68A-15.062: Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - North Central Region
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the North Central 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 amendments would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the North Central Region as follows:
Bayard WMA remove the requirement for hunters to check in and check game at the check station.
Belmore WMA add a 2-day family hunt with a bag limit of one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit (quota 20, no exemptions).
Big Bend WMA, Jena Unit establish a 30-day archery season (take of antlerless deer and turkeys other than gobblers or bearded turkeys prohibited, no quota permit required).
Cary WMA establish two 3-day wild hog-still hunts (quota 100, no exemptions).
Citrus WMA Add one day to each muzzleloading gun hunt to establish two 3-day hunts; add one day to each general gun hunt to establish two 3-day hunts; add 1 day to each spring turkey hunt to establish three 4-day hunts; and add four days of quail hunting in the field trial area.
Four Creeks WMA establish a 4-day wild hog-still hunt (quota 75, no exemptions).
Goethe WMA begin the muzzleloading gun season six days later; add a 4-day general gun still hunt (quota 300); add a 4-day general gun dog hunt (quota 125); add a 7-day spring turkey hunt (quota 130); and remove the requirement for hunters to check game taken at the check station.
Gulf Hammock WMA allow the take of wild hog with no size or bag limit.
Hatchet Creek WMA remove the requirement for hunters to check in and check game at the check station.
Homosassa WMA add one day to each archery hunt to establish three 4-day hunts; and convert the wild hog-still hunts to small game hunts with wild hog legal to take (quota 30 each day at check station, no exemptions).
Jennings Forest WMA establish a 28-day bird dog training season in the quail enhancement area; establish a 2-day family hunt with a bag limit of one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit (quota 25, no exemptions); prohibit the take of wild hog during small game season; establish five 3-day wild hog-still hunts (quota 60, no exemptions); and prohibit the take of wild hog in the quail enhancement area during the February wild hog-still hunt.
Little River WMA allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting during small game season with access by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District; and expand small game season from 10 to 44 days (take of quail after the first 16 days is prohibited).
Log Landing WMA allow the use of motorized vehicles at designated parking areas; expand period open to hunting from 56 to 83 days (no quota permits required); reduce the archery season from 25 to 20 days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only; take of antlerless deer, gobblers or bearded turkeys allowed only during the first 14 days); expand the muzzleloading gun season from 3 to 17 days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only); expand the small game season from 17 to 27 days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only); expand the spring turkey season from 11 to 19 days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).
Lower Econfina River WMA allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting during small game season with access by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Middle Aucilla WMA allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting during the last 30 days of the small game season with access by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Ralph E. Simmons Memorial WMA remove the requirement for hunters to check in and check game at the check station; and establish a 2-day family hunt with a bag limit of one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit (quota 15, no exemptions).
Steinhatchee Springs WMA allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting during small game season with access by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District; increase the muzzleloading gun season quota from 200 to 220; increase the general gun season quota (first 9 days) from 200 to 220; increase each of two spring turkey hunt quotas from 80 to 88; and increase the wild hog-dog hunt quota from 50 to 55.
Proposed rule amendments would also amend or clarify language related to the use of guns for taking wildlife. Additionally, the proposed rule amendments would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections and language standardization.
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.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 8-9, 2012, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Florida Public Safety Institute, 215 Academy Drive, Havana, FL 32333
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 (850)488-6411. 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: Diane R. Eggeman, 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-15.062 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas North Central Region.
(1) Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. through 4. No change.
5. Archery September 25-27 27-29 and October 2-4 4-6, only in the still hunt areas; and the Monday before Thanksgiving and continuing for 55 days thereafter in the archery-only area, which is within the area described by a line beginning at the intersection of County Road 225 and Woodbury Road, then southeast on County Road 225 to State Road 16, then south on State Road 16 and County Road 230 to the Camp Blanding boundary on the east side of County Road 230, then east along the Camp Blanding boundary to Duval Road, then south on Duval Road to Yerkes Road, then west on Yerkes Road to Treat Road, then north on Treat Road to Lightning Strike Road, then west and north on Lightning Strike Road to State Road 230, then west on State Road 230 to the Camp Blanding boundary, then north along the Camp Blanding boundary to State Road 16, then east on the south side of State Road 16 to Lightning Strike Road, then north on Lightning Strike Road to Bessent Road, then north on Bessent Road to the starting point. A disjunct portion of the archery-only area is south of County Road 215, east of Rifle Range Road, north of State Road 16 and west of the Camp Blanding boundary.
