32.28—Florida.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit while hunting. Only original permits are lawful. Internet copies are not valid.
2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14. We prohibit hunting from canals or levees and those areas posted as closed.
3. Consult the refuge manager for current waterfowl season dates and times.
4. We do not open to hunting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Christmas Day.
5. We allow hunting on the refuge from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1 p.m. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must be off the refuge by 3 p.m.
6. Hunters may enter and leave the refuge at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach), the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton), and the 20 Mile Bend Area (West Palm Beach).
7. Hunters must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when outside of hunting area and when en route to or from the hunting area. Hunters may only use no greater than .10 gauge shotguns. We prohibit all other firearms or weapons (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
8. We only allow temporary blinds of native vegetation. We prohibit the taking, removing, or destroying of refuge vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
9. Hunters must remove decoys and other personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunting area each day.
10. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of the owner at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit pets at all other times.
11. Hunters must complete a daily bag report card and place it in an entrance fee canister each day prior to exiting the refuge.
12. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have completed a hunter education course.
13. We only allow boats equipped with outboards or electric motors and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners). All boats operating within the hunt area must fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.
14. We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area, to fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.
15. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
16. Hunters, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
17. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring VHF Channel 16.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. Special black bass regulations are in effect within the boundaries of the refuge. The daily creel limit is five black bass per person, per day, where only one bass may be over 14 inches (35 cm) in length.
3. We allow fishing south of a line of latitude of 26.27.130 and in the rim canal in the rest of the refuge. We prohibit fishing in Management Compartments A, B, and C, and those areas posted as closed to fishing or the public.
4. We only allow the use of rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times.
5. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
6. We prohibit the possession or use of cast nets, seines, trot lines, jugs, gigs, and other fishing devices.
7. Anglers may only launch boats at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach), the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton), and 20 Mile Bend (West Palm Beach).
8. Conditions A13, A14, A15, and A17 apply.
9. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow salt water sport fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We will close a 300 foot (90 m) buffer zone beginning at mean high tide line and extending into the waters around Seahorse Key to all public entry from March 1 through June 30.
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and armadillo on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge year round subject to the following condition: You must fish in accordance with State regulations.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
2. Fishing is permitted year-round, from refuge beaches only.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow salt-water fishing along the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon year-round in accordance with State recreational fishing regulations.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (see§ 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of only rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times.
5. We allow only two poles per angler, and anglers must attend those poles at all times in conjunction with the Martin County, Florida, two-pole ordinance.
6. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the fire roads, undesignated routes, and areas posted as closed (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
7. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
8. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring VHF Channel 16.
J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing and crabbing in all waters of the Bailey Tract except for Smith Pond and Airplane Canal.
2. We allow fishing and crabbing in all other refuge waters except in areas designated as “closed to public entry”.
3. We prohibit the taking of horseshoe crabs, stone crabs, or spider crabs.
4. We allow the take of blue crab with the use of dip nets only.
5. The daily limit of blue crab is 20 per person (including no more than 10 females).
6. We prohibit kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, sail boarding, and any similar type of activities.
7. We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, or floating in the post “no-motor zone” of the Ding Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “no-motor zone.”
8. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring of vessels on all refuge waters.
9. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.
10. We allow public access to Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail beginning at 7:30 a.m., except on Fridays, when we close Wildlife Drive to all public access.
11. All visitors (e.g., anglers and photographers) must exit refuge lands and waters no later than 1/2 hour after legal sunset.
12. We allow fishing and crabbing from the bank on the impoundment side only (left side) of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit all public entry into the impoundments.
13. We prohibit commercial fishing and crabbing (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit the possession or use of seines or trot lines.
15. We prohibit the use of cast nets from Wildlife Drive or any structure affixed to shore.
16. All fish must remain in whole condition.
17. We prohibit consumption of alcohol or possession of open alcohol containers on refuge lands and waters (see § 32.2(j)).
18. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).
19. Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters.
20. We close to public entry islands (including rookery islands) except for designated trails.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We require refuge permits.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We prohibit the use of airboats on the refuge.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing or the taking of frogs or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of snatch hooks in the refuge impoundments.
5. When boating, you must slow down and observe all manatee speed zones and caution areas.
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry signed refuge hunt permits for all hunts.
2. We designated open and closed refuge hunting areas on the map in the refuge hunt permit that the hunter must possess and carry.
