68A-15.063: Specific 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 and conform to calendar year date 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 season dates to conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region as follows:
Apalachicola WMA clarify that motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated, named or numbered roads and mixed-used roads, except all-terrain vehicles are allowed only on designated motorized trails and mixed-use roads; and establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required).
Apalachicola WMA, Bradwell Unit remove the limitation of one gun per hunting party during the wild hog-dog season.
Aucilla WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required); remove the small game-only status for the area south of U.S. Highway 98 and designate it as a three points on a side still hunt area (the Pinhook still hunt area) with the following seasons and regulations: two 9-day archery hunts (quota 20 per hunt, no exemptions); a 3-day muzzleloading gun season (quota 20, no exemptions); a 2-day family hunt (quota 20, no exemptions); a 23-day general gun season (divided into 7-, 7-, and 9-day hunts, respectively; quota 20 per hunt, no exemptions); a 16-day wild hog-still season (no quota permit required); a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required); other seasons as currently allowed on Aucilla WMA; require that antlered deer have at least one antler with three or more points, each point one-inch or more in length; set the bag limit for deer during the archery season at two deer, only one of which can be antlered, per quota permit; set the bag limit for deer during the family hunts at one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit; set the bag limit for deer during the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons at one antlered deer per quota permit; require hunters to enter the Pinhook still hunt area at a designated entrance; and all other rules that currently apply to the Aucilla WMA.
Blackwater WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required); allow vehicles only on named and numbered roads; prohibit hunting from Bryant Bridge, Norman Riley, Sandy Forest and Pleasant Home roads; exempt individuals hunting raccoons at night in the dog hunt area from quota permit requirements; allow rabbits to be chased during the fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat season; and convert the quail season on the Field Trial Area from two 4-day hunts with three quotas each, to four 2-day hunts with a quota of four each.
Blackwater WMA, Hutton Unit remove the quota permit requirement during the wild hog-dog season; remove the limitation of one gun and three free-running dogs per hunting party during the wild hog-dog season; and establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Box-R WMA remove the limitation of one gun per hunting party during the wild hog-dog season.
Choctawhatchee River WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt for the entire area and in the quota hunt portion of the area, set a quota of 5 permits (no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Econfina Creek WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt, except in the mobility-impaired area, with a quota of 3 in the Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas (no exemptions), a quota of 10 in the still hunt and dog hunt areas (no exemptions) and a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Eglin AFB WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required) in areas specified by the Installation Commander.
Escambia River WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required).
Flint Rock WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (Recreational Use Permit required); allow wild hog to be hunted during existing seasons, as well as the small game season, with no height or bag limit restrictions; and allow the use of dogs to hunt wild hogs during the small game season.
Joe Budd WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 20, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Juniper Creek WMA (NEW) 914 acres establish a new wildlife management area with the following open seasons: five 3-day family hunts; a 2-day youth turkey hunt; establish as legal to take antlered deer, antlerless deer, wild hog and wild turkey (during the spring turkey season only); set the bag limit for deer at one antlered or one antlerless deer per person; set the bag limit for turkey during the spring turkey season at one gobbler or bearded turkey per person; prohibit camping on the area; prohibit hunting with dogs; allow public access during closed seasons by foot (pedestrian) only except that authorized hunters may use motorized vehicles one day immediately prior to each hunt; during hunting seasons, require possession of a U.S. Forest Service zone tag to access and hunt on the property; allow vehicles only on named and numbered roads; prohibit airboats, tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles; and prohibit fires.
Ochlockonee River WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit; and allow wild hog to be hunted during the small game season.
Perdido River WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Pine Log WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit; and allow wild hog to be hunted during the small game season.
Point Washington WMA allow wild hog to be hunted during the small game season; and prohibit hunting from all named and numbered roads.
Talquin WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit; and allow wild hog to be hunted during the small game season;
Tates Hell WMA, Womack Creek Unit establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 10, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Tyndall AFB WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (no quota permit required) in areas specified by the Installation Commander; and allow the Installation Commander to set dates for supervised youth hunts anytime between the beginning of archery season and December 31.
