Fla. Admin. Code R. 68A-17.005

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Current through Reg. 50, No. 244; December 17, 2024

Section 68A-17.005 - Specific Regulations for Wildlife and Environmental Areas

(1) Southwest Region.

(a) Little Gator Creek - Pasco County.

1. The designated wood stork rookery area is closed to public access.

2. Public access is prohibited February 1 through August 31.

3. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

4. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

5. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) or bicycle is prohibited.

6. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(b) Hickey Creek Mitigation Park - Lee County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(c) Platt Branch Mitigation Park - Highlands County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(d) Lake Wales Ridge - Highlands and Polk Counties.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C., are allowed and horses are allowed by permit.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian), bicycle or horseback (equestrian) is prohibited.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(e) Bullfrog Creek Mitigation Park - Hillsborough County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(f) Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area - Royce Unit - Highlands County.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 43 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 19 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

b. General gun - Opening 13 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. Small game - Opening 34 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, opening 3 days prior to the third Monday in January and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening 17 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

d. Wild hog-still - Opening the second Saturday in May and closing 8 days thereafter (Saturdays and Sundays only).

e. Youth turkey hunt - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

f. Spring turkey - Opening the first day of the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

g. Fishing and frogging - Allowed throughout the year.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. The bag limit for antlered deer shall be one per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Antlerless deer may be taken by antlerless deer permit only. Only wild hog may be taken during the wild hog-still season. During the spring turkey season, one gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Turkey of either sex may be taken during the archery season.

3. General regulations:

a. The use of tracked vehicles, airboats, all-terrain vehicles or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles is prohibited. Horses and bicycles may be used only on firebreaks and named or numbered roads. During periods open to hunting, horses are prohibited.

b. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads and shall be parked in designated parking areas or within 25 feet of a named or numbered road.

c. During periods when the area is closed to hunting, public access other than by foot (pedestrian), bicycle or horseback (equestrian) is prohibited, except that motorized vehicles shall be allowed on Royce Road year round and shall be allowed on all named and numbered roads one day prior to all hunts, except small game.

d. All persons shall enter and exit the area at a designated entrance.

e. Hunting with dogs is prohibited except any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. Hunting wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

f. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.

(g) Perry Oldenburg Mitigation Park - Hernando County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(h) Chinsegut - Hernando County.

1. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

2. Fishing and frogging is prohibited.

3. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

4. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

5. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

6. The Commission may authorize additional public access, including but not limited to hours of access and methods of access, to facilitate public access to the Chinsegut Nature Center and Commission sponsored activities.

(i) Moody Branch Mitigation Park - Manatee County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except horses are allowed and dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) or horseback (equestrian) is prohibited. Horses may be ridden only on established roads, firelines and designated trails.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(j) Crooked Lake Mitigation Park - Polk County.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except horses are allowed and dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

3. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian), bicycle or horse (equestrain) is prohibited. Horses and bicycles may be ridden only on established roads, firelines and designated trails.

4. Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(k) Janet Butterfield Brooks Mitigation Park - Hernando County.

Public access is prohibited.

(2) North Central Region.

(a) Santa Fe Swamp - Bradford County.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 43 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 28 days thereafter.

b. Muzzleloading gun - Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. Archery and muzzleloading gun - Opening the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 57 days thereafter.

d. Spring turkey - During the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

e. Fishing is allowed throughout the year.

f. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

2. Legal to take: Gray squirrel, rabbit, antlered deer, turkey, non-protected birds, non-protected mammals, wild hog, and fish. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Antlered and antlerless deer and turkey of either sex may be taken during the archery season. Only bearded turkey or gobblers may be taken during the spring turkey season.

3. General regulations:

a. Persons shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances or via Little Santa Fe Lake.

b. Vehicles are prohibited except in the designated parking areas.

c. Centerfire or rimfire rifles, centerfire shotguns, centerfire pistols, and crossbows are prohibited for taking wildlife except centerfire shotguns may be used to take wild turkey during spring turkey season.

d. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.

e. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise, except by persons possessing a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District.

(b) Fort White Mitigation Park - Gilchrist County.

