2010 florida hunting regulations

8/14/2019 2010 FLORIDA Hunting Regulations

1/36

Morequota huntopportunities&newguest permit

See page 26

20092010Valid from July 1, 2009

through June 30, 2010

MyFWC.com/Hunting

Hunting RegulationsFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Specific wildlife management

area regulations are not covered

in this handbook.See page 26

20092010Valid from July 1, 2009

through June 30, 2010

yFWC.com/Hunting

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Specific wildlife manag me n

rea regulatio r o o rn n e

i oohis han b k


2/36


3/36

Directors message .......................................... 2

FWC regional offices .......................................2

Introduction .......................................................4

Resident game birds, mammals andmigratory birds

Waterfowl and other migratory gamebird regulations

Major changes ..................................................4

Wildlife Alert Reward Program ...................... 4

Floridas Wildlife Management

Area System ..................................................5

Hunting zones ...................................................6

Hunting season dates ...................................... 7

Bag limits ...........................................................8

License and permit requirements .............89

License and permit feesLicense and permit exemptionsLifetime licenses

Hunter safety requirement ...........................10

Hunter safety courseHunter Safety Deferral

Mentoring ExemptionChildren and firearmsFlorida lawYouth Hunting Program

Legal methods of taking game ...................11

Prohibited methods and equipment

for taking game ...........................................11

Areas closed to hunting ................................11

Antlerless deer permitsprivate lands .....11

General information ................................1214

Deer, elk and moose carcasstransportation regulations

Wild hogsTrespassing

Use of firearms by felonsShooting hoursHunter orange requirementHunting dogsStatewide deer-dog registrationFeeding gameBuying or selling gameSex evidenceDividing carcassesTransport of gameLitteringMotor vehiclesUse of structures on vehiclesTree standsPermanent duck blinds

Florida Buck Registry .....................................14

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

(BOW) Program ............................................14

Florida Wild Turkey Registry .........................14

Hunting seasons ......................................1516

Deer-dog training seasonArchery seasonCrossbow season

Muzzleloading gun seasonGeneral gun seasonAntlerless deer seasonFall turkey seasonQuail and gray squirrel seasonSpring turkey season

Furbearer hunting regulations ...............1617

Commercial furbearer requirements

Falconry ............................................................17

Public hunting areas ...............................1825

Wildlife management area

permit requirements ...................................26

Wildlife management area

regulation changes ......................................26

Public small-game hunting areas (SGA) ....26

Hunting Floridas military bases ..................26

Hunting Floridas national wildlife

refuges (NWR) ..............................................26

Quota permits...........................................2627Guest permits for quota permitsLimited entry huntsapplication periodsWorksheetsQuota permit exemptions

Antlerless deer permitsWMAs .........2728

Recreational use permits ..............................28

Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp ...........2829

Youth and family huntingopportunities ................................................30

Special-opportunity hunts .....................3031

Dove hunters online updates .......................31

Alligator hunting adventure ..........................31

Nongame wildlife regulations.......................32

BirdsUnprotected birds and mammalsFrogsTurtles and gopher tortoisesVenomous snakesEndangered or threatened speciesSpecies of special concern

On the cover

Perry resident Sandy Hunter made a great, 140-yard free-

handed shot from a ladder stand with her .243-caliber rifle

to take this magnificent eight-point buck, which sported a

20-inch outside spread. The deer was one of three racked

bucks Sandy harvested last season from her and her

husbands private Taylor County hunting lease.

This publication is developed by the FWCs

Division of Hunting and Game Management,

Public Awareness Section and produced

by J.F. Griffin Publishing LLC, 430 Main St.,

Suite 5, Williamstown, MA 01267. For

inquiries regarding advertisement in

this publication, call (413) 884-1001.

J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC

is proud to print the official

Florida Hunting Regulation Guide on

post-consumer recycled paper.

CONTENTS

MyFWC.com

Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for up-to-

date information on hunting and wildlife

management area (WMA) rules and reg-

ulations, special-opportunity and quota

hunts, monthly hunting opportunities,

news releases, hunter safety courses,

public shooting ranges and more.

Alligator hunts

The FWC offers alligator hunts, which

provide a thrilling hunting adventure

unlike any other hunting experience

imaginable. For more information, see

page 31.

Instant license privileges

Obtain license privileges, 24 hours a

day, via MyFWC.com/License or by

calling toll-free 1-888-HUNTFLORIDA

(1-888-486-8356). Processing fees

will apply on sales via telephone and

Internet. A unique license number al-

lows you to begin hunting immediately

after the transaction.

Wildlife Alert Reward Program

Report fishing, boating or hunting

law violations by calling toll-free

1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell

phones, dial *FWC or #FWC depending

on service carrier; or report violations

online at MyFWC.com/Law.

Hunter safety course

To find hunter safety courses in your

area, visit MyFWC.com/huntersafety

or contact your nearest regional office

(see page 2).

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 20092010 1


4/36

Dear Florida hunter:

I am happy to welcome you to

the 20092010 hunting season.

If you are anything like me, you

are already making plans to

hunt more often than you did last

year. Days spent in the woods orin the marsh are some of lifes

simplest enjoyments, despite

the tough economic times. The

memories made and bonds that

are strengthened with family

and friends are invaluable. So, I

hope you are able to hunt often

take a friendand have fun!

Being a hunter makes us proud. We are part of a unique group

that embraces the significant responsibility that comes with

the freedom to huntthe responsibility of conserving wildlife

populations and their habitats.

Through hunting license and permit sales and the excisetax generated from hunting equipment, hunters contribute

signif icantly to the cost of wildlife conservation and research,public land acquisitions, habitat protection, science-based fish

and wildlife management and law enforcement.

DIRECTORS MESSAGE

Led and supported by hunters, nonprofit wildlife conservation

organizations have been at the forefront of wildlife habitat

conservation on local, regional and national scales. As a resultof this financial support and volunteer efforts, entire ecosystems

have been conserved for the enjoyment of all our citizens.

About 45 percent of Floridas hunters hunt public land. Those

that do may experience the newly revised quota hunt system

this year. Other than a few exceptions, all quota permits for

hunting on wildlife management areas are now nontransferable,

and quota permit holders may take guests. This new system is

designed to benefit Florida hunters by making the distribution

of permits fairer, while keeping the flexibility to allow hunting

with friends and family. I am confident these changes are

improvements, which will help ensure the future of Floridas

hunting heritage. I hope you give the new system a chance.

My thanks to the hunters of Florida for all you do for wildlife

conservation and the future of hunting! Best wishes for a safeand enjoyable hunting season.

Happy hunting,

Diane Roth Eggeman, Director

Division of Hunting and Game Management

NORTHWEST

NORTHEAST

NORTH CENTRAL

Gil-

christ

SOUTHWEST

SOUTH

FWC regional offices

Northwest Region

3911 Highway 2321

Panama City, FL 32409-1658

(850) 265-3676

North Central Region

3377 East U.S. Highway 90

Lake City, FL 32055-8795

(386) 758-0525

Northeast Region1239 Southwest 10th Street

Ocala, FL 34471-0323

(352) 732-1225

Southwest Region

3900 Drane Field Road

Lakeland, FL 33811-1299

(863) 648-3200

South Region

8535 Northlake Boulevard

West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303

(561) 625-5122

Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission620 South Meridian Street

Farris Bryant BuildingTallahassee, FL 32399-1600

(850) 488-4676

(800) 955-8771 TDD

CommissionersRodney Barreto

Chairman, Miami

Kathy Barco

Vice Chariman,Jacksonville

Ronald M. Bergeron

Ft. Lauderdale

Richard A. Corbett

Tampa

Dwight StephensonDelray Beach

Kenneth W. Wright

Winter Park

Brian S. Yablonski

Tallahassee

StaffKen Haddad

Executive Director

Nick Wiley

Assistant Executive Director

2 20092010 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


5/36

THESE GREAT BRANDS AVAILABLE AT ALL FLORIDA SPORTS AUTHORITY STORES

SPORTSAUTHORITY.COM | 1-888-LOOK-4TSA

TO FIND THE STORE NEAREST YOU DIAL

1-888-LOOK-4TSA

GEAR UP WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER

$

off10YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE**

(SOME EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.)

COUPON VALIDTUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009, - TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010.