6. No change.
7. Muzzleloading gun October 9-11 11-13 and 16-18 18-20, only in the still hunt areas.
8. No change.
9. Trapping December 1 through January 6 8, only in the still hunt areas.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 12. No change.
13. The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited, except as authorized by written permit from the Post Commander.
14. through 15. No change.
(2) Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
2. Spring turkey March 16-24 17-25.
3. Archery September 22 24 through October 7 9.
4. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
5. through 6. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(3) Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3 5 through January 20 22.
2. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
3. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
4. Archery September 15 17 through October 14 16.
5. Muzzleloading gun October 20 22 through November 2 4.
6. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. Wild hog: daily bag, 1; possession limit, 2.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.
5. through 7. No change.
(4) Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3-16 5-18, November 17 19 through December 2 4 and December 3-30 5 through January 1.
2. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
3. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
4. Archery September 22 24 through October 21 23.
5. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
6. No change.
7. Small game December 31 January 2 through March 3 4.
8. No change.
(b) No change.
(c) Camping: Camping allowed only by permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District and only at the designated campsites campsite.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Vehicles are restricted to established roads. Tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and unlicensed vehicles are prohibited. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed, but may be ridden only on established roads.
3. through 6. No change.
(5) Osceola Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 10 12 through January 6 8.
2. Small game January 7 9 through March 3 4.
3. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
4. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
5. Archery September 22 24 through October 14 16.
6. Muzzleloading gun October 20-27 22-29 in the still hunt area and Big Gum Swamp Wilderness only.
7. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat July 28 30 through September 18 20 in the dog hunt portion of the area only from sunset to sunrise.
8. Special September duck During In the special September duck season established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.
9. No change.
10. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
(b) No change.
(c) Camping: Throughout the year but only on designated campsites during general gun season on that portion of the area designated and posted as National Forest lands. On that portion of the area designated and posted as State Forest lands, camping is allowed throughout the year only at designated sites and only by permit from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Deer dogs may be trained from October 27 29 through November 5 7, except in the still hunt area.
3. through 8. No change.
(6) Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Tide Swamp Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3 5 through December 30 January 1.
2. Archery September 22 24 through October 21 23.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
4. Small game December 31 January 2 through February 24 26.
5. through 6. No change.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
9. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. During the muzzleloading gun season, the youth turkey hunt, and the first 16 days of the archery, general gun and spring turkey seasons, hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering or exiting the area, obtain a daily permit, which they shall keep on their person, and check all game taken.
4. through 6. No change.
7. The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited.
8. No change.
(7) Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Spring Creek Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3-11 5-13 and November 12 14 through December 30 January 1.
2. Archery September 22 24 through October 21 23.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
4. Small game December 31 January 2 through March 3 4.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
7. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
8. through 9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(8) Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Hickory Mound Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3-11 5-13, 12-18 14-20 and November 19 21 through December 30 January 1.
2. Small game December 31 January 2 through February 24 26.
3. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
4. Archery September 29 through October 28 1-30.
5. through 7. No change.
8. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. The take of wildlife with discharge of any firearm from the Hickory Mound Impoundment dikes is prohibited.
6. During the first 16 days of the archery, general gun and spring turkey seasons, hunters shall check in and out at a check station when entering or exiting the area, obtain a daily permit which they shall keep on their person, and check all game taken. Waterfowl hunters using the Hickory Mound Impoundment must check in and out at the check station whenever it is manned and check all game taken.
7. through 13. No change.
(9) Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Jena Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 through October 21.
2.1. General gun November 3-11 5-13 and November 12 14 through December 30 January 1.
3.2. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
4.3. Small game December 31 January 2 through February 24 26.
4. through 5. renumbered 5. through 6. No change.
