The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region and conform date changes to calendar year. In addition, the proposed rule amendment would establish Plank ...

 

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 and conform date changes to calendar year. In addition, the proposed rule amendment would establish Plank Road WMA and provide regulations for its use. 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 and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region. In addition, the proposed rule amendment would establish Plank Road WMA and provide regulations for its use by the public.

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

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

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

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 7-8, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Florida Public Safety Institute, 85 Academy Drive, Havana, Florida 32333.

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: 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: 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 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through February 10 11 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

5. through 7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – December 18 19 through February 10 11 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. Spring turkey (Zones A, B and C) – March 16 17 through April 21 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering and exiting Zone A and shall check all game taken when hunting in Zone A (except during spring turkey hunts).

5. through 7. No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

2. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

3. No change.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

6. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

9. No change.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – October 1 through March 3 4 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. Trapping – January 31 February 1 through March 1.

12. through 13. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Bearded turkeys or gobblers may be taken during the muzzleloading gun season, and during the periods of November 22-25 23-26 and December 8-19 9-20. Taking 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 US Highway 319, south of State Road 263 and west of State Road 363) except during quail season as established annually by order of the Executive Director, based on annual fall quail surveys. The daily bag limit for quail on the quail enhancement area is six (6) per person.

(c) Camping: Throughout the year. However, on that portion of the area designated as National Forest lands, camping is allowed only in desginated campsites during the general gun season. On Northwest Florida Water Management District lands, camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials, kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited unless contained in mobile campers. Camping within designated campgrounds requires a permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District Camping is allowed only in designated campsites during general gun season, except on Northwest Florida Water Management District lands where camping within designated campgrounds is allowed year round only by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District. In the remainder of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District lands, 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. Bird dogs may be trained from June 1 through March 3 4, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained from October 27 28 through November 15 16 in that portion of the area open to hunting fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcats.

2. through 7. No change.

(3) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area – Bradwell Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8-12 9-13.

2. Archery – October 20-26 21-27 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, January 18-20 19-21 and February 1-3 2-4.

5. Small game – Opening 12 days prior to the zonal antlered deer season and closing 8:00 days thereafter, and reopening on the first Saturday following the close of the first family hunt and closing 8 days thereafter.

6. Spring turkey – March 16-17 17-18 and March 29-31 30 through April 1.

7. Wild hog-dog – July 13-15 14-16, August 3-5 4-6 and September 7-9 1-3, 2018 2017, and May 3-5 4-6 and June 7-9 1-3, 2019 2018.

8. Wild hog-still – July 20-22 21-23, August 17-19 18-20 and September 21-23 15-17, 2018 2017, and May 17-19 18-20 and June 21-23 15-17, 2019 2018.

9. No change.

10. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

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 – November 22-25 23-26 and December 15 16 through February 6 7.

2. Family still hunt – December 8-9 9-10.

3. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 14 15 and February 7 8 through March 3 4.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

6. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 14-24 15-25.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, August 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, September 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, 2018 2017, and May 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, June 7-9 1-3 and 21-23 15-17, 2019 2018.

10. 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 – November 22-25 23-26, December 15-30 16 through December 31 and January 14 15 through February 6 7.

2. General gun still – December 31 through January 13 1-14.

3. Family still hunt – December 8-9 9-10.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 14 15 and February 7 8 through March 3 4.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

6. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

7. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

8. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 14-24 15-25.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through March 3 4, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. Wild hog-dog – July 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, August 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, September 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, 2018 2017, and May 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, June 7-9 1-3 and 21-23 15-17, 2019 2018.

12. 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 – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Family still hunt – December 8-9 9-10.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 18-20 19-21.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – February 4-5 5-6, 6-7 7-8, 18-19 19-20 and 20-21 21-22.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, August 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, September 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, 2018 2017, and May 3-5 4-6, 17-19 18-20, June 7-9 1-3 and 21-23 15-17, 2019 2018.

9. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-23 21-24 and 24-28 25-29.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. Quail – November 21-22 11-12, 18-19, 22-23, December 10-11, 15-16, 24-25 11-12, 16-17, 25-26 and December 29-30, and February 16-17 and 23-24 30-31.

4. General gun – January 12-15 13-16 and 16-20 17-21.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – January 25-27 26-28 and February 1-3 2-4.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16-18 17-19, 29-31 March 30 through April 1 and April 12-14 13-15.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 20-22 21-23, August 17-19 18-20 and September 21-23 15-17, 2018 2017, and May 17-19 18-20 and June 21-23 15-17, 2019 2018.