3. You must park vehicles in a manner that does not block roads or gates (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit horses.
6. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm or bow and arrow (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while on a refuge road right-of-way designated for motorized vehicle travel or in any vehicle or boat. We define “loaded” as shells in the chamber or magazine or percussion cap on a muzzleloader, or arrow notched in a bow.
7. We prohibit hunting from all refuge roads open to public vehicle travel. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the Dixie Mainline and Lower Suwannee Nature Drive (Levy Loop Road).
8. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds or stands.
9. In addition to State hunter education requirements, an adult (parent or guardian) age 21 or older must supervise and must remain within sight of and in normal voice contact of the youth hunter age 15 and under. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of the refuge regulations. An adult may supervise no more than two youths.
10. We prohibit guiding or participating in a guided hunt where a fee is charged.
11. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit marking any tree, or other refuge feature, with flagging, litter, paint, or blaze.
13. We allow marking trails with reflective markers, but you must remove the markers (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) at the end of the refuge deer hunting season.
14. Hunters utilizing the refuge are subject to inspection of licenses, permits, hunting equipment, bag limits, vehicles, and their contents during compliance checks by refuge or State law enforcement officer.
15. Hunters must be at their vehicles by 1 hour after legal shooting time.
16. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel, armadillo, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, coyote, and beaver on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. The refuge upland game hunting season opens on the Monday after the refuge limited hog hunt closes and ends on February 28.
3. We allow night hunting in accordance with State regulations for raccoon and opossum on Wednesday through Saturday nights from legal sunset until legal sunrise during the month of February.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of hunting and tracking dogs for all deer and hog hunts.
3. We require quota hunt permits (issued through a random draw) for the limited deer gun hunt, limited hog hunt, and limited youth gun deer hunt. They cost $12.50.
4. Quota hunt permits are nontransferable.
5. Hunters may only use archery equipment in accordance with State archery regulations during the refuge archery season.
6. Hunters may only use muzzleloading firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) in accordance with State muzzleloader regulations during the refuge muzzleloader season.
7. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been inserted (see § 32.2(i)).
8. You may leave temporary tree stands on the refuge starting on the last weekend of August, but you must remove them by the last day of the general gun hunting season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
9. All hunters (including all persons accompanying hunters) must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm 2) of fluorescent orange visible above the waistline while hunting during all refuge deer gun hunts.
10. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
11. The refuge general gun season begins on the opening Saturday of the Florida State Central Management Zone, General Gun season and ends on the following Friday. It reopens on the Monday after the refuge limited deer season and ends on the following Sunday. The refuge general gun season lasts 14 days.
12. The refuge limited either-sex deer hunt is on the second Saturday and Sunday of the State Central Management Zone General Gun season. This coincides with the opening of the State's either-sex hunt deer hunting season.
13. The youth limited Gun Deer Hunt is the Saturday and Sunday following the close of the refuge general gun season.
14. The refuge limited hog hunt begins on the first Monday after the Florida State Central Management Zone General Gun (antlered deer and wild hog) season closes, and ends on the following Sunday.
15. During the limited youth hunt, an adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth, age 15 and under, but only the youth hunter may hunt and handle the firearm.
16. We confine the limited youth hunt to the Levy County portion of the refuge, and hunters must access the refuge from Levy County Road 347.
17. We allow hunting of deer (except spotted fawns), feral hog (no size or bag limit), gray squirrel, rabbit, armadillo, opossum, raccoon, beaver, and coyote during the archery season.
18. Hunters may take deer, with one or more antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline, and feral hog (no bag or size limit) during the muzzleloader and general-gun season.
19. Hunters may take hog (no size or bag limit), and a maximum of two deer per day, during the limited deer gun hunt and limited youth gun deer hunt, except only one deer may be a buck for each of the 2-day limited hunts.
20. Hunters may take hog (no size or bag limit) during the limited hog hunt.
21. We prohibit all other public entry or use of the hunting area during the limited hog, limited gun, and limited youth deer hunts. During the limited gun hunt and limited hog hunt, the Dixie Mainline road will remain open to all public vehicles, but we prohibit firearms except for permit holders.
22. Hunters must check all game harvested during all deer and hog hunts.
23. You may take only bearded turkeys and only during the State spring turkey
24. Shooting hours for spring turkey begin 1/2 hour before legal sunrise and end at 1 p.m.
25. We only allow shotguns with shot no larger than size 2 common shot or bows and arrows for spring turkey hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers may take game and nongame fish only with pole and line or rod and reel.
