: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region and conform to calendar year date changes. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable ...

 

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 specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest 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 amendment would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northwest Region as follows:

Apalachicola WMA, Bradwell Unit – add a youth spring turkey hunt (quota of 3, no exemptions); add a scout day between the two archery hunts; and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Aucilla WMA – allow the use of dogs to hunt wild hog during small game season.

Blackwater WMA, Hutton Unit – allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Box-R WMA – allow the take of wild hog during small game season; prohibit the use of dogs to take wild hog during the small game season; and move the second general gun season hunt to the end of January to better capture the rut.

Chipola River WMA – allow access to improved recreational areas from sunset to sunrise only to individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area; and establish five 3-day wild hog-still season hunts (one per month from May through September).

Choctawhatchee River WMA – allow access to improved recreational areas from sunset to sunrise only to individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area; and allow raccoon hunting at night by the aid of a light and dogs during the general gun and small game seasons.

Econfina Creek WMA – allow access to improved recreational areas from sunset to sunrise only to individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area; and allow through hikers on the Florida National Scenic Trail to camp in designated campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.

Eglin AFB WMA – clarify that a Department of Defense-issued permit is required for all recreational users on the area.

Escambia River WMA – allow access to improved recreational areas from sunset to sunrise only to individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area; and establish five 3-day wild hog-dog season hunts (one per month from May through September).

Joe Budd WMA – add the allowance to use modern shotguns during the youth turkey hunt; and change the issuance of spring turkey season daily quota permits first-come, first-served at the check station to random draw via the Commission’s Recreational License Issuance Services (RLIS).

Lafayette Creek WMA – establish a wild hog-still season hunt during February; and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Ochlockonee River WMA – establish five 3-day wild hog-still season hunts (one per month from May through September); and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Perdido River WMA – allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Pine Log WMA – allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Point Washington WMA – clarify that camping is prohibited, except when camping in designated campsites by permit from the Florida Forest Service; and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Talquin WMA – establish five 3-day wild hog-still season hunts (one per month from May through September); and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Tyndall WMA – allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander.

Wakulla WMA – expand the first archery season hunt from two days (Saturday and Sunday) to three days (Saturday through Monday); and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Yellow River WMA – allow access to improved recreational areas from sunset to sunrise only to individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area; remove the designation and boundary for the Burnt Grocery Creek Unit and regulate this area with Yellow River WMA rules; remove the quota permit requirement during the youth spring turkey hunt; allow hunting during the youth spring turkey hunt on the entire WMA; and allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) during small game season.

Additionally, the proposed rule amendment would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.

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 n; Sections 375.2223, 375.313, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution n; Sections 379.2223, 375.313, FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATES AND TIMES: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 8 - 9, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail Crystal River, Florida 34429.

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: 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-15.063 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas – Northwest Region.

(1) Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through February 11 12 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

3. No change.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

5. through 7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – December 19 20 through January 28 29 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. Spring turkey (Zones B and C) – March 17 18 through April 22 23 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

2. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

3. No change.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

6. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery –February 1-11 2-12.

9. No change.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – October 1 through March 4 5 in that portion of the area in Liberty County lying west of State Road 65 (except in that portion of the area lying north and east of the Florida River and Larkins Slough) and in that portion in Leon County and Wakulla County south of State Road 267 bounded on the east by Forest Roads 313, F.H. 13 and 356, on the south by Forest Roads 349 and 357, on the west by Forest Roads 348 and F.H. 13, 309, 314 and 344.

11. Trapping – February 1 2 through March 1.

12. 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 two or more points 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 periods of November 23-26 24-27 and December 9-20 10-21. 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 U.S. 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. Bird dogs may be trained from June 1 through March 4 5, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained from October 28 29 through November 16 17 in that portion of the area open to hunting fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcats.

2. through 7. No change.

(3) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area – Bradwell Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9-13 10-14.

2. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 29 through November 6.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, January 19-21 20-22 and February 2-4 3-5.

5. Small game – Opening 12 days prior to the zonal antlered deer season and closing 8 days thereafter, and reopening on the first Saturday following the close of the first family hunt and closing 8 days thereafter November 12-20 and December 31 through January 8.

6. Spring turkey – March 17-18 18-19 and March 30 31 through April 1 2.

7. Wild hog-dog – July 14-16 8-10, August 4-6 5-7 and September 1-3 2-4, 2017 2016, and May 4-6 5-7 and June 1-3 2-4, 2018 2017.

8. Wild hog-still – July 21-23 15-17, August 18-20 19-21 and September 15-17 16-18, 2017 2016, and May 18-20 19-21 and June 15-17 16-18, 2018 2017.

9. No change.

10. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11.