1. Open season:

a. Archery season - Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 4 days thereafter, reopening 3 days later and closing 4 days thereafter, and reopening 10 days later and closing 4 days thereafter.

b. Small game - Opening 12 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing the first Sunday in March.

c. Youth turkey - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

d. Spring turkey - Opening the first day of the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 4 days thereafter, and reopening 3 days later and closing 4 days thereafter.

e. Fishing and frogging - Prohibited except along the bank of the Santa Fe River.

f. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the archery season, turkey of either sex may be taken and the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person, but no more than two deer per quota permit. During the spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but no more than two per quota permit.

3. Camping: Camping is allowed by permit only from the Suwannee River Water Management District.

4. General regulations:

a. Persons shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.

b. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.

c. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C., dogs on a leash may be used to trail wounded game, any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season and raptors may be used during the falconry season.

d. Motorized vehicular access is prohibited, except in the designated parking areas.

e. Bicycles may only be ridden on firebreaks, trails and well-defined roads.

f. Public access is allowed year round except during quota hunts when only individuals authorized to participate in a hunt may access the area and during the youth turkey hunt when one non-hunting guest per quota permit may also access the area.

g. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

(c) Suwannee Ridge - Hamilton County.

1. Open season:

a. Mobility-impaired general gun - Opening 22 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

b. Mobility-impaired spring turkey - Opening 6 days after the first day of the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 19 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

2. Legal to take: Antlered deer, antlerless deer, wild hog, gobbler or bearded turkey (during spring turkey season only), gray squirrel, rabbit, non-protected birds, non-protected mammals, and furbearers. Two deer or two turkeys may be taken per quota permit. Only certified mobility-impaired hunters may take an antlerless deer. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age.

3. General regulations:

a. Hunters shall check in and out at the designated check station on Holton Creek WMA and report all game taken.

b. During periods open to hunting public access is restricted to individuals with valid quota hunt permits and those persons identified in Rule 68A-15.005, F.A.C. Only one quota hunt permit may be utilized per individual per hunt.

c. Vehicles may be operated only from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset, only on named or numbered roads during periods open to hunting and one day prior.

d. The use of tracked vehicles, airboats, motorcycles, or all-terrain vehicles is prohibited, except all-terrain vehicles may be used during mobility-impaired hunts.

e. Hunters shall enter and exit through Holton Creek WMA Road 2 only. The area may be accessed during non-hunting periods only by use of the Adams Grade parking area.

f. All mobility-impaired hunters and guests are required to attend a pre-hunt orientation meeting.

g. The possession of dogs or horses is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-15.004(7)(c), F.A.C., and dogs on a leash may be used for trailing wounded game.

h. During non-hunting periods, access is restricted to foot traffic only.

i. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.

(d) Branan Field Mitigation Park - Duval and Clay counties.

1. Taking wildlife with guns is prohibited.

2. Possession of trapping devices is prohibited.

3. Possession of dogs is allowed as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

4. Access shall be restricted to foot traffic only. No motorized vehicles or horseback riding shall be allowed.

(e) Bell Ridge Mitigation Park.

1. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

2. Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) is prohibited.

3. All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

(f) Lafayette Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area.

1. Open seasons:

a. Archery season - Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 4 days thereafter, reopening 2 days later and closing 4 days thereafter, and reopening 3 days later and closing 4 days thereafter.

b. Muzzleloading gun season - Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. Family hunt - Opening the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter (Saturdays and Sundays only).

d. Small game - Opening the day after the last day of the family hunt and closing the first Sunday in March.

e. Youth turkey - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

f. Spring turkey - Opening the first day of the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 4 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

g. Fishing - Allowed year round.

h. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the archery season, turkey of either sex may be taken and the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person, but no more than two deer per quota permit. During the family hunt the bag limit shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person. During the muzzleloading gun season, the bag limit shall be one antlered deer per person, but no more than two antlered deer per quota permit. During the spring turkey season, one gobbler or bearded turkey may be taken per person, but no more than two per quota permit.

