Summary
The proposed rule amendment would adjust definitions as follows:
Game bird – modify to include only those species with established open seasons, except for those non-native species already listed as “generally considered game.” This proposed change would help simplify regulations for allowing take of non-native doves and geese in Florida.
Game mammal – modify to include only those species with established open seasons, except for those non-native species already listed as “generally considered game.” This proposed change would help simplify hunting regulations in Florida by maintaining consistency with the proposed definition for game birds.
Legal game – define more generally as game mammals, game birds, and crows; and include turkey, wild hog, and non-protected birds and mammals. This proposed change would allow take of non-protected birds on Commission-managed lands and simplify hunting regulations in Florida.
Migratory game bird – modify to include only those species of game birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This proposed change would help simplify bird hunting regulations in Florida by separating non-native birds from native migratory game birds.
Non-protected bird – update to include African and Eurasian collared-doves, common pigeon (rock dove), and Egyptian goose; and change “English sparrow” to “house sparrow” and “starling” to “common starling.” This proposed change would classify non-native doves and geese as “non-protected” and update the former names “English sparrow” and “starling” to match currently accepted nomenclature.