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 ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

68A-15.063 Specific 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:

 

Apalachee WMA – allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) in Zones B and C; and allow any dog to hunt squirrels during quail season in Zone A.

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

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

Joe Budd WMA – allow the take of antlerless deer by antlerless deer permit only.

Juniper Creek WMA – expand youth spring turkey hunts from one to three 2-day (Saturday and Sunday) hunts (3 U.S. Forest Service-issued zone tags each hunt).

Tate’s Hell WMA, Womack Creek Unit – allow the harvest of wild hog 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; Section 375.313, Florida Statutes

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

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

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting February 10 - 11, 2016, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Florida Public Safety Institute – 75 College 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 [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 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 12 14 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting in Zones A and B, except hunting is allowed the Friday after Thanksgiving).

2. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

3. No change.

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

5. through 7. No change.

8. Quail (Zone A) – December 20 22 through January 29 31 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays closed to hunting).

9. Spring turkey (Zones B and C) – March 18 19 through April 23 24 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

10. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited except that bird dogs and retrievers are allowed during the general gun, muzzleloading gun, September duck, duck, geese and coot, dove and quail seasons.  Additionally, any dog may be used to take small game in Zones B and C, and to take squirrels during quail season in Zone A.

2. through 7. No change.

(2) Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open seasons:

1. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

2. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

3. No change.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

6. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery –February 2-12 4-14.

9. No change

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – October 1 through March 5 6 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 2 4 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 24-27 26-29 and December 10-21 12-23. 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 5 6, except on the quail enhancement area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31. Deer dogs may be trained from October 29 31 through November 17 19 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 24-27 26-29 and December 10-14 12-16.

2. Archery – October 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

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

4. Family hunt – December 22-24, January 20-22 15-17 and February 3-5 January 29-31.

5. Small game – November 12-20 14-22 and December 31 26 through January 8 3.

6. Spring turkey – March 18-19 19-20 and March 31 through April 2 1-3.

7. Wild hog-dog – July 8-10 10-12, August 5-7 7-9 and September 2-4 4-6, 2016 2015, and May 5-7 6-8 and June 2-4 3-5, 2017 2016.

8. Wild hog-still – July 15-17 17-19, August 19-21 21-23 and September 16-18 18-20, 2016 2015, and May 19-21 20-22 and June 16-18 17-19, 2017 2016.

9. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) 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 24-27 26-29 and December 17 19 through February 8 10.

2. Family still hunt – December 10-11 12-13.

3. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 16 18 and February 9 11 through March 5 6.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

6. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

8. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 16-26 18-28.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, August 5-7 7-9, 19-21 21-23, September 2-4 4-6, 16-18 18-20, 2016 2015, and May 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, June 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19, 2017 2016.

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 24-27 26-29, December 17 19 through January 1 3 and January 16 18 through February 8 10.

2. General gun still – January 2-15 4-17.

3. Family still hunt (only in that portion of the dog hunt area north of State Road 4 and east of County Road 191) – December 10-11 12-13.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 16 18 and February 9 11 through March 5 6.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

6. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

7. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

8. Muzzleloading gun – December 3-5 5-7.

9. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 16-26 18-28.

10. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat – May 1 through March 5 6, in that portion of the dog hunt area east of Belandville Road.

11. Wild hog-dog – July 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, August 5-7 7-9, 19-21 21-23, September 2-4 4-6, 16-18 18-20, 2016 2015, and May 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, June 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19, 2017 2016.

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 22 24 through November 20 22.

2. Family still hunt – December 10-11 12-13.

3. Muzzleloading gun and archery – January 20-22 15-17.

4. through 6. No change.

7. Quail – February 6-7 1-2, 8-9 3-4, 20-21 15-16 and 22-23 17-18.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 1-3 3-5, 15-17 17-19, August 5-7 7-9, 19-21 21-23, September 2-4 4-6, 16-18 18-20, 2016 2015, and May 5-7 6-8, 19-21 20-22, June 2-4 3-5 and 16-18 17-19, 2017 2016.

9. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(5) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Hutton Unit.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22-25 24-27 and 26-30 October 28 through November 1.

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

3. Quail – November 12-13 14-15, 19-20 21-22, 23-24 25-26, December 12-13 14-15, 17-18 19-20, 26-27 28-29 and December 31 through January 1 2-3.

4. General gun – January 14-17 16-19 and 18-22 20-24.

5. Mobility-impaired general gun – January 27-29 19-31 and February 3-5 5-7.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

7. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21, March 31 through April 2 1-3 and April 14-16 15-17.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 15-17 17-19, August 19-21 21-23 and September 16-18 18-20, 2016 2015, and May 19-21 20-22 and June 16-18 17-19, 2017 2016.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(6) Blackwater Wildlife Management Area – Carr Unit.

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

(b) through (d) No change.

(7) Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – December 9 11 through January 8 10 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 13-29 15-31 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Small game – October 1 3 through December 4 6 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 7. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, turkey of either sex, fish, frogs and furbearers. During small game season, dove (Saturdays only, during phases established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.), quail and squirrel may be taken. Antlerless deer is any deer, except a spotted fawn, that is without antlers or whose antlers are less than one inch in length visible above the hairline. Taking of 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 the last two 3-day hunts of archery season, the take of antlerless deer is prohibited. Antlerless deer is any deer, except a spotted fawn, that is without antlers or whose antlers are less than one inch in length visible above the hairline. Antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only.  Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the spring turkey season from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

(c) through (d) No change.

(8) Point Washington Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

2. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

3. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

4. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

7. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(9) Talquin Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 25-27 27-29 and December 10 12 through January 1 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 6 8 through March 5 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. through 8. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(10) Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 25-27 27-29 and December 10 12 through January 1 3 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Small game – January 6 8 through March 5 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

3. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(11) Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

2. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

3. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

5. Muzzleloading gun and archery – February 2-12 4-14.

6. through 7. No change.

8. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

9. through 12. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. Deer dogs may be trained from October 29 31 through November 17 19.

2. through 6. No change.

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

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22-30 24 through November 1.

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

3. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11, December 19-23 21-23 and January 6 through February 1 3.

4. General gun still – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10-18 12-20.

5. through 6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

8. Spring turkey – March 18-21 19-22, March 30 31 through April 2 3 and 6-9 7-10.

9. through 10. 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. During the youth turkey hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season.

(c) through (d) No change.

(13) Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 5 7 through January 1 3, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. November 5-11 7-13, 12-18 14-20, and 19-27 21-29 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

2. Small game – January 2 4 through March 5 6.

3. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

4. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

5. Archery – September 17 19 through October 16 18, except in the Pinhook still hunt area. September 17-25 19-27 and October 8-16 10-18 in the Pinhook still hunt area.

6. Muzzleloading gun – October 22-24 24-26.

7. Family hunt – October 29-30 31 through November 1, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

8. Wild hog-still – December 17 19 through January 8 3, in the Pinhook still hunt area only.

9. Wild hog-dog – July 8-10 10-12, August 12-14 14-16, and September 2-4 4-6, 2016 2015, and May 12-14 13-15 and June 9-11 10-12, 2017 2016.

10. through 12. No change.

13. Trapping – January 2 4 through March 1.

14. No change.

(b) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season and those portions of the muzzleloading gun archery season in the Pinhook still hunt area that coincide with the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. In the Pinhook still hunt area (which is that portion of the area south of US 98), 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. In the remainder of the area, 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. During the archery season in the Pinhook still hunt area the bag limit for deer shall be two deer, only one of which can be antlered, 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 in the Pinhook still hunt area, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) through (d) No change.

(14) Flint Rock Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Muzzleloading gun – October 22 24 through November 4 6.

