CLICK HERE FOR 2010-2011 Hunting Season Dates

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Now is the time to start preparing for hunting season

Outta The Woods

With the dog days of summer upon us, it’s hard to think about hunting. But if you’re between the ages of 16 and 35, and haven’t yet taken the state’s hunter safety class – now’s just the time to be thinking about it. Many of these classes, offered statewide, fill up fast during hunting season while people scramble to get certified. Summer months offer smaller class sizes and make for a better opportunity for students to attend, because they often have more free time.

Everyone 16 years old or older and born after May 31, 1975, must complete the FWC’s hunter safety requirement before they can buy a Florida hunting license.

There is an exception though. A law passed a few years ago allows individuals to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter, 21 years old or older, without having to complete the state’s hunter safety certification.

Click here for more

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FWC hunting quota permits no longer being mailed

Hunters without Internet access can pick up permits at county tax collectors’ office

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to make hunters aware that beginning this year, quota permits for general gun, archery, muzzleloading gun, family, youth, airboat and track will not be mailed out to successful applicants as they have been in the past.

Instead, the FWC is allowing hunters, who are awarded permits in the random drawings, to print the quota permits by going to www.fl.wildlifelicense.com and choosing “Limited Entry/Quota then Pickup/Pay for Awarded Permit.” For detailed instructions on how to do this, go to MyFWC.com/Hunting and click “Limited Entry Hunts,” then “How to Print Your Limited Entry Hunt Permit Directly from the Website.”

Hunters not having access to the Internet or a printer can pick up their awarded quota permits at license agents or county tax collectors’ offices. But, be prepared to give to the clerk, the 4-digit hunt number of the hunt you were awarded. Hunt numbers are listed on the quota worksheets.

To check drawing results and permit availability, hunters may again go to MyFWC.com/Hunting and click “Limited Entry Hunts.”

Permits issued during phase I or II can be downloaded or picked up any time before the hunt ends. However, if you obtain a quota permit during the first-come, first-served phase III, make sure to print it out at the end of the transaction. If you go through a license agent or tax collector during this period, you will receive your quota permit from the clerk.
The exception is that mobility-impaired quota hunt permits will continue to be mailed to successful applicants. Also, the legal game tags used in South Florida during track and airboat quota hunts, which are still required, will continue to be mailed to the awarded permit holders.

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Deer hunters will need new permit this season

The new permit costs $5 and is available now for purchase

Beginning with the upcoming 2010-2011 hunting season, anyone hunting deer in Florida will need a deer permit.

Those with a Sportsman’s License, Gold Sportsman’s License, 64 or Older Sportsman’s License, Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Lifetime Hunting License or Lifetime Sportsman’s License will not need to purchase the new deer permit, because it already is included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.

However, the deer permit is not included with a hunting license, combination hunting/freshwater fishing license, combination hunting/freshwater/saltwater license or a five-year hunting license. Anyone hunting deer with either of these licenses must also buy the $5 deer permit to hunt deer legally.
Funds generated by the new permit will be earmarked to support deer management and deer research. Funds also will support ongoing efforts to monitor Florida’s deer herd for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a “Strategic Plan for Deer Management in Florida: 2008-2018″ in February 2008. Critical to success of this plan is establishing deer management units and a harvest-reporting system; both have been identified as top priorities by the agency and its stakeholders to better manage deer.

People can purchase all permits and related licenses from their county tax collector, retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting supplies, online at https://www1.fl.wildlifelicense.com/start.php or by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).

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Shoreline fishing license free to residents beginning July 1

The shoreline fishing license for Florida residents to catch saltwater fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore cost $9 last year, but this year it’s free, beginning July 1.

The Florida Legislature repealed the shoreline license fee during the past session. However, legislators retained the license requirement to prevent a more-costly federal registration fee from taking effect in Florida.

Resident anglers who obtain the shoreline license over the phone or Internet still will have to pay a convenience fee to the vendor. The convenience fee is $2.31 for Internet sales at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or $3.33 for phone sales at 888-FISH FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

Only Florida residents qualify for a no-cost shoreline license, and the license does not cover fishing from a boat or fishing from a location or structure accessible only by boat.  That requires a regular saltwater fishing license: $17 for residents; for nonresidents the cost is $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 per year.

There are some exemptions for license requirements. More information is available at MyFWC.com/License.