7.6. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers except that during archery season, taking antlerless deer or turkey other than bearded turkey or gobbler is prohibited.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. On that portion of the area south of County Road 358, west of Gentle Woods Road (north of Rocky Creek) and west of County Road 361 (south of Rocky Creek) motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from two days before the opening of archery season November 1 through April 30; and only on Sand Ridge Road, Road No. 2, Sink Creek Road and Rocky Creek Landing Road during the remainder of the year. On the remainder of the area vehicles may be operated only on established roads.
3. through 6. No change.
(10) Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Snipe Island Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 24 through October 21 23.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
3. General gun November 3-11 5-13 and November 12-25 14-27.
4. Small game December 29 31 through January 27 29.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 16-24 17-25, March 25-31 26 through April 1 and April 1-7 2-8.
7. Trapping January 5 7 through March 1.
8. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 6. No change.
7. During the trapping season, taking trapped furbearers with a .22 caliber rimfire firearm is allowed; however, the firearm may only be loaded immediately prior to the shooting of a trapped furbearer.
8. No change.
(11) PotashCorp White Springs Wildlife Management Area.
(a) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. The take of wildlife with Discharge of firearms from dikes is prohibited.
6. The possession of lead shot is prohibited while in a boat or blind.
7. through 8. renumbered 6. through 7. No change.
(12) Raiford Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 24 through October 7 9.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Archery and muzzleloading gun November 3-11 5-13.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
5. Spring turkey March 16-24 17-25.
6. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(13) Cedar Key Scrub Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3-11 5-13.
2. Archery September 22 24 through October 7 9.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
(b) Legal to take: Antlered deer, antlerless deer (during archery season only), wild hog and gray squirrel. Taking any other animal is prohibited.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. Hunters shall check in and out at the self-service check station when entering or exiting the area and shall record all game taken.
5. through 6. renumbered 4. through 5. No change.
(14) Andrews Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 21-23 23-25 and September 28-30 30 through October 2.
2. Muzzleloading gun November 2-4 4-6 and 9-11 11-13.
3. General gun November 16-18 18-20.
4. Small game December 28-30 30 through January 1, January 4-6 6-8, and 11-13 13-15.
5. Family hunt December 1-2 3-4 and 8-9 10-11.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
7. Spring turkey March 22-24 23-25 and April 12-14 13-15.
8. Supervised deer/hog youth hunt October 20-21 22-23 and 27-28 29-30.
9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(15) Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 24-29 26 through October 1, October 1-6 3-8 and 8-13 10-15.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30 and November 2-4 4-6.
3. Small game December 17-22 19-24 and 24-29 26-31.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
5. Spring turkey March 21-23 22-24 and April 11-13 12-14.
6. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(16) Twin Rivers Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-28 24-30 and September 29 through October 7 1-9.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. General gun November 3-6 5-8 and 7-13 9-15.
4. Small game November 24 26 through December 16 18.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 22-24 23-25 and April 12-14 13-15.
7. No change.
(b) Legal to take: Antlered deer, turkey (archery and spring turkey seasons only), gray squirrel, quail, rabbit and fish. The bag limit for deer is one per person per hunt season for each of the following seasons: archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun. The bag limit for turkey is one per person per hunt during the archery and spring turkey seasons except that the bag limit is only one per quota permit during the youth turkey hunt.
(c) Camping: Prohibited unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) No change.
(17) No change.
(18) Jennings Forest Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-25 24-27, and 26-29 September 28 through October 1, September 30 through October 3 2-5 and October 4-7 6-9.
2. Supervised small game October 13-21 15-23, east of Yellow Water Creek, and east of the North Fork Black Creek but only south of its convergence with Yellow Water Creek.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
4. Bird dog training November 19 through December 16 in the quail enhancement area Only in the Normandy Unit and in the Normandy Unit only on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from October through January; except that bird dog training is prohibited during the archery season.
