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

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-15.063Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - Northwest Region

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest 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 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region as follows:

 

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

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

Apalachicola WMA, Bradwell Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

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

Blackwater WMA – remove quota requirement for each of the four 2-day Field Trial Area quail hunts; change the four 2-day quail hunts in the Field Trial Area from 2 consecutive hunts every other week in February to one hunt weekly during February; and adjust dog collar rules conflicting with 68A-12.007.

Blackwater WMA, Hutton Unit – shift the September wild hog-dog hunt to occur the second weekend of the month each year (instead of the third weekend) to avoid overlapping with dove field hunts.

Box-R WMA – establish a bag limit of 1 antlerless deer per quota permit during archery season; establish that mourning and white-winged dove may be hunted each Saturday and Sunday during Phase 1 of mourning and white-winged dove season; and allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

Chipola River WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season except in the Hayes Spring Run and Waddell Mill Creek areas.

Choctawhatchee River WMA – remove all check station requirements during spring turkey season; and allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

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

Econfina Creek WMA, Fitzhugh Carter Tract – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season.

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

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

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

Joe Budd WMA – establish that mourning and white-winged dove may be hunted the first and second Saturdays during Phase 1 of mourning and white-winged dove season.

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

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

Plank Road WMA – prohibit public access during the mobility-impaired general gun hunt except for individuals permitted to participate in the hunt (including guest hunter and non-hunting assistant); during the mobility-impaired general gun hunt allow mobility-impaired hunters to harvest antlerless deer (1 antlerless deer per quota permit); and fix errors related to the start dates for open seasons.

Point Washington WMA – change reference of “common moorhen” to “common gallinule.”

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

 

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; Section 379.2223, 375.313, Florida

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. – 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-15.063 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas – Northwest Region.

(1) Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 69 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 14 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

5. No change.

6. Duck, geese and coot – On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays of the duck and coot season established in rule Rrule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – Opening 10 days after the second Saturday in December and closing 54 days thereafter 22 through February 14 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

2. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

3. through 5. No change.

6. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

7. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

9. through 13. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(3) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area – Bradwell Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening the second Saturday in December and closing 4 days thereafter November 26-29 and December 12-16.

2. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 6 days thereafter and reopening 2 days later and closing 8 days thereafter October 24-30 and November 2-9.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 2-7.

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, reopening 1 day prior to the third Saturday in January and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter January 15-17 and January 29-31.

5. Small game – Opening 12 days prior to the first day of Zone D the zonal antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 8 days thereafter, and reopening on the first Saturday following the close of the first family hunt and closing 8 days thereafter.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 1 day thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 20-21 and April 2-4.

7. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(4) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons in the still hunt area (which includes that portion of the area south of State Road 4, except for the field trial area, and that portion of the area north of State Road 4, except for the dog hunt area).

1. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening the third Saturday in December and closing 53 days thereafter November 26-29 and December 19 through February 10.

2. Family still hunt – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter 12-13.

3. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-15, November 30 through December 18 and February 11 through March 7.

4. through 5. No change.

6. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

7. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening 8 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 18-28.

9. through 14. No change.

(b) Open seasons in the dog hunt area (which includes that portion of the area north of State Road 4 and west of Three Notch Road, east of Mason West Road, and north of Camp Henderson Road; and that portion of the area north of State Road 4, west of Beaver Creek Highway and Hurricane Lake Road, and east of Belandville Road; and that portion of the area north of Forest Road R47, north of Eadie Cotton Road and Peaden Bridge Road, west of Sherman Kennedy Road, south of Mattie Kennedy Road and Kennedy Bridge Road, west of Bullard Church Road, and east of Beaver Creek Highway and Hurricane Lake Road):

1. General gun dog – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening the third Saturday in December and closing 15 days thereafter, and reopening 15 days later and closing 23 days thereafter November 26-29, December 19 through January 3 and January 18 through February 10.

2. General gun still – Opening 16 days after the third Saturday in December and closing 13 days thereafter January 4-17.

3. Family still hunt – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter 12-13.

4. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 14-25, November 30 through December 18 and February 11 through March 7.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

8. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening 8 days after the last day of general gun dog season and closing 10 days thereafter February 18-28.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through the Sunday prior to the youth turkey hunt March 7, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. through 15. No change.

(c) Open seasons in the field trial area (which includes that portion of the area bounded by Coldwater Creek on the northwest, the western boundary of Blackwater State Forest to the west and south, County Road 191 on the southeast, and on a line running west 3/4 mile from the intersection of County Road 191 and Coldwater Horse Trail, then north one mile and then three miles west to Coldwater Creek at a point 1/2 mile northeast of the Coldwater Recreation Area):

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Family still hunt – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter 12-13.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening the third Friday in January and closing 2 days thereafter 15-17.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – Opening the first Wednesday Monday in February and closing 1 day 3 days thereafter, and reopening 4 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 8 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 1 day thereafter the third Monday in February and closing 3 days thereafter.

8. through 9. No change.