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Save money and buy hunting and fishing licenses before July 1

Buy now and beat price increase

There will be an increase in the cost of some of Florida’s hunting and saltwater fishing permits, beginning July 1.  If sportsmen act now, however, they can beat the price increase.

On July 1, 2010, the cost of a turkey permit will go up from $5 to $10 for Florida residents and from $100 to $125 for nonresidents.  In addition, Florida waterfowl permits will increase as well, from $3 to $5.

The cost of two saltwater fishing permits also will go up July 1.  The snook permit will increase from $2 to $10, and lobster permits will increase from $2 to $5.

Until July 1, though, sportsmen can buy all of these permits at the current prices, and all permits are valid for one year after the date of purchase.

There also is a new deer permit that will be required whenever hunting deer in Florida, beginning during the upcoming 2010-2011 hunting season.  The permit will cost $5 and will not be available for purchase until July 1.

Those with a Sportsman’s License, Gold Sportsman’s License, 64 or Older Sportsman’s License, Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Lifetime Hunting License or Lifetime Sportsman’s License will not need to purchase the new deer permit because it has already been included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.

However, the deer permit is not included with a hunting license, combination hunting/freshwater fishing license, combination hunting/freshwater/saltwater license or a five-year hunting license.  Anyone hunting deer with either of these licenses must also buy the $5 deer permit to hunt deer legally.
All permits and related licenses can be purchased at county tax collectors’ offices, retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting supplies, online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).

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Shoreline fishing license is free to residents beginning July 1

Resident anglers pay only $2.31 vendor fee when buying online

The shoreline fishing license for Florida residents to catch saltwater fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore cost $9 last year, but this year it’s free, beginning July 1.

The Florida Legislature repealed the shoreline license fee during the past session. However, legislators retained the license requirement to prevent a more-costly federal registration fee from taking effect in Florida.

Resident anglers who obtain the shoreline license over the phone or Internet still will have to pay a convenience fee to the vendor. The convenience fee is $2.31 for Internet sales at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or $3.33 for phone sales at 888-FISH FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

Only Florida residents qualify for a no-cost shoreline license, and the license does not cover fishing from a boat or fishing from a location or structure accessible only by boat.  That requires a regular saltwater fishing license: $17 for residents; for nonresidents the cost is $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 per year.

There are some exemptions for license requirements. More information is available at MyFWC.com/License.

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Apply for alligator hunting permits on May 5

Alligator hunting season will run Aug. 15 through Nov. 1

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications May 5 for a chance to obtain highly coveted permits to participate in the statewide alligator harvest.

In Phase I, applications will be accepted for a random drawing from 10 a.m. (EDT) May 5 through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) May 18.  Approximately 6,000 alligator harvest permits will be available.

During the Phase I random drawing, each person can submit only one no-cost application, which provides the option of prioritizing up to five hunt area and period choices.  All those seeking a harvest permit must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15.  A permit allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated area.
Read More…

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Two Northwest Florida national wildlife refuges offer special hunts

Special deer and wild hog hunt applications begin May 4

This fall, Northwest Florida offers some special deer and wild hog hunts at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and a unique “big-game” hunt on the island of St. Vincent NWR.

The application period for these hunts begins at 10 a.m. May 4 and continues through 11:59 p.m. June 10.

There are two archery hunts, two general gun hunts and one mobility-impaired gun hunt on St. Marks NWR, which covers 60,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties. Five-day archery hunts for white-tailed deer and wild hogs take place Nov. 9-13 in the Panacea Unit and Nov. 2-6 in the Wakulla Unit. There are 200 available permits for each hunt at $15 each. Click here to continue

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WC considers restricting methods of take during public-land spring turkey hunts

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a rule proposal that would limit the methods of take allowed during spring turkey hunts on wildlife management areas (WMAs).
The proposal would restrict firearms to shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns only, using shot no larger than number 2.  If FWC Commissioners approve the rule, all rifles, pistols, buckshot and slugs will be prohibited during spring turkey hunts on WMAs, beginning with the 2011 spring turkey season.

However, all legal bows and crossbows would still be allowed in taking spring turkeys, provided they have draw weights of at least 35 pounds and shoot broadheads having at least two sharpened edges with minimum widths of 7/8 inch.
The FWC would like to hear the views of Florida’s turkey hunters on this rule proposal.  Go to MyFWC.com/Hunting and look under “Breaking News” to provide online comments and constructive feedback.