10. renumbered 11. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during those portions of the archery season that coincide with the open season established for the East Panhandle BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C), 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. The bag limit for antlered deer shall be one per quota permit during the archery season and one per person, but no more than two per quota permit during muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. During the family hunt, the bag limit shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. During the wild hog seasons, only wild hog may be taken.

(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 during the small game season.

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. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 16 17 through February 7 8.

2. Family still hunt – December 9-10 10-11.

3. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 15 16 and February 8 9 through March 4 5.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

6. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

7. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 15-25 16-26.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, August 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, September 1-3 2-4, 15-17 16-18, 2017 2016, and May 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, June 1-3 2-4 and 15-17 16-18, 2018 2017.

10. 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. General gun dog – November 23-26 24-27, December 16 17 through December 31 January 1 and January 15 16 through February 7 8.

2. General gun still – January 1-14 2-15.

3. Family still hunt – December 9-10 10-11.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 15 16 and February 8 9 through March 4 5.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

6. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

7. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

8. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 15-25 16-26.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through March 4 5, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. Wild hog-dog – July 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, August 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, September 1-3 2-4, 15-17 16-18, 2017 2016, and May 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, June 1-3 2-4 and 15-17 16-18, 2018 2017.

12. 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 to the west and south, County Road 191 on the 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 – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Family still hunt – December 9-10 10-11.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 19-21 20-22.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – February 5-6 6-7, 7-8 8-9, 19-20 20-21 and 21-22 22-23.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 7-9 1-3, 21-23 15-17, August 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, September 1-3 2-4, 15-17 16-18, 2017 2016, and May 4-6 5-7, 18-20 19-21, June 1-3 2-4 and 15-17 16-18, 2018 2017.

9. No change.

(d) through (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 general gun still and family still hunt in the dog hunt area; however, dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less may be used to take small game during small game seasons in both the still hunt and dog hunt areas and dogs of any size or breed may be used throughout the area during the wild hog-dog season. The take of wild hog with dogs during the small game season is prohibited.  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 hunting wild hogs.

4. through 12. No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21-24 22-25 and 25-29 26-30.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. Quail – November 11-12 12-13, 18-19 19-20, 22-23 23-24, December 11-12 12-13, 16-17 17-18, 25-26 26-27 and December 30-31 31 through January 1.

4. General gun – January 13-16 14-17 and 17-21 18-22.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – January 26-28 27-29 and February 2-4 3-5.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17-19 18-20, March 30 31 through April 1 2 and April 13-15 14-16.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 21-23 15-17, August 18-20 19-21 and September 15-17 16-18, 2017 2016, and May 18-20 19-21 and June 15-17 16-18, 2018 2017.

9. through 11. 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 during the wild hog-dog season and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season, or as specifically authorized by permit. The take of wild hog with dogs during small game season is prohibited.

4. through 10. No change.

(6) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Carr Unit.

(a) Open season: Special-opportunity released quail – November 11-17 12-18, 18-24 19-25, November 25 26 through December 1 2, December 2-8 3-9, 9-15 10-16, 16-22 17-23, 23-29 24-30, December 30 31 through January 5 6, January 6-12 7-13, 13-19 14-20, 20-26 21-27, January 27 28 through February 2 3, February 3-9 4-10, 10-16 11-17, 17-23 18-24, and February 24 25 through March 2 3.

(b) through (d) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – December 8 9 through January 7 8 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 12-28 13-29 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Small game – October 7 1 through December 3 4 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 7. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Only bows or muzzleloading guns, and shotguns are allowed for taking turkey during spring turkey season, except shotguns may be used during the youth turkey hunt.

6. through 12. No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

2. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

3. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

4. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

5. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) No change.

(c) Camping: Prohibited, except in designated campsites by permit from the Florida Forest Service.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Taking wildlife with dogs other than bird dogs is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season.

4. through 7. No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 24-26 25-27 and December 9-31 10 through January 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 5 6 through March 4 5 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – July 14-16, August 11-13 and September 8-10, 2017, and May 11-13 and June 8-10, 2018.

(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.

3. through 5. No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 24-26 25-27 and December 9-31 10 through January 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 5 6 through March 4 5 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

7. Wild hog-still – July 7-9, August 4-6 and September 1-3, 2017, and May 4-6 and June 1-3, 2018.

(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 wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

3. through 6. No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

2. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

3. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 1-11 2-12.

6. through 7. No change.

8. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Deer dogs may be trained from October 28 29 through November 16 17.

2. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21-29 22-30.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9, December 18-22 19-23 and January 5-31 6 through February 1.

4. General gun still – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9-17 10-18.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

8. Spring turkey – March 17-20 18-21, March 29 30 through April 1 2 and 5-8 6-9.

9. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 4 5 through December 31 January 1, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. November 4-10 5-11, 11-17 12-18, and 18-26 19-27 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – January 1 2 through March 4 5.

3. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

4. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

5. Archery – September 16 17 through October 15 16, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. September 16-24 17-25 and October 7-15 8-16 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. Muzzleloading gun – October 21-23 22-24.

7. Family hunt – October 28-29 29-30, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – December 16-31 17 through January 8, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 14-16 8-10, August 11-13 12-14, and September 1-3 2-4, 2017 2016, and May 11-13 12-14 and June 8-10 9-11, 2018 2017.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Trapping – January 1 2 through March 1.

14. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wild hog by the use of dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog, small game and general gun seasons in the dog hunt area (which includes that portion of the area east of State Road 59 and north of US 98, west of Powell Hammock Road and south of Goose Pasture Road and that portion of the area north of Goose Pasture Road and west of Oneal Tram).

2. through 12. No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Muzzleloading gun – October 21 22 through November 3 4.

2. General gun – November 4 5 through January 21 22.

3. Small game – January 22 23 through March 4 5.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

6. Archery – September 16 17 through October 15 16.

7. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – January 22 23 through March 1.

(b) through (d) No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 12 13.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27, January 20-23 21-24 and January 24-28 25-29.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through January 19 20 and January 29 30 through March 4 5.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

6. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 8 9.

7. Raccoon ‒ November 11 12 through March 4 5.

8. 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, or when taking raccoon during the raccoon season, or when using any dog to take small game during small game season.  The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

3. through 7. No change.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 22 23 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-8 3-9 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27, December 9 10 through February 18 19 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 19-25 20-26 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. Small game – November 11 12 through March 4 5 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

8. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

9. through 11. 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 two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age in areas specified by the Installation Commander. The Installation Commander may specify areas and days 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.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 10. No change.

11. A Department of Defense-issued permit is required for all recreational users on the area.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

2. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

5. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

8. through 9. No change.

10. Wild hog-dog – July 14-16, August 11-13 and September 8-10, 2017, and May 11-13 and June 8-10, 2018.

10. renumbered 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 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 on Parker and Morgan islands at night to take raccoon and any dog may be used to take wild hog during the wild hog-dog season. 

3. through 5. No change.

6. Access to improved recreational areas is allowed from sunset to sunrise only for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area.

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

8. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 22 23 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-8 3-9.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through February 18 19 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Supervised youth – October 21 22 through December 31 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

6. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. Small game – November 11 12 through March 4 5 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. 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 in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander.

2. through 4. No change.

(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through February 11 12.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 only in that portion of the area south of the pipeline right-of-way located up river (north) of Cedar Log Landing (Walton County) and Billy Lee Landing (Washington County). March 17-19 18-20 and March 30 31 through April 1 2 in that portion of the area north of the pipeline right-of-way.

8. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – December 1 through March 1 in still hunt areas and February 1 2 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

(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. 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.

3. through 5. No change.

6. Access to improved recreational areas is allowed from sunset to sunrise only for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 1.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and January 2 through March 4 5.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 6-7 7-8 and 13-14 14-15.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

8. through 11. No change.

12. Wild hog-still – July 14-16, August 11-13 and September 8-10, 2017, and May 11-13 and June 8-10, 2018. 

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

2. Family hunt – November 23-26 24-27.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

4. Small game – January 6 7 through March 4 5 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – March 17-19 18-20, March 30 31 through April 1 2 and April 13-15 14-16.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) through (d) No change.

(e) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

5. Access to improved recreational areas is allowed from sunset to sunrise only for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons except in the Burnt Grocery Creek area:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

6. through 8. No change.

9. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11.

(b) Open seasons in the Burnt Grocery Creek area (the area west of Burnt Grocery Creek and north of Bernice Road and Old Fisher Mill Road):

1. Archery – October 22 through November 20, November 24-27, and December 10 through February 1.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 3-5.

3. Small game – November 12-20.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12.

6. Spring turkey – March 18-20, March 31 through April 2, April 7-9 and 21-23.

7. Fishing and frogging – Throughout the year.

8. Trapping – Prohibited.

(b)(c) Legal to Take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. In that portion of the area south of I-10, 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. In that portion of the area north of I-10, 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. Antlerless deer may only be taken during the first 30 days of archery season in the Burnt Grocery Creek area. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit.

(b) renumbered (c) No change.

(d)(e) 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 (except in the Burnt Grocery Creek area).  The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

3. No change.

4. During the general gun and small game seasons, hunting as specified by paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., is allowed, except in the Burnt Grocery Creek area.

5. Access to improved recreational areas is allowed from sunset to sunrise only for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27 and December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

4. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23.

