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 WMAs.

SUMMARY: The proposed amendment revises regulations for WMAs in the Northwest Region by modifying quota numbers for deer and turkey and establishing new hunting opportunities or expanding existing opportunities for deer, turkey, wild hog, small game, and furbearers; modifying, clarifying, or establishing rules regarding camping or the use of dogs and vehicles; and specifically modifying the check station requirements at BOX-R WMA; increasing the antler point restriction for deer at Apalachicola and Tate’s Hell WMAs; moving acreage between dog and still hunt areas at Econfina Creek WMA; and establishing the Garcon Point WMA, including the specific regulations pertaining to the take of wildlife and public access. This 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.

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: 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, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Marriott Jacksonville, 4670 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32256.

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) 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. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

2. through 7. No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. through 8. No change.

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

10. 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 three two or more points or one antler with a main beam of 10 inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Bearded turkeys or gobblers may be taken during the muzzleloading gun season, and during the first 16 days of general gun season. 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. 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. 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) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog small game season. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited.

3. through 5. 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. No change.

2. Family still hunt – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter.

3. through 7. No change

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

9. 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. through 2. No change.

3. Family still hunt – Opening the second Saturday in December and closing 1 day thereafter.

4. Small game – Opening the second Saturday of November and closing the last day of quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during the general gun dog and still seasons).

5. through 8. No change.

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

10. 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 and Paul Barnes Road to the west, Springhill Road to the and south, County Road 191 to on the east 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 – 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 29 days thereafter, reopening 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 third Saturday in December and closing 53 days thereafter (except during the archery/muzzleloading gun season).

2. No change.

3. Archery/Muzzleloading gun and archery – Opening the third Friday in January and closing 2 days thereafter.

4. through 9. No change.

(d) 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. The bag limit for deer during the archery/ muzzleloading gun and archery season on the field trial portion of the area shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per day. During the family still hunt, antlered or antlerless deer (bag limit of three per quota permit) may be taken. The take of antlerless deer and turkey during the archery season in the Field Trial Area is prohibited, except during the first 30 days. Taking quail is prohibited on the field trial area except by quail permit during the quail season. The bag limit for quail on the field trial area is 12 per hunting group each day. A group for the purpose of quail hunting on the field trial area shall include up to 2 persons. Taking quail after 3:00 p.m. Central Time is prohibited during the quail season on the field trial area. Taking quail is prohibited on the quail enhancement area (that portion of the area lying north of Bryant Bridge Road, east of Sandy Forest Road, east of County Road 191 between Sandy Forest Road and State Road 4, south of State Road 4 and west of Old Martin Road and Norman Riley Road) except during the 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. During the fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat season, rabbit may be chased by the use of free-running dogs but may not be harvested except as allowed during other open seasons. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in the still hunt area, field trial area, and during the general gun still hunt in the dog hunt area; however, any dog may be used to take small game during the small game and seasons in the still hunt and dog hunt areas and any dog may be used throughout the area during the wild hog-dog seasons season. 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 hunting wild hogs.

4. through 12. No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season or as specifically authorized by permit. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season.

4. through 10. No change.

(6) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 5 days after the last day of archery season and closing 16 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. through 7. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take small game during small game season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

3. through 5. No change.

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

7. through 13. No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 5. No change.

6. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 1 day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter.

7. Migratory game birds – During September duck, dove, and rail, and common gallinule seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

8. through 9. No change.

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

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except 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.

4. through 8. No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except 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.

3. through 6. No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Open the first 27 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – Opening 5 days after the last day of archery/ and muzzleloading gun season and closing the 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.

(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 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.

3. through 6. No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

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

6. No change.

7. Dove, snipe, and woodcock – As established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

8. through 12. No change.

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

(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 three two or more points or one antler with a main beam of 10 inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age.

(c) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 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. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.

5. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. through 5. No change.

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

7. through 11. No change.

12. Dove, snipe, and woodcock – During the seasons established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

(b) through (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. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun dog season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun dog and wild hog-dog seasons.

2. through 5. No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 14. No change.

15. Raccoon (dog hunt area only) – 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 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.

5. through 13. No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Taking wildlife by use of a gun on or from the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 98 State Road 59 is prohibited as provided by subsection 68A-4.008(4), F.A.C.

5. through 6. No change.

(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 20 days later and closing 2 days thereafter (in the archery-only area).

2. through 11. No change.

(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 as specifically authorized by permit, when taking raccoon 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 9. No change.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – 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) Legal to take: All legal game, fish (except as provided below), frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three two or more points or one antler with a main beam of 10 inches or more in length is prohibited, except in the Jackson and Brier Creek units where take of antlered deer not having at least one antler with 4 or more points or one antler with a main beam of 14-inches or more in length is prohibited, and except by persons less than 16 years of age in areas specified by the Installation Commander. The Installation Commander may specify areas in which and days during which where taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited and where persons less than 16 years of age may harvest antlered deer not meeting antler point criteria. Antlerless deer may be taken during established seasons only by permit from the Installation Commander. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-dog season. During spring turkey season gobbler or bearded turkey may only be taken from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. The take of turkey is prohibited during the archery season.

1. through 2. No change.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 5. No change.

