RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:
68A-15.063: Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - Northwest Region
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule change would revise specific area regulations related to the use of deer dogs for hunting on the Jackson County portion of Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The effect of the proposed rule change will be to allow the use of dogs to hunt deer in the Jackson County portions of the WMA, in keeping with current uses of surrounding private hunting lands.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule change would allow the use of deer dogs for hunting on the Jackson County portion of Econfina Creek WMA during the general gun season.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein:
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Diane R. Eggeman, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

68A-15.063 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas – Northwest Region.

(1) through (21) No change.

(22) Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

(a) through (e) No change.

(f) General regulations:

1. No change.

2. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in those portions of the area that are ~~Jackson County and areas~~ west of State Road 77;, south of State Road 20;, east of Econfina Creek;, east of Ten-mile Creek;, west of Econfina Road and south of Greenhead Road;, and north of Duma Jack Road, except that dogs may be used in that portion of the area in Jackson County and to take raccoons (except in the mobility-impaired hunt area).

3. through 11. No change.

(23) through (27) No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS. History–New 6-21-82, Amended 7-1-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, 5-7-86, 5-10-87, 6-8-87, 5-1-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 9-1-90, 7-1-91, 9-1-91, 7-1-92, 7-2-92, 7-1-93, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 7-1-95, 7-2-95, 8-15-95, 7-1-96, 7-2-96, 6-1-97, 12-3-97, 7-1-98, 7-2-98, 8-11-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-15.063, Amended 11-17-99, 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 7-22-01, 6-2-02, 5-1-03, 7-1-03, 7-1-04, 7-2-04, 8-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-09, 7-20-09, 7-1-10, 7-1-11,_________.

BE ADVISED THAT THESE PROPOSED RULES MAY BE FILED FOR ADOPTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE COMMISSION MEETING AT WHICH THEY ARE CONSIDERED IF THE RULES ARE NOT CHANGED. IF CHANGED, THE RULES MAY BE FILED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE F.A.W.