25451459, 68A-15.065 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 25451459

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Chapter:

TYPE I WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

Overview

RULE:

68A-15.065

Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - Northeast Region

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northeast Region and adjust how some season dates are described to better conform to calendar year changes. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources and public use on WMAs.

SUMMARY:

The proposed rule amendment would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes, adjust how some season dates are described to better conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Northeast Region as follows:

Herky Huffman/Bull Creek WMA – clarify the rule language by replacing “walk in” with “non-motorized” when referring to access.
Etoniah Creek WMA –allow motorized vehicles on all named and numbered roads year-round from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset.
Guana River WMA – allow public access at the Roscoe Boulevard Extension entrance 24/7 during periods when the upland portion is closed to scouting and hunting; and clarify the rule language by replacing “walk in” with “non-motorized” when referring to access.
Half Moon WMA – shift opening times earlier for entrance gate(s) to increase access during spring turkey scout days.
Lake Panasoffkee WMA – shift hunt dates for small game and wild hog hunts to allow for non-hunting weekends for other recreational users in January, February and March.
Ocala WMA – allow coyotes to be pursued during the established fox and bobcat season, day or night, in the designated portion of the Pipeline Unit; clarify that any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season in the Church Lake and Pipeline Units; clarify that migratory birds and waterfowl may be taken during the established statewide seasons; and delete unnecessary rule language relating to transporting dogs on the area.
Richloam WMA, Baird Unit - shift opening times earlier for entrance gate(s) to increase access during spring turkey scout days.
Seminole Forest WMA – add wild hog as legal to take during the small game season.
Seminole Ranch WMA – increase the small game season daily quota from 25 to 50 for each of the 4 small game hunts.
Silver Springs Forest WMA – establish a 7-day wild hog quota hunt (20 no-cost, quota permits, no exemptions) in August (no dogs, no night hunting, centerfire rifles allowed); and extend the small game season from 18 days to 29 days to increase opportunity.
Tosohatchee WMA – shift opening times earlier for entrance gate(s) on non-hunting dates to increase access (6 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.); and allow hunting equipment to be taken onto the area the Monday prior to each hunt.
Triple N Ranch WMA – remove the registration requirement for people entering the area for purposes other than hunting; and update camping language to accommodate hikers on the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA – clarify the rule language by replacing “walk in” with “non-motorized” when referring to access.

Additionally, the proposed rule amendment would provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution n; Section 379.2223, 375.313, Florida Statutes

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution n; Sections 379.2223, 375.313, Florida Statutes

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

1/13/2022 Vol. 48/09

COMMENTS:

From 1/13/2022 To 2/3/2022 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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