The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise regulations for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable the agency to better manage fish ....

 

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 regulations for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources and public use on these WMAs.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would revise specific area regulations on WMAs in the Northwest Region as follows:

Apalachee WMA – establish a nighttime raccoon season from September 1-15 (Zone A) and September 16-30 (Zones B and C) and from the day after the last day of general gun season through the day before the first day of spring turkey season (Zones A, B, and C); clarify methods of take allowed on the area; and clarify rule language for issuance of zone tags.

Apalachicola WMA – clarify that deer may be pursued with dogs for training purposes only during the deer-dog training season in the fox hunt area.

Apalachicola WMA, Bradwell Unit – clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, which is held during nighttime hours only, no wild hog shall be shot until bayed by dogs.

Aucilla WMA – clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs; clarify that during the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons in the Pinhook Still Hunt Area, the bag limit for antlered deer is two per quota permit, but no more than one per person; clarify that nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting is allowed in the dog hunt area only; clarify that a quota permit is not required to hunt raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during any quota period; and adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Beaverdam Creek WMA – establish a nighttime raccoon season opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only); allow nighttime raccoon hunting during the small game season and do not require a quota permit for those hunting raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during any quota period; clarify that during the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit; clarify that during spring turkey season, two gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken per quota permit, but no more than one per person; and clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs.

Blackwater WMA – allow wild hog to be hunted during daylight hours in the West Boundary Forest portion of the area, except during the wild hog-dog season; allow nighttime raccoon hunting during the small game season in the Dog Hunt Area; clarify that all motorized vehicles are prohibited, except street-legal motor vehicles; clarify that motor vehicles are limited to named and numbered roads; clarify that during the family hunt, supervising adults other than the permit holder may participate in the hunt, but may not take wildlife with a gun; and clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs (except in the West Boundary Forest Unit) and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs.

Blackwater WMA, Carr Unit – clarify that the open season for the area is intended to close concurrently with the statewide quail season.

Blackwater WMA, Hutton Unit – allow individuals with valid quota permits and their guests to use street-legal vehicles on the powerline easement during quail hunts (14 days/year); establish a 2-day family hunt (20 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the second Saturday in February and allow the take of up to 3 deer per family hunt quota permit, but no more than 1 antlered deer per person and no more than 1 antlerless deer per family hunt quota permit; require hunters to check in and out daily during all area quota hunts; clarify that during the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for antlered deer is two per quota permit, but no more than one per person; and clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs.

Box-R – clarify that during the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit; clarify that during spring turkey season, two gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken per quota permit, but no more than one per person; and clarify that deer taken on the Gulf County portion of the area are not required to be checked, and can therefore be dismembered before leaving the area.

Chipola River WMA, Altha Tract – establish a 2-day youth turkey hunt (10 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the second Saturday in March; and clarify that during spring turkey season, two gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken per quota permit, but no more than one per person.

Choctawhatchee River WMA – allow rabbit dogs and squirrel dogs to be used for hunting in the Still Hunt Area; allow opossum to be hunted during the raccoon season; and clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs.

Econfina Creek WMA – allow rabbit dogs and squirrel dogs to be used for hunting in the Still Hunt Area; and clarify that migratory birds other than waterfowl can be hunted during their respective statewide seasons.

Econfina Creek WMA, Cat Creek Area – establish a 4-day family hunt (20 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning Christmas Eve and allow the take of 1 antlerless deer per family hunt quota permit.

Econfina Creek WMA, Fitzhugh Carter Area – establish a daily quota of 15 to be issued first come, first served at the check station during early waterfowl and small game seasons.

Eglin AFB WMA – specify that the Installation Commander designates when hunters must check in/out and check harvested game; and align the rule language for archery/muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons with when hunts are held on the ground.

Escambia River WMA – allow rabbit dogs and squirrel dogs to be used for hunting in the Still Hunt Area; allow opossum to be hunted during the raccoon season; clarify that during the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be hunted during the day with or without dogs and no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs; and clarify that during the family hunt, up to two youths, 8-15 years of age, and one adult, not younger than 18 years of age, may hunt as long as each youth is physically accompanied and supervised by the adult.