Public lands, in many cases, have more hunters per acre than private property.  Also, hunters are less likely to know the locations of other hunters compared with those who are hunting private lands.
The intent of this rule proposal is to address safety concerns expressed by public-land turkey hunters.

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Food plots planted in Point Washington State Forest
encourages wildlife habitats

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in Point Washington and the Florida Fish and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working together to promote wildlife brooding habitats in the Point Washington State Forest. 18 food plots have been planted on closed road areas throughout the Forest.

Working with cost share funding from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Forestry and FWC started with warm season grasses in July 2009, with brown top millet, sorghum, pearl millet and iron-clay peas planted. In December, the cool season was planted with clover, wheat, rye and oats.

Click here to continue and view maps of plots

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FWC moves ahead with proposed hunting rules,
adding new public hunting lands

Proposed rules will affect zone boundaries and season dates for deer hunting

The seven-member Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed its staff today to proceed with advertising new rule proposals to be voted on at a future Commission meeting.  They would affect the 2010-11 hunting season.

The proposal affecting the most hunters would modify zone boundaries and season dates for deer hunting.  The proposal would move the boundary (that meanders through Tallahassee) separating the current Northwest Hunting Zone from the Central Zone a little farther west.  The proposal also calls for an additional hunting zone, made up in part by the Green Swamp Basin.  This proposal takes into account hunter suggestions and new biological data, and it aims to modify and better align hunting season dates with when deer breed, thereby increasing hunter satisfaction. Read More…

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Opening day of general gun season productive for local hunter

It didn’t take long on Nov. 26 for local hunter, Randy Humphreys to successfully bag two feral hogs within a few hours along Bruce Creek. Randy said he didn’t have to go far from the boat launch before he spotted the two hogs.  Randy has been hunting most of his life and lives in Niceville with his wife Angel.

General gun season is Nov. 26-29, 2009 and Dec. 12, 2009 – Feb. 17, 2010.

Click here for a map of the Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management area.

FWC reminds hunters to be careful cleaning wild hogs: Click here for information

About wild hog:
The wild hog, (Sus scrofa) also called the wild boar or feral pig, is not a Florida native, and may have been introduced by explorer Hernando DeSoto as early as 1539.   They may weigh over 150 pounds, and be 5-6 feet long.  They travel in herds containing several females and their offspring. Read More…

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The gentleman’s sport of quail hunting offered at
Quail Ridge Hunting Preserve

First class retreat in Ponce de Leon offers the perfect hunt

Just north of Highway 90 in Ponce de Leon, Florida the Quail Ridge Hunting Preserve boasts the perfect setting for quail hunting. With more than 600 acres of rolling hills, open fields and panoramic views, this preserve offers a first class, top notch experience.

Owned by Walton County businessman, Bill Bell, the retreat runs hunts from October to March and caters to families and children who are old enough to hunt.

As the hunters arrive at the preserve, orientation is hosted at the Power House. Safety is the number one priority, as the personal guides, Lynn Watson and John Foster brief visitors on the many hunt options available at Quail Ridge, and get a feel for what the hunter is looking for. Pheasant hunts are also available with advanced request.

The skeet/trap combo shooting range is available to warm up before a hunt on any one of four well-separated fields, or piney woods. Read More…

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Outta the Woods: Give thanks for hunting seasons galore

November means the 2009-10 huntin’ season’s in full swing.  This month, general gun, fall turkey, quail and gray squirrel, snipe and the second phase of mourning and white-winged dove hunting seasons open.
The first thing you need to do is pick up a $17 Florida resident hunting license.  Nonresidents pay $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 for 12 months.
If you plan to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas (WMAs), you’ll also need a $26.50 management area permit, but don’t forget to study the brochure for the specific area you plan to hunt, because dates, bag limits and rules differ greatly from area to area.

You can get these brochures at tax collectors’ offices and regional Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offices in close proximity to the WMA, or you can download them from MyFWC.com/Hunting.

You can buy your license and permits over the telephone by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or online at www.wildlifelicense.com/fl.  Just have your credit card ready.  You also can purchase them from tax collectors’ offices and most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies.