**No cash value. No cash back. No rain checks. Coupon notvalid on prior purchases, online purchases, gift cards, licensesor event tickets. Offer good on in-stock merchandise only.Must present coupon at time of purchase to redeem. Cannot becombined with any other offer, coupon or Employee or Friends& Family discount. Coupon may not be reproduced. One couponper customer, per purchase. Excludes Under Armour products,Ugg footwear, Titleist golf balls, Penn International, firearms

and ammunition. 1 0 1 2 5 2 5 3 0 5 1 2 0 9 0 5 1 1 1 0 1


6/36

IntroductionThis publication is provided as a guide to Florida hunting laws and regulations; however,

the Florida Wildli fe Code is the final authority on hunting laws. The Florida Wildlife Code,

Chapter 68A of the Florida Administrative Code, can be obtained at www.flrules.org. The

FWC strives to ensure the information in this publication is accurate but assumes no li-

ability for typographical errors that may occur. If you have questions regarding hunting

laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional office (see page 2). This publication is valid

from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

Resident game birds, mammals and migratory birdsResident game birdsquail and wild turkeys

Resident game mammalsdeer, gray squirrels and rabbits

Migratory game birdsducks, geese, common moorhens, coots, snipe, rails, woodcocks,

mourning doves and white-winged doves

Protected mammalsFlorida black bears, fox squirrels and Florida panthers cannot be

taken or pursued.

Waterfowl and other migratory game bird regulationsMigratory game bird and crow regulations are not included in this booklet. The U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for determining guidelines to take

and possess migratory bird species. The USFWS had not finalized this seasons rules

and regulations at the time this publication went to press. Migratory game bird sea-

sons, bag limits and methods of taking can be obtained in two separate FWC brochures

titled 20092010 Migratory Bird Regulations for Dove, Snipe, Woodcock, Rail, Moor-

hen, Crow and Early Waterfowl Seasons (available in mid-September) and 20092010

Migratory Game Bird Regulations for Waterfowl and Coot Seasons (available in mid-October). For additional information on federal hunting regulations or violations, contact

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents: Ft. Myers (239) 561-8144; Groveland

(352) 429-1037; Jacksonville (904) 731-3336; or Vero Beach (772) 562-3909 ext.267 or visit

http://www.fws.gov/le/HuntFish/HuntFishInfo.htm. For more information about Floridas

waterfowl conservation and management, visit MyFWC.com/duck.

INTRODUCTION

Archery & Taxidermy

(941)-377-7902CenterShotArchery.com

Parker

Bear

Center Shot

Wildlife Alert Reward ProgramThe residents of Florida have an opportunity to help protect our states fish and wildlifefrom poaching and wildlife violations and to help protect each other from boaters whoare operating boats under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Its called Wildlife Alert,and everyone who has access to a telephone or the Internet can participate in thisimportant effort.

Wildlife Alert is a reward-based program created in 1979 to increase resident participa-tion in apprehending those who violate F loridas fish and wildlife laws. The program isadministered by a 13-member committee appointed by the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commissions executive director. This committee oversees direction ofthe program and directs the reward payment schedule.

Through the program, alert residents become the eyes and ears of fish and wildlife lawenforcement officers and are rewarded for their efforts. Many times residents calls arethe only way law enforcement officers find out about some violations.

Callers can report any suspicious activity, supplying information such as the physicaldescriptions of violators, vehicles, license tag numbers, locations, etc. They shouldreport it as soon as possible, but they should not put themselves in any dangeroussituation. Callers reporting potential violators do not have to give their names or e-mailaddresses. They remain anonymous and will not be required to testify in court.

To make an anonymous phone call to report fish and wildlife violations, call1-888-404-3922 or visit MyFWC.com/law/alert/.

Major changes

Major regulation and rule changes forthis season are listed below. Thereare many other changes not listedhere. Hunters are responsible forlearning requirements and regulationspertaining to the types of hunting theypursue.

Quota hunt permits are now non-transferable, including those forthe mobility impaired. The new rulealso establishes a guest permit,whereby a quota permit holder cantake someone hunting with them, ifthat person applies under the quotapermit holders customer ID num-ber. See Quota Permits on page26 for additional information onchanges to the quota hunt system.

Four new public hunting areas havebeen establishedKissimmeeChain of Lakes WMA (Polk and

Osceola counties), Lake MonroeWMA (Volusia and Seminole coun-ties) and Marshall Swamp PublicSmall-Game Hunting Area (MarionCounty) in the Central HuntingZone and Babcock Ranch PreserveHunting Area in the South HuntingZone (Lee and Charlotte counties)See Wildlife Management Area sum-maries on pages 1825 for huntingopportunities on these areas.

www.CamoSpace.com

Log on today, and meet thousandsof other outdoor enthusiasts from

around the world!

Sign up for free!



7/36

Partners forpublic huntingFloridas WMAs offer diverse and exciting public hunting

opportunities. With more than 5.8 million acres of public landsstretching from Pensacola to the Everglades, Florida boasts oneof the largest wildlife management area systems in the nation.

Whether you hunt with family and friends, or prefer thesolitude of the backcountry, you can find the hunting experienceyou are looking for on one of Floridas many WMAs. Deer,turkeys (including the Osceola subspecies, found nowhere else inthe world), wild hogs and small-game species, such as rabbits,gray squirrels, quail, waterfowl and doves may be hunted.

Floridas Wildlife Management Area (WMA) SystemThe FWC is the lead manager or landowner on about 1.1 million acres of these public lands. The remaining4.7 million acres of the WMA system are open for public hunting thanks to partners and cooperators including:

Florida Division of ForestryNorthwest Florida Water Management DistrictSuwanee River Water Management DistrictSt. Johns River Water Management DistrictSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSouthwest Florida Water Management DistrictFlorida Armory BoardFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionFlorida Department of CorrectionsU.S. Forest Service

U.S. Department of Defense

National Park ServiceU.S. Army Corps of EngineersU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicePlum Creek Timber CompanyRayonierMiccosukee Indian TribePRIDE EnterprisesPotashCorpCity of Jacksonville

The FWC and our huntingstakeholders would like toextend a sincere appreciationto our partners and cooperatofor their support in the futureof public hunting in Florida.


8/36

Northwest Hunting Zone

Central Hunting Zone

South Hunting Zone

Hunting zonesHunting zones consist of the following counties or parts of counties.

HUNTING ZONES

Bay

Calhoun

Escambia

Franklin

Gadsden

Gulf

Holmes

Jackson

Jefferson (south of

U.S. 27, west of S.R. 59

and north of U.S. 98)

Liberty

Leon (except the portion

north of U.S. 27 and

east of S.R. 155)

Okaloosa

Alachua

Baker

Bradford

Brevard

Citrus

Clay

Columbia

DeSoto

(north of S.R. 70)

Dixie

Duval

Flagler

Gilchrist

Hamilton

Hardee

Hernando

Highlands

(north of S.R. 70)Hillsborough

Indian River

Jefferson

(north of U.S. 27,

east of S.R. 59 and

south of U.S. 98)Lafayette

Lake

Leon (north of U.S. 27

and east of S.R. 155)

Levy

Madison

Manatee

(north of S.R. 70)

Marion

Nassau

Okeechobee

(north of S.R. 70)Orange

Osceola

Pasco

Pinellas

Polk

Putnam

St. Johns

St. Lucie

(north of S.R. 70)

Sarasota

(north of S.R. 70)

Seminole

Sumter

Suwannee

Taylor

Union

Volusia

Wakulla (south of U.S.

98 and east of the

St. Marks River)

Santa Rosa

Walton

Washington

Wakulla (except the

portion south of

U.S. 98 and east of

the St. Marks River)

Northwest Hunting Zone

Central Hunting Zone

Broward

Charlotte

Collier

DeSoto

(south of S.R. 70)

Glades

Hendry

Monroe

Okeechobee

(south of S.R. 70)

Palm Beach

St. Lucie

(south of S.R. 70)

Sarasota

Highlands

(south of S.R. 70)

Lee

Manatee

(south of S.R. 70)

Martin

Miami-Dade

South Hunting Zone



9/36

HUNTING SEASON DATES

Hunting season datesSeasons and dates are not applicable on WMAs. For specific WMA regulations, obtain individual WMA brochures published annually for each area.