8. Raccoon – November 11 12 through March 9 10 and April 23 24 through July 31.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) Open seasons in the mobility-impaired hunt area (area south of County Road 388):

1. General gun – November 24-26 25-27, January 12-14 13-15, 19-21 20-22, January 26-28 27-29 and January 31 through February 2 February 1-3.

2. Spring turkey – March 17-18 18-19, 23-25 24-26, March 30 31 through April 1 2, April 6-8 7-9, 13-15 14-16 and 20-22 21-23.

3. No change.

(c) Open seasons in the Cat Creek (area south of State Road 20 and north of County Road 388) and Fitzhugh Carter (area west of State Road 77) areas:

1. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. General gun – November 23-26 24-27, January 20-23 21-24 and January 24-28 25-29.

4. Small game – December 9-24 10-25.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

6. Spring turkey – March 17-19 18-20, March 30 31 through April 1 2 and April 13-15 14-16.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) No change.

(e) Camping: Prohibited, except at designated campsites by permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Through hikers using the Florida National Scenic Trail may camp at designated campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.

(f) General regulations:

1. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads. During periods open to hunting in the mobility-impaired hunt area, vehicles are not restricted to named or numbered roads but may be operated only by persons authorized to participate in the hunt. From May through September During periods closed to hunting, vehicular access is prohibited on Dog Roads 1-8, 10, 13-17, 19, 20-28 and 33-37, Enfinger Road and on numbered roads in the mobility-impaired area.

2. through 10. No change.

11. Access to improved recreational areas is allowed from sunset to sunrise only for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area.

11. renumbered 12. No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

2. Small game – November 11-19 12-20.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

4. General gun – November 23-26 24-27, January 4-7 5-8, 11-14 12-15 and , 18-21, and 19-22 25-28.

5. Wild hog-still – December 9-15 10-16.

6. Wild hog-dog – July 14-16 8-10, August 11-13 12-14 and September 8-10, 2017 9-11, 2016, and May 11-13 12-14 and June 8-10, 2018  9-11, 2017.

7. Spring turkey – March 17-20 18-21, March 29 30 through April 1 2 and April 12-15 13-16.

8. through 9. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during those portions of the archery season that coincide with the open season established for the East Panhandle BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C), fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only. Taking antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the spring turkey season from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The take of deer is prohibited during wild hog-still season.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 4. No change.

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 during the small game season. During the wild hog-dog season, no more than 3 free-running dogs per quota permit may be used.

6. through 12. No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. Family hunt – November 23-26 24-27.

4. General gun – January 20-23 21-24 and January 24-28 25-29.

5. Small game – December 8 9 through January 14 15 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. Spring turkey – March 17-19 18-20 and March 23 24 through April 22 23 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

7. through 8. No change.

9. Wild hog-still – February 1-28.

9. renumbered 10. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, 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. Only wild hog may be taken during wild hog-still season.

(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 wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

5. through 6. No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 14-16, 20-22, 27-29, and 15 through November 3-5 and 10-12 13 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 24-26 25-27, December 8-10 9-11, 22-24 23-25, January 5-7 6-8 and 19-21 20-22.

3. Small game – January 22 23 through February 18 19.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

5. Spring turkey – March 17 18 through April 22 23 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

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 wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

4. through 7. No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

3. Family hunt – November 23-26 24-27 and January 5-7 6-8.

4. General gun – January 13-19 14-20 and 20-28 21-29.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

6. Small game – December 5 6 through January 3 4.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12.

8. Spring turkey – March 17-25 18-26 and March 26 27 through April 8 9.

9. through 11. No change.

(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 wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

4. through 7. No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – November 24-26 25-27, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 19-21 20-22 and February 2-4 3-5.

2. Youth turkey hunt – March 10-11 11-12, 24-25 25-26 and April 7-8 8-9.

3. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 21 22 through November 19 20.

2. Small game – November 11-22 12-23, November 27 28 through December 8 9 and February 1 2 through March 4 5.

3. Family hunt – November 23-26 24-27.

4. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

5. General gun – December 9 10 through January 31 February 1.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 1-11 2-12.

7. Spring turkey – March 17-20 18-21 and March 28 29 through April 1 2.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 14-16 8-10, August 11-13 12-14 and September 8-10, 2017 9-11, 2016, and May 11-13 12-14 and June 8-10, 2018 9-11, 2017.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 23-26 24-27, January 20-23 21-24 and January 24-28 25-29.

2. Archery – October 21-27 22-28 and October 28 29 through November 5 6.

3. Muzzleloading gun – December 2-4 3-5.

4. Spring turkey – March 17-19 18-20, March 30 31 through April 1 2, April 6-8 7-9 and 20-22 21-23.

5. Small game – November 11-19 12-20.

6. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

 

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2017

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.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Diane R. Eggeman, 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 16, 2016

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 8, 2016