5. General gun November 3-6 5-8, 7-10 9-12, 11-14 13-16 and 15-18 17-20.
6. Family hunt December 22-23.
7.6. Small game January 4 6 through February 3 5, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
8. Wild hog-still February 8-10, 15-17, May 3-5, 17-19 and June 7-9.
9.7. No change.
10.8. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
11.9. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 19-21 20-22 and 22-24 23-25.
10. through 11. renumbered 12. through 13. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited. The bag limit for deer During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be one per quota permit during the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons and one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit during the family hunt. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season and in the quail enhancement area in February during the wild hog-still season. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season. During the spring turkey season, the bag limit for turkeys shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. Killing quail is prohibited on the quail enhancement area (that portion of the area lying north of the North Fork Black Creek, east of County Road 217 and west of the Yellow Water Creek) except during quail season. The bag limit for quail on the quail enhancement area is six per quota permit.
(c) Camping: Primitive camping allowed year-round at designated sites, by permit from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited except that bird dogs are allowed during the bird dog training, small game and quail seasons and waterfowl retrievers are allowed during the duck, geese and coot season. In the Normandy Unit, bird dogs are allowed only during the bird dog training season.
4. through 12. No change.
(19) Holton Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Mobility-impaired general gun October 12-14 14-16, 26-28 28-30, November 2-4 4-6 and December 14-16 16-18.
2. Mobility-impaired spring turkey March 22-24 23-25 and April 12-14 13-15.
3. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(20) Goethe Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 24 through October 14 16.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 22-24.
3. General gun (still hunt) November 3-5, 6-8 5-7 and 9-12 8-10.
4. General gun (dog hunt) November 16-18, 19-22 11-13 and 23-26 14-17.
5. Small game January 5-27 7-29.
6. Spring turkey March 16-22, 23-31 17-23 and March 24 through April 1-7 1.
7. No change.
(b) No change.
(c) Camping is allowed by permit only, from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Fires are allowed only at locations specified by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
4. through 8. No change.
9. Hunters shall check all deer, wild hog, and turkey at one of the area check stations before leaving the area.
9.10. No change.
10.11. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise, except by persons in possession of a camping or special use permit from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(21) Citrus Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun December 7-9 10-11 and December 28-30 31 through January 1.
2. Small game December 31 January 2 through February 24 26.
3. Muzzleloading gun November 30 through December 2 and December 14-16 3-4 and 17-18.
4. Archery November 3-25 5-27.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 19-22 20-22, April 2-5 3-5 and 16-19 17-19.
7. No change.
(b) No change.
(c) Camping: Prohibited unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 5. No change.
6. The take of quail is prohibited east of County Road 491 between Forest Road Trail 16 and County Road 480, except for the second and third consecutive Tuesdays and Wednesdays in February.
7. No change.
8. Bird dogs may be trained in the area east of County Road 491 between Forest Road Trail 16 and Forest Road Trail 20 October 1 through 31. Scheduled bird dog trial events are authorized only in the area east of County Road 491 between Forest Road Trail 16 and County Road 480.
9. through 11. No change.
(22) Flying Eagle Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 29 through October 2 1-4 and October 5-9 7-11.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. General gun November 3-6 5-8 and 9-13 11-15.
4. Small game November 23-25 25-27 and December 14-16 16-18.
5. Spring turkey March 16-19 17-20 and 22-26 23-27.
6. through 7. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(23) Potts Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Spring turkey March 16-19 17-20 and 22-26 23-27.
2. Archery October 4-7 6-9 and 10-14 12-16.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
4. Wild hog-dog November 16-18 18-20.
5. Small game December 7-9 9-11, January 4-6 6-8, and February 1-3 3-5.
6. through 7. No change.
(b) No change.
(c) Camping: Camping and camping equipment is allowed at designated campsites no earlier than beginning 8 a.m. the day preceding each hunt and ending the last day of each hunt except during the small game season when camping and camping equipment is allowed no earlier than 8 a.m. on the first day of each hunt. Camping is allowed at other times by permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, unless contained in mobile campers are prohibited. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials is prohibited. Each camper shall assure that their campsite is clean at all times. The altering, defacing, moving, or tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for each campsite shall be visibly affixed to the camping shelter.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 5. No change.
6. Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
7. The name and address and telephone number of the person responsible for each campsite shall be visibly affixed to the camping shelter.
8. through 9. renumbered 6. through 7. No change.
8.10. Authorized hunting equipment, and dogs and camping equipment may be taken onto the area no earlier than beginning 8 a.m. the day preceding each hunt and shall be removed from the area the last day of each hunt. During spring turkey season, hunting equipment is allowed on the area no earlier than beginning 1.5 hours before sunrise the day preceding each hunt.
(24) Homosassa Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 11-14 14-16, 25-28 28-30, and November 1-4 4-6.
2. Small game November 10 12 through December 2, 4 and December 22 24 through January 6, January 31 through February 3 and February 14-17 8.
3. Wild hog-still February 2-5 and 16-19.
3.4. Special-opportunity spring turkey March 16-22 17-23 and March 30 31 through April 5 6.
4.5. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the archery season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season. Wild turkey may only be taken during the special-opportunity spring turkey season. The bag limit for turkeys shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per special-opportunity permit.
(c) through (d) No change.
(25) Devils Hammock Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 15-18 17-20, 19-23 21-25 and 24-28 26-30.
2. Family hunt October 6-7 8-9 and 13-14 15-16.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
4. General gun November 3-6 5-8 and 7-11 9-13.
5. Small game November 17 19 through December 16 18.
6. Wild hog-still January 14 16 through February 10 12.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. Spring turkey March 16-19 17-20 and 20-24 21-25.
9. through 10. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(26) Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 15 17 through October 14 16.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-28 22-30 (still hunt area only).
3. General gun November 10 12 through January 6 8.
4. Small game January 7 9 through February 17 19.
5. Wild hog-dog February 22-24 24-26.
6. Spring turkey March 16-31 17 through April 1.
7. No change.
8. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
9. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. During the trapping season, taking trapped furbearers with a .22 caliber rimfire firearm is allowed; however, the firearm may only be loaded immediately prior to the shooting of a trapped furbearer.
6. through 8. No change.
(27) Middle Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3-29 5 through December 1 and November 30 through December 30 2 through January 1.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-28 22-30.
3. Small game December 31 January 2 through March 3 4.
4. Archery September 15 17 through October 14 16.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
7. through 8. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. The possession or use of dogs, other than bird dogs or waterfowl retrievers, is prohibited, except as provided by paragraphs paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b) and 68A-15.004(7)(c) or (d), F.A.C.
5. through 6. No change.
7. Hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed only during the last 30 days of the small game season by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
(28) Little River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-24 24-26, September 29 through October 1 October 1-3 and October 6-8 8-10.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Small game November 24 through January 6 26-30 and December 17-21.
4. through 5. No change.
(b) Legal to take: Antlered deer, rabbit, gray squirrel, quail (only during the first 16 days hunt of the small game season) and fish.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. Vehicles may be operated only on Little River Road, Road 33-2 and Road 33-3 Powerline Roads.
2. No change.
3. Persons shall enter and exit at designated entrances or via the Suwannee River.
4. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except as provided by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., and except that bird dogs may be used for hunting quail during the first 16 days hunt of the small game season.
5. through 6. No change.
7. During the small game season, hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
(29) Troy Springs Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Small game November 10 12 through January 6 8, except on Sundays, and only in that portion of the area known as the Adams Tract located northeast of US 27, east and south of County Road 251, and southwest of the Suwannee River.
2. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(30) Bayard Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 24 through October 7 9 and November 10-18 12-20.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-28 22-30.
3. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
4. through 6. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 5. No change.
6. Hunters must check in and out at the check station and check all game taken.
7. through 11. renumbered 6. through 10. No change.
(31) Grove Park Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 15 17 through October 14 16.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20 22 through November 2 4.
3. General gun November 10 12 through January 6 8.
4. Small game January 7 9 through March 3 4.
5. No change.
6. Trapping December 1 through January 6 8.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
(32) Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22 24 through October 21 23.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 26-28 28-30.