OUTDOORSINSURANCE.COM, INC.OUTDOORS INSURANCE

Call a Sportsman

About Insurance General Liability

Directors & Officers Liability

Excess/Umbrella Liability

Property (Building & Contents)

(3-D Targets - Equipment)

Hunting Clubs

(Owned and Leased)

Sportsmans Clubs

Rod & Gun Clubs

Sporting Clays &

Wing Shooting

Archery &

Bowhunting Clubs Guides & Outfitters

Hunting Preserves

Pro Shops

3-D Ranges

National &

State Organizations

www.OutdoorsInsurance.com

P.O. Box 6336 Wheeling, WV 26003

866-695-9040 or 800-552-9925 (Evening) Fax: 740-695-9053

Season Northwest Hunting Zone Central Hunting Zone South Hunting Zone

Archery Oct. 17 Nov. 15, 2009 Sept. 26 Oct. 25, 2009 Sept. 12 Oct. 11, 2009

Deer-dog training Oct. 31 Nov. 19, 2009 Oct. 322, 2009 Oct. 322, 2009

Crossbow Nov. 30 Dec. 6, 2009 Oct. 2630, 2009 Oct. 1216, 2009

Muzzleloading gunNov. 2022, 2009Feb. 1828, 2010

Oct. 31 Nov. 8, 2009 Oct. 1725, 2009

General gunNov. 2629, 2009Dec. 12, 2009 Feb. 17, 2010

Nov. 14, 2009 Jan. 24, 2010 Oct. 31, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010

Antlerless deer Dec. 1925, 2009 Nov. 2127, 2009 Nov. 713, 2009

Fall turkey *Nov. 2629, 2009Dec. 12, 2009 Jan. 17, 2010

Nov. 14, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010 Nov. 14, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010

Quail and gray squirrel Nov. 14, 2009 March 7, 2010 Nov. 14, 2009 March 7, 2010 Nov. 14, 2009 March 7, 2010

Bobcat and otter Dec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010 Dec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010 Dec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010

Spring turkey ** March 20 April 25, 2010 March 20 April 25, 2010 March 6 April 11, 2010

Wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutrias, beavers and coyotes may be taken year-round.* Except for Holmes County, where there is no fall harvest of turkeys allowed.

** Spring Turkey Season is limited to March 20 April 4, 2010 in Holmes County.

Oct. 17 Nov. 15, 2009 Sept. 26 Oct. 25, 2009 Sept. 12 Oct. 11, 2009

Nov. 30 Dec. 6, 2009 Oct. 2630, 2009 Oct. 1216, 2009

Nov. 2629, 2009Dec. 12, 2009 Feb. 17, 2010

ov. 14, 2009 Jan. 24, 2010 Oct. 31, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010

Nov. 2629, 2009Dec. 12, 2009 Jan. 17, 2010

ov. 14, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010 Nov. 14, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010

Dec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010 ec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010 Dec. 1, 2009 March 1, 2010



10/36

Bag limits (Bag limits can differ on WMAs.)

License and permit requirementsYou may obtain a replacement license or

permit at all locations that sell hunting and

fishing licenses and permits; tax collectors

offices; license agents; by calling toll-free

1-888-HUNT FLORIDA (486-8356); or at

www.wildlifelicense.com.

For purposes of hunting in Florida, resi-dent is defined as anyone having lived in

Florida for six continuous months priorto applying for licenses and who claims

Florida as their primary residence. Ac-

tive duty military personnel stationed in

Florida, including their spouses and depen-

dent children residing in their households,

are considered residents when purchasing

hunting licenses regardless of how long

they have lived in the state.

Hunting licenses and permits and the Fed-

eral Duck Stamp may be obtained at county

tax collectors offices and license agents,

at www.wildlifelicense.com or by calling

1-888-HUNT FLORIDA (486-8356). Ob-

taining licenses and permits constitutes

acceptance of all provisions therein. Exceptas noted under License and permit exemp-

tions, the following are required when

hunting specific season or species:

General gun season: Hunting; sports-

mans; sportsmans 64 or older; gold

sportsmans; military gold sportsmans;

lifetime sportsmans; lifetime hunting;

combination hunting and freshwater fish-

ing; combination hunting, saltwater fishingand freshwater fishing or five-year hunting

licenses are required to take or attempt to

take game and furbearing animals.

Trapping: Trapping license is required totrap or attempt to trap furbearing mammals;

or when taking furbearing mammals for com-

mercial purposes using traps or firearms.

Archery season: Archery permit is re-

quired, in addition to hunting license, for

hunting during archery season. Archery

permit is included with lifetime sports-

mans, lifetime hunting, sportsmans 64

or older, gold sportsmans, military gold

sportsmans or sportsmans licenses.

Crossbow season: Crossbow permit is

required, in addition to hunting license for

hunting during crossbow season. Crossbowpermit is included with lifetime sportsmans,

lifetime hunting, sportsmans 64 or older,

gold sportsmans, military gold sportsmans

or sportsmans licenses.

Muzzleloading gun season: Muzzleload-

ing gun permit is required, in addition to

hunting license, for hunting during muz-

zleloading gun season. Muzzleloading gun

permit is included with lifetime sportsmans,

lifetime hunting, sportsmans 64 or older,gold sportsmans, military gold sportsmans

or sportsmans licenses.

through March 31. A migratory bird permit

is not required to take crows.

Wildlife management areas: Manage-

ment area permit is required, in addition

to hunting license, when taking or attempt-

ing to take wildlife on wildlife management

areas or wildlife and environmental areas,

except on Eglin, Avon Park and Tyndall

military bases, Apalachicola River Wildlifeand Environmental Area and KissimmeeRiver Public Use Area. A management area

permit is included with lifetime sportsmans,

lifetime hunting, sportsmans 64 or older,gold sportsmans, military gold sportsmans

and sportsmans licenses; recreational use

permits; and special-opportunity permits

(when hunting during special-opportunity

hunts). Some wildlife management areas

may require a no-cost quota permit for some

seasons (See Quota permits on page 26).

Recreational use permit: Recreational

use permit is required, in addition to hunting

license, when accessing those wildlife man-agement areas enrolled in the Recreational

Use Program. The permit enables the permit

holder and one dependent child (under age

16) to hunt on a specific wildlife manage-

ment area. Permit holders and their spouses

or dependent children may also engage in

recreational activities, except hunting, on

the designated wildlife management area.

These permits may be used as management

area permits when hunting public lands not

under the Recreational Use Program (see

Recreational use permits on page 28).

Turkey: Turkey permit is required, in ad-

dition to hunting license, when taking or

attempting to take turkeys. Turkey permit

is included with lifetime sportsmans, life-

time hunting, sportsmans 64 or older, gold

sportsmans, military gold sportsmans or

sportsmans licenses.

Waterfowl: Federal duck stamp, Florida

waterfowl permit and migratory bird per-mit is required, in addition to hunting

license, when taking or attempting to take

ducks and geese. Florida waterfowl permit

is included with lifetime sportsmans, life-

time hunting, sportsmans 64 or older, gold

sportsmans, military gold sportsmans or

sportsmans licenses; however, migratorybird permit and federal duck stamp are not

included and must be obtained separately.

Migratory birds: Migratory bird permit

(no cost) is required, in addition to hunt-

ing license, when taking or attempting to

take ducks, geese, brants, coots, gallinules,

rails, snipes, woodcocks, mourning dovesand white-winged doves. When obtaining

the permit, you will be asked a few ques-

tions about last seasons harvest numbers.Your answers help improve accuracy of har-

vest data used in managing migratory bird

populations. Lifetime and five-year license

holders must obtain the permit annually from

license agents, county tax collectors offices,

www.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll-

free, 1-888-HUNTFLORIDA (486-8356)

when taking or attempting to take migra-

tory game birds. Permit is valid from Sept. 1

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Species Daily Season Possession

Turkey (all fall seasons)* 1 2 ** 2

Turkey (spring season) 1 2 *** 2 ***

Quail 12 No limit 24

Gray squirrel 12 No limit 24

Rabbit 12 No limit 24

Wild hog, raccoon, bobcat, otter,

opossum, coyote, nutria, skunk

and beaver

No limit No limit No limit

* No fall harvest of turkeys allowed in Holmes County.** Season limit includes turkeys taken during all archery, crossbow, muzzleloading gun

and fall turkey seasons combined.

*** Season and possession limit in Holmes County is one turkey.

Daily bag limits for deer:

Two antlered deer during crossbow, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasonOne antlered deer and one antlerless deer, or two antlered deer, during antlerlessdeer seasonTwo antlered deer, or two antlerless deer, or one antlered and one antlerless deer,during archery seasonRegardless of the season, sex of deer or number of antlerless deer permits, harvest-ing more than two deer per day is prohibited. The possession limit is four deer.



11/36

License and permit feesLicenses, permits and issuance fees are subject to change pending the 2009 legislative

session. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license

agents charge a 50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. For up-to-date license

information, visit MyFWC.com/license.

Hunters may use credit cards to purchase licenses and permits 24 hours a day at

www.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll-free, 1-888-HUNT FLORIDA (486-8356). This

enables hunters to obtain immediate license privileges. Processing fees will apply on all

Internet and telephone sales.

Resident hunting licenses

Annual Sportsmans LicenseIncludes hunting, freshwater fishing and permits for wildlife management area, archery,crossbow, muzzleloading gun, turkey and Florida waterfowl permit.

$80.50

Annual Gold Sportsmans LicenseIncludes all licenses and permits in the Sportsmans License plus saltwater fishing,crawfish and snook permits.

$100.00

Annual Military Gold Sportsmans License*Includes all licenses and permits in the Gold Sportsmans License; restricted to Floridaresidents who are active or retired military; available only at tax collectors offices.