Upper Chipola River WMA rename the management area as Chipola River WMA; establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions), except in the Altha tract, with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit; and establish the following seasons and regulations for the new Altha tract: two archery hunts (7 and 9 days, respectively; quota 10 per hunt, no exemptions); a 4-day family hunt (quota 5, no exemptions); a 3-day muzzleloading gun season (quota 10, no exemptions); an 18-day small game season (9 Saturday-Sunday hunts); and three 3-day spring turkey hunts (quota 5 per hunt, no exemptions); establish as legal to take all legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers; allow fishing and frogging year round; allow trapping from December 1 through March 1; set the bag limit for deer during the archery season at one antlered or one antlerless deer per quota permit; set the bag limit for deer during the family hunts at one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit; set the bag limit for deer during the muzzleloading gun season at one antlered deer per quota permit; set the bag limit for turkey during the spring turkey season at one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit; prohibit the possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages; and all other rules that currently apply to the Upper Chipola River WMA.
Wakulla WMA add an additional day of hunting to the second archery/muzzleloading gun hunt to make it a 3-day hunt; and establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (quota of 5, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Yellow River WMA establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt in the Burnt Grocery Creek area (quota of 3, no exemptions) with a bag limit of one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
Additionally the proposed rule amendment would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections and language standardization. There are also proposed changes to some hunting seasons on FWC-managed areas in an effort to better align season dates with times of peak deer activity associated with the breeding season and other hunter preferences.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: The Agency has determined that this will not have an impact on small business. An SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
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.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 23-24, 2011, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Franklin County Courthouse, 3rd Floor Courtroom, 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
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 (850)488-6411. 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: Diane R. Eggeman, 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 November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 12 13 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).
2. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
3. No change.
4. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
5. through 7. No change.
8. Quail (Zone A) December 20 21 through January 29 30 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).
9. Spring turkey (Zones B and C) March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
(b) through (d) No change.
(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open seasons:
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
2. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
3. No change.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
6.5. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
7.6. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
8.7. Muzzleloading gun and archery February 2-12 17-27.
9.8. No change.
10.9. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat October 1 through March 4 6 in that portion of the area in Liberty County lying west of State Road 65 (except in that portion of the area lying north and east of the Florida River and Larkins Slough) and in that portion in Leon County and Wakulla County south of State Road 267 bounded on the east by Forest Roads 313, F.H. 13 and 356, on the south by Forest Roads 349 and 357, on the west by Forest Roads 348 and F.H. 13, 309, 314 and 344.
11.10. Trapping February 2 3 through March 1.
12.11. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Bearded turkeys or gobblers may be taken from November 24-27 25-28 and from December 10-21 11-22. Killing quail is prohibited on the quail enhancement area (that portion of the area lying north of Oak Ridge Road, east of State Road 61 and Highway 319, south of State Road 263 and west of State Road 363) except by quail permit during the quail season. The bag limit for quail on the quail enhancement area is six (6) per quota permit.
(c) Camping: Throughout the year. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites during general gun season, except on Northwest Florida Water Management District lands where camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), but for no more than 14 consecutive days at a time and limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited on Northwest Florida Water Management District lands, unless contained in mobile campers; lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
(d) General regulations:
1. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites during general gun season, except on Northwest Florida Water Management District lands where camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), but for no more than 14 consecutive days at a time and limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited on Northwest Florida Water Management District lands, unless contained in mobile campers; lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
1.2. Bird dogs may be trained from June 1 through March 4 6, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained from October 29 30 through November 17 18 in that portion of the area open to hunting fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcats.
3. through 6. renumbered 2. through 5. No change.
6.7. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated, named or numbered roads and mixed-use roads, except all-terrain vehicles are allowed only on designated motorized trails and mixed-use roads. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited on that portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District lands.
8. through 10. renumbered 7. through 9. No change.
(3) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area Bradwell Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10-14 11-15.
2. Archery October 22-28 16-22 and October 29 through November 6 23-31.
3. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
4. Small game November 12-13 13-14 and December 24 18 through January 8 2.
5. Spring turkey March 17-18 19-20 and March 30 through April 1-3.
6. Wild hog-dog July 1-3 2-4, August 5-7 6-8 and September 2-4, 2011 3-5, 2010, and May 4-6 6-8 and June 1-3, 2012 3-5, 2011.
7. Wild hog-still July 15-17 16-18, August 19-21 20-22 and September 16-18, 2011 17-19, 2010, and May 18-20 20-22 and June 15-17, 2012 17-19, 2011.
8. through 9. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. During the wild hog-dog season, a quota permit shall allow a hunting group of two persons and a guest, as authorized by Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C., (3 total) to participate in the hunt and only one gun may be used to take wildlife per hunting group.
