68A-15.064: Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas - South Region
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the South Region and conform to calendar year date changes. The effect of the proposed rule changes will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources and public use on WMAs.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule changes would adjust season dates to conform to calendar year changes and revise specific area regulations on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the South Region as follows:
Allapattah Flats WMA – allow hunters to operate vehicles on numbered trails during the small game season; and require persons to enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.
Big Cypress WMA – remove general gun quota requirement on Corn Dance, Loop and Stairsteps Units; remove daily general gun quota requirement from the 17th day of the general gun season through December 21 on the Bear Island Unit; remove general gun quota requirement on Bear Island and Turner River Units from the 10th through 16th days and from December 22 through the last day of the general gun season; remove muzzleloading gun daily quota requirement from the 10th through 16th days on Bear Island; and remove quota requirement for second archery on Deep Lake Unit.
Dinner Island Ranch WMA – establish a 114-day small game season; and change the definition of legal to take for antlered deer to those having three or more points on at least one antler, each point one inch or more in length.
Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA – establish a 105-day small game season; allow the take of geese, rail and gallinule during the statewide migratory bird season; allow the use of ATVs for hunting purposes only and only during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; allow the use of ATVs for scouting purposes two weeks prior to archery season and one week prior to the start of muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; allow airboats and vehicles in Conservation Areas 3A and 2 during the second general gun-walk season; prohibit commercial recreational activities in that portion of Conservation Area 3A leased to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida unless authorized by the Miccosukee Tribe; clarify that nothing in law shall limit, diminish or abridge uses by the Miccosukee Tribe and its members who have rights guaranteed under the Indian Land Claims Settlement Act, Lease Agreement and other laws; require checking of deer and wild hog at a manned check station before quartering, dismembering, or removing them from the area on Saturdays and Sundays during the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; and allow airboats in Conservation Areas 3A South, 3B and all of 2 during the general gun-vehicle season.
Fisheating Creek WMA – expand the migratory bird hunting season to match the statewide season west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Holey Land WMA – establish a 105-day small game season; allow the use of ATVs for hunting purposes only and only during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; and allow the use of ATVs for scouting purposes two weeks prior to archery season and one week prior to the start of muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons.
J.W. Corbett WMA – expand the migratory bird hunting season to match the statewide season; prohibit use of centerfire rifles south and east of Stumper’s Grade; and require persons to enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.
Okaloacoochee Slough WMA – eliminate the dove hunts; eliminate the general gun hog hunt; establish a 2-day family hunt (quota of 40, no exemptions); make wild hog legal to take during small game season; change the definition of legal to take for antlered deer to those having three or more points on at least one antler, each point one inch or more in length; and prohibit use of centerfire rifles during spring turkey season.
Picayune Strand WMA – prohibit use of centerfire rifles during spring turkey season.
Rotenberger WMA – establish a 105-day small game season; allow the use of ATVs for hunting purposes only and only during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; allow the use of ATVs for scouting purposes two weeks prior to archery season and one week prior to the start of muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons; expand the migratory bird hunting season for geese, rail and gallinule to match the statewide migratory bird season; and allow airboats during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons for the purpose of waterfowl hunting on days when waterfowl hunting is allowed.
Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA – establish a 114-day small game season; establish dove hunts during Saturdays of the dove season (100 quota permits at check station, each hunt); change the definition of legal to take for antlered deer to those having three or more points on at least one antler, each point one inch or more in length; allow take of wildlife with bird dogs or retrievers during general gun and small game seasons and on the posted dove field during dove hunts; require dove hunters to hunt from assigned stations in the posted field and allow them to transfer assignments at the check station; issue dove permits on a first-come, first-served basis at the check station each day of a dove hunt; establish shooting hours for the dove hunts; and establish times when hunters may enter and exit the posted dove field.
Additional proposed rule changes would simplify and standardize regulations related to the take of wild hog on WMAs; liberalize regulations related to the possession of firearms, in accordance with Florida Statutes; and provide non-substantive technical changes, such as grammatical corrections, language standardization, or clarification of an existing rule.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
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.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 375.313 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 6-7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
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: Nick Wiley, 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-15.064 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas – South Region.
(1) J. W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. through 6. No change.