$20.00

Annual 64 or Older Hunting and FishingIncludes freshwater fishing and hunting licenses; and wildlife management area, archery,

crossbow, muzzleloading gun, turkey and Florida waterfowl permits.

$13.50

Five-Year Hunting (no permits included) $79.00

Annual Hunting $17.00

Annual Hunting/Freshwater Fishing $32.50

Annual Hunting/Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing $48.00

Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate (65 or older) No cost

Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate No cost

* Available only to Florida residents who are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Armed

Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve), upon submission of a cur-

rent military identification card and military orders showing you are stationed in Florida or a Florida Drivers

License. This license can only be purchased at county tax collectors offices.

Nonresident hunting licensesAnnual Hunting $151.50

10-Day Hunting $46.50

Permits AnnualFive-year

(residents only)

Management Area $26.50 $126.50

Archery $5.00 $25.00

Crossbow $5.00 $25.00

Muzzleloading Gun $5.00 $25.00

Resident Turkey $5.00 $25.00

Nonresident Turkey $100.00

Florida Waterfowl $3.00 $15.00

Migratory Bird No cost

Federal Duck Stamp $17.50

Resident and Nonresident Trapping License $26.50

LICENSES AND PERMITS

License and permit exemptionsExemptions from hunting licenses, Florida

waterfowl permits, turkey permits, man-

agement area permits, archery permits,

crossbow permits, muzzleloading gun per-

mits and migratory bird permits are:

Persons hunting in their county of residence

on their homestead or homestead of theirspouse or minor child; or minor child hunt-

ing on the homestead of their parents.Florida residents age 65 or older possess-

ing proof of age and residency or a Flori-

da Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and

Fishing Certificate. Residents age 65 or

older may obtain complimentary hunting

and fishing certificates at county tax col-

lectors offices.Florida residents possessing Florida Res-ident Disabled Person Hunting and Fish-

ing Certificates. Applications for these

certificates are available at county tax col-lectors offices or visit MyFWC.com/ada.

Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Ser-

vices not stationed in Florida, while home

on leave with orders for 30 days or less.Children under age 16 (also exempt fromfederal duck stamps).

Lifetime licensesLifetime licenses are available to Florida

residents for hunting and freshwater and

saltwater fishing. Funds generated from

sales of these licenses are invested, cre-

ating an endowment to support long-term

conservation of Floridas fish and wildlife

resources. Costs of lifetime licenses are

less than what would be spent on annual

licenses, permits and fees, and are valid in

Florida even if you move out of state. For

more information, contact your county taxcollectors office.

Lifetime Sportsmans LicenseIncludes hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses; andmanagement area, archery, crossbow, muzzleloading gun, turkey,Florida waterfowl, snook and lobster permits.

4 years or younger $401.50

512 years $701.50

13 years or older $1,001.50

Lifetime Hunting LicenseIncludes hunting license and management area, archery, crossbow,muzzleloading gun, turkey and Florida waterfowl permits.

4 years or younger $201.50

512 years $351.50

13 years or older $501.50

Floridas CWD watch

1-866-CWD-WATCH (293-9282)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a

progressive fatal disease of the brain

and nervous system in deer. The FWC

has not found CWD in or near Florida

but we must continue to be vigilant.

If you see or kill a sickly, extremely

skinny deer, do not touch the animal

and immediately contact the FWC at

1-866-CWD-Watch (293-9282). Formore information about CWD, visit

MyFWC.com/cwd.



12/36

Hunter safety requirementAnyone born on or after June 1, 1975 can-

not purchase a hunting license without firstsuccessfully completing a hunter safety

course. Proof of satisfactory completion of

Floridas Hunter Safety Course or an ap-

proved course provided by another state

or province is required when purchasing

a hunting license without using the men-

toring exemption option (see Hunter SafetyDeferral Mentoring Exemption section be-

low). Children under age 16 may hunt with

adult supervision without having to take a

hunter safety course. Persons needing proof

they have passed FWCs Hunter Safety

Course can print out duplicate certificates

at MyFWC.com/huntersafety.

Hunter safety courseEveryone born on or after June 1, 1975 must

pass an approved hunter safety course before

they can purchase a Florida hunting license.

Successful completion of the FWC course is

accepted in all states where hunter safety is

a requirement to hunt. Floridas hunter safe-

ty course is accepted by all states requiring

hunter certification. The FWC offers a Bow-

hunter Safety Course for residents desiring

to hunt in a state that requires bowhunter

education certification.

Whether you have been hunting all your

life or are a newcomer to the sport, the FWCHunter Safety Course has something for you.

The free, 16-hour course does more than just

teach you how to handle firearms. Topics in-

clude outdoor ethics, wildlife identification and

management, survival, field first aid, f irearm

laws and the Florida Wildlife Code. The basics

of archery and black powder (muzzleloader)

hunting also are taught in the course.

To find out more about these courses, con-tact the hunter safety administrator at an

FWC regional office (see page 2) or register

for a class at MyFWC.com/huntersafety. Get-

ting into fall classes can be difficult, as there

is more demand and class sizes are limited.

You can avoid the rush, however, by takingthe course in the spring or summer.

Hunter Safety DeferralMentoring Exemption

Anyone 16 years or older and born on or

after June 1, 1975 can hunt for one season

under the supervision of a licensed hunter,

21 or older, without having to complete the

states hunter safety certification.

The Hunter Safety Deferral enables

those persons to purchase a Florida hunting

license and hunt while that license is valid.

Individuals taking advantage of this try-

before-you-buy approach would have to take

and pass a hunter safety class to be eligibleto purchase their next hunting license.Hunters with a deferral who pass the

hunter safety training class may hunt with-

out a supervisor provided they have a copy

of their hunter safety card with them.

The 2006 Florida Legislature passed the

law to give more people the opportunity to ex-perience hunting. It is designed to encourageexperienced hunters to teach novice hunters

about safety, ethics, wildlife, hunting skills

and respect for Floridas outdoors.

Children and firearmsFlorida lawSection 790.22 states as follows:

(3) A minor under 18 years of age cannot

possess a firearm, other than an unloaded

firearm at his or her home, unless:

(a) The minor is engaged in a lawful hunt-

ing activity and is at least 16 years of age;

or under 16 years of age and supervised by

an adult.

(b) The minor is engaged in a lawful

marksmanship competition or practice or

other lawful recreational shooting activity

and is at least 16 years of age; or under 16

years of age and supervised by a parent or

an adult who is acting with consent of mi-

nors parent or guardian.

(c) The firearm is unloaded and is be-

ing transported by the minor directly to or

from an event authorized in paragraph (a)

or paragraph (b).

(4)(a) Parents or guardians of a minor

or other adults responsible for welfare of a

minor who knowingly and willfully permit

the minor to possess a firearm in violation

of subsection (1) commit a felony of the

third degree, punishable as provided in s.775.082, s. 775.083 or s. 775.084.

Section 790.174 states in part as follows:

(1) Requires that firearms be locked and/

or stored in a secure manner to prevent mi-

nors from gaining access to them without

parental permission and adult supervision.

(3) As used in this act, the term minor

means persons under age 16.

Youth Hunting ProgramThe FWC is seeking landowners, hunting

clubs, volunteers and organizations to help

grow its recently established Youth Hunting

Program. The program aims to provide qual-ity hunting experiences for 12- to 17-year-

olds to increase the number of youths in-

volved in safe and responsible hunting.

Landowners and hunting clubs are

needed to help host weekend youth hunts,

while volunteers are needed to be trained

as huntmasters, hunter safety instructors,

cooks or guides. Organizations also are be-ing solicited to help sponsor this innovative

program.

While introducing Floridas youth to the

hunting tradition, the Youth Hunting Pro-

gram also can benefit landowners by assist-

ing them with their management of deer,

hogs and other game species they want tocontrol on their property. All the landown-

ers or hunting clubs need to do is provide

access to their land and the volunteers will

do the rest.

If you are a landowner or hunting club

wishing to donate a weekend youth hunt

on your property, an individual who can

volunteer time and expertise in planningand leading youth hunts or an organization

that can help sponsor this unique program,

contact Kenny Barker at (850) 413-0084 or

by email at [email protected]. For

more information on how to get involved

in Floridas Youth Hunting Program, visit

MyFWC.com/huntersafety.

HUNTER SAFETY

Featuring articles and tips

for hunters, anglers and

other outdoors enthusiasts

Order your

subscription today

FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com

or call toll-free 1-866-967-5600

The MySpace forHunters and Fishermen

Profiles Forums GalleriesBlogs Classifieds and More

GoHuntingAndFishing.comFree MembershipSign Up Today!



13/36

TAKING GAME

Legal methods of taking gameDefinition of taking wildlife: Taking is defined to include

taking, attempting to take, pursuing, hunting, harassing, capturing

or killing any wildlife.

