The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to delete the reference to wild hog areas as part of a suite of rules to change the way wild hogs are managed. The effect would be a simplified set of regulations which address wild hogs as wildlife. ...

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-14.0011: Opening or Closing Areas Other Than Restricted Hunting Areas, Bird Sanctuaries or Critical Wildlife Areas; General
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to delete the reference to wild hog areas as part of a suite of rules to change the way wild hogs are managed. The effect would be a simplified set of regulations which address wild hogs as wildlife. This suite of proposed rules would allow hogs to be taken on private land with no size and no bag limits throughout the year. In addition, it would remove the game status of hogs statewide and allow hogs to be managed by area specific rules on public hunting lands.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule would delete the reference to wild hog areas. The rule which establishes wild hog areas is proposed to be deleted as a part of a suite of changes.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
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.
SPECIFIC 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 regular meeting of the Commission, February 6-7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
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: Nick Wiley, 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-14.0011 Opening or Closing Areas Other Than Restricted Hunting Areas, Bird Sanctuaries or Critical Wildlife Areas; General.

The Commission may establish refuges, wildlife management areas, fish management areas, wildlife and environmental areas, wild hog areas and miscellaneous areas and regulate and manage the lands or water therein in the best interest of the state; and in furtherance thereof:

(1) through (3) No change.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.021 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.121 FS. History–New 6-21-82, Formerly 39-14.011, Amended 11-23-97, Formerly 39-14.0011, Amended 7-1-08.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Nick Wiley, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mr. Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 5, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 7, 2007