9. through 10. No change.

11. Dove (on fields posted as open to dove hunting) – During the first 2 weekends of the first and second phases phase of the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

(b) through (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 and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season, or as specifically authorized by permit. The take of wild hog with dogs during small game season is prohibited.

4. through 10. No change.

(6) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Carr Unit.

(a) Open season: Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing 113 days thereafter Special-opportunity released quail – November 11-17, 18-24, November 25 through December 1, December 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29, December 30 through January 5, January 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, January 27 through February 2, February 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, and February 24 through March 2.

(b) Legal to take: Quail. The daily bag limit is 12 quail per person. For each hunt, one group consisting of no more than four members may release and take quail.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. A special-opportunity released quail permit (no exemptions) as provided in Rule 68A-9.007, F.A.C., shall be required for each group entering the area to release or take quail.

2. Each group may release pen-raised quail within the designated boundaries, as indicated on the hunt map. Release of quail is prohibited, except during each day of the hunt. Released quail shall be purchased from a licensed game farm and transported as provided in subsection 68A-12.006(3), F.A.C.

3. through 7. renumbered 1. through 5. No change.

6. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. The release of northern bobwhite is allowed only on that portion of the area as designated on the brochure map.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – December 7 8 through January 6 7 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 11-27 12-28 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Small game – October 6 7 through December 2 3 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Only bows or muzzleloading guns, and shotguns are allowed for taking turkey during spring turkey season, except shotguns may be used during the youth turkey hunt.

6. through 12. No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

2. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

3. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

4. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

5. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) through (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 any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season.

4. through 7. No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-25 24-26 and December 8-30 9-31 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 4 5 through March 3 4 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13 and September 14-16 8-10, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

(b) through (d) No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 23-25 24-26 and December 8-30 9-31 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 4 5 through March 3 4 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

7. Wild hog-still – July 6-8 7-9, August 3-5 4-6 and September 7-9 1-3, 2018 2017, and May 3-5 4-6 and June 7-9 1-3, 2019 2018.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Only shotguns and bows are allowed for taking turkey during the spring turkey season.

4. through 6. renumbered 3. through 5. No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

2. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

3. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

6. through 7. No change.

8. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Deer dogs may be trained from October 27 28 through November 15 16.

2. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-28 21-29.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8, December 17-23 18-22 and January 6 through March 3 5-31.

4. General gun still – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8-16 9-17.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

8. Spring turkey – March 16-19 17-20, March 28-31, and 29 through April 4-7 1 and 5-8.

9. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 3 4 through December 30 31, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. November 3-9 4-10, 10-16 11-17, and 17-25 18-26 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – November 26 27 through December 14 15 (Pinhook still hunt area only), and December 31 January 1 through March 3 4.

3. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

4. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

5. Archery – September 15 16 through October 14 15, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. September 15-23 16-24 and October 6-14 7-15 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. Muzzleloading gun – October 20-22 21-23.

7. Family hunt – October 27-28 28-29, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – December 15-30 16-31, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13, and September 7-9 1-3, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Trapping – December 31 January 1 through March 1.

14. No change.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Prohibited, except primitive camping (tents only) is allowed at designated sites along the Florida Trail and primitive camping is allowed by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District on District managed lands. Hikers using the Florida National Scenic Trail may camp at designated hike-in campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.

(d) No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Muzzleloading gun – October 20 21 through November 2 3.

2. General gun – November 3 4 through January 20 21.

3. Small game – January 21 22 through March 3 4.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

6. Archery – September 15 16 through October 14 15.

7. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – January 21 22 through March 1.

11. Wild hog-still – August 24-30, 2018, and May 24-30 and June 21-27, 2019.

(b) through (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. Access is allowed only by individuals possessing a valid recreational user permit except as provided by Section 379.354, F.S., and only during periods open to hunting and 7 days before each open hunting season (except access for the wild hog-still season is restricted to hunt dates only).

3. through 6. No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 11 12.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26, January 19-22 20-23 and January 23-27 24-28.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through January 18 19 and January 28 29 through March 3 4.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

6. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 7 8.

7. Raccoon ‒ November 10 11 through March 3 4.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. Taking wildlife with firearms, air guns and crossbows is prohibited in the archery-only area, delineated as that portion of the area lying north of Pine Log Creek, south of Environmental Road, and west of State Road 79.