2. We prohibit taking of frogs and turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit consumption of alcohol or possession of open alcohol containers in the public use areas of Shired Island boat launch/fishing and parking lot area and the Shell Mound fishing/recreational area (see § 32.2(j)).
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a current signed Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hunt permit at all times while hunting waterfowl on the refuge.
2. You must possess and carry (or hunt within 30 yards (27 m) of a hunter who possesses) a valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit while hunting areas 1 or 4 from the beginning of the regular waterfowl season through December 31. No more than four hunters will hunt using a single valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit.
3. You may hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and all Federal holidays that fall within the State's waterfowl season.
4. You may hunt in four designated areas of the refuge as delineated in the refuge hunting regulations map. We prohibit hunters to enter the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center.
5. You may hunt only waterfowl on refuge-established hunt days from the legal shooting time until 1 p.m.
6. You may enter no earlier than 4 a.m. for the purpose of waterfowl hunting.
7. We require all hunters to successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course.
8. We require an adult, age 18 or older, to supervise hunters under age 18.
9. We prohibit accessing a hunt area from Black Point Wildlife Drive. You may not leave vehicles parked on Black Point Wildlife Drive, Playalinda Beach Road, or Scrub Ridge Trail (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter) or digging into dikes.
11. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 15 feet (4.5 m) or shooting from any portion of a dike, dirt road, or railroad grade.
12. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 yards (135 m) of SR 402, SR 406, or any paved road right-of-way.
13. All hunters must stop at posted refuge waterfowl check stations and report statistical hunt information to refuge personnel.
14. Hunters may not use or possess more than 25 shells per day.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow you to fish, crab, clam, oyster, and shrimp in designated areas of the refuge as delineated in the refuge fishing regulations map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a current, signed refuge fishing permit at all times while fishing on the refuge.
2. We prohibit fishing after legal sunset or before legal sunrise, except that we allow fishing at night from a vessel in the open waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Haulover Canal.
3. We allow launching of boats for night fishing activities only from Bair's Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab boat ramps.
4. We prohibit crabbing or fishing, and access for the purpose of crabbing or fishing, from Black Point Wildlife Drive or any side road connected to Black Point Wildlife Drive except L Pond Road.
5. We prohibit launching boats, canoes, or kayaks from Black Point Wildlife Drive or any side road connected to Black Point Wildlife Drive except L Pond Road.
6. Anglers and crabbers must attend their lines at all times.
7. We prohibit harvesting or possession of horseshoe crabs.
8. We prohibit use of personal watercraft, air thrust boats, and hovercraft.
9. Vessels must not exceed idle speed in Bairs Cove and KARS Marina.
10. We prohibit motorized vessels in the Banana River within the posted “No-Motor Zone,” including any vessel having an attached motor or a nonattached motor capable of use (including electric trolling motor).
11. We prohibit fishing within the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), unless those areas are officially designated by KSC as special fishing opportunity sites.
12. We prohibit the use of internal combustion engines within the two zones in Mosquito Lagoon. The zones include the posted waters located north of WSEG Boat Ramp and west of the Intra Coastal Waterway and the posted waters on Tiger Shoals extending from the northeast refuge boundary southward to the waters just south of Preachers Island.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted year-round.
2. Bank fishing from spoil islands is permitted, during daylight hours only.
Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fishing is only permitted from boats, into the waters surrounding Tarpon Key.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits for hunting the Piney Island unit. Permits are available at no cost from the refuge office. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when using the hunt area.
2. You must remove blinds daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Hunters may access the hunt area by boat.
4. We allow retriever dogs to recover game.
5. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting in the Executive Closure area on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of grey squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and feral hog in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits for hunting upland game. Permits are available at no cost from the refuge office. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed permit while participating in a hunt.
2. Hunters must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of fluorescent orange above the waistline.
3. You may use .22 caliber or smaller rim-fired rifles, shotguns with nontoxic shot (#4 bird shot or smaller) (see § 32.2(k)), or muzzleloaders to harvest squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon. In addition, you may use shotgun slugs, buckshot, or archery equipment to take feral hogs. We prohibit the use or possession of other weapons.