Escribano Point WMA – prohibit motorized vehicles from one and one-half hours after sunset to one and one-half hours before sunrise.

Flint Rock WMA – remove all applicable rule language due to disestablishment of the area.

Garcon Point WMA – clarify that vessels may enter the Avalon and Garcon tracts anywhere along their coastline boundaries with Escambia and East bays; clarify that nighttime access to improved recreational areas is allowed only for those participating in authorized hunting and fishing activities; clarify that taking wildlife on or from designated hiking trails is prohibited; and adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Joe Budd WMA – remove the daily quota requirement during small game season; and require hunters to check in and out of the area and check harvested game only when the check station is staffed.

Juniper Creek WMA – include in rule the date on which the Zone Tag drawing is held.

Lafayette Creek WMA – delete the redundant wild hog-still season in February (covered by small game season dates); establish a wild hog-still season on the first and third weekends (Friday-Monday) of May-September; establish a 3-day archery/muzzleloading gun hunt (10 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the third Friday in February; and clarify that northern bobwhite may only be released during non-quota periods.

Ochlockonee River WMA – allow waterfowl hunting during statewide seasons (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only); establish a quota of 10 no-cost permits (no exemptions) for each hunt during the spring turkey season to address hunter crowding; decrease the quota for the first 5 days of the archery/muzzleloading gun season from 70 to 45 to address hunter crowding; and adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Perdido River WMA – extend the small game season by 10 days to open the second Saturday in November instead of 3 days prior to Thanksgiving; and adjust rule language for the close of the small game season to ensure the current season ending date is maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Pine Log WMA – decrease the quota for the existing muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons from 60 to 40 per hunt to reduce hunter crowding and offer new hunting opportunities as follows: establish a 2-day family hunt (20 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the fourth Saturday in December and allow the take of 1 antlerless deer per family hunt quota permit, establish a 3-day archery/muzzleloading gun hunt (40 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the third Friday in February, and allow archery hunting in the archery-only area during general gun season dates without a quota permit (no antlerless take allowed); clarify that during the archery season, the take of antlerless deer is only allowed on the first 23 days; clarify that northern bobwhite may only be released during non-quota periods; and clarify that opossum may be hunted with dogs during the raccoon season.

Plank Road WMA – allow waterfowl hunting during statewide seasons; allow nighttime raccoon hunting during the small game season; and adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Point Washington WMA – convert the existing 13-day quota hunt (150 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) at the beginning of general gun season to a 4-day family hunt (50 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) followed by a 9-day general gun hunt (150 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) and allow the take of 1 antlerless deer per quota permit during the family hunt; establish a nighttime raccoon season opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only); clarify that all motorized vehicles are prohibited, except street-legal motor vehicles; and clarify that motor vehicles are limited to named and numbered roads.

Talquin WMA – establish a quota of 10 no-cost permits (no exemptions) for each hunt during the spring turkey season to address hunter crowding; decrease the quota for the first 5 days of the general gun season from 70 to 45 to address hunter crowding; clarify that only Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are open for hunting during the small game season; and adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Tate’s Hell WMA – move the quota period from the first 13 days of the general gun season to the last 13 days of the general gun season to address hunter crowding occurring during the last two weeks of the season; clarify that those hunting raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise are not required to have a quota permit during any quota period; and clarify that during the deer-dog training season, deer dogs may only be trained during daylight hours.

Tate’s Hell WMA, St. James Island Unit – adjust rule language for the small game season to ensure current season dates are maintained, given the proposed expansion of the statewide squirrel season.

Tate’s Hell WMA, Womack Creek Unit – establish a 3-day archery/muzzleloading gun hunt (70 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) beginning the fourth Friday in January.

