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:

Blackwater WMA, Hutton Unit – increase the antler point restriction for all antlered deer hunts to a minimum of 4 points on at least one antler or one antler with a main beam of fourteen inches or more in length.

Chipola River WMA – expand the general gun season by 14 days to encompass the rut; begin the archery/muzzleloading gun season 3 weeks later to accommodate the general gun season expansion; during established seasons, restrict the take of deer and wild hog within the Hayes Spring Run and Waddell Mill Creek areas to archery equipment only; and, prohibit the take of wildlife with centerfire rifles and centerfire pistols in the Hayes Spring Run and Waddell Mill Creek areas.

Choctawhatchee River WMA – establish five 3-day wild hog-dog hunts (1 per month from May through September) across still and dog hunt areas (except in Holmes Creek Unit) that allow hunting during the day and at night with the aid of a light and firearm.

Eglin WMA – require the use of remote tracking (GPS) and correctional collar devices when hunting hogs with dogs.

Plank Road WMA – expand the second spring turkey quota hunt from 2 days to 3 days.

Tate’s Hell WMA, Womack Creek Unit – establish a 13-day wild hog-dog season beginning the day following the general gun-dog season and ending 12 days thereafter.

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, Section 379.2223, 375.313, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution, Sections 379.2223, 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 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.

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

(1) Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 16 10 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

5. through 7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – December 24 18 through February 16 10 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. Spring turkey (Zones A, B and C) – March 21 16 through April 26 21 (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 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

2. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

3. No change.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

6. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

9. No change.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – October 1 through March 1 3 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 – February 6 January 31 through March 1.

12. through 13. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Bearded turkeys or gobblers may be taken during the muzzleloading gun season, and during the periods of November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14-25 8-19. 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 March 1 3, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained from October 26 27 through November 14 15 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 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14-18 8-12.

2. Archery – October 26 through November 1 20-26 and November 3-11 October 28 through November 5.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, January 17-19 18-20 and January 31 through February 2 1-3.

5. No change.

6. Spring turkey – March 21-22 16-17 and April 3-5 March 29-31.

7. Wild hog-dog – July 12-14 13-15, August 2-4 3-5 and September 6-8 7-9, 2019 2018, and May 1-3 3-5 and June 5-7 7-9, 2020 2019.

8. Wild hog-still – July 19-21 20-22, August 16-18 17-19 and September 20-22 21-23, 2019 2018, and May 15-17 17-19 and June 19-21 21-23, 2020 2019.

9. No change.

10. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

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 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 21 15 through February 12 6.

2. Family still hunt – December 14-15 8-9.

3. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-20 14 and February 13 7 through March 1 3.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

6. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 20 through March 1 14-24.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, August 2-4 3-5, 16-18 17-19, September 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, 2019 2018, and May 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, June 5-7 7-9 and 19-21 21-23, 2020 2019.

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 28 through December 1 22-25, December 21 through January 5 15-30 and January 20 14 through February 12 6.

2. General gun still – December 31 through January 6-19 13.

3. Family still hunt – December 14-15 8-9.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-20 14 and February 13 7 through March 1 3.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

6. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

7. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

8. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 20 through March 1 14-24.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through March 8 3, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. Wild hog-dog – July 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, August 2-4 3-5, 16-18 17-19, September 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, 2019 2018, and May 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, June 5-7 7-9 and 19-21 21-23, 2020 2019.

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 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Family still hunt – December 14-15 8-9.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 17-19 18-20.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – February 3-4 4-5, 5-6 6-7, 17-18 18-19 and 19-20 20-21.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, August 2-4 3-5, 16-18 17-19, September 6-8 7-9, 20-22 21-23, 2019 2018, and May 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, June 5-7 7-9 and 19-21 21-23, 2020 2019.

9. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26-29 20-23 and October 30 through November 3 24-28.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. Quail – November 27-28 21-22, December 16-17 10-11, 21-22 15-16, and 30-31 24-25 and 29-30, January 4-5, and February 22-23, 16-17 and February 29 through March 1 23-24.

4. General gun – January 18-21 12-15 and 22-26 16-20.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – January 31 through February 2 25-27 and February 7-9 1-3.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21-23, 16-18, 29-31 and April 3-5 and 17-19 12-14.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 19-21 20-22, August 16-18 17-19 and September 20-22 21-23, 2019 2018, and May 15-17 17-19 and June 19-21 21-23, 2020 2019.

9. through 11. No change.

(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 three or more points or one antler with a main beam of fourteen ten 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 one per person, but no more than two per quota permit during muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. 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) through (d) No change.