3. General regulations:

a. All persons shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.

b. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise except during small game season by persons hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C. and persons hunting during the April or June wild hog-dog season hunts on Mallory Swamp WMA or in possession of a Special Use Authorization from the Suwannee River Water Management District for Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area may traverse McCalls Chapel Grade.

c. Possession of any animal is prohibited, except horses, dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C., dogs on a leash may be used for trailing wounded game, dogs may be transported year-round on McCalls Chapel Grade, dogs may be used to hunt during small game season, and raptors may be used during the falconry season. Horses are allowed on firebreaks, designated trails, and named or numbered roads only.

d. Hunting with dogs is prohibited during the small game season, except by persons hunting as specified in paragraph 68A-24.002(2)(b), F.A.C., and any dog may be used to take small game.

e. Taking wild hog by the use of dogs is prohibited.

f. Motorized vehicular access is prohibited except on McCalls Chapel Grade and Lafayette Loop. Lafayette Loop may be driven on only by persons authorized to participate in the hunts and only on hunt days and the day prior to each hunt.

g. During hunting seasons public access is limited to persons participating in the hunt, except that all persons may use McCalls Chapel Grade to access Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area.

h. The use of all-terrain vehicles and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles is prohibited.

(g) Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area.

1. Open seasons:

a. Archery season - Opening 21 days prior to the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter.

b. Small game - Opening 14 days after the first day of Zone C antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 15 days thereafter, and reopening 13 days later and closing 22 days thereafter.

c. Youth turkey - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

d. Duck, geese and coot - During the seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C. on the Gladman Tract only.

e. Fishing and frogging - Allowed year round.

f. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

g. Spring turkey - Opening 13 days after the first day of the spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During archery season, deer (except spotted fawns) and turkey of either sex may be taken and the bag limit for deer shall be one per person.

3. Camping: Prohibited except as authorized by the Florida Forest Service.

4. General regulations:

a. Persons shall enter and exit the area only through County Road 337, SW 250th street, or via Watermelon Pond.

b. Motorized vehicular access is prohibited, except in designated parking areas.

c. Bicycles may be ridden on roads, firelines and designated trails only.

d. Public access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.

e. Possession of animals is prohibited; except that dogs are allowed as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C., dogs on a leash may be used for trailing wounded game, horses are allowed on roads, firelines and designated trails only, bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers may be used for hunting during the small game season and seasons established by Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C., on the Gladman Tract and raptors may be used for falconry season.

f. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. Participants must enter and exit the area only at a designated quail release entrance.

g. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

(3) Northwest Region.

(a) Judges Cave - Jackson County.

1. Taking wildlife with guns is prohibited.

2. Unauthorized public access is prohibited.

3. Judges Cave will be closed to entry from March 15 through September 15.

4. Fires are prohibited.

5. The disturbance or removal of any tree or plant is prohibited.

(b) Apalachicola River - Gulf and Franklin counties.

1. Open seasons:

a. Archery - Opening 33 days prior to the first day of the general gun season and closing 29 days thereafter.

b. Muzzleloading gun - Opening the first Saturday in December and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. General gun - Opening the fourth Thursday in November and closing 3 days thereafter and reopening the second Saturday in December and closing 53 days thereafter.

d. Small game - During the open seasons established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., except gray squirrel season shall open the second Saturday of November and close the first Sunday in March.

e. Archery/Muzzleloading gun - Opening the day immediately following the last day of the general gun season and closing 10 days thereafter.

f. Spring turkey - During the spring turkey season established for Zone D in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

g. Wild hog-dog - Opening the third Friday and closing 6 days thereafter in the months of July, August, September, May and June.

h. Migratory birds - During seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

i. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat - Throughout the year.

j. Trapping - December 1 through March 1.

k. Fishing and frogging - Throughout the year.

l. Bear - During the open season established for the East Panhandle BMU in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

m. Youth turkey - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, bear (only during the bear season), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Antlerless deer may only be taken during the archery season. Bearded turkey or gobblers may be taken during the spring turkey season and the first 41 days of the general gun season; turkey of either sex may be taken during the archery and muzzleloading gun seasons. During the first phase of dove season, taking dove in posted dove fields is prohibited except on Saturdays. Wild hog may only be taken during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, archery/muzzleloading gun and wild hog-dog seasons and during the open season for quail established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