4. through 6. No change.
(4) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open seasons in the still hunt area (which includes that portion of the area south of Highway 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 November 24-27 25-28 and December 17 11 through February 8 2.
2. Family still hunt (only in that portion of the still hunt area north of Highway 4 and east of Highway 191) December 10-11 4-5.
3. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 16 10 and February 9 3 through March 4 6.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
6.5. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
7.6. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
8.7. Muzzleloading gun and archery February 16-26 17-27.
8. through 12. renumbered 9. through 13. 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 Break Fork Fire Line, 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 November 24-27 25-28, December 17 through January 1 11-26 and January 16 10 through February 8 2.
2. General gun still December 27 through January 2-15 9.
3. Family still hunt (only in that portion of the dog hunt area north of Highway 4 and east of Highway 191) December 10-11 4-5.
4. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 16 10 and February 9 3 through March 4 6.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
6.5. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
7.6. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
8.7. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
9.8. Muzzleloading gun and archery February 16-26 17-27.
10.9. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat May 1 through March 4 13, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.
10. through 13. renumbered 11. through 14. 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, State Road 191 on the southeast, and on a line running west 3/4 mile from the intersection of State Road 191 and Forest Road 64 (Spanish 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 October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun and archery January 20-22 21-23.
3. through 5. No change.
6. Quail February 6-7, 8-9, 20-21 and 22-23 7-10 and February 21-24.
7. No change.
(d) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the muzzleloading gun and archery season on the field trial portion of the area any deer (daily bag limit one) except spotted fawns may be taken. During the family still hunt, any deer (bag limit of three per quota permit) may be taken except spotted fawns. Taking quail is prohibited on the field trial area and the quail enhancement area (that portion of the area lying north of Bryant Bridge Road, east of Sandy Forest Road, east of County Road 191 between Sandy Forest Road and State Highway 4, south of State Highway 4 and west of Norman Riley Road) except by quail permit during the quail seasons. The bag limit for quail on the field trial area is 12 per hunting group each day. A group for the purpose of quail hunting on the field trial area shall include up to 2 persons. Taking quail after 3 p.m. Central Time is prohibited during the quail season on the field trial area. The bag limit for quail on the quail enhancement area is six (6) per quota permit. During the fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat season, rabbit may be chased by the use of free-running dogs but may not be harvested except as allowed during other open seasons.
(e) No change.
(f) General regulations:
1. During the general gun dog and the fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat seasons season, hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed. A quota permit shall not be required to take raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during the general gun dog season.
2. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, except on that portion of the area lying south of State Road 4 and east of County Road 191 where vehicles may be operated only on established roads.
3. through 4. No change.
5. Taking of wildlife by use of a gun on, upon or from rights-of-way of State Road 4, 191, 189 and 2; U.S. Highway 90; County Highway 180; Bryant Bridge, Norman Riley, Sandy Forest and Pleasant Home roads, and Carpenter Road from County Road 191 to Juniper Creek; Forest Road 31, 47, 25, 86, 23, 72, 48, 6 and the paved portions of Forest Roads 57, 2 and 9 is prohibited as provided by Rule 68A-4.008, F.A.C.
6. through 8. No change.
9. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
9.10. No change.
(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area Hutton Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22-25 and 26-30 16-19 and 20-24.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. Quail November 12-13, 19-20, 23-24 13-14, 24-25, December 12-13, 17-18, 26-27 and December 31 through January 1 4-5, 13-14, 18-19, 27-28 and January 1-2.
4. General gun January 14-17 and 18-22 15-18 and 19-23.
5. Mobility-impaired general gun January 27-29 28-30 and February 3-5 4-6.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
7.6. Spring turkey March 17-19 19-21, March 30 through April 1-3 and April 13-15 15-17.
8.7. Wild hog-dog July 15-17 16-18, August 19-21 20-22 and September 16-18, 2011 17-19, 2010, and May 18-20 20-22 and June 15-17, 2012 17-19, 2011.
8. through 9. renumbered 9. through 10. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers except that only quail may be taken during the quail season. Taking quail is prohibited except during the quail season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. The bag limit for antlered deer shall be one per quota permit, except during the mobility-impaired hunts. Two deer (except spotted fawns) may be taken per mobility-impaired quota permit. During the general gun for mobility-impaired season, only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer. During spring turkey season, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season or as specifically authorized by permit. During the wild hog-dog season, no more than 3 free-running dogs per quota permit may be used.
