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 ...

 

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 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:

 

Aucilla WMA – shift the September wild hog-dog hunt to occur the first weekend in September (1 week earlier) to avoid overlapping the opening weekend of archery season.

Blackwater WMA – allow dogs to be used for hunting deer in the dog hunt area during the 2-day family hunt; allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory game) during small game season.

Eglin WMA – limit shooting hours during spring turkey season to ½ hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.; increase antler point regulation for harvesting antlered deer in Jackson and Brier Creek units to at least 4-points on one side or a 14-inch main beam; and allow northern bobwhite quail to be released and taken by shotgun during the small game season (Sikes and Choctaw units only). A daily no-cost permit and proof that that the northern bobwhite quail were purchased from a licensed game farm would be required for each individual or group participating.

Escambia River WMA – establish one 2-day family deer dog hunt to occur the last weekend in December (within the Dog Hunt Area only).

Plank Road WMA – increase antler point regulation for harvesting antlered deer to at least 3-points on one side or a 10-inch main beam; and establish one 3-day wild hog-still hunt each month from May through September.

Perdido River WMA – prohibit motor vehicle access on Frank Reeder Loop Road from May through September.

 

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

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 19-20, 2020, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee FL, 32301.

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

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

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

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

(1) Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 14 16 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

5. through 7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – December 22 24 through February 14 16 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. Spring turkey (Zones A, B and C) – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

2. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

3. No change.

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

6. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 4-14 6-16.

9. No change.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – October 1 through the close of small game season March 1 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 – Opening the day following the close of general gun season and ending February 6 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 first 16 days of general gun season periods of November 28 through December 1 and December 14-25. 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) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Bird dogs may be trained from June 1 through the last day of small game season March 1, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained beginning the last Saturday in from October and ending 19 days thereafter 26 through November 14 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 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12-16 14-18.

2. Archery – October 24-30 26 through November 1 and November 2-9 3-11.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-7 7-9.

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, January 15-17 17-19 and January 29-31 31 through February 2.

5. No change.

6. Spring turkey – March 20-21 21-22 and April 2-4 3-5.

7. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Friday of July and closing 2 days thereafter and opening the first Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, August, and September July 12-14, August 2-4 and September 6-8, 2019, and May 1-3 and June 5-7, 2020.

8. Wild hog-still – Opening the third Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 19-21, August 16-18 and September 20-22, 2019, and May 15-17 and June 19-21, 2020.

9. No change.

10. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

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 26-29 28 through and December 1 and December 19 21 through February 10 12.

2. Family still hunt – December 12-13 14-15.

3. Small game – November 14-15 9-27, November 30 through December 18 2-20 and February 11 13 through March 7 1.

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

6. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 18-28 20 through March 1.

9. Wild hog-dog – Opening the first Friday and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening the third Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in the months of May, June, July, August, and September July 5-7, 19-21, August 2-4, 16-18, September 6-8, 20-22, 2019, and May 1-3, 15-17, June 5-7 and 19-21, 2020.

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 26-29 28 through December 1, December 19 21 through and January 3 5 and January 18 20 through February 10 12.

2. General gun still – January 4-17 6-19.

3. Family still hunt – December 12-13 14-15.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 18 2-20 and February 11 13 through March 7 1.

5. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

6. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

7. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

8. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 18-28 20 through March 1.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through March 7 8, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. Wild hog-dog – Opening the first Friday and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening the third Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 5-7, 19-21, August 2-4, 16-18, September 6-8, 20-22, 2019, and May 1-3, 15-17, June 5-7 and 19-21, 2020.

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 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Family still hunt – December 12-13 14-15.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 15-17 17-19.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – Opening the first Monday in February and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening the third Monday in February and closing 3 days thereafter February 3-4, 5-6, 17-18 and 19-20.

8. Wild hog-dog – Opening the first Friday and closing 2 days thereafter and reopening the third Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 5-7, 19-21, August 2-4, 16-18, September 6-8, 20-22, 2019, and May 1-3, 15-17, June 5-7 and 19-21, 2020.

