkey (gobbler or bearded turkey only), fish, frogs, and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). Taking of antlered deer not having at least 1 antler with 3 or more points or 1 antler with a main beam of 10 inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be 1 antlered deer per quota permit. During the family hunt, the bag limit for deer shall be 2 antlered deer per quota permit but no more than 1 per person. The taking of antlerless deer is prohibited during archery season. During the archery, youth turkey, and spring turkey seasons, 1 gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(c) Camping: Prohibited except by permit from the Florida Forest Service or United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(d) General regulations:

1. All persons must enter and exit the area at a designated entrance.

2. Public access is allowed year-round, except during: quota hunts when only quota permit holders and their guests may access the area; the family hunt when only the quota permit holder, up to 2 youth hunters, and 1 non-hunting guest may access the area; and the youth turkey hunt when only the quota permit holder, 1 adult supervisor, and 1 non-hunting guest may access the area.

3. Vehicular access is prohibited, except licensed and permitted hunters may operate vehicles on designated roads and trails only beginning 15 days prior to the first day of archery season through the day after the last day of spring turkey season. At all other times, public access other than by foot, horseback, or bicycle is prohibited.

4. Airboats, off-highway vehicles, swamp buggies, and tracked vehicles are prohibited, except: by permit from the Florida Forest Service or United States Fish and Wildlife Service; or during quota hunts when only individuals possessing a valid quota permit and their guests may operate all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), and swamp buggies on designated roads and trails only.

5. Horses are prohibited, except on designated horse trails and roads and trails open to vehicle access.

6. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used to hunt migratory game birds in season and any dog may be used to hunt small game during small game season.

7. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.

8. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

 

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2021.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. History–New 6-21-82, Amended 7-1-83, 7-27-83, 9-27-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, 5-7-86, 8-5-86, 5-10-87, 8-24-87, 5-1-88, 6-7-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 9-1-90, 7-1-91, 7-1-92, 7-1-93, 7-1-94, 7-1-95, 8-15-95, 7-1-96, 9-15-96, 10-20-96, 6-1-97, 8-7-97, 7-1-98, 7-2-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-15.064, Amended 11-17-99, 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 6-2-02, 2-27-03, 5-1-03, 7-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-20-09, 1-19-10, 7-1-10, 8-26-10, 7-1-11, 7-1-12, 7-1-13, 7-1-14, 9-18-14, 7-1-15, 7-29-15, 7-1-16, 7-1-17, 9-14-17, 7-1-18, 7-1-19, 7-1-20, 7-1-21.

BE ADVISED THAT THESE PROPOSED RULES MAY BE FILED FOR ADOPTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE COMMISSION MEETING AT WHICH THEY ARE CONSIDERED IF THE RULES ARE NOT CHANGED.  IF CHANGED, THE RULES MAY BE FILED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE F.A.R.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: George Warthen, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 17, 2020

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 19, 2020