3. Camping: Throughout the year. A permit as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(8)(a), F.A.C., is required if camping within any designated campground. In the remainder of the area, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and prohibited where posted as no camping; except that camping is prohibited in the Tate's Hell State Forest portion of the area. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles. Unless contained in mobile campers, kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

4. General regulations:

a. Furbearers may be taken in accordance with the provisions of Rule 68A-24.002, F.A.C., except the use of dogs is prohibited during the spring turkey season and traps may only be used during the established trapping season.

b. The use of dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, on posted dove fields is prohibited during the first phase of dove season.

c. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

d. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.

e. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in that portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District lands (except those lands lying south of the Chipola River and east of the St. Joe Canal) and on those lands lying east of East Bay and Cash Bayou, except during the wild hog-dog season. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area and throughout the area during the wild hog-dog season.

f. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited in that portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District lands and on those lands lying east of East Bay and Cash Bayou.

g. During the wild hog-dog season, hunts will begin at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the hunt and end at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the hunt.

h. During the wild hog-dog season, wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

i. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading shotgun during the small game season provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. The release of northern bobwhite is allowed only in that portion of the area east of the Apalachicola River, east of the East River, north of Sam's Creek Cutoff, and west of East Bay.

(c) L. Kirk Edwards - Leon County.

1. Open seasons for that portion of the area west of Chaires Cross Road:

a. Small game - Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the first Sunday in March.

b. Youth turkey hunt - During the youth turkey hunt established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

c. Spring turkey - During the first three days of the regular season for Zone C, and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the third and fifth weekends of the regular season for Zone C established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

d. Migratory birds - During seasons established in Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

e. Fishing and frogging - Allowed throughout the year.

f. Archery - Opening 37 days prior to the first Saturday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

g. Family hunt - Opening the Thursday following the close of archery season and closing 3 days later.

h. Archery/Muzzleloading gun - Opening the fourth Thursday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

2. Open seasons for that portion of the area east of Chaires Cross Road:

a. Archery - Opening 37 days prior to the first Saturday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

b. Family hunt - Opening the Thursday following the close of archery season and closing 3 days later.

c. Archery/Muzzleloading gun - Opening the fourth Thursday in November and closing 3 days thereafter, reopening 4 days later and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 11 days later and closing 3 days thereafter.

d. Small game - Opening the second Saturday in November and closing the first Sunday in March (except during the archery/muzzleloading gun season).

e. Youth turkey hunt - During the youth turkey hunt for Zone C established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

f. Spring turkey - During the first three days of the regular season for Zone C, and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the third and fifth weekends of the regular season for Zone C established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

g. Duck, geese and coot - During the first three days of both the wood duck and teal and duck, light goose, and coot seasons established in Rule 68A-13.003, F.A.C.

h. Fishing and frogging - Allowed throughout the year.

3. Legal to take: All legal game (except turkey may be taken during spring turkey season only), fish, frogs and furbearers. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. During the spring turkey season, one gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per quota permit. During the archery season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered or one antlerless deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. During the family hunt the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit. During the archery/muzzleloading gun season the bag limit for deer shall be one antlered deer per person, but not more than two per quota permit. Gobblers or bearded turkeys may be taken during the spring turkey season from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

4. General regulations:

a. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads and shall enter and exit at designated entrances. Vehicle access is prohibited from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.

b. Taking wildlife with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take small game during small game season. Taking deer and wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

c. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited.

d. The use of swamp buggies, tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles is prohibited.

e. During the youth turkey and spring turkey seasons, access to the area from one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m. shall be restricted in the area east of Chaires Cross Road to individuals authorized to participate in the quota hunt.

g. Individuals participating in waterfowl hunts in that portion of the area lying west of Chaires Cross Road are exempt from quota permit requirements.

(4) South Region.

(a) Southern Glades - Dade County.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 49 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season as established in Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 29 days thereafter.

b. Muzzleloading gun - Opening 8 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. General gun - Opening the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 29 days thereafter, and reopening 36 days later and closing 6 days thereafter.

d. Small game - Opening the day after the last day of general gun season and closing 83 days thereafter.

e. Ducks, geese, coots, and snipe - During the seasons established for these species in Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

f. Fishing is allowed throughout the year.

g. Frogging - The day following the close of the general gun season through March 1.