9. No change.

(d) through (e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in the still hunt area, field trial area and during the general gun still and family still hunt in the dog hunt area; however, any dog dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less may be used to take small game during small game seasons in both the still hunt and dog hunt areas and any dog dogs of any size or breed may be used throughout the area during the wild hog-dog season. The take of wild hog with dogs during the small game season is prohibited. Dogs are prohibited in the field trial area, except as specifically authorized by permit, or during the bird dog training, dove or quail hunting seasons, or during wild hog-dog season for the purpose of hunting wild hogs.

4. through 8. No change.

9. During the family hunt and family still hunt, all hunters must check in at the designated check station prior to hunting and check all game taken.

10. through 12. No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24-27 26-29 and October 28 30 through November 1 3.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. Quail – November 25-26 27-28, December 14-15 16-17, 19-20 21-22 and 28-29 30-31, January 2-3 4-5, February 20-21 22-23, and February 27-28 29 through March 1.

4. General gun – January 16-19 18-21 and 20-24 22-26.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – January 29-31 31 through February 2 and February 5-7 7-9.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

7. Spring turkey – March 20-22 21-23, April 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19.

8. Wild hog-dog – Opening the third Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 19-21, August 16-18 and September 20-22, 2019, and May 15-17 and June 19-21, 2020.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(6) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 1 day prior to the second Saturday in December and closing 30 days later 13 through January 12 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – Opening 5 days after the close of archery season and closing 16 days thereafter January 17 through February 2 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Small game – Opening the first Saturday in October and closing the Sunday prior to the opening of archery season 5 through December 8 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

2. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

3. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

4. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

5. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 27-29 29 through December 1 and December 12 14 through January 3 5 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 8 10 through March 7 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 12-14, August 9-11 and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

(b) through (d) No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 27-29 29 through December 1 and December 12 14 through January 3 5 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 8 10 through March 7 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

7. Wild hog-still – Opening the first Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July 5-7, August 2-4 and September 6-8, 2019, and May 1-3 and June 5-7, 2020.

(b) through (d) No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

2. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

3. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 4-14 6-16.

6. through 7. No change.

8. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 2 3.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13, December 21-23 23 and January 6 through March 7 1.

4. General gun still – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12-20 14-22.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

8. Spring turkey – March 20-23 21-24, and April 1-4 2-5 and 8-11 9-12.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 7 2 through January 3 December 29, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. November 7-13 2-8, 14-20 9-15, and 21-29 16-24 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – November 30 25 through December 18 13 (Pinhook still hunt area only), and January 4 December 30 through March 7 1.

3. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

4. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

5. Archery – September 19 14 through October 18 13, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. September 19-27 14-22 and October 10-18 5-13 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. Muzzleloading gun – October 24-26 19-21.

7. Family hunt – October 31 through November 1 26-27, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – December 19 through January 3 14-29, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter during the months of May, June, July and August, and opening the first Friday in September and closing 2 days thereafter July 12-14, August 9-11, and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Trapping – Opening the day following the close of general gun season and closing December 30 through March 1.

14. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Muzzleloading gun – During the Zone C muzzleloading gun season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. October 19 through November 1.

2. General gun – During the Zone C antlered deer season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 2 through January 19.

3. Small game – Opening the day following the close of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March January 20 through March 1.

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

6. Archery – During the Zone C archery season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. September 14 through October 13.

7. through 10. No change.

11. Wild hog-still – Opening the fourth Friday and closing 6 days thereafter in August and May, and opening the third Friday and closing 6 days thereafter in June August 23-29, 2019, and May 22-28 and June 19-25, 2020.

(b) through (d) No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 15 17.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1, January 23-25 25-28 and January 27-31 29 through February 2.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 December 2 through January 22 24 and February 1 3 through March 7 1.

5. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 22 days thereafter 21 through April 12.

7. Raccoon ‒ Opening the second Saturday in November and closing 113 days thereafter 9 through March 1.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d). No change.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – During Zone D archery season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. October 26 through November 27 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – During the first 7 days of Zone D muzzleloading gun season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. December 7-13 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

3. General gun – During Zone D general gun season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 28 through December 1, December 14 through February 23 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – During the last 7 days of Zone D muzzleloading gun season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. February 24 through March 1 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. Small game – Opening the second Saturday in November and ending 113 days thereafter 9 through March 1 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

8. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

9. through 12. No change.