4. You must unload all firearms for transport in vehicles (uncap muzzleloaders) (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit dogs in the hunt area.
6. There is no limit on the size or number of feral hog that hunters may take.
7. We allow hunting on designated areas of the refuge. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
8. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road (with the exception of persons hunting during the mobility impaired hunt).
9. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any residence, developed public recreation area, or game check station.
10. You must check out all game taken at a game check station.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and bearded turkey in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits issued by lottery. Lottery applications are available at the refuge office each year beginning in July. There is a fee for permits. Permits are nontransferable. There is an additional fee for duplicate permits. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed permit when participating in a hunt. Prior to hunting each day, you must check-in at a hunt check station as specified in the refuge hunt brochure. You must check out upon completion of hunting each day.
2. Conditions B4, B5, B8, and B10 apply.
3. You may access the refuge hunt areas by vehicle for prehunt scouting 2 days prior to the hunt for which you are drawn. We prohibit weapons in the hunt area during the prehunt scouting (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
4. There is a two-deer limit per hunt as specified in C8 and C9 below, except in the youth hunt, where the limit is one deer per hunt as specified in C11 below. The limit for bearded turkey is one per hunt. There is no limit on feral hog.
5. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
6. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective trail markers.
7. There are two fall archery hunts: Hunters may harvest either-sex deer or feral hog during the fall archery hunts. There will be a fall archery hunt on the Panacea and Wakulla Units. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt area (see § 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
8. There are two modern gun hunts. Hunters may harvest deer and feral hog. Modern guns must meet State requirements. We will hold one hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the Wakulla Unit. See condition C10 for game limits. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
9. The bag limit for white-tailed deer is two deer per scheduled hunt period. We allow hunters to harvest two antlerless deer per scheduled hunt period. We define antlerless deer as no visible antler above the hairline. State daily bag limits apply to antlerless deer. Or hunters may harvest one antlerless deer and one antlered deer per hunt. Antlered deer must have at least 3 points, 1 inch (2.5 cm) or greater in length on one antler to be harvested. There is no limit on feral hogs. The scheduled hunt periods vary; contact the refuge office for specific dates.
10. There is one youth hunt, for youths ages 10 to 15, on the St. Marks Unit in an area to be specified in the refuge hunt brochure. Hunters may harvest one deer of either sex or feral hog (no limit). An adult, age 21 or older, must accompany each youth hunter, and each adult may accompany only one youth. The adult must possess a refuge permit. Only the youth hunter may handle or discharge firearms. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
11. There is one mobility-impaired hunt. Hunters may have an able-bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-tailed deer and feral hog within the limits described in condition C10. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
12. There is one spring gobbler hunt. You may harvest one bearded turkey per hunt. You may only use shotguns to harvest turkey. Contact the refuge officer for specific dates. You must unload and dismantle or case weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) after 1 p.m.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit taking blue crabs from impoundments or canals on the St. Marks Unit.
2. We only allow fishing in refuge lakes, ponds, and impoundments from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We allow fishing in tidal and coastal waters 24 hours per day year-round.
4. We prohibit use of boats with motors over 10 hp on any refuge lake, pond, or impoundment.
5. We allow use of hand-launched boats on impoundments on the St. Marks Unit from March 15 through October 15 each year. We prohibit launching of boats from trailers in the impoundments in the St. Marks Unit.
6. We prohibit taking of frogs or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit use of cast nets and traps to take fish from any lake, pond, or impoundment on the refuge.
8. You must attend all fishing equipment.
9. We prohibit bow fishing on refuge lakes, ponds, and impoundments.
10. The interior ponds and lakes on the Panacea Unit are open year-round for bank fishing. We open vehicle access to these areas from March 15 through May 15 each year. Ponds and lakes that you can access from County Road 372 are open year-round for fishing and boating.
11. We prohibit commercial boats, air-thrust boats, and personal watercraft to launch at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit.
12. We prohibit air-thrust boats or personal watercraft to launch from Wakulla Beach.
13. All fish must remain in a whole condition when being transported from the refuge.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, sambar deer, raccoon, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits. The permits are nontransferable, and the hunter must possess and carry them while hunting. Only signed permits are valid. We allow people only with a signed refuge hunt permit on the island during the hunt periods. Contact the refuge office for details on obtaining a permit. We will charge fees for the hunts.