(d) through (e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. The taking or pursuing of deer, fox or coyote with dogs is prohibited in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road unless each dog is equipped and monitored with devices that allow remote tracking and behavior correction. The device(s) must be attached by a collar or similar means and must be used to prevent dog egress into unauthorized areas. The remote tracking device(s) would include Global Positioning System (GPS) or telemetry tracking. Effective Date: The correction device requirement in this rule shall not take effect until July 1, 2016.

5. through 12. No change.

13. Taking wildlife with a centerfire rifle is prohibited during the small game season and quail season.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening the 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter October 24-27 and October 28 through November 1.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. Quail – Opening 1 day prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004 F.A.C. and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 18 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 8 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 48 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, and reopening 6 days later and closing 1 day thereafter November 25-26, December 14-15, 19-20 and 28-29, January 2-3, February 20-21, and February 27-28.

4. General gun – Opening 51 days after the first day of Zone D 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 January 16-19 and 20-24.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – Opening the last Friday in January and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter January 29-31 and February 5-7.

6. No change.

7. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 20-22, April 2-4 and 16-18.

8. Wild hog-dog – Opening the third Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, and August, and reopening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in September.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(6) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 1 day prior to the second Saturday in December and closing 30 days thereafter later (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 5 days after the last day of close of archery season and closing 16 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. through 5. No change.

6. Dove – During the first and second Saturdays Saturday of the first phase of the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

7. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 12. No change.

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

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

2. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

3. No change.

4. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

5. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 1 day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

7. Migratory game birds – During September duck, dove and rail and common gallinule moorhen seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

8. through 9. 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.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 27 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 27-29 and December 12 through January 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – Opening 5 days 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 January 8 through March 7 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. through 9. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

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

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Open the first 27 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 27-29 and December 12 through January 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – Opening 5 days after the last day of archery and muzzleloading gun season and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. January 8 through March 7 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. through 7. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

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

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

2. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

3. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

6. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 6. No change.

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

(12) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area – Womack Creek Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 8 days thereafter October 24 through November 2.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11, December 21-23 and January 6 through March 7.

4. General gun still – Open during the first 13 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C November 26-29 and December 12-20.

5. through 7. No change.

8. 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 9 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter March 20-23, and April 1-4 and 8-11.

9. through 10. No change.

11. Wild hog-dog – Opening the day after the last day of following the general gun dog season and closing 12 days thereafter.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

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

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 57 days thereafter November 7 through January 3, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. Opening the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 6 days thereafter, reopening 1 day later and closing 6 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 8 days thereafter November 7-13, 14-20, and 21-29 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and ending the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except in the Pinhook still hunt area). Opening the day after the last day of general gun season in the Pinhook still hunt area and closing 18 days thereafter November 30 through December 18 (Pinhook still hunt area only), and January 4 through March 7.

3. through 4. No change.

5. 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 29 days thereafter September 19 through October 18, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. 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 8 days thereafter and reopening 13 days later and closing 8 days thereafter September 19-27 and October 10-18 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. 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 October 24-26.

7. Family hunt – Opening 7 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 1 day thereafter October 31 through November 1, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – Opening 42 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 15 days thereafter December 19 through January 3, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. through 14. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing January 20 through March 1.

11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 22 days thereafter October 24 through November 15.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 55 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter November 26-29, January 23-25 and January 27-31.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through January 22 and February 1 through March 7.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Raccoon ‒ During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C Opening the second Saturday in November and closing 113 days thereafter.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 8. No change.

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

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. Opening the second Saturday in November and ending 113 days thereafter in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 12. No change.

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

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

2. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

5. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

6. through 13. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(18) No change.

(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14. Open the first 69 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. in Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island only November 26-29 and December 12 through February 14.

6. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – December 1 through March 1 in still hunt areas and the day after the last day following the close of general gun season through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

11. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. During spring turkey season in that portion of the area north of the pipeline right-of-way, hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering and exiting the area and shall check all turkeys taken.

5. through 8. renumbered 4. through 7. No change.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons, except in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. General gun – Open the first 43 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through January 19.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and January 20 through March 7.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 4 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 1 day thereafter and reopening 6 days later and closing 1 day thereafter January 23-24 and 30-31.

6. through 12. No change.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D 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 October 24-30 and October 31 through November 8.

2. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter November 24-29.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

4. Small game – The Saturday after the last day following the close of muzzleloading gun season through the first Sunday in March (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 20-22, and April 2-4 and 16-18.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) through (e) No change.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-6.

3. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

6. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season except in the mobility-impaired, Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas.

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 26-29 and December 12 through February 3.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

6. through 11. No change.

(b) Open seasons in the mobility-impaired hunt area (area south of County Road 388):

1. General gun – Opening the day after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 47 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 3 days later and closing 2 days thereafter November 27-29, January 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, and February 3-5.

2. through 3. No change.

4. Small game – Opening the Saturday after the last day following the close of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

(c) Open seasons in the Cat Creek (area south of State Road 20 and north of County Road 388) and Fitzhugh Carter (area west of State Road 77) areas:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D 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 October 24-30, and October 31 through November 8.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 55 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter November 26-29, January 23-26 and 27-31.

4. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C (except during general gun season and muzzleloading gun seasons) November 14-25, November 30 though December 4, December 8 through January 22, and February 1 through March 7 (Cat Creek area) and opening the second Saturday in December and closing 15 days thereafter 12-27 (Fitzhugh Carter area).

5. No change.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 20-22, and April 2-4 and 16-18.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D 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 October 24-30, and October 31 through November 8.

2. No change.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

4. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 46 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 November 26-29, January 14-24, 21-24 and 28-31.

5. through 6. No change.

7. 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 9 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter March 20-23, April 1-4 and 15-18.

8. Dove – Saturdays and Sundays Opening day during the first phase and during the remainder of the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C., that coincides with the archery, small game, muzzleloading gun, general gun, and wild hog-still and spring turkey seasons.

9. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during those portions of the archery season that coincide with the open season established for the East Panhandle BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.), fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Antlerless deer may only be taken during archery season (1 antlerless deer per quota permit) or by antlerless deer permit only. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken. The take of deer is prohibited during wild hog-still season.

(c) through (d) No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D 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 October 24-30, and October 31 through November 8.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter November 26-29.

4. General gun – Opening 58 days after the first day of Zone D 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 January 23-25 and January 27-31.

5. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun, family hunt, muzzleloading gun, and wild hog-still seasons) November 14-25, November 30 through December 4, December 8 through January 22, and March 1-7.

6. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 40 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) and reopening 4 days later and closing 23 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only) October 17-19, 22-25, October 30 through November 1 and November 6-8 and 13-15.

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 1 day after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter November 27-29, December 11-13, 25-27, January 8-10 and 22-24.

3. Small game – Opening the day after the last day following the close of archery and muzzleloading gun season and closing 27 days thereafter.

4. through 6. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 6. No change.

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

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

3. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening 40 days later and closing 2 days thereafter November 26-29 and January 8-10.

4. General gun – Opening 51 days following first day of Zone D 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 January 16-22 and January 23-31.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 4 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

6. Small game – Opening 3 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing the last day of gray squirrel season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun, family hunt, muzzleloading gun, and archery and muzzleloading gun seasons) November 23-25, November 30 through December 4, December 8 through January 7, January 11-15, February 1-3 and February 15 through March 7.

7. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – Opening 1 day after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening December 24 and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening December 31 and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 1 day prior to the third Saturday in January and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter November 27-29, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 15-17 and January 29-31.

2. through 3. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 29 days thereafter October 24 through November 22.

2. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during the family hunt and general gun seasons) November 14-25, November 30 through December 11 and February 4 through March 7.

3. Family hunt – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter November 26-29.

4. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

5. General gun – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 53 days thereafter 12 through February 3.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter February 4-14.

7. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 55 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter, reopening 5 days later and closing 3 days thereafter November 26-29, January 23-26, January 27-31 and February 5-8.

2. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D 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 October 24-30 through October 31 through November 8.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 9 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 2 days thereafter December 5-7.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 5 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 2 days thereafter February 13-15.

5. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. third Saturday in March and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

6. Small game – During the quail season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season, muzzleloading gun, and archery and muzzleloading gun seasons) November 14-25, November 30 through December 4, December 8 through January 22, February 1-4, February 9-12 and February 16 through March 7.

7. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Archery – Opening 55 days prior to the fourth Thursday Sunday in November and closing 23 days later (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 26 days prior to the fourth Thursday Sunday in November and closing 2 days thereafter.

4. Family hunt – Opening the Saturday prior to the fourth Thursday Sunday in November and closing 1 day thereafter.

5. General gun – Opening 19 days prior to the fourth Thursday Sunday in November and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening the fourth Thursday third Sunday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

6. Mobility-impaired general gun – Opening 8 days after the fourth Thursday Sunday in November and closing 3 days thereafter.

7. 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 first Sunday in March.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, wild turkey (bearded turkey or gobblers only), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of 10-inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. The take of antlerless deer is prohibited except during the family hunt and mobility-impaired general gun season. During the family hunt, the bag limit shall be two deer per quota permit, only one of which may be antlerless. During the mobility-impaired general gun season the bag limit for antlerless deer shall be one per quota permit and only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Public access allowed year round but only from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset except during the mobility-impaired general gun hunt when public access is prohibited except for individuals participating in the hunt and non-hunting assistants as provided in Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C.

2. through 5. No change.

6. 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, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, 5-7-86, 5-10-87, 6-8-87, 5-1-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 9-1-90, 7-1-91, 9-1-91, 7-1-92, 7-2-92, 7-1-93, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 7-1-95, 7-2-95, 8-15-95, 7-1-96, 7-2-96, 6-1-97, 12-3-97, 7-1-98, 7-2-98, 8-11-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-15.063, Amended 11-17-99, 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 7-22-01, 6-2-02, 5-1-03, 7-1-03, 7-1-04, 7-2-04, 8-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-20-09, 7-1-10, 7-1-11, 11-14-11, 7-1-12, 7-1-13, 7-1-14, 7-2-14, 11-2-14, 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