Telogia Creek WMA – establish open seasons and regulations for a new WMA (12,384 acres) in Liberty County as follows: 9-day duck season during the statewide September duck seasons (no quota); 16-day dove season during the first 16 days of the statewide mourning and white-winged dove season (no quota); 16-day archery season (no quota); 42-day small game season (no quota); 20-day general gun season split into 5 hunts as follows: three 4-day hunts (no quota) followed by two 4-day hunts (70 no-cost, quota permits for each hunt, no exemptions); 4-day muzzleloading gun season (no quota); 4-day archery/muzzleloading gun season (no quota); 2-day youth turkey season (no quota); 17-day spring turkey season split into 3 hunts as follows: two 4-day hunts (35 no-cost, quota permits for each hunt, no exemptions) followed by one 9-day hunt (no quota); fishing and frogging: allowed year-round; allow hunting of all legal game, wild turkey (gobbler or bearded turkeys only), fish, frogs, and furbearers; the bag limit for deer is 1 antlered deer and 1 antlerless deer per person during the archery season, 2 antlered deer per person during the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons (except that during general gun quota hunts the bag limit will be 1 antlered deer per quota permit), and 1 antlered deer per person during the archery/muzzleloading gun season; during spring turkey season, the bag limit is one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit during quota hunts and the season limit is two gobblers or bearded turkeys per person; during archery season, the season limit is two gobblers or bearded turkeys per person; prohibit the harvest of antlered deer not having at least 1 antler with 2 or more points (except by persons less than 16 years of age); prohibit the harvest of antlerless deer, except during archery season; allow the take of wild turkey during archery and spring turkey seasons only (gobbler or bearded turkeys only); allow the take of wild hog (no bag limit or size restriction) during all area-specific hunting seasons with the following exceptions: duck, dove, and spring turkey (including the youth hunt); allow public access year-round; prohibit motorized vehicles, except street legal vehicles are allowed from one and one-half hours before sunrise until one and one-half hours after sunset on designated roads and parking areas as indicated on the hunt map; prohibit public access other than by foot, bicycle, horseback, or vessel at all other times and in all other portions of the area; prohibit airboats, ATVs, side-by-sides, off-highway motorcycles, swamp buggies, and tracked vehicles; require motor vehicles to enter and exit the area at a designated entrance; prohibit hunting with dogs, with the following exceptions: bird dogs and retrievers may be used to hunt migratory birds whenever their respective statewide seasons overlap with area-specific seasons and bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs, and retrievers may be used to hunt small game (gray squirrel, migratory birds in season, quail, and rabbits) during the archery, general gun, muzzleloading gun, archery/muzzleloading gun, and small game seasons; require hunters to check all harvested wildlife whenever the check station is staffed; and prohibit camping and fires.

Tyndall AFB WMA – clarify that the small game season for the area is intended to close concurrently with the statewide quail season.

Yellow River WMA – establish a nighttime raccoon season opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

Additionally, the proposed rule amendment also clarifies existing rules; removes unnecessary, redundant, or conflicting language; corrects prior mistakes; and makes non-substantive, technical corrections.

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: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. 375.313, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. 375.313, FS.

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: Justin Bingham, Northwest Region Public Hunting Areas Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, [phone] or [e-mail].

 

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. through 10. No change.

11. Raccoon – Opening September 1 and closing 14 days thereafter (Zone A); reopening one day later and closing 14 days thereafter (Zones B and C); and reopening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing the day before the first day of spring turkey season (Zones A, B, and C).

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers are allowed during the general gun; muzzleloading gun; September duck; duck, geese and coot; mourning and white-winged dove; and quail seasons. Additionally, any dog may be used to take small game in Zones B and C, and to take gray squirrels during quail season in Zone A, and to take raccoon and opossum during raccoon season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with centerfire and rimfire rifles is prohibited., Taking wildlife with muzzleloading long guns is prohibited, except during the muzzleloading gun season.

4. through 5. No change.

6. Two hundred zone tags will be issued for archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, and quail seasons in Zone A on a first-come, first-served basis at the check station. A zone tag is not required to hunt in Zones B or C during these seasons.