(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 in the Jackson and Brier Creek units where take of antlered deer not having at least one antler with 4 or more points or one antler with a main beam of 14-inches or more in length is prohibited, and 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. During spring turkey season gobbler or bearded turkey may only be taken from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.

1.through 2. No change.

(c) No change.

(d) 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 in the Sikes and Choctaw units.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

2. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

5. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

7. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

8. through 9. No change.

10. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and July 12-14, August 9-11 and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

11. Family hunt – opening the last Saturday in December and ending 1 day thereafter.

11. through 12. renumbered 12. through 13. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – During Zone D archery season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. October 26 through November 27 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – During the first 7 days of Zone D muzzleloading gun season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. December 7-13.

3. General gun – During Zone D antlered deer season as established in rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. November 28 through December 1, December 14 through February 23 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Supervised youth – Opening the first day of archery season and closing October 26 through December 31 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).

5. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

6. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. Small game – Opening the second Saturday in November and closing 113 days thereafter 9 through March 1 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 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 14 16.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

7. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 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). Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter March 21-23 and April 3-5 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 the day following the close of general gun season February 6 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

11. Wild hog-dog – Opening the first Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September except July 5-7, August 2-4 and September 6-8, 2019, and May 1-3 and June 5-7, 2020, in the Homes Creek Unit.

(b) through (d) No change.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through January 19 21.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and January 20 22 through March 7 1.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 23-24 25-26 and 30-31 February 1-2.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

7. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

8. through 11. No change.

12. Wild hog-still – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September July 12-14, August 9-11 and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – October 24-30 26 through November 1 and October 31 through November 8 2-10.

2. Family hunt – November 24-29 28 through December 1.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

4. Small game – The Saturday following the close of muzzleloading gun season through the first Sunday in March December 14 through March 1 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – March 20-22 21-23, and April 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) through (e) No change.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-6 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

6. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

7. through 8. No change.

9. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

10. No change.

11. Wild hog-still – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September July 12-14, August 9-11, and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

(b) through (d) No change.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and December 12 14 through February 3 5.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

6. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

7. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26.

8. Raccoon – Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the day prior to the youth turkey hunt, reopening the day following the close of spring turkey season and closing on 9 through March 13 and April 27 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 27-29 29 through December 1, January 15-17 17-19, 22-24, 24-26, January 29-31 31 through February 2, and February 3-5 5-7.

2. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) March 21-22, 27-29 and April 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26.

3. No change.

4. Small game – Opening the Saturday following the close of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) February 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, February 28 through March 1.

(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 24-30 26 through November 1, and October 31 through November 8 2-10.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1, January 23-26 25-28 and 27-31 January 29 through February 2.

4. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 4 2-6, December 8 10 through January 22 24, and February 1 3 through March 7 1 (Cat Creek area) and December 12-27 14-29 (Fitzhugh Carter area).

5. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

6. Spring turkey – March 20-22 21-23, and April 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24-30 26 through November 1, and October 31 through November 8 2-10.

2. Small game – Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the Sunday prior to the fourth Thursday in November 9-24.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

4. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1, January 14-24 16-19, 21-24 23-26 and 28-31 January 30 through February 2.

5. Wild hog-still – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 6 days thereafter 14-20.

6. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September July 12-14, August 9-11 and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

7. Spring turkey – March 20-23 21-24, April 1-4 2-5 and 15-18 16-19.

8. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24-30 26 through November 1, and October 31 through November 8 2-10.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. Family hunt – November 26-29 28 through December 1.

4. General gun – January 23-25 25-28 and January 27-31 29 through February 2.

5. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 4 2-6, December 8 10 through January 22 24, and March 1-7.

6. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 2 days thereafter (Saturday through Monday), reopening the following Friday and closing 30 days thereafter 21-23 and March 27 through April 26 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

7. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 17-19 19-21, 22-25 25-27, October 30 through November 1, and November 1-3, 6-8 8-10 and 13-15 15-17.