4. through 6. No change.
7. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
7.8. No change.
9. During the wild hog-dog season, a quota permit shall allow a hunting group of two persons and a guest, as authorized by Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C., (3 total) to participate in the hunt and only one gun may be used to take wildlife per hunting group.
8.10. No change.
(6) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area Carr Unit.
(a) Open season: Special-opportunity released quail November 12-18, 19-25 13-19, 20-26, November 26 27 through December 2 3, December 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, December 31 through January 6 25-31, January 7-13, 14-20, 21-27 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, January 28 29 through February 3 4, February 4-10, 11-17, 18-24 5-11, 12-18, 19-25 and February 25 26 through March 2 4.
(b) through (d) No change.
(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery December 9 10 through January 8 9 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
2. Archery and muzzleloading gun January 13-29 14-30 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
3. Small game October 1 2 through December 4 5 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
6.5. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, turkey of either sex, fish, frogs and furbearers. During small game season, dove (Saturdays only, during phases established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.), quail and squirrel may be taken. Antlerless deer is any deer, except a spotted fawn, that is without antlers or whose antlers are less than one inch in length visible above the hairline. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited except that bird dogs and retrievers are allowed permitted during small game hunts.
3. through 11. No change.
(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
2. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
3. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
4. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
5. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
6. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27.
7. through 9. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 5. No change.
6. Taking of wildlife by use of a gun on or from rights-of-way of all named and numbered roads U.S. 98 is prohibited as provided by Rule 68A-4.008, F.A.C.
7. No change.
8. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 25-27 26-28 and December 10 11 through January 1 2 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
2. Small game January 6 7 through March 4 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
3. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
5. through 6. renumbered 6. through 7. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish and furbearers. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 5. No change.
6. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery and muzzleloading gun November 25-27 26-28 and December 10 11 through January 1 2 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
2. Small game January 6 7 through March 4 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
3. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
6.5. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, including gobblers or bearded turkeys, fish, frogs and furbearers. Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the archery/muzzleloading gun season. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Only modern shotguns, muzzleloading guns and bows are allowed for taking turkey during the spring turkey season.
4. through 6. No change.
(11) Tates Hell Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
2. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
3. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
4. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
5. Muzzleloading gun and archery February 2-12 17-27.
6. through 7. No change.
8. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
9. through 11. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. Deer dogs may be trained from October 29 30 through November 17 18.
2. through 6. No change.
7. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(12) Tates Hell Wildlife Management Area Womack Creek Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22-30 16-24.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10, December 19-23 20-23 and January 6 through February 1 2.
4. General gun still November 24-27 25-28 and December 10-18 11-19.
5. through 6. No change.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
8.7. Spring turkey March 17-20 19-22, March 29 31 through April 1 3 and April 5-8 7-10.
8. through 9. renumbered 9. through 10. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one forked antler and having one or more antlers at least 5 inches in length visible above the hairline is prohibited. The forked antler shall have at least two points one inch or greater in length. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. The use of centerfire rifles for taking turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 5 13 through January 1, except in the Pinhook still hunt area 9. November 5-11, 12-18, and 19-27 in the Pinhook still hunt area.
2. Small game January 2 10 through March 4 6.
3. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
4.3. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
5.4. Archery September 17 25 through October 16, except in the Pinhook still hunt area 24. September 17-25 and October 8-16 in the Pinhook still hunt area.
6.5. Muzzleloading gun October 22-24 29-31.
7. Family hunt October 29-30, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.
8. Wild hog-still December 17 through January 1, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.
6. through 8. renumbered 9. through 11. No change.
12.9. Trapping January 2 10 through March 1.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited in the Pinhook still hunt area, which is that portion of the area south of U.S. 98. During the archery season in the Pinhook still hunt area the bag limit for deer shall be two deer, only one of which can be antlered, per quota permit. During the family hunt the bag limit shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons in the Pinhook still hunt area the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per quota permit.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 8. No change.
9. Hunters shall enter and exit the Pinhook still hunt area at a designated entrance.
9. On that portion of the area south of U.S. 98, hunting shall be restricted to small game and wild hog, except deer may be taken by bow during archery and general gun seasons.
10. No change.
(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Muzzleloading gun October 22 30 through November 4 7.