7. No change.

8. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. The release of northern bobwhite is allowed only on that portion of the area west of Highway 79 and south of Pine Log Creek.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 21 22 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-7 2-8 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26, December 8 9 through February 17 18 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 18-24 19-25 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. Small game – November 10 11 through March 3 4 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

8. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

9. through 11. No change.

12. Wild hog-dog – Throughout the year in areas and at times specified by the Installation Commander.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish (except as provided below), frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age in areas specified by the Installation Commander. The Installation Commander may specify areas and days where taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited and where persons less than 16 years of age may harvest antlered deer not meeting antler point criteria. Antlerless deer may be taken during established seasons only by permit from the Installation Commander. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.  Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-dog season.

1. through 2. No change.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Possession of or taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited in areas specified by the Installation Commander. The taking or pursuing of deer, fox or coyote with dogs is prohibited 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.

2. through 11. No change.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

2. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

5. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

8. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – November 1 through July 31 except during spring turkey season.

9. No change.

10. Wild hog-dog – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13 and September 14-16 8-10, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

11. No change.

12. Raccoon – Throughout the year except during the spring turkey season.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. A permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District is required if camping within any designated campground. In the remainder of the area, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and prohibited where posted as no camping. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in that portion of the area north of State Road 184 in Santa Rosa County, and north of Cedartown Road and Daffin Road in Escambia County, except that dogs may be used on Parker and Morgan islands at night to take raccoon and any dog may be used to take wild hog during the wild hog-dog season.

3. through 4. No change.

5. Hunting raccoon as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed during the raccoon season Raccoon may be taken by the use of firearms from November 1 through March 1 only.

6. through 8. No change.

(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 21 22 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-7 2-8.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through February 17 18 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Supervised youth – October 20 21 through December 31 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

6. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. Small game – November 10 11 through March 3 4 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through February 10 11.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 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 16-18 17-19 and March 29-31 30 through April 1 in that portion of the area north of the pipeline right-of-way.

8. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – December 1 through March 1 in still hunt areas and January 31 February 1 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. A permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District is required if camping within any designated campground. In the remainder of the area, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and prohibited where posted as no camping. Camping is and limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

(d) No change.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 1.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 9 2 through March 3 4.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 5-6 6-7 and 12-13 13-14.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

8. through 11. No change.

12. Wild hog-still – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13 and September 14-16 8-10, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – October 20-26 21-27 and October 27 28 through November 4 5.

2. Family hunt – November 22-25 23-26.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

4. Small game – December 8 January 6 through March 3 4 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – March 16-18 17-19, March 29-31 30 through April 1 and April 12-14 13-15.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) No change.

(d) Camping: Prohibited, except at designated campsites by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

(e) No change.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

6. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

7. through 8. No change.

9. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

10. Trapping – December 1 through March 1.

11. Wild hog-still – July 13-15, August 10-12, and September 7-9, 2018, and May 10-12 and June 7-9, 2019.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Allowed throughout the area (except where posted as no camping), but for no more than 14 consecutive days at a time and not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

(d) General regulations:

1. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads except vehicular access is prohibited from May through September on Holt Enhancement Road, North Holt Cross Road, and South Holt Cross Road, Haiseal Road and Cotton Creek Road.

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 and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season.

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 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26 and December 8 9 through January 30 31.

4. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22.

8. Raccoon – November 10 11 through March 8 9 and April 22 23 through July 31.

9. through 11. No change.

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

1. General gun – November 23-25 24-26, January 11-13 12-14, 18-20 19-21, January 25-27 26-28 and January 30 31 through February 1 2.

2. Spring turkey – March 16-17 17-18, 22-24 23-25, March 29-31 30 through April 1, and April 5-7 6-8, 12-14 13-15 and 19-21 20-22.

3. No change.

4. Small game – February 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, and March 1-3.

(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 20-26 21-27 and October 27 28 through November 4 5.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. General gun – November 22-25 23-26, January 19-22 20-23 and January 23-27 24-28.

4. Small game – November 10-21, 26-30, December 4 through January 18, and January 28 through March 3 (Cat Creek area) and December 8-23 9-24 (Fitzhugh Carter area).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

6. Spring turkey – March 16-18 17-19, March 29-31 30 through April 1 and April 12-14 13-15.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) No change.

(e) Camping: Prohibited, except at designated campsites by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited. Through hikers Hikers using the Florida National Scenic Trail may camp at designated hike-in campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.

(f) General regulations:

1. through 11. No change.

12. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. The release of northern bobwhite is allowed only on that portion of the area north of State Road 20 and east of Highway 77.

