Summary


The proposed rule amendment would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Southwest Region as follows: Arbuckle WMA – change the issuance method of spring turkey quota permits from 10 permits issued through the Commission’s Recreational License Issuance Services (RLIS) and 5 permits issued daily at the check station to 15 permits issued through RLIS. Croom WMA – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) throughout the area, except within the Croom Motorcycle Area. Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA – during the raccoon and opossum season, allow vehicles to be driven on all named or numbered roads. Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA, Yucca Pens Unit – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds); and shift general gun season 1 week earlier to reduce overlap with general gun season on Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA. Green Swamp WMA – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds). Green Swamp WMA, West Unit – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds); and increase the number of quota permits issued at the check station during small game season from 100 to 120. Hilochee WMA – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds). Upper Hillsborough WMA – during small game season, allow any dog for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds); and establish an additional designated entrance for walk-in access. Additionally, the proposed rule amendment would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.