The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise hunting regulations for gray squirrel on lands outside the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to provide increased ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-13.004Hunting Regulations for Non-Migratory Game and Issuance of Antlerless Deer Permits and Private Lands Deer Management Permits

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise hunting regulations for gray squirrel on lands outside the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to provide increased hunting opportunities for gray squirrel.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would allow the take of gray squirrel year-round on lands outside the WMA system.

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.

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; Section 375.313, Florida Statutes.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution; 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 21-22, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301.

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: Cory Morea, Deer Management Program Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-13.004 Hunting Regulations for Non-Migratory Game and Issuance of Antlerless Deer Permits and Private Lands Deer Management Permits.

The Commission has approved the following hunting regulations for taking non-migratory game.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) Open seasons:

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Gray squirrel: Throughout the year Opening the second Saturday of October and closing the first Sunday in March. Opening October 1 and closing March 31 for falconry.

(f) through (g) No change.

(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (3)(a), and (c)-(e), antlered deer, antlerless deer as provided by paragraph 3(b), gobblers or bearded turkeys, gray squirrel and quail may be taken:

1. through 2. No change.

(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (3)(a), (c), (d), (e), and (g), antlered deer, antlerless deer as provided by paragraph (3)(b), gobblers or bearded turkeys, gray squirrel and quail may be taken:

1. through 2. No change.

(j) No change.

(4) through (5) No change.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 5-19-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 7-1-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-13.04, Amended 6-1-86, 5-10-87, 6-8-87, 5-1-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 7-1-91, 7-1-92, 7-1-93, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 7-1-96, 10-28-97, 4-27-98, 12-28-98, Formerly 39-13.004, Amended 7-1-01, 5-13-02, 10-16-02, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-08, 7-1-10, 1-1-11, 7-26-12, 7-1-13, 6-1-13, 7-1-14, 7-2-14, 7-1-15, 7-29-15, 7-1-16, 7-1-17, 12-10-18, 7-1-19, 7-1-21, 7-1-22, 7-1-24.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: George Warthen, 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: December 5, 2023

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 14, 2023.