Resident game birds and mammals: Rifles, shotguns, pistols,

longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, crossbows and birds of prey

(falcons, hawks and great horned owls) may be used. Longbows, com-pound bows, recurve bows and crossbows must have minimum draw

weights of 35 pounds. Hand-held releases may be used. Arrows usedto take deer, turkeys or hogs must be equipped with broadheads hav-

ing at least two sharpened edges with minimum widths of inch.

Nonmigratory game can be taken from stationary vehicles.

Hunting deer with a muzzleloader: Muzzleloading guns firing

single bullets must be at least .40-caliber. Muzzleloading guns firing

two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger.

Migratory game birds: Shotguns (not larger than 10-gauge)

plugged to a three-shell capacity including a one-piece filler that

cannot be removed without disassembling the gun and are incapable

of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber

combined, birds of prey, bows and crossbows may be used.

Prohibited methods and equipment for taking gameCenterfire semi-automatic rifles having magazine capacities ofmore than five rounds

Nonexpanding full metal case (military ball) ammunition for

taking deer

Firearms using rimfire cartridges for taking deer

Rifles or pistols for taking migratory game birds

Fully automatic or silencer-equipped firearms

Explosive or drug-injecting arrows

Taking or attempting to take game with live decoys, recorded

game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial lights, nets, traps, snares,

drugs or poisons

Shooting from vehicles, powerboats or sailboats moving under

power. Motors must be shut off or sails furled, and the vessels

progress must cease from such motor or sail before hunters may

shoot wildlife.Herding or driving wildlife with vehicles, boats or aircraft

Hunting turkeys with dogs

Shooting turkeys while they are on the roost

Taking migratory game birds over baited areas

Taking turkeys over baited areas

Taking turkeys when the hunter is within 100 yards of a game-

feeding station when feed is present

Taking spotted fawn deer or swimming deer

Hunting with bows equipped with sights or aiming devices with

electronic computational capabilities or light projection (laser)

features during archery season

Hunting resident game using bows and crossbows with draw

weights less than 35 pounds

Using dogs without collars that identify the owners name

and address

Using dogs on private lands without written landowner permis-

sion (see Statewide deer-dog registration on page 12)

Taking game with modern firearms while hunting during archery,

crossbow and muzzleloading gun season

Placing, exposing or distributing soporific, anesthetic, tranquilizer,

hypnotic or similar drugs or chemicals; preparation by baits; or by

other means where game birds or game animals may be affected,

unless authorized by permit from the FWC executive director

Areas closed to huntingTaking or attempting to take wildlife is illegal on, upon or from

rights-of-way of federal, state or county-maintained roads, wheth-

er paved or otherwise. Casting dogs from rights-of-way is consid-

ered attempting to take wildlife and constitutes violation of this

regulation. The exception to this rule is amphibians or reptiles

may be taken without the use of firearms from the above men-

tioned rights-of-way.

Discharging firearms over paved public roads, rights-of-way,

highways, streets or occupied premises is prohibited.

Shooting or propelling potentially lethal projectiles over or across

private land without authorization in order to take game is con-

sidered criminal trespassing and is a felony.

Taking deer is prohibited by any method in the Florida Keys.

Taking deer is illegal in that portion of Collier County lying southof S.R. 84, west of S.R. 29, north of U.S. 41 and east of the west-

ern boundary of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

Hunting is prohibited on most sanctuaries and parks.

Antlerless deer permitsprivate landsAn antlerless deer permit is required to take antlerless deer onprivate lands during the crossbow, muzzleloading gun and general

gun seasons in accordance with the following conditions:

A person who owns, leases or has written permission to take

antlerless deer on at least 640 acres or not less than 150 acres,

if the property is adjoining land already receiving antlerless deer

permits, may apply for permits. A group with adjoining lands

also may apply together provided the total combined acreage is

at least 640 acres.

Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days priorto the final day of general gun season in the hunting zone

that the property is situated. Antlerless deer permit applica-

tions are available at an FWC regional office (see page 2) and

MyFWC.com/hunting.

of the Gun Rack



14/36

PUBLIC HUNTING

General information

Deer, elk and moose carcasstransportation regulationsIt is illegal for persons to bring into the

state carcasses of any species of the fam-

ily Cervidae (deer, elk and moose) from 14

states and two Canadian provinces where

CWD has been detected. These areas are:

Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ne-braska, New York, Wisconsin, West Vir-

ginia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Montana,

New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Saskatch-ewan and Alberta, Canada. For state-to-

state CWD reports, visit www.cwd-info.org

for the U.S. Department of Agricultures

Web site. Hunters still can bring back de-boned meat from any CWD-affected region,

as well as finished taxidermy mounts, hides,

skulls, antlers and teeth as long as all soft

tissue has been removed. Whole, bone-in

carcasses and parts are permitted to be

brought back into Florida if they were har-

vested from non-affected CWD states.

Wild hogsWith landowners permission, wild hogs

may be taken year-round with no bag limits,

size limits or licenses required. Wild hogs

can be taken on WMAs only during speci-

fied seasons, where bag and size limits may

apply. For more information on hunting wild

hogs on WMAs, consult the specific WMA

brochure for the area you want to hunt.

GENERAL INFORMATION

TrespassingThe possession of a hunting license does not

authorize a person to trespass onto privateland. Obtain landowners permission before

entering private land. Trespassing while

possessing firearms is a felony punishable

by imprisonment up to five years and/or a

fine of up to $5,000. For more information,

contact an FWC regional office (see page 2).

The Florida Legislature created the Vol-untary Authorized Hunter Identification

Program. Landowners participating in this

program notify the local sheriff s office and

FWC to provide hunters with written au-

thorization to use their property. Anyone

found on properties enrolled in the program

without landowners written authorization

can be charged with trespassing.

Use of firearms by felonsIt is illegal in Florida for convicted felons topossess firearms, including muzzleloading

guns, unless the convicted felon has had

his/her civil rights restored by the states

Clemency Board or the firearm qualifiesas an antique firearm under Florida stat-

ute 790.001(1). Properly licensed convicted

felons may hunt with bows, crossbows or

antique firearms per Florida statute 790during hunting seasons when such devices

are legal for taking game.

The 2005 Florida Statutes Title XLVI,

Section 790.001(1) states Antique fire-

arm means any firearm manufactured inor before 1918 (including any matchlock,

flintlock, percussion cap or similar early

type of ignition system) or replica thereof,

whether actually manufactured before or

after the year 1918, and also any firearm

using fixed ammunition manufactured inor before 1918, for which ammunition is no

longer manufactured in the United States

and is not readily available in the ordinary

channels of commercial trade. The fact that

the firearm is an antique firearm is an af-

firmative defense that the defendant has theburden of alleging and proving [Williams v.

State 482 So.2d 1051 (Fla 1986)]. Convicted

felons should be cautious about being in a

location where a firearm is present as they

may be in constructive possession of that

firearm. Constructive possession occurs

when the person knows about the firearm

and is in a position to exert dominion and

control over that firearm. A felon who is rid-ing in a truck with other hunters who have

firearms with them may be in constructive

possession of those firearms, depending on

the circumstances.

Shooting hours for residentgame birds and game mammalsOne-half hour before sunrise to one-half

hour after sunset except when hunting tur-

keys during spring turkey season. Shootinghours during spring turkey season are one-

half hour before sunrise to sunset and on

WMAs, shooting hours are one-half hourbefore sunrise to 1 p.m.

Shooting hours formigratory game birdsOne-half hour before sunrise to sunset, ex-

cept during first phase of dove season in

which shooting hours are noon to sunset.

For migratory game bird hunting regu-

lations, obtain the following brochures

at your county tax collectors office or at

MyFWC.com/hunting: 20092010 Migra-

tory Bird Regulations for Dove, Snipe,Woodcock, Rail, Moorhen, Crow and Early

Waterfowl Seasons (available in mid-Sep-

tember) and 20092010 Migratory Game

Bird Regulations for Waterfowl and Coot

Seasons (available in mid-October).

Hunter orange requirementIt is unlawful to hunt deer or to accompany

another person hunting deer on public lands

unless each person is wearing a minimum

of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescentorange material as an outer garment. Such

clothing must be worn above the waistline

and can include a head covering. This rule

does not apply during archery season.

Hunting dogsDogs may be used as an aid in taking game

mammals and game birds, unless other-

wise prohibited. Persons owning or using

dogs shall not knowingly or negligently

permit such dogs to trail, pursue or oth-

erwise molest game during closed seasons.

While hunting during archery, crossbow

or muzzleloading gun seasons, taking deer

or wild hogs with dogs is prohibited. Dogs

on leashes may be used to trail woundedgame mammals during all seasons. Taking

turkeys with dogs at any time is prohibited.