6. During small game season, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed only in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. through 14. No change.

15. Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed only in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – Open the first 58 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during the family hunt).

2. through 3. No change.

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

5. through 8. No change.

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

10. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second and fourth Friday of the month and closing 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September July.

11. through 13. No change.

14. Trapping – December 1 through March 1.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, 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 at night to take raccoon at night during the raccoon season and any dog may be used 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 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 8. No change.

(18) No change.

(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter. Open the first 69 days of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., in Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island only.

6. through 7. No change.

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

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (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 with dogs during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area and throughout the area (dog and still hunt areas) with dogs during the wild hog-dog season, except in the Holmes Homes 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 7. No change.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. through 4. No change.

5. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 4 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 1 day thereafter and reopening 6 days later and closing 1 day thereafter.

6. through 7. No change.

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

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (e) No change.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

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

6. No change.

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

8. through 11. No change.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Allowed throughout the portion of the area managed by Northwest Florida Water Management District (except where posted as no camping), but not to exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Within that portion of the area managed by the Florida Forest Service, camping is prohibited, except by special use permit or at designated primitive sites and for a maximum of 14 days. Throughout the entire area, camping Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal, or other building materials are prohibited.

(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 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. through 6. No change.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. through 4. No change

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

6. through 8. No change.

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

10. through 11. No change.

(b) through (e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, 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. except that portion of the area lying south of Greenhead Road and east of Strickland Road Ten-mile Creek; west of Econfina Road and south of Greenhead Road, except that portion of the area lying east of Fox Pond and Mabel Porter 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 (except in the mobility-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 14. No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Small game – Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the Sunday prior to the fourth Thursday in November and reopening the second Saturday in February and closing the first Sunday in March.

3. through 5. No change.

6. Wild hog-dog – Opening the second Wednesday Friday and closing 5 2 days thereafter in May, June, July, August, and September.

7. No change.

8. Dove – Saturdays and Sundays during the first phase and during the remainder of the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C., that coincides with the archery, small game, muzzleloading gun, general gun, and wild hog-still seasons.

9. No change.

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

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

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

2. Vehicles shall enter and exit only at designated entrances as indicated on the hunt map, except during the small game season.

3. through 4. renumbered 2. through 3. No change.

4.5. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except any dog may be used during the wild hog-dog season and when taking small game during the small game season. The take of wild hogs with dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog during the small game season. During the wild hog-dog season, no more than 3 free-running dogs per quota permit may be used. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited.

5.6. Hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering and exiting the area and shall check all game taken, except during the small game, wild hog-dog, spring turkey, and dove seasons. Hunters accessing the Gulf County portion of the area are not required to check in or out at a check station or check harvested wildlife and are exempt from quota permit requirments.

7. through 9. renumbered 6. through 8. No change.

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

10.11. During the wild hog-dog season, taking wild hog without the aid of a dog is prohibited from 10:00 a.m. to sunset.

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

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 6. No change.

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

8. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – Prohibited.

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

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except 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.

5. through 7. No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. No change.

2. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 1 day after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

3. Small game – Opening the day after the last day of archery/ and muzzleloading gun season and closing 27 days thereafter.

4. through 6. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except 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.

4. through 7. No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 4 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter.

6. Small game – Opening 3 days prior to the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing the 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/ and muzzleloading gun seasons).

7. through 8. No change.

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

10. No change.

11. Trapping – Prohibited.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except 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.

4. through 7. No change.

(27) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 5. No change.

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

7. through 11. No change.

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

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Archery/Muzzleloading and muzzleloading gun – Opening 5 days after the last day of general gun season and closing 2 days thereafter.

5. No change.

6. Small game – During the quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C. (except during general gun season, muzzleloading gun, and archery/ and muzzleloading gun seasons).

7. No change.

(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 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.

3. through 4. No change.

(30) Plank Road Wildlife Management Area.

(a) 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 season. 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.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except 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.

3. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. through 7. No change.

8. Migratory game birds – Doves, ducks, geese, coot, snipe, and woodcock may be taken during their respective statewide seasons as established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

9. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 3. No change.

4. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for taking doves, ducks, geese, and coots, snipe, and woodcock during their respective statewide seasons and any dog may be used to take small game during small game season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

5. through 6. No change.

(32) Garcon Point 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 3 days thereafter, reopening 3 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 3 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 5 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

2. 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 2 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 19 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 25 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

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

5. Archery/muzzleloading gun – Opening 72 days after the first day of Zone D antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

6. 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 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

7. Migratory birds – During their respective statewide seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

8. Fishing and frogging – Allowed year-round.

(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 seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. During the archery and spring turkey seasons, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(c) Camping: Prohibited, except in designated camping areas by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

(d) General regulations:

1. Public access is allowed year-round.

2. Individuals shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances as indicated on the hunt map.

2. Motor vehicles may be operated only on designated roads and parking areas as indicated on the hunt map.

3. Airboats, off-highway vehicles (which includes all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles), swamp buggies, and tracked vehicles are prohibited, except by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

4. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for taking migratory birds during their respective statewide seasons and any dog may be used to take small game during small game season. The take of deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

5. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited.

6. Fires are prohibited.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2023

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.

 

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

 

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

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: November 30, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 08, 2022.