2. Legal to take: All legal game (except turkey), fish, frogs and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). Take of antlerless deer is prohibited during archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with two or more points is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Notwithstanding the quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., quail may be taken throughout the general gun season established for this area.

3. General regulations:

a. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except dogs may be used for taking small game during small game season and waterfowl retrievers and bird dogs may be used to take ducks, geese, coots, and snipe during their respective statewide seasons. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

b. The take of wildlife with guns is prohibited on, from, or across any check station, levee, or improved road.

c. Hunting is prohibited within 100 yards of 232nd avenue. The take of wildlife with a firearm east of the C-109 road or within 500 yards of the Dade Work Camp is prohibited.

d. The use of tracked vehicles, buggies, airboats, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles is prohibited in the area, except that airboats may be used in units 3 and 4 from the day after the last day of the general gun season through March 1. All vessels except airboats may be used within canals. Motor vehicles may be operated on named or numbered roads only.

e. Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, or trails.

f. Beginning the day after the last day of small game season through the second Sunday in April the use of centerfire rifles for taking wildlife is prohibited.

g. Beginning the day after small game season ends through the second Sunday in April, shooting hours shall be 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset.

h. Taking wildlife with centerfire rifles is prohibited during small game season.

(b) John G. and Susan H. Dupuis Jr. - Palm Beach and Martin counties.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 8 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 16 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

b. Muzzleloading gun - Opening 20 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 16 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

c. General gun for mobility-impaired - Opening 42 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 1 day thereafter.

d. General gun - Opening 48 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 9 days thereafter (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

e. Wild hog-still - Opening 9 days prior to the fourth Thursday in November and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 12 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening the second Saturday in April and closing 8 days thereafter, and reopening the second Saturday in May and closing 8 days thereafter.

f. Youth turkey hunt - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

g. Spring turkey - Opening 3 days after the first day of spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter, reopening 8 days later and closing 2 days thereafter, and reopening 5 days later and closing 2 days thereafter.

h. Small game - Opening the second Saturday following Thanksgiving Day and closing 50 days thereafter.

i. Migratory birds - During the seasons established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

j. Fishing is allowed year round.

2. Legal to take: All legal game (except turkeys may be taken during spring season only), wild hog, fish and furbearers (except otter). Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Antlerless deer (except spotted fawns) may be taken during the archery and general gun for the mobility-impaired seasons. The bag limit for deer shall be one per quota permit, except during the general gun for mobility-impaired season when one (1) antlered and one (1) antlerless deer may be taken per quota permit. Only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer during the general gun for mobility-impaired season. One gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per spring turkey or youth turkey quota permit. The take of deer is prohibited during the wild hog season. Notwithstanding the quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., quail may be taken throughout the general gun season established for this area.

3. Camping - Prohibited, except at designated campsites and except that a special use license issued by the South Florida Water Management District shall be required for camping at the Group Campground, Family Use Campground, and Equestrian Campground.

4. General regulations:

a. Fires are prohibited except at designated areas.

b. The possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages is prohibited.

c. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers are allowed for taking migratory birds during their respective statewide seasons and dogs are allowed for taking small game during the small game season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

d. Vehicles may be operated only on named roads and designated parking areas except during the general gun for mobility-impaired season when all-terrain vehicles can be used off roads.

e. The use of tracked vehicles, buggies, airboats, or all-terrain vehicles is prohibited except all-terrain vehicles may be used during the general gun for mobility-impaired season. The operation of a motorcycle that is not registered and licensed is prohibited. During quota hunts, the operation of any vessel powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited.

f. Horses may be used only on designated equestrian trails and named or numbered roads. Persons horseback riding on the area shall enter and exit only at Gate 3.

g. During periods when the check station is staffed, hunters shall check in and out at the check station and check all game taken, and no deer or turkey may be dismembered until checked at the check station. Hunters must enter and exit the area through the designated entrance where the check station is located. People through-hiking on the Florida Trail may enter or exit the area through the Florida Trail.

h. Only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.

i. Each hunter participating in the general gun for mobility-impaired season is required to attend a pre-hunt orientation meeting.

j. Taking wildlife with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns is prohibited during the small game season.