2. General gun November 5 13 through January 22 23.
3. Small game January 23 24 through March 4 6.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
6.5. Archery September 17 25 through October 16 24.
6. through 8. renumbered 7. through 9. No change.
10.9. Trapping January 23 24 through March 1.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Wild hog: daily bag, 1; possession limit, 2.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. Taking wildlife with dogs other than waterfowl retrievers and bird dogs is prohibited, except that any dog may be used to take wild hog during the small game season.
2. through 6. No change.
(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22 through November 6 16-31.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28, January 21-24 and 25-29 22-25 and 26-30.
4. Small game December 6-31 4-31.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
6.5. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 1 3.
6. through 7. renumbered 7. through 8. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 6. No change.
7. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 23 14 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-9 November 19-21 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28, December 10 11 through February 19 16 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.
4. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 20-26 17-27 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.
5. Small game November 12 13 through March 4 6 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.
6. No change.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.
8.7. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.
8. through 10. renumbered 9. through 11. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
2. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
3. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
4. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27.
5. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
7.6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
7. through 9. renumbered 8. through 10. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 23 14 during days specified by the Installation Commander.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-9 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 19 16 during days specified by the Installation Commander.
4. Supervised youth October 22 through December 31 November 20-21, December 4-5 and 18-19 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).
5. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.
6.5. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 during days specified by the Installation Commander.
7.6. Small game November 12 13 through March 4 6 during days specified by the Installation Commander.
7. through 8. renumbered 8. through 9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.
4. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
5. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 24-27 and 25-28, December 10 11 through February 12 2 and February 17-27.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
7.6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 only in that portion of the area south of the pipeline right-of-way located up river (north) of Cedar Log Landing (Walton County) and Billy Lee Landing (Washington County). March 17-19 19-21 and March 30 through April 1-3 in that portion of the area north of the pipeline right-of-way.
7. through 8. renumbered 8. through 9. No change.
10.9. Trapping December 1 through March 1 in still hunt areas and February 2 3 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.
(b) through (d) No change.
(20) Upper Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open seasons, except in the Altha Tract season:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through January 1.
4. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and January 2 through March 4 6.
5. Archery and muzzleloading gun January 7-8 and 14-15 February 19-20 and 26-27.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
7.6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
7. through 9. renumbered 8. through 10. No change.
(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:
1. Archery October 22-28 and October 29 through November 6.
2. Family hunt November 24-27.
3. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5.
4. Small game January 7 through March 4 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
5. Spring turkey March 17-19, March 30 through April 1 and April 13-15.
6. Fishing and frogging Throughout the year.
7. Trapping December 1 through March 1.
(c)(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the family hunt, the bag limit shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. During the youth turkey hunt and the spring turkey season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) renumbered (d) No change.
(e)(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. The possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages is prohibited in the Altha Tract.
(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open seasons except in the Grassy Point and Burnt Grocery Creek areas:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
4. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
5. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27.
6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
7. through 9. No change.
(b) Open seasons in the Grassy Point area (the area south of Weaver River):
1. General gun November 24-27 25-28, January 21-24 and 25-29 22-25 and 26-30.
2. Archery October 22-28 and October 29 through November 6 16-22 and 23-31.
3. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
4. Spring turkey March 17-19, March 30 through April 1, April 6-8 and 20-22 19-21, April 1-3, 8-10 and 22-24.
5. Small game November 12-20 13-21.
6. No change.
(c) Open seasons in the Burnt Grocery Creek area (the area west of Burnt Grocery Creek and north of Bernice Road and Old Fisher Mill Road):
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14, November 24-27 25-28, and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. Small game November 12-20 13-21.
4. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27
5. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
6.5. Spring turkey March 17-19, March 30 through April 1, April 6-8 and 20-22 19-21, April 1-3, 8-10 and 22-24.
6. through 7. renumbered 7. through 8. No change.
(d) Legal to Take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Antlerless deer may only be taken during the first 30 days of archery season in the Burnt Grocery Creek area. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(e) No change.
(f) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except that dogs may be used to hunt raccoon and opossum during the general gun and small game seasons (except in the Grassy Point and Burnt Grocery Creek areas).
3. through 5. No change.
(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season except in the mobility-impaired, Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas.
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28 and December 10 11 through February 1 2.
4. Small game November 12-23 13-24, November 28 29 through December 9 10 and February 2 3 through March 4 6.
5. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
7.6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24.
