The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to update rule language regarding license and permit requirements for participating in organized field trial events on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The effect of the proposed ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-12.007Hunting Dogs; Molesting Game in Closed Season; Training; Field Trials; Prohibited for Certain Hunting

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to update rule language regarding license and permit requirements for participating in organized field trial events on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The effect of the proposed rule changes will be to clarify existing regulations to reduce public confusion and simplify law enforcement.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would clarify that a hunting license and management area permit are not required to participate in an organized field trial event on a WMA.

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.

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 21-22, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 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: Paul Scharine, Public Hunting Areas Program Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-12.007 Hunting Dogs; Molesting Game in Closed Season; Training; Field Trials; Prohibited for Certain Hunting. 

(1) through (6) No change.

(7) No field trials for dogs shall be conducted on any wildlife management area without Commission permit, except that a permit from the applicable landowner or primary area manager shall constitute sufficient authorization on wildlife management areas not owned by the Commission and having a designated field trial area. A hunting license and management area permit are not required to participate Participation in organized field trials shall not constitute hunting.

(8) through (11) No change.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-22-80, 6-21-82, 7-27-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-12.07, Amended 4-11-90, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 9-7-97, Formerly 39-12.007, Amended 12-9-99, 8-22-04, 7-17-05, 7-1-08, 7-1-10, 7-29-15, 7-1-20, 7-1-23,7-1-24.

 

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 5, 2023

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 14, 2023