(c) CREW - Collier and Lee Counties.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter (except in Corkscrew Marsh Unit).

b. Wild hog-still (archery only) - Opening 42 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter (Corkscrew Marsh Unit only).

c. Muzzleloading gun - Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter (except in Corkscrew Marsh Unit).

d. Wild hog-still (muzzleloading gun only) - Opening 14 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter (Corkscrew Marsh Unit only).

e. General gun - Opening 63 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter (except in Corkscrew Marsh Unit).

f. Wild hog-still - Opening 63 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 8 days thereafter (Corkscrew Marsh Unit only).

g. Small game - Opening 6 days after the last day of general gun season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 29 days thereafter.

h. Spring turkey - Opening the first day of spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 3 days thereafter, and reopening 1 day later and closing 4 days thereafter.

i. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

j. Fishing and frogging - Allowed throughout the year.

k. Youth turkey - During the youth turkey hunt established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs, and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). The bag limit for deer shall be one per quota permit. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. The taking of deer is prohibited in the Corkscrew Marsh Unit. One gobbler (or bearded turkey) may be taken per spring turkey and youth turkey quota permit. The taking of turkey and antlerless deer is prohibited during the archery season.

3. Camping: Camping is allowed at designated sites by permit from the South Florida Water Management District.

4. General regulations:

a. Fires other than campfires at approved campsites are prohibited.

b. Take of wildlife with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs or retrievers may be used to take small game during general gun season and any dog may be used to take small game during small game season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

c. The use of tracked vehicles, swamp buggies, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, or vessels, except canoes or kayaks, is prohibited, except that swamp buggies may be operated by individuals participating in hunts.

d. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads designated for vehicles. During the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey seasons beginning at 8:00 a.m. the day prior to the opening of each season vehicles may also be operated on named or numbered trails by individuals possessing a valid quota hunt permit.

e. The use or possession of horses is prohibited, except by individuals with written authorization from the South Florida Water Management District.

f. Persons may enter and exit the area only at designated access points and, during periods when check stations are staffed, hunters must check in and out at the designated check station and shall check all game taken. Public access via the designated access point located at the intersection of Sand and Vincent roads is prohibited, except by individuals possessing a valid quota permit and their guests.

g. Persons may enter the area no earlier than two hours before sunrise and must exit the area within two hours after sunset, unless camping at a designated campsite.

h. Hunters shall enter and exit the Corkscrew Marsh Unit only through Gate 5.

i. Hunting east of or within 1/4-mile of the western North/South Tram Road and south of Bonita Beach Road in the Bird Rookery Swamp Unit is prohibited.

j. During periods when check stations are staffed, no deer or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.

k. Taking wildlife with centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited.

(d) Florida Keys - Monroe County.

1. Taking wildlife with firearms or guns is prohibited.

2. Fishing is allowed throughout the year.

3. Camping is prohibited.

4. General regulations:

a. Fires are prohibited.

b. Constructing or erecting a permanent or semi-permanent structure is prohibited.

c. Dogs are prohibited, except that dogs not normally used for hunting and kept under restraint may be possessed. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest wildlife.

d. Unauthorized disturbance, detachment, possession, or removal of any plant or animal, dead or alive, is prohibited.

e. Unauthorized planting of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation is prohibited.

f. No person shall place, expose, or distribute any grain or other food for wildlife except as authorized by permit from the Executive Director.

g. The disturbance or removal of any man-made, cultural, or natural materials or features, or non-renewable resources is prohibited.

h. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

i. No person shall park any vehicle in a manner which obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.

j. Public access is prohibited in areas posted as "Restricted" for protection of threatened or endangered species or environmentally sensitive areas.

k. The use of tracked vehicles, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, or all-terrain vehicles is prohibited.

l. Vessels may be launched at designated ramps only.