12. renumbered 13. No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-26 21-27 and October 27 28 through November 4 5.

2. Small game – November 10-18 11-19.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

4. General gun – November 22-25 23-26, January 10-13 11-14, 17-20 18-21 and 24-27 25-28.

5. Wild hog-still – December 8-14 9-15.

6. Wild hog-dog – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13 and September 14-16 8-10, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

7. Spring turkey – March 16-19 17-20, March 28-31 29 through April 1 and April 11-14 12-15.

8. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-26 21-27 and October 27 28 through November 4 5.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. Family hunt – November 22-25 23-26.

4. General gun – January 19-22 20-23 and 23-27 24-28.

5. Small game – November 10-21, 26-30, December 4 through January 18, January 28-31, and March 1-3 December 8 through January 14 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. Spring turkey – March 16-18 17-19 and March 22 23 through April 21 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

7. through 10. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers, except that deer and turkey may not be taken during the wild hog-still season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Only wild hog may be taken during wild hog-still season.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 6. No change.

7. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. 

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 13-15 14-16, 19-21 20-22, 26-28 27-29, and November 2-4 3-5 and 9-11 10-12.

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 23-25 24-26, December 7-9 8-10, 21-23 22-24, January 4-6 5-7 and 18-20 19-21.

3. Small game – January 21 22 through February 17 18.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 16 17 through April 21 22 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Only shotguns and bows are allowed for taking turkey during the spring turkey season.

5. through 7. renumbered 4. through 6. No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

3. Family hunt – November 22-25 23-26 and January 4-6 5-7.

4. General gun – January 12-18 13-19 and 19-27 20-28.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

6. Small game – November 19-21, 26-30, December 4 through January 3, January 7-11, 28-30, February 11 through March 3 December 5 through January 3.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11.

8. Spring turkey – March 16-24 17-25 and March 25 26 through April 7 8.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Prohibited, except at designated campsites by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

(d) No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – November 23-25 24-26, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 18-20 19-21 and February 1-3 2-4.

2. Youth turkey hunt – March 9-10 10-11, 23-24 24-25 and April 6-7 7-8.

3. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20 21 through November 18 19.

2. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through December 7 8 and January 31 February 1 through March 3 4.

3. Family hunt – November 22-25 23-26.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

5. General gun – December 8 9 through January 30 31.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 10 1-11.

7. Spring turkey – March 16-19 17-20 and March 27-31 28 through April 1.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 13-15 14-16, August 10-12 11-13 and September 14-16 8-10, 2018 2017, and May 10-12 11-13 and June 14-16 8-10, 2019 2018.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 22-25 23-26, January 19-22 20-23, and January 23-27 24-28 and February 1-4.

2. Archery – October 20-26 21-27 and October 27 28 through November 4 5.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 1-3 2-4.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 9-11.

5.4. Spring turkey – March 16-18 17-19, March 29-31 30 through April 1, and April 5-7 6-8 and 19-21 20-22.

6.5. Small game – November 10-21 11-22, November 26 27 through November 30 December 1, December 4 5 through January 18 19, and January 28-31, February 5-8, and February 12 29 through March 3 4.

6. renumbered 7. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area

(a) Open season:

1. September duck – In the September seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

2. Archery – September 28-30, October 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21.

3. Muzzleloading gun – October 27-29.

4. Family hunt – November 17-18.

5. General gun – November 3-5, 22-25, and December 7-9.

6. Mobility-impaired general gun – November 30 through December 3.

7. Small game – December 10 through March 3.

8. Youth turkey – March 9-10.

9. Spring turkey – March 16-18 and April 5-6, and 19-21.

10. Fishing and frogging – Throughout the year.

(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 two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age.  During the family hunt, the bag limit shall be two deer per permit, only one of which may be antlerless.

(c) Camping: Prohibited except at designated campsites.

(d) General regulations:

1. Public access allowed year round but only from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season.

3. Vehicles may be operated only on designated roads, except by mobility-impaired hunters during mobility-impaired hunts, and shall enter and exit only at designated entrances.

4. The use of airboats, tracked vehicles or all-terrain vehicles on the area is prohibited, except as authorized by the Florida Forest Service. However, mobility-impaired hunters may use all-terrain vehicles on established roads, trails, and firebreaks during the mobility-impaired general gun season without obtaining separate authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

5. On mobility-impaired hunts, only one non-hunting assistant and a guest permit holder are allowed to accompany each mobility-impaired quota permit holder as provided in Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C.

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,       .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Diane R. Eggeman, 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 06, 2017

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 5, 2018