Summary


The proposed rule amendments would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes, adjust how some season dates are described to better conform to calendar year changes, adjust specific area regulations regarding the use of centerfire rifles during small game season in response to proposed changes in rule 68A-15.004, F.A.C., and revise specific area regulations on wildlife management areas (WMAs) in the North Central Region as follows: Andrews WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Belmore WMA – allow the use of any dog to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory game birds) during small game season. Big Bend WMA, Hickory Mound Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Big Bend WMA, Jena Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; allow the use of dogs to hunt wild hog during the first 9 days of general gun season; and remove the 17-inch shoulder height requirement for dogs used to hunt deer. Big Bend WMA, Snipe Island Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Big Bend WMA, Spring Creek Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Big Bend WMA, Tide Swamp Unit – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; and allow the use of any dog to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory game birds) during small game season. Citrus WMA – establish that part of the Withlacoochee State Forest that lies south of County Road 480, north of U.S. 98 and west of the power line (1,000 acres) as part of Citrus WMA and allow hunting there only during small game season (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory game bird hunting only) and youth turkey and spring turkey seasons. Devil’s Hammock WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Grove Park WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season; and prohibit vehicle access on Prison Farm, Ivey and Johnson Roads by persons not in possession of a Grove Park WMA Recreational Use Permit. Gulf Hammock WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Jennings Forest WMA – allow the use of any dog to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory game birds) during small game season. Little River WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Log Landing WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Mallory Swamp WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Middle Aucilla WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Osceola WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. PotashCorp – White Springs WMA – change the area name from PotashCorp – White Springs WMA to Nutrien – White Springs WMA Potts WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Steinhatchee Springs WMA – allow hunting with centerfire rifles during small game season. Additionally, the proposed rule amendments would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.