Hunters who use dogs for hunting, includ-ing bird dogs or retrievers, are required to

have their dogs wear collars that identify

their owners. This regulation also requires

dog hunters to possess landowners writ-

ten permission before using their dogs to

pursue game on private property. For more

information, contact an FWC regional of-

fice (see page 2).

Deer dogs: Deer dogs can be trained dur-

ing closed seasons when dogs are constantly

attached to leashes or ropes in the hands of

their trainers for training purposes. Deer

dogs are permitted to run free for train-

ing purposes only during deer-dog training

seasons (see page 15). Taking deer or anyother wildlife with a gun is prohibited while

training deer dogs.

Statewide deer-dog registration: Deer

hunters using dogs on private properties in

Florida must obtain a no-cost registration

from the FWC. Registration requirements

apply to the deer-dog training season and

during any open deer hunting season when

it is legal to take deer with dogs. Registra-

tion may be issued to landowners, hunting

clubs or anyone having rights to hunt the

property. Once a registration number has

Diseases in wild hogs

Many wild hogs in Florida carry swine

brucellosisa bacterial disease that

also is infectious to people. People

handling wild hog carcasses or raw hog

meat should avoid eating, drinking or

using tobacco when field-dressing or

handling carcasses; use latex or rubber

gloves when handling the carcass or rawmeat; avoid direct contact with blood,

reproductive organs and fecal matter;

clean and disinfect knives, cleaning

area, clothing and any other exposed

surfaces when finished; and wash

hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Wild hogs also may carry pseudorabies.

Although not a risk to people, the virus

can be deadly to dogs that are exposed

to it. For more information on swine

brucellosis and pseudorabies, go to

MyFWC.com/wildlifedisease.



15/36

GENERAL INFORMATION

been issued, the unique number must be affixed or attached to

collars of dogs used to hunt deer on registered properties. Hunt-

ers also must possess copies of the registration while hunting. To

comply with the rule, deer-dog hunters on private lands must have

registration numbers on their dogs collars; possess copies of the

registration; and keep their dogs on registered properties. Applica-

tions are available at an FWC regional office (see page 2), county

tax collectors offices and MyFWC.com/hunting. Applications mustbe submitted no later than 30 days prior to the final day of general

gun season in the hunting zone where the property is situated.

Bird dogs: On private lands during closed seasons, bird dogs may

be trained with pistols firing blanks or balls or by taking pen-raised

quail (with shotguns only), when birds have been banded with own-ers names prior to releasing them. Training bird dogs is permitted

during specified periods on Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb, J.W.

Corbett, Blackwater, Apalachicola, Point Washington, Twin Rivers

Blue Springs Unit, Cary and Citrus WMAs.

Fox dogs: Foxes cannot be killed, but may be chased year-round

with dogs (see Furbearer hunting regulations on page 16).

Feeding gameTaking game on lands or waters upon which corn, wheat, grain,

food or other substances have been deposited by means other thannormal agricultural harvesting or planting is prohibited, except

as noted below.

Resident game and wild hogs may be hunted in proximity of

year-round game-feeding stations on private lands, provided

the feeding station has been maintained with feed for at least

six months prior to taking resident game.

Wild turkey may not be taken if the hunter is less than 100 yards

from a game feeding station when feed is present.

The intentional placement of feed in a manner that is likely to

create or creates a public nuisance by attracting black bears,

foxes or raccoons is prohibited.

In addition to normal agricultural harvesting or planting meth-

ods, mourning and white-winged doves may be hunted over agri-

cultural crops that have been harvested or manipulated and overnatural vegetation that has been manipulated.

Buying or selling gameSelling or purchasing game is prohibited except for pen-raised

game produced on licensed game farms that are lawfully identifiedand handled. When lawfully harvested, nonprotected and resident

game bird feathers, and the hides of deer, squirrels, rabbits and

wild hogs may be sold.

Sex evidencePositive evidence of sex identification, including the head, shall

remain on deer taken or killed within the state and on all turkeys

taken during any gobbler season when taking of turkey hens is

prohibited, so long as such deer or turkey is kept in camp or forest

or is en route to the domicile of its possessor or until such deer or

turkey has been cooked or stored at the domicile of its possessor.

Dividing carcassesDeer and turkeys may be dismembered in field or camp, however

tags must be attached to each portion identifying names, addressesand hunting license numbers (if hunting licenses are required) of

the persons who harvested them with date and location at which

they were taken. These tags must be readily traceable to the por-

tion of the animal bearing sex identification. On some WMAs,

deer and hogs cannot be dismembered until checked at designated

check stations.

Saelyand efectively eliminate the major

intestinal worms that inect dogs with

BRING HOME THE GAME

www.safe-guard-for-dogs.com

NOT WORM INFECTIONS!

Canine Dewormer

Approximately 1% of dogs had vomiting associated with the use of this product.

Safe-Guard is a registered trademark of Intervet Inc. or an affiliate

2008 Intervet Inc. All rights reserved.

CA-SG-6907-AD

Some heartworm preventative products may not protect your dog against alltypes of intestinal worms. Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer has no known druginteractions and is an excellent choice for use with heartworm preventativeproducts, for more complete protection.

*

Consult your veterinarian or assistance in thediagnosis, treatment, and control o parasitism.

In felds and woods everywhere, tinystalkers worm eggs and larvae liein wait or a chance to inect your dog.Just by sning out and retrievinggame, your dog can become inectedwith these internal parasites. Parasitesthat can also inect humans.

Why take chances? Make intestinaldeworming* an important part o your

dogs routine health care. Just sprinkleSae-Guard Canine Dewormeron your dogs ood twice a year, orcomplete peace o mind!

Dont let your dog fall preyto internal parasites!



16/36

PUBLIC HUNTING

Transport of gameGame may be transported only as personal baggage in numbers

consistent with possession limits. Common carriers may transport

lawfully taken game in packages bearing owners' names and ad-

dresses, as long as they are marked to show numbers and species of

game contained. It is a violation of federal law to import, export or

transport in interstate commerce any package or container containing

any fish or wildlife, unless it has been plainly marked, labeled and

tagged with the species name, date taken, hunters name, place taken

and license numbers. The head and one fully-feathered wing mustremain attached to any Migratory Game Birds during transport until

they have reached your personal abode or a preservation facility.

LitteringIt is unlawful for anyone to throw or dump trash or in any way litterhighways, public lands and waters of the state or private properties

(without landowner permission).

Motor vehiclesAll-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs)

purchased after July 1, 2002 must be titled with the Department ofHighway Safety and Motor Vehicles. ATVs and OHMs must be titled

when used for recreational purposes on lands within the state that

are available for public use and that are owned, operated or man-

aged by federal, state, county or municipal governmental entities.Applications for title may be made at county tax collectors offices.

In the South Region (Everglades, Rotenberger and Holey Land

WMAs), taking wildlife from tracked vehicles not in compliance

with Florida Administrative Code 68A-11.005 is prohibited. For

more information, contact the South Region Office in West Palm

Beach at (561) 625-5122. See specific WMA brochures for additional

information concerning motor vehicles.

Use of structures on vehiclesIn the South Region (Everglades, Rotenberger and Holey Land

WMAs), taking wildlife is prohibited from conveyances having a

structure capable of bearing the weight of a person if that structure

is more than eight feet wide and more than six feet higher than the

lowest bottom surface of such conveyances.

Tree standsUsing tree stands to take wildlife is permitted. Driving any metal

object such as nails, screws or spikes into trees on WMAs is

prohibited.

Permanent duck blindsRules regarding use of permanent duck blinds were changed begin-

ning with the 200809 waterfowl season. The rule (68A-12.002) pro-

hibits waterfowl hunting from or within 30 yards of any permanent

blind on lakes Miccosukee, Iamonia, and Jackson, and Carr lakes

in the Leon and Jefferson County. A permanent blind is defined as

anything that provides shelter, cover or place of concealment for a

person but does not include any rooted vegetation or a shelter, cover

or place of concealment remaining in place only while the person is

present. For additional information visit MyFWC.com/duck.

Florida Buck Registry

The Florida Buck Registry

recognizes hunters for taking

quality deer in Florida. A minimum

Boone and Crockett score of 100

for typical antlers and 125 for

nontypical antlers is required to

qualify for the registry. To register,

contact an FWC regional office

(see page 2).

GENERAL INFORMATION

If you plan

on hunting from

an elevated stand,

you should take a

treestand safety course

atMyFWC.com/hunting.

Florida Wild Turkey Registry

Are you proud of that turkey?

Receive the recognition you and yourgobbler deserve. Apply for an Outstand-ing Gobbler Certificate from FWCs WildTurkey Registry.