7. Migratory game birds – Migratory game birds during seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
8.7. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year except when area is closed to public access.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, furbearers and frogs. Deer daily bag one, annual bag two; wild hog annual bag one. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 20 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited after the first nine days of the general gun season and during small game season. Only hogs with a shoulder height of 20 or more inches may be taken. The taking of hogs will be permitted during the archery and muzzleloading gun seasons, and the first 9 days of the general gun season.
(c) Camping: Camping is allowed from the beginning of archery season through the general gun season, only on designated campsites. Camping equipment may be set up and occupied no earlier than 8 a.m. the day prior to the opening of archery season and all vehicles, camps, tents, other camping equipment and litter removed no later than 24 hours after the close of the general gun season. During the remainder of the year when the area is open for public access, camping is allowed at designated campsites on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, but campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper shall assure that their campsite is clean at all times. At least camping areas L and M (and 1/2 of B during archery season only) shall be designated for short-term camping, with camping being limited to no longer than three days. The alteration, defacing, moving or tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, unless contained in mobile campers, and lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited. Permitted continuously during archery through general gun seasons, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only during the remainder of the year when the area is open.
(d) General regulations:
1. The use of rifles is prohibited within one-fourth mile of the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, the Pratt-Whitney fence and Mecca Farms. The use of centerfire rifles is prohibited south and east of Stumper’s Grade.
2. through 3. No change.
4. Camping is permitted from the beginning of archery season through general gun seasons, only on designated campsites. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper shall assure that their campsite is clean at all times. At least camping areas L and M (and 1/2 of B during archery season only) shall be designated for short-term camping, with camping being limited to no longer than three days. Campsites may be set up and occupied no earlier than 8:00 a.m. the day prior to the opening of archery season and all vehicles, camps, tents, and other camping equipment and litter removed no later than 24 hours after the close of the general gun season. The alteration, defacing, moving or tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, unless contained in mobile campers, lumber, sheet metal or other building materials is prohibited. For the remainder of the year when the area is open camping is permitted at designated campsites on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only but campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
4.5. No change.
5.6. During dog training season and open periods other than designated hunting seasons, motorized vehicles may be operated only on the North, South, and Stumper’s grades, on Trail 6, on Trail 3 between its junction with Tomato Field Grade and its junction with Trail 5, on Trail 5 between its junction with Trail 3 and the L-8 levee, and on the Tomato Field grade east of the Big Gopher canal. These vehicle access prohibitions shall not apply from 8:00 a.m. one day before the opening of muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons through the close of muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons.
6.7. No deer or wild hog shall be quartered or dismembered in the hunt area or removed from the area unless checked at a check station.
7.8. Take of wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except during general gun, small game, raccoon and dog training seasons. During small game season, only bird dogs, dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less, and raccoon dogs are allowed. Dogs shall be removed the last day of the small game season. Dogs other than bird dogs, dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less, or raccoon dogs are prohibited after the last day of the general gun season.
8.9. No change.
9.10. Deer dogs and bird dogs may be trained beginning 14 days prior to the opening of the general gun season and ending 5 days prior to the opening of the general gun season. Taking wildlife with The possession of guns is prohibited while training dogs.
10.11. Within the still hunt areas, vehicles Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads or trails within the still hunt area.
11.12. During raccoon season, firearms and dogs as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., may be used except in the still hunt areas.
13. through 14. renumbered 12. through 13. No change.
14.15. Public access is allowed permitted throughout the year except from the Sunday two weeks prior to the opening of archery season until 8:00 a.m. the day prior to the archery season. Hiking on the Florida Trail and use of the Hungryland Boardwalk is allowed permitted throughout the year.
15.16. No change.
16.17. Dogs, vehicles, and taking wildlife with firearms or and crossbows are prohibited in the Bruce Bowman archery still hunt area, delineated as that portion of the area lying north of the Stumpers Grade, east of the powerline, south and west of Game Canal to the buggy bridge and west of the youth camp road to the intersection of the Stumpers Grade except that vehicles may be used on established roads to access parking lots at the youth camp, shooting range and nature interpretive center, and firearms and crossbows may be possessed at Commission functions specifically authorizing their use.
17.18. Taking wildlife Hunting on or from the nature trail, boardwalk, entrance road or parking lot in the Bruce Bowman archery still hunt area is prohibited.
18.19. No change.
19. Persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.
(2) Holey Land Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun – Walk, October 18-26 20-28.