2. General gun – November 5 7 through January 22 24.

3. Small game – January 23 25 through March 5 6.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23. 24

6. Archery – September 17 19 through October 16 18.

7. through 9. No change.

10. Trapping – January 23 25 through March 1.

(b) through (d) No change.

(15) Pine Log Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 13 15.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29, January 21-24 23-26 and January 25-29 27-31.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through January 20 22 and January 30 February 1 through March 5 6.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

6. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 9 10.

7. Raccoon ‒ November 12 14 through March 5 6.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(16) Eglin AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 23 25 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 3-9 5-11 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29, December 10 12 through February 19 21 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 20-26 22-28 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

5. Small game – November 12 14 through March 5 6 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

6. No change.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

8. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 in areas and during days specified by the Installation Commander.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(17) Escambia River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

2. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

5. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

7. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(18) Tyndall AFB Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 23 25 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

2. Muzzleloading gun – December 3-9 5-11.

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 19 21 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

4. Supervised youth – October 22 24 through December 31 (only in areas and during days designated by the Installation Commander).

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13 in areas specified by the Installation Commander.

6. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

7. Small game – November 12 14 through March 5 6 during days specified by the Installation Commander.

8. through 10. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(19) Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3 except Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14. Holmes Creek Unit and East River Island November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 12 14.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

7. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 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 18-20 19-21 and March 31 through April 2 1-3 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 2 4 through March 1 in dog hunt areas.

(b) through (d) No change.

(20) Chipola River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through January 1.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and January 2 through March 5 6.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – January 7-8 2-3 and 14-15 9-10.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

7. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

8. through 11. No change.

(b) Open seasons in the Altha Tract:

1. Archery – October 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

2. Family hunt – November 24-27 26-29.

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

4. Small game – January 7 2 through March 5 6 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

5. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21, March 31 through April 2 1-3 and April 14-16 15-17.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season and those portions of the archery season in the Altha Tract that coincide with the bear season), 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. During the archery season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person, but not more than two 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 season in the Altha Tract, the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. One gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per quota permit during the youth turkey hunt and one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit during spring turkey season in the Altha Tract.

(d) through (e) No change.

(21) Yellow River Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

6. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

7. through 9. No change.

(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 24 through November 20 22, November 24-27 26-29, and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

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

3. Small game – November 12-20 14-22.

4. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

6. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21, March 31 through April 2 1-3, April 7-9 8-10 and 21-23 22-24.

7. through 8. No change.

(c) through (e) No change.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

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

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29 and December 10 12 through February 1 3.

4. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

6. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

7. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24.

8. Raccoon – November 12 14 through March 10 11 and April 24 25 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 25-27 27-29, January 13-15 15-17, 20-22 22-25, January 27-29 29-31 and February 1-3 3-5.

2. Spring turkey – March 18-19 19-20, 24-26 25-27, March 31 through April 2 1-3, April 7-9 8-10, 14-16 15-17 and 21-23 22-24.

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 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

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

3. General gun – November 24-27 26-29, January 21-24 23-26 and January 25-29 27-31.

4. Small game – December 10-25 12-27.

5. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

6. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21, March 31 through April 2 1-3 and April 14-16 15-17.

7. through 8. No change.

(d) through (f) No change.

(23) Box-R Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

2. Small game – November 12-20 14-22.

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

4. General gun – November 24-27 26-29, January 5-8 7-10, 12-15 14-17 and 19-22 21-24.

5. Wild hog-still – December 10-16 12-18.

6. Wild hog-dog – July 8-10 10-12, August 12-14 14-16 and September 9-11 11-13, 2016 2015, and May 12-14 13-15 and June 9-11 10-12, 2017 2016.

7. Spring turkey – March 18-21 19-22, March 30 31 through April 2 3 and April 13-16 14-17.

8. through 9. No change.

(b) through (c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. During periods when the area is closed to hunting, public access other than on foot (pedestrian), horseback (equestrian) or by bicycle is prohibited except that motorized vehicles may be used on Pine Log Road and one day immediately prior to and one day after each hunt.

