Summary


The proposed rule amendment would revise specific area regulations on WMAs in the Southwest Region as follows: Babcock Webb WMA – remove the 15-inch minimum shoulder height restriction for wild hog. Croom WMA – allow the take of antlerless deer during muzzleloading gun season by antlerless deer permit only. Everglades Headwaters WMA, Hatchineha Unit – prohibit public access from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise, except for those persons participating in a hunt during established seasons. Green Swamp WMA, West Unit – establish a 3-day family small game hunt (Saturday-Monday) opening the second Saturday in November (25 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions). Lower Hillsborough WMA – convert the youth small game hunt to a family small game hunt. Orange Hammock WMA – allow the take of antlerless deer during archery season and establish a bag limit of 1 antlered or 1 antlerless deer per quota permit during archery season. Upper Hillsborough WMA – reduce the number of spring turkey daily quota permits from 75 each day to 45 each day and fix a clerical error that resulted in the small game season being shortened by two days. Additionally, the proposed rule amendment also clarifies existing rules; removes unnecessary, redundant, or conflicting language; corrects prior mistakes; and makes non-substantive, technical corrections.