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In addition to the regular nine-day and special quota hunt program that has been under way since June 1, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers additional quota applications to participate in some rather unique hunts. Applications for permits for these hunts are available from any of the Commission^s regional offices. Applications to be included in the random drawings for these hunts must be received from July 12 through 28.
The Commission has established hunts for hunters who have mobility impairments and who require special equipment to have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation. These hunts will be held on the Three Lakes and Seminole Forest wildlife management areas (WMAs) in central Florida, the Holton Creek WMA in northeast Florida, and the John G. and Susan H. Dupuis, Jr. Wildlife Environmental Area in the Everglades Region. These hunts have been set aside for the exclusive use of mobility-impaired hunters. These hunts are not intended for hunters who have the Florida disabled hunting and fishing license, but rather those persons permanently confined to a wheelchair, persons requiring the use of mechanical aids (crutches and walkers) to walk or persons with complete single leg amputations. Ask for the Mobility-Impaired Persons Hunt application.
Another unique hunt that the Commission offers is the one established for young hunters at least 8 years old and under the age of 16. Two WMAs in northeast Florida, Camp Blanding and Andrews, offer the opportunity for adults to take young hunters on a public hunting area where the number of hunters and the hunting areas are rigidly controlled to provide an optimum learning experience. These hunts have been very popular and the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available each year. Ask for the Camp Blanding and Andrews Supervised Youth Hunt application.
The Goethe WMA in Levy County has a quota on the number of groups that may use dogs to hunt. The Commission has established a quota of seven groups ranging in size from five to 15 hunters. Goethe Dog Hunt applications will also be available from the regional offices.
The wildlife management areas in the southern part of the state offer hunters an unusual challenge because of the glades-like habitat. Hunting these areas requires special vehicles, and the Commission has established quotas on the number of these vehicles.
Permits to operate a track vehicle on the Rotenberger, Everglades and Holey Land WMAs are issued in two random selections. Track vehicles that were included in the 1999-00 random selection, and received a permit for the Everglades, will be included in the first random selection. All other track vehicles will be included in the second random selection. Ask for the Track Vehicle application.
Applications for permits to operate airboats on the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMAs are also available from the regional offices of the Commission. Like the track vehicle permits, airboat permits are also issued in two random selections. Those airboats that were included in the 1998-99 random selection, but did not receive a permit, will be included in the first random selection. All other airboats will be included in the second random selection. Ask for the Everglades Airboat application.
A new unit was added to the Blackwater WMA in northwest Florida. A quota hunt permit will be required to hunt quail on the Blackwater Hutton Unit. There are seven two-day hunts available, and the quota is two groups per hunt. A group may consist of up to three hunters. Shooting hours end at 3 p.m., and the bag limit is 12 quail per group per day. Ask for the Hutton Unit Quail Hunt application.
Approximately 47,000 requests for regular nine-day and special quota hunt permits were received during the June 1-11 application period. Data entry into the computer is continuing at a steady pace. The drawing will take place as soon as the data entry has been completed. The projected date is July 24. Hunters will receive either a quota hunt permit or a rejection notice. If you are one of the estimated 10,000 that will receive a rejection notice, there will be instructions on the notice for reapplying for other areas that may still have permits available.
If you have not submitted your regular nine-day and special hunt applications you should do so at once. Applications received after June 12 are placed in first-come, first-served order to receive permits for those areas that do not reach their quota during the random selection.
Uploaded: 7/17/2000
Uploaded: 7/17/2000