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Florida Fish and Wildlife hosting exotic pet amnesty day at Gulfarium October 5

Opportunity for people to surrender their exotic pets free Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 2013 Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, Fl 32548 More than 500 fish and wildlife nonnative species, also known as exotic species, have been observed in Florida. Not all nonnative species present a threat to native species, but some have become invasive by causing harm to native species, posing a threat to human health and...

FWC takes action on snapper, grouper

It’s official, Oct. 1-21 red snapper season is on! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today approved an Oct. 1-21 supplemental recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters for 2013 and eliminated a Feb. 1 – March 31 closure affecting several species of grouper in Gulf of Mexico state waters and a Nov. 1 – March 31 recreational season closure for vermilion snapper in Atlantic state waters. The elimination changes go into effect before the scheduled closures...

Tarpon, bonefish become catch-and-release only beginning Sept. 1

Two premier recreational fisheries will soon have new protections in place, a measure aimed at ensuring that tarpon and bonefish’s economic and fishing value remain for generations to come. Tarpon and bonefish become catch-and-release only fisheries beginning Sept. 1. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved these proactive management measures at its June 12 meeting in Lakeland. The catch-and-release proposal was adopted in recognition of the fact that the economic and fishing values of bonefish and tarpon greatly...

FWC wants public input in proposed rule changes for zone D

Two new rule changes are being considered for the 2014 – 2015 Zone D Deer Season, and FWC wants to know what you think! Click here to take a brief survey on the proposed antler point regulations in Zone D. Click here to take a brief survey on the proposed changes to the antlerless deer season in Zone D. Click here to read more about the proposed rule changes. There are links to both surveys from this site as well....

Learn a new hobby at free Women’s Fishing Clinic in Panama City Beach Sept. 7

Learn the skills to successfully cast your line into the sea by attending the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Women’s Fishing Clinic in Panama City Beach on Saturday, Sept. 7. Participants will not only take home a lifelong hobby, they will leave with a new appreciation for the marine environment. They will learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills, safety and the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The free, day-long...

FWC asks public to report sightings of rare snakes

Florida pine, southern hognose and short-taled snakes on list Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists are asking the public to report sightings of three rare snake species: Florida pine snake, southern hognose snake and short-tailed snake. Citizens can help with research on these species by reporting sightings online. “Reports from the public will aid us in determining where these snakes live and their status,” said Kevin Enge, FWC research biologist. All of these snake species have been petitioned...

Bowhunting field day for FWC Internet course in Bay County Aug. 24

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sponsoring a bowhunting field day in Bay County on Aug. 24 for serious archers who have taken the online portion of the course. Instruction is from 8 a.m. to noon at the FWC’s Northwest Regional Office, 3911 Highway 2321 in Panama City. The purpose of this class is to provide advanced instruction to bowhunters on such topics as the fundamentals of bowhunting, safety, hunting techniques, stalking, trailing and sportsmanship. Even though...

Spiny lobster 2013 season runs August 6 – March 31

Special two day season July 24-25, then regular season starts Aug. 6 The 2013 recreational and commercial spiny lobster seasons will open Aug. 6, beginning with a two-day spiny lobster recreational season July 24 and 25. The regular commercial and recreational lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. The two-day sport season occurs on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July each year (July 24 and 25, 2013). Commercial fishermen may begin putting their traps in...