The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise regulations prohibiting the possession of guns while chasing fox or bobcat with dogs. The effect of the proposed rule changes is an opportunity for FWC to proactively change its rules to better ...

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-24.002: Methods of Taking Fur-Bearing Animals; Possession; Open Season
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise regulations prohibiting the possession of guns while chasing fox or bobcat with dogs. The effect of the proposed rule changes is an opportunity for FWC to proactively change its rules to better reflect the intent of the Florida legislature, who has made it clear that state agencies should not restrict the legal possession of firearms.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule changes would allow the possession of guns while chasing fox or bobcat with dogs.
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-24.002 Methods of Taking Fur-Bearing Animals; Possession; Open Season.

(1) No change.

(2) Fur-bearing animals may be taken in accordance with the following:

(a) through (b) No change.

(c) Bobcat or otter may be taken only from December 1 through March 1 by live traps, guns, dogs or snares. Fox and bobcats may be chased by the use of free-running dogs throughout the year. The possession of a gun while hunting fox is prohibited. The possession of a gun while chasing bobcat is prohibited from March 2 through November 30. No person shall kill or possess fox unless authorized by permit from the executive director.

(d) No change.

(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. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-22-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-24.02, Amended 10-8-87, 4-11-90, Formerly 39-24.002, Amended 5-13-02,  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