3. General gun November 3-11 5-13 and November 12 14 through December 2 4.
4. Small game January 12 14 through February 10 12.
5. Wild hog-dog February 15-17 17-19 and 22-24 24-26.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
7. Spring turkey March 16-19 17-20, 20-24 21-25 and March 25 26 through April 7 8.
8. through 9. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. The possession or use of dogs, other than waterfowl retrievers or bird dogs is prohibited, except as provided by paragraphs 68A-24.002(2)(b) and paragraph 68A-15.004(7)(c) or (d), F.A.C., and during the wild hog-dog season.
2. through 5. No change.
6. The taking or attempt to take wildlife with or the display or use of a gun on or from the rights-of-way of U.S. Highway 19, State Road 51 or County Road 357 is prohibited as provided by Rule 68A-4.008, F.A.C.
7. through 9. No change.
10. During the small game season, hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
(33) Nassau Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 3 5 through December 30 January 1.
2. Small game December 31 January 2 through March 3 4.
3. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
4. Spring turkey March 16 17 through April 21 22.
5. Archery September 21 23 through October 19 21.
6. Muzzleloading gun October 20 22 through November 2 4.
7. No change.
8. Trapping January 7 9 through March 1.
(b) through (d) No change.
(34) Cary Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-24 24-26 and 28-30 September 30 through October 2.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24 and 26-28 28-30.
3. Family hunt November 3-4 5-6.
4. General gun November 9-11 11-13 and 23-25 25-27.
5. Small game November 30 December 2 through January 6 8 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
6. Wild hog-still January 25-27 and February 15-17.
7.6. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 22-24 23-25 and 29-31 March 30 through April 1.
8.7. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game except that only wild hog, antlered deer and waterfowl may be taken during the family hunt, and the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. During the archery season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer 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 and general gun seasons the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season. During the spring turkey season the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) Camping is allowed by permit only from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited.
5. through 7. No change.
8. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise, except by persons in possession of a camping or special use permit from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry.
(35) Ralph E. Simmons Memorial Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun November 17-25 19-27.
2. Archery September 15-23 24 through October 2.
3. Muzzleloading gun October 20-28 22-30.
4. General gun for mobility-impaired October 6-9 15-18.
5. Family hunt November 3-4.
6.5. Small game December 10-23 12-25 and January 26 28 through February 3 5.
7.6. No change.
8.7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. through 9. renumbered 9. through 10. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery and general gun for mobility-impaired seasons and the family hunt, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. The bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. Antlerless deer (except spotted fawns) may be taken only during the archery and general gun for mobility-impaired seasons. During the mobility-impaired hunt only certified mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer. Only one quota permit may be utilized per individual, per season.
(c) Camping: During quota hunt periods, camping is allowed only in the Scotts Landing Road campground and only by hunters in possession of a valid quota permit. During the small game season and periods closed to hunting, camping in the Scotts Landing Road campground is allowed only by permit from the Florida Forest Service Division of Forestry. During periods closed to hunting, camping at primitive campsites along the St. Marys River is allowed on a first-come first-served basis.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads except that mobility-impaired hunters may use tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and horses throughout the area during the general gun for mobility-impaired season and the weekend and day before the season.
3. Vehicles may be parked only at designated parking areas, except during the general gun for the mobility-impaired season and the weekend and day before the season.
4. Vehicular access is allowed on all hunt days plus the weekend and day before all hunts except the family hunt and spring turkey, and small game seasons, when it shall be allowed only on hunt days and the day before each hunt. The use of all-terrain vehicles, tracked vehicles and unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles is prohibited.
5. No change.
6. Hunters must check in and out at the designated check station and check all game taken.
6.7. Horses are prohibited during periods open to hunting except when used by mobility-impaired hunters during the general gun for mobility-impaired season. During periods closed to hunting, horses may be used only on named or numbered roads and designated trails except that mobility-impaired hunters may use horses throughout the area during the weekend and day before the general gun for mobility-impaired season.
7.8. No change.
(36) Lower Econfina River Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery October 6-21 8-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 27-29 29-31.