8.7. Raccoon November 12 13 through March 9 18 and April 23 25 through July 31.
8. through 9. renumbered 9. through 10. No change.
(b) Open seasons in the mobility-impaired hunt area (area south of County Road 388):
1. General gun November 25-27 26-28, January 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and February 1-3 2-4.
2. Spring turkey March 17-18, 23-25, March 30 through April 1, April 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22 19-20, 25-27, April 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24.
3. No change.
(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 October 22-28 and October 29 through November 6 16-22 and 23-31.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. General gun November 24-27 25-28, January 21-24 and 25-29 22-25 and 26-30.
4. Small game December 10-25 4-19.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
6.5. Spring turkey March 17-19, March 30 through April 1 and April 13-15 19-21, April 1-3 and 15-17.
6. through 7. renumbered 7. through 8. No change.
(d) Legal to Take: All legal game, fish (except as provided below), frogs and furbearers. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. In the mobility-impaired hunt area, antlerless deer (bag limit of two per three-day hunt) may be taken during general gun hunts only by persons possessing valid mobility-impaired certificates.
(e) through (f) No change.
(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22-28 16-22 and October 29 through November 6 23-31.
2. Small game November 12-20 13-18.
3. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
4. General gun November 24-27 25-28, January 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22 6-9, 13-16 and 20-23.
5. Wild hog-still December 10-16 4-10.
6. Wild hog-dog July 8-10 9-11, August 12-14 13-15 and September 9-11, 2011 10-12, 2010, and May 11-13 13-15 and June 8-10, 2012 10-12, 2011.
7. Spring turkey March 17-20 19-22, March 29 31 through April 1 3 and April 12-15 14-17.
8. through 9. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 8. No change.
9. During the wild will hog-dog season, a quota permit shall allow a hunting group of two persons and a guest, as authorized by Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C., (3 total) to participate in the hunt and only one gun may be used to take wildlife per hunting group.
10. through 12. No change.
(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22-28 and October 29 through November 6 16-22 and 23-31.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. Family hunt November 24-27 25-28.
4. General gun January 21-24 22-25 and January 25-29 26-30.
5. Small game December 9 3 through January 15 16 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
6. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
7. through 9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 15 16 through November 13 14 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
2. Archery and muzzleloading gun November 25-27 26-28, December 9-11, 23-25 11-12, 24-26, January 6-8 and 20-22 7-9 and 21-23.
3. Small game January 23 24 through February 19 20.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
5.4. Spring turkey March 17 19 through April 22 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).
6.5. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. Only shotguns, muzzleloading guns and bows are allowed for taking turkey during the spring turkey season.
5. through 7. No change.
(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 22 16 through November 20 14.
2. Muzzleloading gun December 3-5 November 19-21.
3. Family hunt November 24-27 25-28 and January 6-8 7-9.
4. General gun January 14-20 15-21 and January 21-29 22-30.
5. Archery and muzzleloading gun February 2-12 17-27.
6. Small game December 6 through January 4 1-30.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
8.7. Spring turkey March 17-25 19-27 and March 26 28 through April 8 10.
8. through 10. renumbered 9. through 11. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) through (d) No change.
(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Family hunt November 25-27, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 20-22 and February 3-5.
2. Youth turkey hunt March 10-11.
(b) Legal to take: Antlered deer, antlerless deer and wild turkey (during the youth turkey hunt only). The bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person. During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per youth.
(c) Camping: Prohibited.
(d) General regulations:
1. During periods when the area is closed to hunting, public access other than on foot is prohibited except that motorized vehicles may be used one day immediately prior to each hunt by individuals participating in the hunt.
2. During periods open to hunting, access is allowed only by individuals participating in the hunt.
3. A zone tag issued by the U.S. Forest Service is required to participate in each hunt. Each hunter shall obtain a zone tag prior to the hunt and keep it in his or her possession while hunting on the area. No person shall hunt in any zone other than that for which he or she has a zone tag. During the family hunt, one or two youth per zone tag, under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age, may hunt as provided in Section 790.22, F.S., under the supervision and in the presence of one adult not younger than 18 years of age. The adult may only hunt when in the presence of at least one youth under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age. During the youth turkey hunt, one youth and one adult may participate as provided by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., per zone tag.
4. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.
5. The use of airboats, all-terrain vehicles, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles or tracked vehicles is prohibited.
6. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited.
7. Fires are prohibited.
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2011.
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.
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.W.