2. General gun – Vehicle, November 1-16 3-18 (tracked vehicles and airboats only). Deer hunting by quota permit only during the general gun-vehicle season.
3. Archery – August 23 25 through September 14 16.
4. Muzzleloading gun – September 27 29 through October 12 14.
5. Small game – November 17 through March 1.
5. through 6. renumbered 6. through 7. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game (except wild turkeys), fish, frogs and furbearers. Take of antlerless deer is prohibited during During the archery season only antlered deer may be taken. The bag limit for wild hog of hogs shall be one per day; annual bag two. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. During the general gun-vehicle season, a bag limit of one wild hog per day per vehicle shall apply. The bag limit for antlered of deer shall be one during archery season, one during muzzleloading gun season, one during general gun-walk season and one per tag during the general gun-vehicle season.
(c) Camping – Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Camps may not be set up in the area prior to 7 days before archery season and all vehicles, camps, tents, other camping equipment and litter must be removed no later than 6 p.m. 7 days after the close of the general gun season. The erection of any permanent structure is prohibited. During the remainder of the year, camping is allowed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday only, but campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. Camping is allowed only on the L-5 Levee and the Permitted in accordance with the provisions below.
(d) General regulations:
1. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, all-terrain vehicles are allowed but only for the purpose of hunting; all other vehicles are prohibited, except on levees. All-terrain vehicle access for scouting shall be allowed two weeks prior to the archery season and one week prior to the muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons. During the remainder of the year, all-terrain vehicles are prohibited. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun-walk seasons, only all-terrain vehicles are permitted for hunting and all other vehicles are prohibited in the area except on levees. Airboats are prohibited during the archery, muzzleloading, general gun-walk, and general gun-vehicle seasons except airboats used for the purpose of waterfowl duck and coot hunting on days when waterfowl duck and coot hunting is allowed under Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C. While an all-terrain vehicle is in motion, no person shall occupy any platform or structure attached thereto. No all-terrain vehicle may be equipped with a steering mechanism that would enable the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from a platform or structure attached thereto.
2. Vehicles are prohibited on tree islands, strands and or wildlife islands.
3. No change.
4. On Saturdays and Sundays during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons deer and wild hog may not be quartered, dismembered or removed from the area until checked at a manned check station. All hunters shall check out at a check station and record their game harvest.
5. No change.
6. Rifles and pistols are prohibited after the end of the general gun-vehicle season.
6.7. Hunting with dogs is allowed permitted only during the general gun-vehicle season, except that retrievers may be used during waterfowl season.
8 through 11. renumbered 7. through 10. No change.
12. Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Camps may not be set up in the area prior to 7 days before archery season and all vehicles, camps, tents and other camping equipment and litter must be removed no later than 6 p.m. seven days after the close of the general gun season. The erection of any permanent structure is prohibited.
13. Camping during the period from 8 days following the close of the general gun season to 8 days prior to the archery season is permitted but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and camps may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours during this period.
14. Camping is permitted only on the L-5 Levee and the Miami Canal Levee.
15. through 18. renumbered 11. through 14. No change.
(e) No change.
(3)
(a) Open season:
1. General gun – Walk, October 18-26 20-28 Conservation Areas 3A North and 2 only. November 29 through December 28 1-30 in that portion of the area between the Old
2. General gun – Vehicle (airboats and tracked vehicles only), November 1-16 3-18, in Conservation Areas 3A North, 3A South, 2, and the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area by permit only.
3. Archery – August 23 25 through September 14 16, Conservation Area 3A North only.
4. Muzzleloading gun – September 27 29 through October 12 14, in Conservation Area 3A North only.
5. Small game – November 17 through March 1.
6.5. Migratory game birds Duck, coot, and snipe – Migratory game birds except mourning dove and white-winged dove during seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C. Ducks and coots during the duck and coot season established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C., and snipe during the snipe season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
7.6. No change.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game (except turkeys), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one forked antler and having one or more antlers at least 5 inches in length visible above the hairline is prohibited. The forked antler shall have at least two points one inch or greater in length. Take of antlerless deer is prohibited during During the archery season only antlered deer may be taken. The bag limit for wild hog of hogs shall be one per day and two annually. During the general gun-vehicle season, a bag limit of one wild hog per day per vehicle shall apply. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The bag limit for antlered of deer shall be one per season during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons and one per tag during the general gun-vehicle season.
