The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to support the establishment of a deer harvest reporting system. The effect of the proposed rule changes will be to enable the agency to better manage deer populations throughout the state through improved ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-12.004Possession or Sale of Birds or Mammals; Taxidermy Operations and Mounting Requirements

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to support the establishment of a deer harvest reporting system. The effect of the proposed rule changes will be to enable the agency to better manage deer populations throughout the state through improved deer herd monitoring, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance, and by promoting compliance with proposed annual bag limits.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule changes would require taxidermists to record the Commission’s deer harvest reporting system confirmation number for deer taken in Florida.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

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

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

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

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

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

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 20-21, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606.

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: Morgan Richardson, 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-12.004 Possession or Sale of Birds or Mammals; Taxidermy Operations and Mounting Requirements.

(1) through (10) No change.

(11) Taxidermy operations and mounting requirements:

(a) Any person engaged in taxidermy shall tag all carcasses (whole specimens), untanned hides, and uncured animal parts of fish and wildlife, possessed or received with the name of the person taking or acquiring such fish or wildlife, the person’s address, and date taken or acquired. In addition, any deer subject to the provisions of paragraph 68A-12.003(2)(c), F.A.C., shall have the Commission’s harvest reporting system confirmation number recorded on the tag. As an alternative to individual tagging, persons engaged in taxidermy may choose to use a log book and numbering system. The log book shall contain the same information required of the aforementioned tag the name of the person taking or acquiring such fish or wildlife, the person’s address and the date taken or acquired. The carcass, untanned untagged hide, or uncured animal part shall be assigned a number, which shall be affixed to the specimen so as to be readily identifiable and traceable to the log book information. The log book shall be kept on premises for inspection by Commission personnel.

(b) through (e) No change.

(12) No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-5-84, Formerly 39-12.04, Amended 5-10-87, 6-8-87, 4-20-94, 8-7-97, Formerly 39-12.004, Amended 7-29-15, 1-11-17, 7-1-19.

 

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2019

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Morgan Richardson, 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 13, 2018

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 24, 2018