7. No change.

8. During the raccoon season, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. through 7. No change.

8. Archery/Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter.

9. through 13. No change.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Throughout the year. However, on that portion of the area designated as National Forest lands, camping is allowed only in designated 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.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited in that portion of the area lying west and south of County Road 375 and east of the Ochlockonee River; also those lands lying north and east of the Florida River and Larkins Slough. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area. However, during the deer-dog training season in the fox hunt area, deer dogs may be allowed to run free for training purposes only, but the take of wildlife with a gun while training deer dogs is prohibited. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.

5. through 7. No change.

(3) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area – Bradwell Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. through 6. No change.

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, July, August, and September.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

(4) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. During the general gun dog (dog hunt area only); small game (dog hunt area only); and the fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat (fox hunt area only) seasons, hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed. A quota permit shall not be required to take raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during the general gun dog season.

2. Motor vVehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

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 hunt in the dog hunt area; however, any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season and to take wild hog during the wild hog-dog season seasons. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun dog and family hunts in the dog hunt area. The take of wild hog with dogs during the small game season is prohibited, except in the dog hunt area. 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 taking wild hogs.

4. through 5. No change.

6. The use of airboats, tracked vehicles, or off-highway vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, and swamp buggies) on the area is prohibited, except by permit from the Florida Forest Service.

7. No change.

8. During the family hunt and family still hunt, supervising adults other than the permit holder may participate in the hunt, except they may not take wildlife with a gun and all hunters must check in at the designated check station prior to hunting and check all game taken.

9. No change.

10. Taking wild hogs during daylight hours is prohibited in the West Boundary Forest Unit (that portion of the area south of State Road 4 and west of County Road 191).

10. 11. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken with or without dogs during the day (except in the West Boundary Forest Unit, delineated as that portion of the area south of State Road 4 and west of County Road 191) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

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

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

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

2. through 11. No change.

12. Family hunt – Opening the second Saturday in February and closing one day thereafter.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers except that only quail may be taken during the quail season. Taking quail is prohibited except during the quail season. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with four or more points or one antler with a main beam of fourteen inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. The bag limit for antlered deer shall be one per quota permit during the archery season and two per quota permit, but no more than one per person, but no more than two per quota permit during muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. During the family hunt, the bag limit for deer is three per quota permit, but no more than one antlered deer per person and no more than one antlerless deer per quota permit. Two deer (antlered or antlerless) may be taken per mobility-impaired quota permit. During the general gun for mobility-impaired season, only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer. During spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. During hunting seasons, vehicular access is allowed only by individuals possessing quota permits. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, except during the mobility-impaired hunts, and shall enter and exit only at the designated entrance as indicated on the hunt map. During quail season, individuals who possess a valid quota permit and their guests may also operate street legal motor vehicles on the powerline roads as designated on the hunt map.

2. Hunters shall check in and out at the check station when entering and exiting the area, or check in and out on a daily basis when staying overnight at a designated campsite, and shall check all game taken during the archery, muzzleloading gun, quail, dove, general gun and mobility-impaired general gun seasons.

3. through 5. No change.

6. Taking wildlife with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns is prohibited during the quail season.

7. No change.

8. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

9. through 10. No change.

(6) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Carr Unit.

(a) Open season: Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the first Sunday in March 113 days thereafter.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Taking wildlife with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns is prohibited.

5. No change.

6. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. When the check station is staffed, hHunters shall check in and out at the a check station when entering and exiting the area and shall check all harvested wildlife game taken.

4. No change.

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

6. Centerfire and muzzleloading sShotguns are prohibited for taking wildlife during the archery season, and centerfire shotguns are prohibited for taking wildlife during the archery/muzzleloading gun season.

7. through 10. No change.

11. Public access is prohibited from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise.

12. During the archery and, archery/muzzleloading gun, small game and dove seasons, and prior to 1:00 p.m. during the youth spring turkey hunt and spring turkey seasons, access to the area shall be restricted to individuals authorized to participate in the hunt.

13. No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Opening 4 days after Open the first day 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. and closing 53 days later.

2. through 10. No change.

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

12. Raccoon – Opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, 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. During the family hunt, the bag limit for antlerless deer is one per quota permit.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Motor vVehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

2. through 4. No change.