(e) John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland - Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

1. Open season:

a. Archery - Opening 7 days prior to the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 24 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays only).

b. Muzzleloading gun - Opening 28 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 2 days thereafter.

c. General gun - Opening 42 days after the first day of Zone A antlered deer season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 16 days thereafter (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only).

d. Small game - Opening 5 days after the last day of general gun season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing the second Sunday in January.

e. Spring turkey - Opening 14 days after the first day of spring turkey season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., and closing 15 days thereafter (Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only).

f. Migratory birds - During the seasons as established by Rules 68A-13.003 and 68A-13.008, F.A.C.

g. Falconry - Game may be taken by falconry during established statewide seasons that coincide with periods when the area is otherwise open for public use or hunting.

h. Fishing and frogging - Allowed throughout the year.

2. Legal to take: All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers (except bobcat and otter). The bag limit for deer shall be two per quota permit, but no more than one per person. The taking of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited during the archery season. Taking of antlered deer not having at least one antler with three or more points or one antler with a main beam of ten inches or more in length is prohibited, except by persons less than 16 years of age. Notwithstanding the quail season established by Rule 68A-13.004, F.A.C., quail may be taken throughout the general gun season established for this area.

3. Camping: Prohibited, except in designated campgrounds by permit as provided by Rule 68A-15.004, F.A.C. Only tents may be used for camping.

4. General regulations:

a. Fires are prohibited except at designated camping sites.

b. Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads and in designated parking areas, unless otherwise posted as closed. Only equestrain trailers may be used at Gate 8 and the associated parking area. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the Old Jupiter-Indiantown Grade.

c. The use or possession of tracked vehicles, buggies, airboats, unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, off-highway vehicles (including side-by-sides), and all-terrain vehicles is prohibited.

d. During periods when the check station is staffed, hunters shall check in and out at the check station when entering and exiting the area and shall check all game taken.

e. During periods when the check station is staffed, no deer or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the check station.

f. Taking wildlife with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for taking migratory birds during their respective statewide seasons and during small game season dogs may be used to take small game. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited.

g. Taking wildlife with centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited.

h. Horses may be used only on designated equestrian trails and named or numbered roads.

i. Persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

(5) Northeast Region. Split Oak Forest Mitigation Park - Orange and Osceola counties.

(a) Possession of any animal is prohibited, except horses are allowed and dogs as provided by paragraph 68A-17.004(7)(c), F.A.C.

(b) All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.

(c) Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) or horseback (equestrian) is prohibited.

(d) Public access is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-17.005

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.2223, 375.313 FS.

New 7-1-83, Amended 11-30-83, 7-1-84, 8-21-85, Formerly 39-17.05, Amended 6-1-86, 8-13-87, 8-18-88, 8-17-89, 4-11-90, 7-1-91, 10-31-91, 4-14-92, 4-20-93, 7-1-94, 9-15-94, 3-30-95, 8-15-95, 7-1-96, 4-3-97, 10-28-97, 7-1-98, 8-11-98, 7-1-99, Formerly 39-17.005, Amended 7-1-00, 5-1-01, 6-2-02, 5-25-03, 7-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-07, 7-1-08, 1-6-09, 7-1-09, 10-29-09, 7-1-10, 7-1-11, 11-14-11, 7-1-12, 7-26-12, 7-1-13, 7-1-14, 7-2-14, Amended by Florida Register Volume 41, Number 047, March 10, 2015 effective 7/1/2015, Amended by Florida Register Volume 41, Number 135, July 14, 2015 effective 7/29/2015, Amended by Florida Register Volume 42, Number 046, March 8, 2016 effective 7/1/2016, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 075, April 18, 2017 effective 7/1/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 168, August 29, 2017 effective 9/14/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 44, Number 050, March 13, 2018 effective 7/1/2018, Amended by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 064, April 2, 2019 effective 7/1/2019, Amended by Florida Register Volume 46, Number 043, March 3, 2020 effective 7/1/2020, Amended by Florida Register Volume 47, Number 066, April 6, 2021 effective 7/1/2021, Amended by Florida Register Volume 48, Number 056, March 22, 2022 effective 7/1/2022, Amended by Florida Register Volume 49, Number 050, March 14, 2023 effective 7/1/2023, Amended by Florida Register Volume 50, Number 090, May 7, 2024 effective 7/1/2024.