The purpose of the proposed rule change is to address safety concerns of spring turkey hunters on public lands. The effect of the proposed rule change is to limit firearms to shotguns utilizing number 2 or smaller diameter shot for taking wild ...

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Rule No.: RULE TITLE
68A-17.004: General Regulations Relating to Wildlife and Environmental Areas
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule change is to address safety concerns of spring turkey hunters on public lands. The effect of the proposed rule change is to limit firearms to shotguns utilizing number 2 or smaller diameter shot for taking wild turkey during spring turkey seasons on Wildlife and Environmental Areas.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule would prohibit the use of modern and muzzle loading rifles, handguns, and the use of shot with a diameter larger than number 2 shot for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season on Wildlife and Environmental Areas. The intent of this rule is to address increasing safety concerns of public land spring turkey hunters.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: The agency has determined that this rule will ____or will not __X__have an impact on small business. A SERC has ____ or has not _X_ been prepared by the agency.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, September 1-3, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
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 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: 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-17.004 General Regulations Relating to Wildlife and Environmental Areas.

(1) through (5) No change.

(6) Guns:

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Taking wild turkey with firearms other than shotguns using number 2 or smaller diameter shot during the spring turkey season is prohibited.

(e) renumbered (f) No change.

(7) through (17) No change.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2011.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.354, 375.313 FS. History–New 4-12-98, Amended 12-28-98, Formerly 39-17.004, Amended 7-1-00, 7-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-29-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-1-10, 1-1-11.

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: June 23, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 11, 2009