5. The use of airboats, tracked vehicles, or off-highway vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, and swamp buggies) is prohibited, except by permit from the Florida Forest Service.

6. through 8. No change.

9. During the raccoon season, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Small game – Opening 5 days after the last day of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only) last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

3. through 9. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Public access is prohibited from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise.

5. through 6. No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Small game – Opening 5 days after the last day of archery/muzzleloading gun season and closing the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

3. through 7. No change.

8. Ducks, geese, and coot – During the seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003 F.A.C. (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Public access is prohibited from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise.

5. through 6. No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Deer dogs may be trained from the last Saturday in October and for 19 consecutive days thereafter, but only from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

2. During the general gun and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed. A quota permit is not required to take raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during any quota period.

3. No change.

4. Hunting with dogs other than bird dogs and retrievers is prohibited in the still hunt area, which includes that portion of the area east of Whiskey George Creek and south of Dry Bridge Road, east of Car Body Road, south of River Road, east of Burnt Bridge Road from its intersection with River Road to the New River, south of New River and west of Carrabelle River, and those lands lying south and east of the Crooked River. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during general gun season in the dog hunt area. However, during the deer-dog training season in the dog hunt area, deer dogs may be allowed to run free for training purposes only, but the take of wildlife with a gun while training deer dogs is prohibited. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.

5. through 7. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. through 12. No change.

13. Archery/muzzleloading gun – Opening the fourth Friday in January and closing 2 days thereafter.

(b) through (d) No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and ending the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except in the Pinhook still hunt area). Opening the day after the last day of general gun season in the Pinhook still hunt area and closing 18 days thereafter (Pinhook still hunt area only).

3. through 15. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season and those portions of the muzzleloading gun season in the Pinhook still hunt area that coincide with the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. In the Pinhook still hunt area (which is that portion of the area south of US 98), 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, except by persons less than 16 years of age. In the remainder of the area, 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. During the archery season in the Pinhook still hunt area the bag limit for deer shall be two deer, only one of which can be antlered, per quota permit. During the family hunt the bag limit shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons in the Pinhook still hunt area, the bag limit for deer shall be two antlered deer per quota permit, but no more than one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wild hog by the use of dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog, small game and general gun seasons in the dog hunt area (which includes that portion of the area east of State Road 59 and north of US 98, west of Powell Hammock Road and south of Goose Pasture Road and that portion of the area north of Goose Pasture Road and west of Oneal Tram). Taking deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or waterfowl retrievers is prohibited in the still hunt area (which includes that portion of the area south of US 98 and that portion of the area north of Goose Pasture Road and east of Oneal Tram). The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.

3. No change.

4. During the general gun, raccoon, and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed in the dog hunt area only. A quota permit is not required to take raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during any quota period.

5. through 9. No change.

10. Public access is prohibited in that portion of the still hunt area north of Goose Pasture Road and east of Oneal Tram from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise, except by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.

11. No change.

12. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

13. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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 FWC-lead managed portions of the area.

(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.

2. General gun – During the Zone C antlered deer season as established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

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

4. Youth turkey hunt – During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

5. Spring turkey – During the spring turkey season established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

6. Archery – During the Zone C archery season as established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

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

8. Duck, geese and coot – During the duck and coot season established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

9. Fishing and frogging – Allowed during periods the area is open for access.

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

11. Wild hog-still – Open the fourth Friday and closing 6 days thereafter in August and May, and opening the third Friday and closing 6 days thereafter in June.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the wild hog-still season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) Camping: Prohibited.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wildlife with dogs other than waterfowl retrievers and bird dogs is prohibited.

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. Vehicles may be operated only on designated roads, and access is restricted to designated entrances.

4. Taking wildlife by use of a gun on or from the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 98 is prohibited as provided by subsection 68A-4.008(4), F.A.C.

5. Fires are prohibited.

6. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited.

(14) (15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 22 days thereafter (throughout the area); and reopening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 6 20 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 47 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter (in the archery-only area).

2. through 11. No change.