(c) Camping: Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Camps may not be set up in the area prior to 7 days before archery season and all vehicles, camps, tents, other camping equipment and litter must be removed no later than 6 p.m. seven days after the close of the general gun season. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, unless contained in mobile campers or an existing permanent camp, are prohibited. The erection of any permanent structure is prohibited. Camping during the period from 8 days following the close of the general gun season to 8 days prior to the archery season is allowed but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and camps may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours during this period. Overnight camping is prohibited in areas posted as closed to camping. Permitted in accordance with the provisions below.
(d) General regulations:
1. Taking wildlife with The possession of guns on the levee bordering the
2. The possession of rifles or pistols is prohibited after the end of general gun-walk season in Conservation Area 3A between the old Miami Canal (Mud Canal) and the New Miami Canal, and after the general gun-vehicle season in Conservation Area 2 and the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (Area 3B), and the remaining portions of Conservation Area 3A.
2.3. Vehicles and airboats are prohibited on tree islands, wildlife islands and or tree strands. Vehicles and airboats are prohibited in that portion of the area between the
3.4. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, all-terrain vehicles are allowed but only for the purpose of hunting. All other vehicles are prohibited except vehicles are allowed on levees and during the second general gun-walk season, other vehicles and vessels are allowed in Conservation Area 3A North outside of that portion of the area between the Old Miami Canal (Mud Canal) and the New Miami Canal. All-terrain vehicle access for scouting shall be allowed two weeks prior to the archery season and one week prior to the muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons. During the remainder of the year, all-terrain vehicles are prohibited. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, only all-terrain vehicles are permitted for hunting. While an all-terrain vehicle is in motion, no person shall occupy any platform or structure attached thereto. No all-terrain vehicle may be equipped with a steering mechanism that would enable the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from a platform or structure attached thereto.
4.5. Access into Conservation Area 2A during the general gun-walk season is allowed permitted only from the L-6 Levee.
5.6. During archery, and muzzleloading gun, seasons and the first general gun-walk seasons, airboats and other vehicles except all-terrain vehicles are prohibited in Conservation Area 3A North and Conservation Area 2 during legal shooting hours. Archery equipment, muzzleloading guns, and guns may be transported on boats (other than airboats) and all-terrain vehicles in Conservation Area 3A North and Conservation Area 2 during the archery, and muzzleloading gun seasons and the first general gun-walk seasons, respectively.
7. through 8. renumbered 6. through 7. No change.
8.9. On Saturdays and Sundays during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons deer and wild hog hogs may not be quartered or dismembered or removed from the area until checked at a manned check station.
9.10. During the general gun-vehicle season, Conservation Areas 3A North, 3A South, that portion of 2A north of the east-west trail, 2B, and the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area are is closed during legal shooting hours to vehicles and airboats except those authorized by permit. Exceptions include those vehicles and airboats authorized by permit and airboats used for the purpose of duck and coot hunting in Conservation Areas 2, 3A South, and 3B when duck and coot hunting is allowed under Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C. Frogging (by airboat only) in Conservation Area 3A North is allowed permitted from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
11. through 12. renumbered 10. through 11. No change.
12.13. Hunting with dogs is allowed permitted only during the general gun-vehicle season except that retrievers may be used during waterfowl season.
14. through 15. renumbered 13. through 14. No change.
16. Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Camps may not be set up in the area prior to 7 days before archery and all vehicles, camps, tents and other camping equipment and litter must be removed no later than 6:00 p.m. seven days after the close of the general gun season. The erection of any permanent structure is prohibited.
17. Camping during the period from 8 days following the close of the general gun season to 8 days prior to the archery season is permitted but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and camps may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours during this period.
18. Overnight camping is prohibited in areas posted as closed to camping.
19. through 20. renumbered 15. through 16. No change.
17.21. Dogs may be trained in Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area beginning the first Saturday in October and ending nine days thereafter. Taking wildlife with The possession of guns in the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area during the dog training season is prohibited.
22. through 23. renumbered 18. through 19. No change.
20. Commercial recreational activities, such as but not limited to airboat rides, guide services or other tourist services, are prohibited in that portion of Conservation Area 3A South leased to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida unless authorized by the Miccosukee Tribe, which has the exclusive right to provide such services in the Leased Area.
21. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary suggested herein, nothing in law shall limit, diminish or abridge uses by the Miccosukee Tribe and its members who have rights guaranteed under the Indian Land Claims Settlement Act, Lease Agreement and other laws.
(e) No change.
(4) Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. General gun – Walk, October 18-26 20-28.
2. General gun – Vehicle (airboats and tracked vehicles only), November 1-16 3-18 by quota permit only.
3. Archery – August 23 25 through September 14 16.
4. Muzzleloading gun – September 27 29 through October 12 14.
5. Small game – November 17 through March 1.
6.5. Migratory game birds – Migratory game birds except mourning dove and white-winged dove during the seasons established for these species in Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C. Duck, coot, and snipe Ducks and coots during the duck and coot season established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C., and snipe during the snipe season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
7.6. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game (except turkeys), furbearers, fish and frogs. Take of antlerless deer is prohibited during During the archery season only antlered deer may be taken. Wild hog Hog daily bag limit one; two annually. During the general gun-vehicle season, a bag limit of one wild hog per day per vehicle shall apply. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The bag limit for antlered of deer shall be one per season during archery, one during the muzzleloading gun and one during the general gun-walk seasons and one per tag during the general gun-vehicle season.
(c) Camping: Camping is allowed only on the Permitted in accordance with the provisions below.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Vehicles are prohibited on wildlife islands, tree islands, and or tree strands.
3. The possession of rifles and pistols is prohibited after the end of the general gun-vehicle season.
3.4. Nochange.
4.5. On Saturdays and Sundays during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons deer and wild hog may not be quartered, dismembered or removed from the area until checked at a manned check station. All hunters shall check out at a check station and record their game harvest.
6. Camping is permitted only on the
7. Camping during the period from 8 days following the close of the general gun season to 8 days prior to the archery season is permitted but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and camps may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours during this period.
5.8. No change.
6.9. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, all-terrain vehicles are allowed but only for the purpose of hunting. All other vehicles are prohibited except on levees. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, airboats are prohibited except airboats may be used for the purpose of waterfowl hunting on days when waterfowl hunting is allowed under Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C. All-terrain vehicle access for scouting shall be allowed two weeks prior to the archery season and one week prior to the muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons. During the remainder of the year, all-terrain vehicles are prohibited. During the archery, muzzleloading gun and general-gun walk seasons only all-terrain vehicles are permitted for hunting. While an all-terrain vehicle is in motion, no person shall occupy any platform or structure attached thereto. No all-terrain vehicle may be equipped with a steering mechanism that would enable the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from a platform or structure attached thereto. Additionally, during the archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons, other vehicles may be operated only on levees and airboats are prohibited.
7.10. The area is closed to all vehicles and airboats during the general gun-vehicle season except vehicles those authorized by permit and airboats used for the purpose of waterfowl hunting on days when waterfowl hunting is allowed under Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.
11. through 17. renumbered 8. through 14. No change.
(5) Big
(a) Open season:
1. No change.
2. Small game – The day following the close of general gun season through February 1 3.
3. Archery – August 30 through September 28 1-30 in all units and twelve days prior to Thanksgiving day through January 1, except during those years when January 1 falls on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, in which case the season would close on the following Sunday in the Deep Lake Unit only.
4. Muzzleloading gun – October 4-19 6-21, except in the
5. Spring turkey – March 7 1 through April 12 6.
6. No change.
7. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, including only deer with at least one antler five inches in length, fish, frogs, snails, and furbearers furbearing animals (except bobcat and otter). The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. The taking of raccoons with a gun and light is prohibited. The taking of antlerless deer is prohibited. The taking of turkeys or antlerless deer during the archery season is prohibited. Deer, turkey and wild hog bag limit one per day; two annually.
(c) Camping – Permitted in accordance with the general regulations of the National Park Service. Additionally, camping is allowed on the
(d) General regulations:
1. Camping is permitted on the Bear Island Unit by the use of tents, trailers, and self-propelled vehicles at designated campsites only. Camping is permitted on designated campsites on other units. Primitive camping is not limited to designated campsites except on
1.2. Hunting with dogs (other than bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers) is prohibited. Hunting deer or wild hog hogs with dogs is prohibited. All dogs are prohibited in the
3. through 5. renumbered 2. through 4. No change.