(6) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – December 13 7 through January 12 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 17 through February 2 11-27 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Small game – October 5 6 through December 8 2 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 7. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, turkey of either sex, fish, frogs and furbearers. During small game season, dove (Saturdays only, during phases established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.), quail and squirrel may be taken. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Antlerless deer is any deer, except a spotted fawn, that is without antlers or whose antlers are less than one inch in length visible above the hairline. Antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only. Only gobblers Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the spring turkey season from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

(c) through (d) No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

2. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

3. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

4. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

5. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 29 through December 1 23-25 and December 14 through January 5 8-30 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 10 4 through March 1 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12 and September 13-15 14-16, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season), fish 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 youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. During the wild hog-still season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) through (d) No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 29 through December 1 23-25 and December 14 through January 5 8-30 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 10 4 through March 1 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

7. Wild hog-still – July 5-7 6-8, August 2-4 3-5 and September 6-8 7-9, 2019 2018, and May 1-3 3-5 and June 5-7 7-9, 2020 2019.

(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. 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. Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the archery/muzzleloading gun season. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. During the wild hog-still season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) through (d) No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

2. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

3. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

6. through 7. No change.

8. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) 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 October 27 through November 15.

2. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 through November 3 20-28.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. Small game – November 9-27, 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7, December 17-23 and January 6 through March 1 3.

4. General gun still – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14-22 8-16.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

8. Spring turkey – March 21-24 16-19, 28-31, and April 2-5 and 9-12 4-7.

9. through 10. No change.

11. Wild hog-dog – Opening the day following the general gun dog season and closing 12 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 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 youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs, retrievers or dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less, is prohibited except during the general gun dog and wild hog-dog seasons season.

2. through 4. No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 2 3 through December 29 30, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. November 2-8 3-9, 9-15 10-16, and 16-24 17-25 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – November 25 26 through December 13 14 (Pinhook still hunt area only), and December 30 31 through March 1 3.

3. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

4. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

5. Archery – September 14 15 through October 13 14, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. September 14-22 15-23 and October 5-13 6-14 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. Muzzleloading gun – October 19-21 20-22.

7. Family hunt – October 26-27 27-28, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – December 14-29 15-30, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12, and September 13-15 7-9, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Trapping – December 30 31 through March 1.

14. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Muzzleloading gun – October 19 20 through November 1 2.

2. General gun – November 2 3 through January 19 20.

3. Small game – January 20 21 through March 1 3.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

6. Archery – September 14 15 through October 13 14.

7. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – January 20 21 through March 1.

11. Wild hog-still – August 23-29 24-30, 2019 2018, and May 22-28 24-30 and June 19-25 21-27, 2020 2019.

(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) through (d) No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 17 11.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, January 25-28 19-22 and January 29 through February 2 23-27.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, December 2 November 26 through January 24 18 and February 3 January 28 through March 1 3.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

6. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 12 7.

7. Raccoon ‒ November 9 10 through March 1 3.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 27 21 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-13 1-7 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, December 14 8 through February 23 17 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 18-24 through March 1 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. Small game – November 9 10 through March 1 3 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

8. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Possession of or taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited in areas specified by the Installation Commander. The taking or pursuing of deer, fox, wild hog or coyote with dogs is prohibited unless each dog is equipped and monitored with devices that allow remote tracking and behavior correction. The device(s) must be attached by a collar or similar means and must be used to prevent dog egress into unauthorized areas. The remote tracking device(s) would include Global Positioning System (GPS) or telemetry tracking.

2. through 11. No change.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

2. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

5. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

8. through 9. No change.

10. Wild hog-dog – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12 and September 13-15 14-16, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

11. through 12. No change.

(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-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) through (d) No change.

(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 27 21 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-13 1-7.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, December 14 8 through February 23 17 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Supervised youth – October 26 20 through December 31 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

6. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. Small game – November 9 10 through March 1 3 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 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30. except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 16 10.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 only in that portion of the area south of the pipeline right-of-way located up river (north) of Cedar Log Landing (Walton County) and Billy Lee Landing (Washington County). March 21-23 16-18 and April 3-5 March 29-31 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 February 6 January 31 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

11. Wild hog-dog – July 5-7, August 2-4 and September 6-8, 2019, and May 1-3 and June 5-7, 2020, except in the Holmes Creek Unit.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, 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. In that portion of the area north of the pipeline right-of-way, turkey may be taken only during the spring turkey season and only one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, 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 throughout the area (dog and still hunt areas) with dogs 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.

3. through 6. No change.

7. During the wild hog-dog season, hunts will begin at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the hunt and end at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the hunt.

8. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through January 21 1.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, December 2-13 November 26 through December 7 and January 22 9 through March 1 3.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 25-26 5-6 and February 1-2 12-13.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

8. through 11. No change.

12. Wild hog-still – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12 and September 13-15 14-16, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – October 26 through November 1 20-26 and October 27 through November 2-10 4.

2. Family hunt – November 28 through December 1 22-25.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

4. Small game – December 14 8 through March 1 3 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – March 21-23 16-18, March 29-31 and April 3-5 and 17-19 12-14.

6. through 7. No change.

(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 one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit during spring turkey season in the Altha Tract. During the wild hog-still season, only wild hog may be taken.

(d) No change.

(e) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. In the Hayes Spring Run (lands in Sections 28, 32, and 33 of Township 6 North, Range 10 West encompassing the eastern tributary of the Chipola River known as Hayes Spring Run) and Waddell Mill Creek (lands west of Bump Nose Road within Section 6 of Township 5 North, Range 10 West) areas, taking deer and wild hog with guns other than bows and crossbows is prohibited, and taking wildlife with centerfire rifles or centerfire pistols is prohibited.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

6. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

7. through 8. No change.

9. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

10. No change.

11. Wild hog-still – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12, and September 13-15 7-9, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 7-9, 2020 2019.

(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 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21.

8. Raccoon – November 9 10 through March 13 8 and April 27 22 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 29 through January 1 23-25, January 17-19 11-13, 24-26 18-20, 25-27 and January 31 30 through February 2 1, and February 5-7.

2. Spring turkey – March 21-22 16-17, 27-29 22-24, 29-31 and April 3-5 5-7, 10-12, 17-19, 12-14 and 24-26 19-21.

3. No change.

4. Small game – February 8-9 2-3, 14-16 8-10, 21-23 15-17, February 28 through 22-24, and March 1 1-3.

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

1. Archery – October 20-26 and October 27 through November 1, and November 2-10 4.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, January 25-28 19-22 and January 29 through February 2 23-27.

4. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, 26-30, December 2-6, December 10 4 through January 24 18, and February 3 January 28 through March 1 3 (Cat Creek area) and December 14-29 8-23 (Fitzhugh Carter area).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

6. Spring turkey – March 21-23 16-18, March 29-31 and April 3-5 and 17-19 12-14.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-26 and October 27 through November 1, and November 2-10 4.

2. Small game – November 9-24 10-18.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

4. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, January 16-19 10-13, 23-26 17-20 and January 30 through February 2 24-27.

5. Wild hog-still – December 14-20 8-14.

6. Wild hog-dog – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12 and September 13-15 14-16, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

7. Spring turkey – March 21-24 16-19, March 28-31 and April 2-5 and 16-19 11-14.

8. through 9. 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 antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only. 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 spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the spring turkey season from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken. The take of deer is prohibited during wild hog-still season.

(c) through (d) No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 20-26 and October 27 through November 1, and November 2-10 4.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. Family hunt – November 28 through December 1 22-25.

4. General gun – January 25-28 19-22 and January 29 through February 2 23-27.

5. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, December 2-6 26-30, December 10 4 through January 24 18, January 28-31, and March 1-3.

6. Spring turkey – March 21-23 16-18 and March 27 22 through April 26 21 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

7. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – During the month of February 1-28.

10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 13-15, 19-21, 25-27 26-28, and November 1-3, 8-10 2-4 and 15-17 9-11.

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 22-24 23-25, December 13-15 7-9, 27-29 21-23, January 10-12 4-6 and 24-26 18-20.

3. Small game – January 27 21 through February 23 17.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

5. Spring turkey – March 21 16 through April 26 21 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

3. Family hunt – November 28 through December 1 22-25 and January 10-12 4-6.

4. General gun – January 18-24 12-18 and January 25 through February 2 19-27.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

6. Small game – November 25-27 19-21, 26-30, December 2-6, 4 December 10 through January 9 3, January 13-17 7-11, 28-30, February 3-5 and February 17 11 through March 1 3.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10.

8. Spring turkey – March 21-29 16-24 and March 30 25 through April 12 7.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – November 22-24 23-25, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 17-19 18-20 and January 31 through February 2 1-3.

2. Youth turkey hunt – March 14-15 9-10, 28-29 23-24 and April 11-12 6-7.

3. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 26 20 through November 24 18.

2. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through December 2-13 7 and February 6 January 31 through March 1 3.

3. Family hunt – November 28 through December 1 22-25.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

5. General gun – December 14 8 through February 5 January 30.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 31 through February 6-16 10.

7. Spring turkey – March 21-24 16-19 and April 1-5 March 27-31.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 12-14 13-15, August 9-11 10-12 and September 13-15 14-16, 2019 2018, and May 8-10 10-12 and June 12-14 14-16, 2020 2019.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 28 through December 1 22-25, January 25-28 19-22, January 29 through February 2 23-27 and February 7-10 1-4.

2. Archery – October 26 through November 1 20-26 and October 27 through November 2-10 4.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 7-9 1-3.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 15-17 9-11.

5. Spring turkey – March 21-23 16-18, March 29-31 and April 3-5, 10-12, 5-7 and 24-26 19-21.

6. Small game – November 9-27 10-21, November 26 through November 30, December 2-6, December 10 4 through January 24 18, January 28-31, February 3-6 5-8, and February 11-14 12 and February 18 through March 1 3.

7. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Archery – September 28-30, October 4-6 5-7, 11-13 12-14, 18-20 and 25-27 19-21.

3. Muzzleloading gun – November 2-4 October 27-29.

4. Family hunt – November 23-24 17-18.

5. General gun – November 9-11 3-5, November 28 through 22-25, and December 1 and December 13-15 7-9.

6. Mobility-impaired general gun – November 30 through December 6-9 3.

7. Small game – December 16 10 through March 1 3.

8. Youth turkey – March 14-15 9-10.

9. Spring turkey – March 21-23, 16-18 and April 10-12 5-6, and 24-26 19-21.

10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

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.

 

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