The general gun season runs Nov. 14 – Jan. 24 in the Central Hunting Zone.  In the Northwest Zone, it comes in Thanksgiving Day and lasts four days through Nov. 29.  Two weeks later, the season reopens Dec. 12 and runs through Feb. 17.  For readers hunting the South Hunting Zone, the general gun season’s already in and lasts through Jan. 10.

Read More…

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Pinnacle Place Outdoors and Lily Pad Ranch an all-inclusive hunting destination and country get-a-way

The Lily Pad Ranch in Alford, and Campbellton, Florida boasts 1,700 acres of pristine Northwest Florida private hunting land, along with 300 acres of conservation in the rolling hills north of Panama City.

Guided private hunting for deer, dove, quail, boar and turkey, the Lily Pad Ranch also offers accommodations with three private cottages offering full amenities for up to 12 people. A game room and meeting hall area can accommodate corporate retreats or country-style weddings. A large outdoor patio area boasts a grill and smoker a few steps away from a large swimming pool.

A stocked pond with island gazebo offers for the perfect backdrop for a wedding where a bride can make her entrance on a horse-drawn carriage available at the ranch. Click here to continue

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Shoreline anglers need to buy license by Aug. 1

Florida’s resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need to buy a $7.50 (plus administrative and handling fees) shoreline fishing license by Aug. 1, unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license.

The new license applies only to Florida resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore. Resident anglers may prefer to purchase the regular recreational saltwater license that covers them, no matter where they fish for saltwater species in Florida. Click here to continue

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Florida Fish Busters – What is a creel survey?

You might wonder why someone in a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) boat is stopping you and asking to participate in a “creel survey.” Two questions come to mind. What is a creel? And why does it require a survey? Very good questions – one answer involves tradition; the other answer involves a healthy fishery.

A creel is a wicker basket used for holding fish that an angler has caught, or a wicker fish trap. Today, we still use the expression derived from that old-fashioned, but very stylish, basket. Somehow we haven’t adapted to asking if we can do “a live-well,” “ice-chest” or “catch-and-release” survey.

So bear with us when we ask for your participation. Your answers to our questions are important to the future health of Florida’s fisheries.

The FWC’s fisheries biologists need to know what you have been catching. Despite using old-fashioned terminology, the sophistication of these vital surveys has grown over the years, and they are now a critical source of information for determining how Florida’s fisheries are doing.

Since creel clerks who conduct these interviews cannot talk to every angler, biologists and statisticians work together to carefully determine a sampling scheme of when and where we momentarily interrupt an angler’s recreation to gather this information. Each angler asked to participate represents many other anglers that we cannot talk to, so it is very important that we get the most accurate information possible. The interviewer will want to know how long you’ve been fishing, and what you caught and harvested as well as what you released. They may also measure your fish, check them for tags and ask some questions about where you live and other information that helps to explain results, including information on your age, which, for instance, relates to license sales.

This information is used to determine what anglers want to catch, what they are catching (species, size and numbers), whether they are keeping them, and other factors that allow biologists to estimate the health of a fishery. Combined with other data, such as information from electrofishing samples, biologists can determine what regulations are needed for size and creel limits, what is needed for habitat restoration, supplemental fish stocking, and where additional access, such as boat ramps, shoreline access, or fishing piers, may be needed.

For biologists to make the decisions that ultimately impact the quality of your fishing, they need honest, accurate information. False responses that over- or underestimate your catch can lead to unnecessary or unrealistic solutions. For example, an underestimate of angling success could lead to stricter creel limits (the number or size of fish anglers may legally harvest) when they aren’t necessary and stunting of the fish population because too few big fish are harvested to allow the others to grow rapidly. In case of an overestimate of angling success, the decision may be made that habitat improvements aren’t needed because the fishery is doing so well, delay a proposed fish stocking, or prevent appropriate harvest regulations from being implemented.

Of course, biologists consistently use multiple sources of data to reduce the chance these types of errors will occur. But with recurring budget cuts, creel surveys and angler-attitude surveys become increasingly cost-effective. As other options – such as electrofishing, seining or trawling – are reduced to save money, or sampling – such as block nets and gillnetting – are reduced because of adverse public perception, the need for honest, accurate answers to creel surveys becomes more and more important.

So the next time someone tells you they are conducting a creel survey, remember you are representing many anglers and helping to ensure the safe and sustainable future of quality recreational fishing in Florida when you give a few minutes of your time and accurate information to the creel clerk.

Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or 1-888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters’ columns.

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