5.6. All hunters shall check in at a designated check station when entering the area, retain in their possession a check station pass while hunting and check out at the same check station when exiting the area and shall check all game taken. Deer, wild hog hogs and turkey may be divided or consumed in the field but each portion shall be identified by the number of the license of the person killing it and be readily traceable to the portion of the animal bearing sex identification. Jaw bones of the deer shall be saved for use by the Commission.
6.7. No change.
7.8. Taking of wildlife by use of a gun on or from rights-of-way of County Roads 839, 841, 837 or
9. through 10. renumbered 8. through 9. No change.
10.11. The collection of plants, rocks, minerals, animal life, or other natural objects is allowed permitted only in accordance with written permits obtained in advance from the National Park Service.
11.12. No change.
12.13. Fires are allowed permitted only on designated camping areas or in back country campsites and must be completely extinguished prior to the user leaving the campsite.
14. through 16. renumbered 13. through 15. No change.
(6) Frog pond –
(a) Open season:
Dove – The first, second and fourth Saturdays only during the first phase; the first and third Saturdays only during the second phase; and the first, third, and fifth Saturdays only during the third phase of the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
(b) Legal to take: Mourning and white-winged doves. Shooting hours: Noon until sunset.
(c) Camping: Prohibited. Legal to take: Mourning and white-winged doves.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Taking wildlife with Possession of firearms other than shotguns is prohibited. Taking wildlife with Possession of shotshells containing shot sizes other than No. 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, and 9 is prohibited.
4. through 6. No change.
7. Shooting hours: Noon until sunset.
(7) Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 6-12 8-14 and 13-21 15-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 11-13 13-15.
3. Family Hunt – October 18-19.
4.3. General gun – October 25-28 27-30 and October 29 31 through November 2 4.
4. General gun hog – November 17-23.
5. Small game – November 22 24 through December 14 16.
6. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4 and 11-15 5-9.
7. Dove – Saturdays only during the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
7.8. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, family and general gun and general gun hog seasons, the bag limit for deer shall be one per quota permit and wild hogs may be taken with no size or bag limit. Only wild hogs may be taken during the general gun hog season. The taking of antlerless deer is prohibited during archery season. During the spring turkey season, the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler (or bearded turkey) per quota permit. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited.
(c) Camping: Camping is allowed permitted only at designated campsites during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, family and spring turkey and general gun hog seasons by individuals or parties in possession of a quota hunt permit. During the remainder of the year, camping is allowed permitted by Special-Use Permit issued by Division of Forestry. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
(d) General regulations:
1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs and retrievers may be used on posted dove fields during established dove hunts and throughout the area during small game season.
2. No change.
3. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, family and general gun, and general gun hog seasons, vehicles also may be operated on named or numbered trails by individuals possessing a valid quota hunt permit.
4. Horses are allowed permitted on named or numbered roads or designated trails only.
5. No change.
6. No deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
7. No change.
8. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited. Shooting hours for dove hunts shall be from noon until sunset. Hunters may enter the posted field one hour before shooting time and shall exit the field within one hour after sunset.
9. Dove hunters shall hunt from assigned stations in the posted field. Hunt station assignments may be transferred at the check station.
10. Dove field permits shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the check station on the day of each dove hunt.
(8) Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 12-14 14-16 and 19-21 21-23 west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 10-12 12-14 and 17-19 19-21 west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
3. General gun – October 31 through November 2 2-4 and 21-23 23-25 west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
4. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4, 13-16 7-10, 20-23 14-17, 27-30 21-24 and April 3-6 28-31 west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
5. Special-opportunity spring turkey – March 7-13 1-7 and 21-27 15-21 east of U.S. Highway 27 only.
6. General gun hog – December 6-7 8-9 west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
7. Migratory game birds – Migratory game birds during seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C. west of
8.7. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers except that turkeys may not be taken during the archery season. The bag limit for deer shall be one per quota hunt permit. Wild hogs may be taken with no size or bag limit. During the spring turkey and special-opportunity spring turkey seasons, the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler (or bearded turkey) per permit. During the general gun hog season, only wild hog hogs may be taken.
(c) Camping: Primitive camping is allowed permitted year-round throughout the area, except at the concessionaire-operated public campground in Palmdale. At the Palmdale campground, camping Camping at the Palmdale campground shall be by permit only. and only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 6. No change.