To qualify for an OutstandingGobbler Certificate, beards mustbe 11 inches or longer, measuredat its protrusion from the skin tothe tip of the longest bristle. Bothspurs must be 1 inches or longer,measured at their protrusion fromthe skin along the outside curve to the t ip.

A First Gobbler Certificate also is awarded to hunt-ers under age 16 for harvesting their first gobbler,regardless of beard and spur measurements.

Applications are available at MyFWC.com/hunting.

Becoming an Outdoors-

Woman ProgramThe FWC sponsors workshops

planned for women who want to

spend a weekend learning a variety

of outdoor skills. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops

are slated for Tallahassee (Oct. 911, 2009), West Palm Beach

(Nov. 2022, 2009) and Ocala (March 2729, 2010).

The FWC invites women, 18 and older, to attend the work-

shops to learn or improve their outdoors skills and enjoy a few

recreational activities. In four, three-and-a-half-hour sessions,

workshops teach skills associated with hunting/shooting, fish-

ing and non-consumptive (canoeing, camping, etc.) activities at

all levels of physical activity.

The cost is $175; however, partial scholarships are available for

low-income participants attending for the first time. Workshops

are limited to 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information about the workshop and registration is at

MyFWC.com/BOW or by calling (561) 625-5122.



17/36

PUBLIC HUNTING

Hunting seasonsWildlife management area regulations can differ.

Deer-dog training seasonAnyone possessing a license with hunting

privileges may train or toughen free-running

deer dogs Oct. 322, 2009 in Central and

South Hunting Zones and Oct. 31Nov. 19,

2009 in the Northwest Zone during daylight

hours. Taking any wildlife with firearms,crossbows or bows while training deer dogs

is prohibited.

Archery seasonSeason dates:

South Zone Sept. 12 Oct. 11, 2009

Central Zone Sept. 26 Oct. 25, 2009

Northwest Zone Oct. 17 Nov. 15, 2009

License and permit requirements:

Hunting license, archery permit and turkey

permit (if hunting turkeys)

Legal to take: Deer of either sex (except

spotted fawns); gobblers or bearded turkeys(except in Holmes County); wild hogs; gray

squirrels; quail; rabbits; raccoons; opossums;

coyotes; nutrias; skunks and beavers

Shooting hours: One-half hour before sun-

rise to one-half hour after sunset

Daily bag and possession limits:

Deerdaily limit two, possession limit four.

Bag and possession limits for other game

legal to take during archery season can be

found underBag limits (see page 8).

Hunting methods: Only bows may be used.

Bows must have minimum draw weight of 35pounds. Hand-held releases are allowed. For

hunting deer, turkeys or hogs, broadheads

must have at least two sharpened edges with

minimum width of inch.

Prohibitions:

Shooting spotted fawns

Hunting turkeys in Holmes County

Using dogs to take deer and turkeys

Using crossbows (unless you possess a

Disabled Person Crossbow Permit)Using arrows with explosive componentsor drug-injecting devices

Taking wildlife with a firearm

Using unleashed dogs (except bird dogs)

Hunting with bows equipped with sights

or aiming devices with electronic compu-

tational capabilities or light projection

(laser) features

In Miami-Dade County, possessing bows

on airboats is prohibited during archery

season

Crossbow season (Not applicable on WMAs.)Season dates:

South Zone Oct. 1216, 2009

Central Zone Oct. 2630, 2009

Northwest Zone Nov. 30 Dec. 6, 2009

HUNTING SEASONS


Hunting license, crossbow permit and tur-

key permit (if hunting turkeys)

Legal to take: Deer having one or more

antler at least five inches in length visible

above the hairline; gobblers or bearded tur-

keys (except in Holmes County); wild hogs;

gray squirrels; quail; rabbits; raccoons;

opossums; coyotes; nutrias; skunks andbeavers

Shooting hours: One-half hour before sun-rise to one-half hour after sunset


Antlered deerdaily limit two, possession

limit four. Bag and possession limits for

other game legal to take during crossbow

season can be found underBag limits (see

page 8).

Hunting methods: Only crossbows and

bows may be used. Crossbows and bows must

have minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.Hand-held releases on bows are allowed. Forhunting deer, turkeys or hogs, broadheads

must have at least two sharpened edges with

minimum width of inch.

Prohibitions:



Using arrows with explosive componentsor drug-injecting devices

Taking wildlife with a firearm


Muzzleloading gun season

Season dates:South Zone Oct. 17 25, 2009

Central Zone Oct. 31 Nov. 8, 2009

Northwest Zone Nov. 2022, 2009 and

Feb. 1828, 2010


Hunting license, muzzleloading gun permit

and turkey permit (if hunting turkeys)



above the hairline; gobblers and bearded tur-

keys (except in Holmes County and betweenFeb. 1828, 2010); wild hogs; gray squirrels;

quail; rabbits; raccoons; opossums; coyotes;

nutrias; skunks and beavers






other game legal to take during muzzle-

loading gun season can be found underBaglimits (see page 8).

Hunting methods: Only muzzleloading

guns, bows and crossbows may be used. For

hunting deer, muzzleloading guns firing sin-

gle bullets must be at least .40-caliber, andmuzzleloading guns firing two or more balls

must be 20-gauge or larger. Crossbows and

bows must have a minimum draw weight of

35 pounds. Hand-held releases on bows are

allowed. For hunting deer, turkeys or hogs,

broadheads must have at least two sharp-ened edges with minimum width of inch.

Prohibitions:


Hunting turkeys between Feb. 1828, 2010


Using firearms other than legal muzzle-

loading guns


Using muzzleloading firearms that can

be loaded from the breech

Muzzleloaders using an electrical ignition

system

Using arrows with explosive components

or drug-injecting devices

General gun seasonSeason dates:

South Zone Oct. 31, 2009Jan. 10, 2010

Central Zone Nov. 14, 2009Jan. 24, 2010


Dec. 12, 2009Feb. 17, 2010

License requirement: Hunting license



above the hairline; wild hogs; rabbits; rac-

coons; opossums; coyotes; nutrias; skunks

and beavers






other game legal to take during general

gun season can be found underBag limits

(see page 8).

Hunting methods: All legal rifles, shot-

guns, muzzleloading guns, crossbows, bows

and handguns may be used.

Prohibitions:

Using centerfire, semi-automatic rifles

having magazine capacities of more than

five rounds

Fully automatic or silencer-equipped

firearms

Nonexpanding, full metal case (military

ball) ammunition for taking deer

Firearms using rimfire cartridges for

taking deer



18/36

Prohibitions:



Shooting turkeys while they are on

the roost


Taking turkeys when hunter is within

100 yards of a game-feeding station whenfeed is present

Using centerfire, semi-automatic rifleshaving magazine capacities of more thanfive rounds and fully automatic or

silencer-equipped firearms

Quail and gray squirrel seasonSeason dates:

Statewide Nov. 14, 2009March 7, 2010


Hunting license

Legal to take: Quail, gray squirrels, wild

hogs, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, coyotes,

nutrias, skunks and beavers



Quail and gray squirreldaily bag limit 12,

possession limit 24. Bag and possession

limits for other game legal to take during

quail and gray squirrel season can be found

underBag limits (see page 8).




Prohibitions:Taking fox squirrels



five rounds and fully automatic or


Spring turkey seasonSeason dates:

South Zone March 6April 11, 2010

Central Zone March 20April 25, 2010

Northwest Zone March 20April 25, 2010

(except Holmes County

where the season is

March 20April 4, 2010)


Hunting license and turkey permit

Legal to take: Bearded turkeys or gobblers

Shooting hours: One-half hour before

sunrise to sunset. On WMAs, wildlife and

environmental areas and public use areas,

shooting hours are one-half hour before sun-

rise to 1 p.m.

Daily bag and possession limits: Daily

limit one, season and possession limit two (ex-cept in Holmes Countyseason limit one)



and handguns may be used. Decoys also

may be used.

Prohibitions:

Hunting turkeys in Holmes County after

April 5, 2009


Shooting turkeys while they are onthe roost


Taking turkeys when hunter is within

100 yards of a game-feeding station when

feed is present



five rounds and fully automatic or


Furbearer hunting regulationsHunters taking furbearers with firearms

or dogs for sporting purposes must pos-

sess hunting licenses or other licenses that

include hunting privileges, unless exempt.These licenses do not authorize the sale of

furbearing mammals or taking furbearing

mammals with live traps or snares. Trap-

ping licenses are required to sell furbearing

animals or when using live traps or snares

in taking them.

Open season: Raccoons, opossums, skunks,

nutrias, beavers and coyotes can be live-

trapped, taken with snares or hunted with

dogs and firearms year-round.

Limited season: Otters and bobcats can

be live-trapped or taken with firearms and

snares from Dec. 1, 2009March 1, 2010. Bob-cats can be chased with dogs year-round.