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 27-29 22-24, December 11-13 13-15, 25-27 27-29, January 8-10 10-12 and 22-24 24-26.

3. Small game – Opening the day following the close of archery and muzzleloading gun season and closing 27 days thereafter January 27 through February 23.

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 21 through April 26 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

3. Family hunt – November 26-29 28 through December 1 and January 8-10 10-12.

4. General gun – January 16-22 18-24 and January 23-31 25 through February 2.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

6. Small game – November 23-25 25-27, November 30 through December 4 2-6, December 8 10 through January 7 9, January 11-15 13-17, February 1-3 3-5 and February 15 17 through March 7 1.

7. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

8. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 8 days thereafter, reopening the following day and closing 13 days thereafter 21-29 and March 30 through April 12.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, except vehicles may not be operated on Frank Reeder Loop Road, Muscogee Regen Road, Red Gate Road and Shelby Ditch Road from May through September.

2. through 7. No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – November 27-29 22-24, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 15-17 17-19 and January 29-31 31 through February 2.

2. Youth turkey hunt – Opening the second Saturday in March and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 13 days later and closing 1 day thereafter, reopening 13 days later and closing 1 day thereafter 14-15, 28-29 and April 11-12.

3. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 24 26 through November 22 24.

2. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 11 2-13 and February 4 6 through March 7 1.

3. Family hunt – November 26-29 28 through December 1.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

5. General gun – December 12 14 through February 3 5.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 4-14 6-16.

7. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 8 days later and closing 4 days thereafter 21-24 and April 1-5.

8. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September July 12-14, August 9-11 and September 13-15, 2019, and May 8-10 and June 12-14, 2020.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 26-29 28 through December 1, January 23-26 25-28, January 27-31 29 through February 2 and February 5-8 7-10.

2. Archery – October 24-30 26 through November 1 and October 31 through November 8 2-10.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 5-7 7-9.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 13-15 15-17.

5. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter 21-23, and April 3-5, 10-12 and 24-26.

6. Small game – November 14-25 9-27, November 30 through December 4 2-6, December 8 10 through January 22 24, February 1-4 3-6, February 9-12 11-14 and February 16 18 through March 7 1.

7. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Archery – Opening 55 days prior to the fourth Sunday in November and closing 23 days later (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27.

3. Muzzleloading gun – Opening 26 days prior to the fourth Sunday in November and closing 2 days thereafter November 2-4.

4. Family hunt – Opening the Saturday prior to the fourth Sunday in November and closing 1 day thereafter November 23-24.

5. General gun – Opening 19 days prior to the fourth Sunday in November and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening the third Sunday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter November 9-11, November 28 through December 1 and December 13-15.

6. Mobility-impaired general gun – Opening 8 days after the fourth Sunday in November and closing 3 days thereafter December 6-9.

7. Small game – Opening the day following the close of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March December 16 through March 1.

8. Youth turkey – During the youth turkey hunt established by rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. March 14-15.

9. Spring turkey – Opening the third Saturday in March and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 18 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter 21-23, and April 10-12 and 24-26.

10. Wild hog-still – Opening the first Friday and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September.

10. renumbered 11. No change.

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

(c) through (d) No change.

 

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2020

 

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. History–New 6-21-82, Amended 7-1-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, 5-7-86, 5-10-87, 6-8-87, 5-1-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 9-1-90, 7-1-91, 9-1-91, 7-1-92, 7-2-92, 7-1-93, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 7-1-95, 7-2-95, 8-15-95, 7-1-96, 7-2-96, 6-1-97, 12-3-97, 7-1-98, 7-2-98, 8-11-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-15.063, Amended 11-17-99, 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 7-22-01, 6-2-02, 5-1-03, 7-1-03, 7-1-04, 7-2-04, 8-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-20-09, 7-1-10, 7-1-11, 11-14-11, 7-1-12, 7-1-13, 7-1-14, 7-2-14, 11-2-14, 7-1-15, 7-29-15, 7-1-16, 7-1-17, 9-14-17, 7-1-18, 7-1-19, 7-1-20.

 

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

 

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

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 11, 2019

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 9, 2019