12. Family hunt – Opening the fourth Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter.

13. Archery/muzzleloading gun – Opening the third Friday in February and closing 2 days thereafter.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during those portions of the archery season that coincide with the open season established for the East Panhandle BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Taking antlerless deer is prohibited, except during the family hunt and the first 23 days of archery season. The bag limit for antlerless deer during the family hunt is one per quota permit. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except as specifically authorized by permit, when taking raccoon and opossum during the raccoon season, or when using any dog to take small game during small game season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

3. through 7. No change.

8. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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 during non-quota periods and only on that portion of the area west of Highway 79 and south of Pine Log Creek.

9. No change.

(15) (16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 2. No change.

3. General gun – Opening During the first day of Zone D general gun season as established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 20 days later and closing 16 days thereafter, and reopening 19 days later and closing 8 days thereafter in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery/Muzzleloading gun – Opening the second Saturday in February and closing 9 days thereafter During the last 7 days of Zone D muzzleloading gun season as established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering and exiting the area and shall check all game taken in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. through 11. No change.

12. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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.

13. No change.

14. Taking wildlife with centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns using slugs or shot larger than number 2 during small game season is prohibited.

15. No change.

(16) (17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 7. No change.

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

9. through 12. No change.

13. Raccoon and opossum – Throughout the year except during the spring turkey season.

14. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs or retrievers to take small game, 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 to take raccoon and opossum at night during the raccoon and opossum season and to take wild hog during the wild hog-dog season. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and family hunt seasons in the dog hunt area. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and family hunt seasons in the dog hunt area, The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun, family hunt, and small game seasons in the dog hunt area and during the wild hog-dog season throughout the area.

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 and opossum season.

6. through 7. No change.

8. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

9. During the family hunt, one or two youths under 16 years of age, but not younger than 8 years of age, may hunt as provided in Section 790.22, F.S., under the supervision and in the presence of one adult not younger than 18 years of age. The adult may only hunt when in the presence of at least one youth under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age.

(17) (18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 6. No change.

7. Small game – Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the first Sunday in March 113 days thereafter in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. The use of rimfire and centerfire handguns and , rimfire and centerfire rifles is are prohibited for taking wildlife.

5. Taking deer with centerfire shotguns or muzzleloading guns using ammunition other than slugs or single projectiles is prohibited.

6. No change.

(18) (19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 10. No change.

11. Wild hog-dog – Opening the first Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August and September except in the Holmes Homes Creek Unit.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs or retrievers to take small game, is prohibited in still hunt areas; however, any dog may be used to hunt raccoon during the general gun season and small game season pursuant to paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., except in the East River Island area and Holmes Creek Unit. Wild hog may also be hunted with dogs during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area and throughout the area (dog and still hunt areas) during the wild hog-dog season, except in the Holmes Creek Unit. Designated still hunt areas are north of US Highway 90, Holmes Creek Unit (those lands in Washington County lying east of County Road 284) and East River Island (those lands in Township 1 North, Ranges 17 and 18 West which are bounded on the south and east by East River and on the west and north by Choctawhatchee River); also those lands south of US Highway 90 lying north of the pipeline right-of-way and east of the Choctawhatchee River. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area.

3. through 6. No change.

7. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

8. During the general gun and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed, except in the East River Island Area and Holmes Creek Unit.

(19) (20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) No change.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. through 3. No change

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

5. through 7. No change.

8. Youth turkey – During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

(c) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season and those portions of the archery season in the Altha Tract that coincide with the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. In that portion of the area south of I-10, 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 that portion of the area north of I-10, 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, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the archery season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the family hunt, the bag limit shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. One gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit during the youth turkey hunt and two one gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken per quota permit person, but not more than one two per person quota permit during spring turkey season in the Altha Tract. During the wild hog-still season, only wild hog may be taken.

(d) through (e) No change.

(20) (21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. through 11. No change.

12. Raccoon – Opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except that dogs may be used to hunt raccoon and opossum during the general gun, raccoon, and small game seasons and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season.

3. No change.

4. During the general gun, raccoon, and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed.

5. through 6. No change.

(21) (22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. through 8. No change.

9. Migratory birds – During seasons established by Rules Rule 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

10. through 11. No change.

