The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to modify existing migratory bird hunting regulations to conform with federal frameworks for the 2023-2024 hunting seasons. The effect of the proposed rule amendment would change ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-13.003Hunting Regulations for Ducks, Geese, and Coots

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to modify existing migratory bird hunting regulations to conform with federal frameworks for the 2023-2024 hunting seasons. The effect of the proposed rule amendment would change the current daily bag limit on mallards.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment updates the hunting regulations pertaining to ducks consistent with the federal frameworks.

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:

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.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Andrew Fanning, Waterfowl and Small Game Management Program Coordinator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 8932 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-13.003 Hunting Regulations for Ducks, Geese, and Coots.

The Commission has approved the following regulations and bag limits for taking ducks, geese, and coots:

(1)(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Limits: The possession limit for ducks and coots shall be three days’ bag limit. There shall be no possession limit for light geese. Light geese include only snow (including blue) and Ross’ geese.

1. Ducks: The daily bag limit for ducks is six, including no more than: four two mallards, of which only two one can be female; one scaup during the open season specified in subparagraph (1)(a)1. and the first 31 days of the open season specified in subparagraph (1)(a)2.; two scaup during the last 20 days of the open season specified in subparagraph (1)(a)2. and the open seasons specified in subparagraphs (1)(a)3. and (1)(a)4.; four sea ducks, to include no more than three scoters, three long-tailed ducks or three eiders, of which only one can be a female eider; three wood ducks; two redheads; one pintail; two canvasbacks; two black ducks; one Florida duck (mottled duck); and one fulvous whistling-duck. In addition to the daily bag limit for ducks, the daily bag limit for mergansers (red-breasted, common, hooded) is five.

2. and 3. No change.

(2) through (5) No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 10-23-79, 8-19-80, 9-29-81, 8-30-82, 7-27-83, 8-13-84, 8-13-85, 10-1-85, Formerly 39-13.03, Amended 8-5-86, 8-24-87, 8-18-88, 12-12-88, 8-17-89, 10-30-89, 8-9-90, 10-31-90, 8-22-91, 10-31-91, 8-23-92, 10-22-92, 9-2-93, 10-28-93, 11-6-94, 10-23-95, 10-20-96, 8-7-97, 10-28-97, 11-12-98, 6-23-99, Formerly 39-13.003, Amended 11-7-00, 5-13-02, 5-1-03, 7-1-04, 7-1-05, 2-1-06, 7-1-06, 1-9-07, 1-8-08, 7-1-08, 1-6-09, 1-19-10, 7-1-10, 1-5-11, 3-25-12, 2-12-13, 1-23-14, 1-19-15, 12-21-15, 7-1-16, 7-1-17, 8-13-18, 7-1-19, 7-1-19 (1)(f)1., 7-1-20, 7-1-22, 4-1-23,______.

 

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: May 10, 2023

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 24, 2023