3. Small game January 14 16 through February 24 26.
4. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
5. Spring turkey March 16-24 17-25.
6. No change.
(b) No change.
(c) General regulations:
1. The possession or use of dogs, other than bird dogs or dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less is prohibited, except as provided by paragraphs paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b) and 68A-15.004(7)(c) or (d), F.A.C.
2. through 6. No change.
7. During the small game season, hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
(37) Belmore Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-24 24-26, 28-30 September 30 through October 2 and October 5-7 7-9.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Family hunt November 3-4 and 17-18 5-6.
4. General gun November 8-11 10-13 and 21-25 23-27.
5. Small game November 30 December 2 through January 6 8 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
6. No change.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 22-24 23-25 and 29-31 March 30 through April 1.
9. through 10. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the family hunts hunt the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the spring turkey season the bag limit for wild turkey shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
(c) through (d) No change.
(38) Four Creeks Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-24 24-26, 28-30 September 30 through October 2 and October 5-7 7-9.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Family hunt November 3-4 5-6.
4. General gun November 9-11 11-13, 16-18 18-20 and 23-25 25-27.
5. Small game November 30 December 2 through January 6 8 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
6. Wild hog-still February 7-10.
7.6. No change.
8.7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
9.8. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 22-24 23-25 and 29-31 March 30 through April 1.
9. through 10. renumbered 10. through 11. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the family hunt the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per quota permit. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited. During the spring turkey season the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season.
(c) through (d) No change.
(39) Hatchet Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 21-23 24-26, 28-30 September 30 through October 2 and October 5-7 7-9.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Family hunt November 3-4 5-6.
4. General gun November 9-11 11-13 and 23-25 25-27.
5. No change.
6. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
7. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 22-24 23-25 and 29-31 March 30 through April 1.
8. No change.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. Hunters shall enter and exit at the designated entrance, check in and out at the check station and check all game taken.
6. through 8. No change.
(40) Log Landing Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 15 24 through October 14 9 and November 2-11 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) October 29 through November 6.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-28, November 16-25 and December 21-30 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) 22-24.
3. Small game November 30 25 through December 16 and January 4 through February 10 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).
4. No change.
5. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
6. Spring turkey March 16 through April 21 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) 17-25.
7. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers, except that the take of turkey other than bearded turkey or gobbler is prohibited during the archery season. The take of antlerless deer, gobbler or bearded turkey during the archery season is allowed only during the first 14 days.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. Motorized vehicles are prohibited except at designated parking areas.
2. through 6. No change.
7. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited.
(41) Thomas Creek Wildlife Management Area Kings Road Unit.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery September 22-24 24-26, October 1-3 3-5 and 8-10 10-12.
2. Muzzleloading gun October 20-22 22-24.
3. Family hunt November 3-4 5-6.
4. General gun November 16-18 18-20 and 23-25 25-27.
5. Small game November 30 through December 5 2-7, December 10-12, 21-23, 28-30 12-14, 23-25, December 30 through January 1 and January 7-9 9-11.
6. No change.
7. Youth turkey hunt March 9-10 10-11.
8. Spring turkey March 16-18 17-19, 25-27 26-28 and April 1-3 2-4.
9. No change.
(b) through (d) No change.
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2012.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. HistoryNew 6-21-82, Amended 7-1-83, 11-17-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, 2-16-86, 5-7-86, 6-10-86, 11-27-86, 5-10-87, 5-1-88, 6-7-88, 7-1-89, 8-17-89, 7-1-90, 9-1-90, 7-1-91, 7-2-91, 7-1-92, 7-2-92, 8-23-92, 10-22-92, 7-1-93, 7-1-94, 2-9-95, 7-1-95, 7-1-96, 9-15-96, 6-1-97, 7-1-98, 7-2-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-15.062, Amended 12-9-99, 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 11-11-01, 6-2-02, 10-16-02, 5-25-03, 7-7-03, 9-29-03, 7-1-04, 8-1-04, 7-1-05, 8-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-2-06, 7-1-07, 7-5-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-20-09, 7-1-10, 7-1-11, 7-1-12.
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.W.