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

1. through 3. No change.

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

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

1. through 8. No change.

9. Family hunt (Cat Creek Area only) – Opening Christmas Eve and closing 3 days thereafter.

(d) Legal to Take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season and those portions of the archery season in the Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas that coincide with the bear season), 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. During the family hunt, the bag limit for antlerless deer is one per quota permit. Taking bobcat and otter is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter area. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. In the mobility-impaired hunt area, antlerless deer (bag limit of two per three-day hunt) may be taken during general gun hunts only by persons possessing valid mobility-impaired certificates.

(e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs or retrievers to take small game, is prohibited in those portions of the area that are west of State Road 77; south of State Road 20; east of Econfina Creek; south and east of Hampshire Blvd. to Porter Pond Road, east of Porter Pond Road to except that portion of the area lying south of Greenhead Road, north of Greenhead Road to Econfina Creek, and east of Econfina Creek to State Strickland Road 20 (except in that portion of the area lying in Jackson County); west of Econfina Road to State Road 20, north of State Road 20 to State Road 77, east of State Road 77 to and south of Greenhead Road, and south of Greenhead Road to Econfina Road, except that portion of the area lying east of Fox Pond Road to Mabel Porter Road and east of Mabel Porter Road to Econfina Road roads; and north of Deadening Road, except that dogs may be used in that portion of the area in Jackson County and to take raccoons and opossums during raccoon season (except in the Mmobility-impaired, Cat Creek, and Fitzhugh Carter areas). The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except deer may be taken with dogs during general gun season in the dog hunt area and wild hog may be taken with dogs during general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.

3. through 11. No change.

12. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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.

13. through 14. No change.

(22) (23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) No change.

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

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. No deer shall be dismembered until checked at a check station, except for deer taken in the Gulf County portion of the area.

7. through 11. No change.

(23) (24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Small game – During the quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun, family hunt, and muzzleloading gun, and wild hog-still seasons).

6. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – Opening the first Friday and closing three days thereafter and reopening the third Friday and closing three days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September During the month of February.

10. No change.

11. Archery/muzzleloading gun – Opening the third Friday in February and closing 2 days thereafter.

(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.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 6. No change.

7. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading 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 during non-quota periods only.

(24) (25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Public access is prohibited from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise.

6. through 7. No change.

(25) (26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 5. No change.

6. Small game – Opening 3 days prior to the second Saturday in November first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun, family hunt, muzzleloading gun, and archery/muzzleloading gun seasons).

7. through 10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 6. No change.

7. Public access is prohibited from one and one-half 1.5 hours after sunset until one and one-half 1.5 hours before sunrise, except access is allowed throughout the year on Sand Landing Road, at designated campsites or by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

(26) (27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. A zone tag issued by the U.S. Forest Service is required to participate in each hunt. A random drawing is held the third Friday in October to issue zone tags. Each hunter shall obtain a zone tag prior to the hunt and keep it in his or her possession while hunting on the area. No person shall hunt in any zone other than that for which he or she has a zone tag. During the family hunt, one or two youth per zone tag, under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age, may hunt as provided in Section 790.22, F.S., under the supervision and in the presence of one adult not younger than 18 years of age. The adult may only hunt when in the presence of at least one youth under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age. During youth turkey hunts, one youth and one adult may participate as provided by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., per zone tag. During the bear hunt, one youth and one adult may participate per zone tag.

4. through 7. No change.

(27) (28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 8. No change.

9. Ducks, geese and coot – During the migratory game bird seasons as established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Raccoon – Opening the first Thursday in July and closing the last Sunday in August (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

(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. During the family hunt, antlered or antlerless deer may be taken (limit one antlerless deer per person per day). During the muzzleloading gun season, antlered or antlerless deer may be taken (limit one antlerless deer per day). During the youth turkey hunt, the bag limit is one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. During spring turkey season, two one gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken per quota permit person, but not more than one two per person quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. During wild hog-dog hunts, wild hogs may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hogs under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

7. No change.

8. During the raccoon and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed. A quota permit is not required to take raccoon and opossum from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise during any quota period.

