68A-4.007. Exclusion of Certain Areas from Open Season

(1) Whenever reference is made in these rules to open season or provision is made to permit the taking or possession of wildlife or freshwater fish, it shall be construed to mean to authorize the taking or possession of wildlife or freshwater fish only in open territory and shall not include state parks or recreation areas or the grounds of any of the state universities, colleges, schools, experiment stations, plant boards, hospitals or correctional institutions or state-operated fish hatcheries unless such taking or possession is authorized by the superintendent; nor upon any refuges, bird sanctuaries, restricted hunting areas or management areas established by the Commission unless specifically provided otherwise.

(2) Lands to be managed by the Commission or by the Florida Division of Forestry or the water management districts for hunting, fishing and other related outdoor recreational activities may be closed to the taking of wildlife or freshwater fish by executive order to protect fish and wildlife resources. Such executive closure orders shall be issued on an interim basis until appropriate fish and wildlife resource and public-use assessments are made by the Commission and until the area is formally established under Rule 68A-14.001, F.A.C. Lands closed by executive order shall remain closed to the taking or possession of wildlife and freshwater fish for a period of time not to exceed one year. Lands closed pursuant to this subsection shall be posted as closed to the taking of wildlife and freshwater fish.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Formerly 39-4.07, Amended 10-28-97, Formerly 39-4.007, Amended 6-23-99, 7-1-08.