7. Only tents, trailers, or self propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
7.8. No change.
(9) Picayune
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 6-21 8-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 11-13 13-15.
3. General gun – October 25-28 27-30 and October 29 31 through November 2 4.
4. Small game – November 8-23 10-25.
5. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4 and 11-15 5-9.
6. No change.
7. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. During the archery season, the bag limit for deer and wild hog hogs shall be one each. During the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons, the bag limit for deer and wild hog hogs shall be one each per quota permit. Wild hog: daily bag, 1; possession limit, 2. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Only wild hogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or greater may be taken. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. During the spring turkey season, the bag limit for turkey shall be one gobbler (or bearded turkey) per quota permit.
(c) Camping: Camping is allowed permitted by Special-Use Permit issued by the Division of Forestry. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 4. No change.
5. No deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
6. No change.
7. The use of centerfire rifles for taking wild turkey during the spring turkey season is prohibited.
(10)
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 6-12 8-14 and 13-21 15-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 11-13 13-15.
3. General gun – October 25-28 27-30 and October 29 31 through November 2 4.
4. Small game – November 10-14 and November 17 through March 1.
5.4. Family hunt – November 8-9 10-11 and 15-16 17-18.
6.5. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4 and 11-15 5-9.
7.6. No change.
8.7. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer, turkey, and wild hog hogs shall be one per person per quota hunt permit. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, one inch or more in length, is prohibited. The take of deer is prohibited during the family hunt. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Wild hog: daily bag, 1; possession limit, 2. During the family hunt, only wild hog may be taken.
(c) Camping: Camping is allowed permitted only at designated campsites. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
(d) General regulations:
1. through 3. No change.
4. Horses are prohibited during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, family hunt and spring turkey seasons periods open to hunting except during dove hunts on the established dove field. Horses are allowed permitted on named or numbered roads and named or numbered designated equestrian trails only.
5. No change.
6. No deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
7. through 10. No change.
(11) Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 6-12 8-14 and 13-21 15-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 11-13 13-15.
3. General gun – October 25-28 27-30 and October 29 31 through November 2 4.
4. Small game – November 8 through March 1.
5.4. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4 and 11-15 5-9.
6. Dove – Saturdays only during the mourning dove and white-winged dove season established by Rule 68A-13.008, F.A.C.
7. 5. Fishing and frogging – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. The bag limit for deer, turkey, and wild hog hogs shall be one per quota hunt permit. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points, each point one inch or more in length, is prohibited. The take of wild hog with a shoulder height of less than 15 inches is prohibited. The take of wild hog is prohibited during small game season. Wild hog: daily bag, 1; possession limit, 2.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. Taking wildlife Hunting with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs or retrievers are allowed on the posted dove field during established dove hunts and during general gun and small game seasons.
2. through 3. No change.
4. Horses are prohibited during periods open to hunting. During non-hunting periods, horses are allowed permitted on named or numbered roads and on designated equestrian trails only.
5. No change.
6. No deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
7. No change.
8. Shooting hours for dove hunts shall be from noon until sunset. Hunters may enter the posted field one hour before shooting time and shall exit the field within one hour after sunset.
9. Dove hunters shall hunt from assigned stations in the posted field. Hunt station assignments may be transferred at the check station.
10. Dove field permits shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the check station on the day of each dove hunt.
(12) Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area.
(a) Open season:
1. Archery – September 6-12 8-14 and 13-21 15-23.
2. Muzzleloading gun – October 11-13 13-15.
3. Family hunt – October 25-28 27-30.
4. General gun – October 29 31 through November 2 4.
5. Small game – November 8 10 through the first Sunday in January.
6. Spring turkey – March 7-10 1-4 and 11-15 5-9.
7. Fishing – Allowed Permitted throughout the year.
(b) Legal to take: All legal game, hog, fish, and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). No size or bag limits on hog.
(c) No change.
(d) General regulations:
1. No change.
2. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun, and spring turkey seasons, vehicles may be operated on numbered trails in addition to named or numbered roads by individuals possessing a valid quota hunt permit. During the small game season, vehicles may be operated on numbered trails and named or numbered roads.
3. through 6. No change.
7. Horses are allowed permitted on named equestrian trails and designated equestrian areas only.
8. Taking wildlife with The possession or use of firearms other than shotguns is prohibited during the small game season.
9. Persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008.
Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9,