68A-24.002: Methods of Taking Fur-Bearing Animals; Possession; Open Season
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to amend rules related to the use of firearms when taking raccoons and opossums at night. The effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources.
SUMMARY: The proposed amendment would amend rules related to the use of firearms for taking raccoons and opossums at night.
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: The nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required.
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.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 8-9, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day.
PLACE: Florida Public Safety Institute, 215 Academy Drive, Havana, FL 32333
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The ADA Coordinator at (850)488-6411. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
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-24.002 Methods of Taking Fur-Bearing Animals; Possession; Open Season.
(1) No change.
(2) Fur-bearing animals may be taken in accordance with the following:
(a) No change.
(b) Raccoon or opossum may be taken at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 gauge shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6 provided that no such firearm shall be loaded at any time except immediately prior to the shooting of a treed or bayed raccoon or opossum. The hunting of raccoon or opossum under the provisions of this paragraph by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.
(c) through (d) No change.
(3) No change.
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING COMMISSION ACTION
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-22-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-24.02, Amended 10-8-87, 4-11-90, Formerly 39-24.002, Amended 5-13-02, 7-1-08, 10-5-10,________.
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.