(28) (29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change

5. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from one and one-half hours after sunset until one and one-half hours before sunrise.

(29) (30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Ducks, geese, and coot September duck – During the In the September seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

2. through 6. No change.

7. Small game – Opening the day following the close of general gun season and closing the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

8. through 11. No change.

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

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

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

2. through 6. No change.

7. During the small game season, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed.

(30) (31) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area – St. James Island Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of muzzleloading gun season and closing the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

6. through 9. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game (except hen or beardless turkey), fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least 1 antler with 3 or more points or 1 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 archery season, the bag limit for deer shall be 1 deer (except spotted fawn) per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be 1 antlered deer per quota permit. During the family hunt, the bag limit for deer shall be 2 antlered deer per quota permit, but no more than 1 per person. The take of beardless hen wild turkey is prohibited. During the archery, youth turkey, and spring turkey seasons, 1 gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(c) through (d) No change.

(31) (32) Garcon Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Small game – Opening the last Saturday in January and closing the first Sunday in March last day of gray squirrel season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during the archery/ and muzzleloading gun season).

5. through 8. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game (except hen or beardless turkey), 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. During the archery season, the bag limit for deer shall be one deer (except spotted fawn) per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun, general gun, and archery/ and muzzleloading gun seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. The take of beardless hen wild turkey is prohibited. During the archery and spring turkey seasons, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Public access is allowed year-round, except from sunset to sunrise, when only individuals participating in hunting and fishing activities may access improved recreational areas as defined and managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

2. Individuals shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances as indicated on the hunt map, except vessels may enter the Avalon and Garcon tracts anywhere along their coastline boundaries with Escambia and East bays.

3. through 5. No change.

6. Taking wildlife on or from designated hiking trails (as indicated on the brochure map) or with centerfire rifles is prohibited.

7. No change.

(32) Telogia Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Small game – Opening 5 days before Thanksgiving Day and closing 8 days thereafter, reopening 20 days later and closing 16 days thereafter, and reopening 6 days before the first day of the archery/muzzleloading gun season and closing 15 days thereafter.

2. Archery – Opening 33 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 15 days thereafter.

3. General gun – Opening the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 26 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 3 days before the third Monday in January and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 3 days before the third Monday in February and closing 3 days thereafter.

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

5. Archery/muzzleloading gun – Opening 11 days after the last day of the second-to-last general gun hunt and closing 3 days thereafter.

6. Youth turkey – During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

7. Spring turkey – Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 10 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 8 days thereafter.

8. Ducks – As allowed during the September duck seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

9. Doves – During the first 16 days of the mourning and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

9. Fishing and frogging – Allowed year-round.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, 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. During the archery season, the bag limit for deer is one antlered deer and one antlerless deer (except spotted fawn) per person. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer is two antlered deer per person, except during the general gun quota hunts when the bag limit is one antlered deer per quota permit. During the archery/muzzleloading season, the bag limit for deer is one antlered deer per person. The take of beardless hen wild turkey is prohibited. During spring turkey season, the bag limit is one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit during quota hunts and the season limit is two gobblers or bearded turkeys per person. During archery season, the season limit is two gobblers or bearded turkeys per person.

(c) Camping: prohibited, except in designated camping areas by permit as provided by Rule 68A-15.004, F.A.C. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.

(d) General regulations:

1. Public access is allowed year-round.

2. Motor vehicles must enter and exit the area only at designated entrances as indicated on the hunt map.

3. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, except street legal motor vehicles may be operated from one and one-half hours before sunrise until one and one-half hours after sunset on designated roads and parking areas as indicated on the hunt map. At all other times and in all other portions of the area, public access other than by foot, bicycle, horseback, or vessel is prohibited.

4. Airboats, off-highway vehicles (which include all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and off-highway motorcycles), swamp buggies, and tracked vehicles are prohibited.

5. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs or retrievers to take small game, is prohibited. The take of deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

6. When check stations are staffed, hunters must check all harvested wildlife at the check station.

7. Fires are prohibited, except at designated campsites by persons with a valid camping permit during the dates listed on their permit.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024

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