Possession: Hides and skins of raccoons,opossums, coyotes, skunks, nutrias and bea-

vers may be possessed in any number at any

time. Bobcats and otter pelts may be pos-

sessed in any number between Dec. 1, 2009

and March 1, 2010. Possessing more than

one bobcat and otter pelt is prohibited from

March 2Nov. 30, 2010; unless they have

been tagged with FWC seals (see Commer-

cial furbearer requirements in next section).

Methods of taking: Furbearers may be

taken with firearms, live traps or snares.

Recorded game calls also may be used to

take furbearers. Live traps and snares must

be checked at least every 24 hours. Using

or possessing steel or leg-hold traps where

wildlife might be found is prohibited, unlessauthorized by permit from the FWC execu-

tive director.

Raccoon and opossum: Hunting at

night with dogs for raccoons and opossums

is permitted year-round. Only .22-caliber

rimfire firearms (other than .22-magnums)

or single-shot .410-gauge shotguns, using

shot not larger than size 6 can be used. Fire-

Antlerless deer season(Not applicable on WMAs.)

Season dates:

South Zone Nov. 713, 2009

Central Zone Nov. 2127, 2009

Northwest Zone Dec. 1925, 2009

License requirement: Hunting license

Legal to take: Deer of either sex (exceptspotted fawns)



bag limit of one antlered and one antler-

less deer or two antlered deer. Regardless

of season, sex of deer or number of permits,

harvesting more than two deer per day is

prohibited.




Prohibitions:

Shooting spotted fawns



five rounds

Fully automatic or silencer-equipped

firearms

Nonexpanding, full metal case (military

ball) ammunition for taking deer

Firearms using rimfire cartridges for

taking deer

Antlerless deer season does not apply to

that portion of the eastern Everglades

south of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and eastof Everglades National Park; or Collier

County south of S.R. 84.

Fall turkey seasonSeason dates:

South Zone Nov. 14, 2009Jan. 10, 2010

Central Zone Nov. 14, 2009 Jan. 10, 2010


Dec. 12, 2009Jan. 17, 2010


Hunting license and turkey permit

Legal to take: Bearded turkeys or gobblers.

There is no fall turkey season in Holmes

County.




limit one, season and possession limit two.

Season limit includes turkeys taken during

all archery, crossbow, muzzleloading gun

and fall turkey seasons combined.

Hunting methods: All legal rifles, shot-guns, muzzleloading guns, crossbows, bows


HUNTING SEASONS Wildlife management area regulations can differ.



19/36

Migratory game birds may be taken and

possessed by falconers only during times

and within bag limits determined annual-

ly by the FWC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service. Migratory game bird seasons for

20092010 were not established at the timethis booklet went to press. For season dates,

contact the Division of Hunting and Game

Management at (850) 488-4676 or visit

MyFWC.com/hunting. Detailed rules con-cerning falconry permits are available from

the Division of Law Enforcement, Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis-

sion, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL

32399-1600 or call (850) 488-6253.

HUNTING SEASONSWildlife management area regulations can differ.

arms may not be loaded until immediately

prior to shooting treed or bayed raccoons or

opossums. Hunting raccoons or opossums

by displaying or using lights from moving

vehicles, vessels or animals is prohibited.

Transporting live raccoons: It is ille-

gal to transport wild-trapped live raccoons

within, into or from the state, except by

FWC permit or authorization.

Wildlife management areas: Furbearers

may not be taken on WMAs unless specifi-

cally authorized by area regulations.

Closed season on fox: Trapping or shooting

foxes is prohibited. Foxes may not be killedbut may be chased with dogs year-round. Fox-

es or untanned fox pelts may not be possessed,

except by permit from the FWC executive di-

rector. A permit is not required when getting

a road-killed fox mounted by a taxidermist.

Prohibited: Minks, Everglades minks,

weasels and round-tailed muskrats cannotbe taken or possessed. Everglades minks

reside in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier and

Hendry counties.

Commercial furbearerrequirementsTrapping licenses are required to sell the

hides and meat of furbearing mammals. One

must possess a dealers license to engage in

the buying and selling of meat from furbear-

ing mammals for commercial purposes.

Bobcat and otter pelts taken for commer-

cial purposes must be tagged with an FWC

seal. To obtain furbearer tags, call the fur-

bearer program coordinator at (850) 627-1773.Persons possessing a valid trapping license

can sell tagged or untagged otter and bobcat

pelts to licensed fur dealers or agents from

Dec. 1, 2009March 31, 2010. Persons with

a hunting license can possess one untanned

otter and bobcat pelt without having them

tagged. Otter and bobcat pelts may not betaken out of Florida unless tagged.

Licensed fur dealers and their agents

must tag otter and bobcat pelts with off icial

FWC tags immediately upon receipt. Tags

are distributed to dealers upon request. Furdealers are held accountable for disposition

of tags and are required to return unused

tags by April 15, 2010.

FalconrySeason dates:

Gray squirrels and quail may be taken

statewide by permitted falconers

Oct. 1, 2009March 31, 2010.

Rabbits may be taken year-round.


SpeciesDaily bag

limitPossession

limit

Quail 2 4

Gray squirrel 12 24

Rabbit 12 24



20/36

Legend

PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

10 Choctawhatchee River:

11 Econfina Creek:

12 Eglin AFB:

13 Escambia River:

14 Flint Rock:

15 Joe Budd:

16 L. Kirk Edwards WEA Public Small-Game Hunting Area:

17 Lafayette Creek:

Northwest Region

1 Apalachee:

2 Apalachicola:

3 ApalachicolaBradwell Unit:

4 Apalachicola River WEA:

5 Aucilla:

6 Blackwater:

7 BlackwaterCarr Unit:

8 BlackwaterHutton Unit:

9 Box-R:

Wildlifemanagementareas (WMAs)NOTE: In addition to

hunting licenses and

related permits and

management area per-

mits, other permits or tagsmay be required for all

or parts of a season. These

requirements vary by area. For

specific details on permit requirements

and exemptions, consult the WMA brochure for each area you

wish to hunt. They are available at FWC regional offices, county

tax collectors offices, license agents or at MyFWC.com/hunting.



21/36


18 Ochlockonee River:

19 Perdido River:

20 Pine Log:

21 Point Washington:

22 St. Marks NWR:

23 St. Vincent NWR:

24 Talquin:

25 Tates Hell:

26 Tates HellWomack Creek Unit:

27 Tyndall AFB:

28 Upper Chipola River:

29 Wakulla:

30 Yellow River:

North Central Region

31 Alligator Lake Public Small-Game Hunting Area:

32 Andrews:

33 Bayard:

34 Belmore:

35 Big BendHickory Mound Unit:

36 Big BendJena Unit:

37 Big BendSnipe Island Unit:



22/36

Legend


38 Big BendSpring Creek Unit:

39 Big BendTide Swamp Unit:

40 Big Shoals:

41 Camp Blanding:

42 Cary:

43 Cedar Key Scrub:

44 Citrus:

45 Cypress Creek:

46 Devils Hammock:

47 Flying Eagle:

48 Four Creeks:

49 Goethe:

50 Grove Park:

51 Gulf Hammock:

52 Hatchet Creek:

53 Holton Creek:

54 Homosassa:

55 Jennings Forest:

56 Little River:

57 Lochloosa:

58 Log Landing:

59 Lower Econfina River:

60 Lower Suwannee NWR:

61 Mallory Swamp:



23/36


62 Middle Aucilla River:

63 Nassau:

64 Osceola:

65 PotashCorp-White Springs:

66 Potts:

67 Raiford:

68 Ralph E. Simmons:

69 Santa Fe Swamp WEA:

70 Steinhatchee Springs:

71 Suwannee Ridge WEA:

72 Thomas Creek Kings Road Unit:

73 Troy Springs:

74 Twin Rivers:

75 Twin Rivers Blue Springs Unit:

Northeast Region

76 Buck Lake:

77 Bull Creek:

78 Caravelle Ranch:

79 Dunns Creek:



24/36

Legend


80 Emeralda Marsh Public Small-Game Hunting Area:

81 Etoniah Creek:

82 Fort Drum:

83 Fort McCoy:

84 Guana River:

85 Half Moon:

86 Jumper Creek:

87 Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area:

88 Lake George:

89 Lake GeorgeDexter/Mary Farms Unit:

90 Lake Monroe:

91 Lake Panasoffkee:

92 Lake Woodruff NWR:

93 Little Big Econlockhatchee Kilbee Unit:

94 Marshall Swamp Public Small-Game Hunting Area:

95 Matanzas:

96 Merritt Island NWR:

97 Ocala:

98 Ocklawaha Prairie Public Small-Game Hunting Area:

99 Ocklawaha River Gores Landing Unit:

100 Orange Creek Public Small-Game Hunt

2010 florida hunting regulations

Documents