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

6. No change.

7. No deer or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.

8. through 12. No change.

(24) Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

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

3. Family hunt – November 24-27 26-29.

4. General gun – January 21-24 23-26 and January 25-29 27-31.

5. Small game – December 9 11 through January 15 17 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21 and March 24 25 through April 23 24 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

7. through 9. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(25) Wakulla Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 15 17 through November 13 15 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

2. Archery and muzzleloading gun – November 25-27 27-29, December 9-11 11-13, 23-25 25-27, January 6-8 8-10 and 20-22 22-24.

3. Small game – January 23 25 through February 19 21.

4. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

5. Spring turkey – March 18 19 through April 23 24 (Saturdays and Sundays only).

6. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(26) Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

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

3. Family hunt – November 24-27 26-29 and January 6-8 8-10.

4. General gun – January 14-20 16-22 and 21-29 January 23-31.

5. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

6. Small game – December 6 8 through January 4 6.

7. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13.

8. Spring turkey – March 18-26 19-27 and March 27 28 through April 9 10.

9. through 11. No change.

(b) through (d) No change.

(27) Juniper Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Family hunt – November 25-27 27-29, December 24-26, December 31 through January 2, January 20-22 15-17 and February 3-5 January 29-31.

2. Youth turkey hunt – March 11-12 12-13, 25-26 and April 8-9.

3. No change.

(b) Legal to take: Antlered deer with at least one antler with two or more points, antlerless deer, bear (only during the bear season), and wild turkey (during the youth turkey hunt only). The bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person. During the youth turkey hunts hunt, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per youth.

(c) No change.

(d) General regulations:

1. through 2. No change.

3. A zone tag issued by the U.S. Forest Service is required to participate in each hunt. Each hunter shall obtain a zone tag prior to the hunt and keep it in his or her possession while hunting on the area. No person shall hunt in any zone other than that for which he or she has a zone tag. During the family hunt, one or two youth per zone tag, under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age, may hunt as provided in Section 790.22, F.S., under the supervision and in the presence of one adult not younger than 18 years of age. The adult may only hunt when in the presence of at least one youth under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age. During the youth turkey hunts hunt, one youth and one adult may participate as provided by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., per zone tag. During the bear hunt, one youth and one adult may participate per zone tag.

4. through 7. No change.

(28) Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) Open season:

1. Archery – October 22 24 through November 20 22.

2. Small game – November 12-23 14-25, November 28 30 through December 9 11 and February 2 4 through March 5 6.

3. Family hunt – November 24-27 26-29.

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

5. General gun – December 10 12 through February 1 3.

6. Archery and muzzleloading gun – February 2-12 4-14.

7. Spring turkey – March 18-21 19-22 and March 29 30 through April 2 3.

8. Wild hog-dog – July 8-10 10-12, August 12-14 14-16 and September 9-11 11-13, 2016 2015, and May 12-14 13-15 and June 9-11 10-12, 2017 2016.

9. through 11. 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. During the family hunt, antlered or antlerless deer may be taken (limit one antlerless deer per person per day). During the muzzleloading gun season, antlered or antlerless deer may be taken (limit one antlerless deer per day). During the spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but not more than two per per quota permit. During the wild hog-dog season, only wild hog may be taken.

(c) through (d) No change.

(29) Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area

(a) Open season:

1. General gun – November 24-27 26-29, January 21-24 23-26 and January 25-29 27-31.

2. Archery – October 22-28 24-30 and October 29 31 through November 6 8.

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

4. Spring turkey – March 18-20 19-21, March 31 through April 2 1-3, April 7-9 8-10 and 21-23 22-24.

5. Small game – November 12-20 14-22.

6. 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 any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season.

3. through 4. No change.

 

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2016

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.

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.R.

 

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 19, 2015

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 8, 2015