2. We restrict hunting to three hunt periods: Sambar deer, raccoon, and feral hog - November 17-19; and white-tailed deer, raccoon, and feral hog - December 15-17 and January 5-7. Hunters may check-in and set up camp sites and stands on November 16, December 14, and January 4. Hunters must leave the island and remove all equipment by 4 p.m. on the last day of the hunt.
3. Hunters must check in at the check stations on the island. We restrict entry onto St. Vincent Island to the Indian Pass and West Pass Campsites. We restrict entry during the sambar deer hunt to the West Pass Campsite. All access to hunt areas will be on foot or by bicycle from these areas.
4. Hunt hours are 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 3 p.m. for the sambar deer hunt. All other hunt times will be in accordance with State regulations.
5. We restrict camping and fires (see § 27.95(a) of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.
6. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages during the refuge hunt period (see § 32.2(j)).
7. You may set up tree stands only after you check in, and you must remove them from the island at the end of the hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
8. You may retrieve game from the closed areas only if accompanied by a refuge officer.
9. You may retrieve game from the closed areas only if accompanied by a refuge staff member.
10. We limit weapons to primitive weapons on the sambar deer hunt and the primitive weapons white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the archery hunt to bow and arrow. Weapons must meet all State regulations. We prohibit crossbows during our hunts except with State permit.
11. We allow only stand, still, and stalk hunting. We prohibit game drives.
12. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective trail markers.
13. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see § 27.42 of this chapter). You may discharge muzzleloaders at the designated discharge area between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
14. Nonmovement stand hours for all hunts will be from legal morning shooting time until 9 a.m.
15. We prohibit discharging of weapons (including cap firing) in campgrounds (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
16. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.
17. Hunters must check out at the check station prior to leaving the refuge at the end of their hunt. A refuge staff member or volunteer must check the campsites before the hunters leave the refuge.
18. We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles).
19. Bag limits:
i. Sambar deer hunt—one sambar deer of either sex, no limit on feral hog or raccoon.
ii. Archery hunt—one white-tailed deer of either sex (no spotted fawns or spike bucks), no limits on feral hog or raccoon.
iii. Primitive weapons hunt - one white-tailed deer buck having one or more forked antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline with points greater than 1 inch (12.5 cm) in length; we issue a limited number of either-sex permits. If you have an either-sex permit, the bag limit is one deer that may be antlerless or a buck with legal antler configuration. There is no limit on feral hog or raccoon.
20. We prohibit bringing live game into the check station.
21. Hunters must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.
22. We prohibit domestic animals.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may fish from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow boats with electric motors. You must remove all other motors from the boats and secure them to a designated motor rack with a lock and chain.
3. We prohibit the use of live minnow as bait.
4. We allow fishing on Lakes 1 and 2 and Oyster Pond from April 1 through September 30.
5. We allow fishing in Lakes 3, 4, and 5 from May 15 through September 30.
6. We allow only the use of rods and reels or poles and lines in the refuge lakes. You must attend your fishing equipment at all times.
7. You may take only fish species and fish limits authorized by State regulations. We prohibit the taking of frog or turtle.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting daily during the early wood duck/teal season.
2. We allow only hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day within the regular State season.
3. You must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunt permit (free) at all times while hunting on the refuge.
4. We allow only hunting in the areas posted and shown on the refuge hunt brochure.
5. We post entry points with signs numbered 1, 2, and 3 along the south side of U.S. 41. Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and shooting hours start 1/2 hour before legal sunrise. You must remove all decoys, guns, blinds, and other related equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by 1 p.m. daily.
6. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of the south edge of U.S. 41 and the area signed around the small access road extending south from U.S. 41.
7. We prohibit pit blinds and permanent blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
8. We allow and recommend prehunt scouting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
9. You may only take duck and coot with a shotgun (no larger than a 10 gauge). We prohibit possession of handguns and long guns. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and off-road vehicles at all times. We limit vessels to a maximum of a 25 hp outboard motor. We allow go-devil type motors.
11. We require all guides to purchase, possess, and carry a refuge Special Use Permit.
12. We allow and recommend use of dogs for waterfowl retrieval. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We allow dogs during prehunt scouting.
13. We allow youth hunt days in accordance with State regulations. Hunters under age 16 may hunt only with a nonhunting adult age 18 or older. Youth hunters must remain within sight and sound of the nonhunting adult.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and off-road vehicles in the freshwater and brackish marsh area south of U.S. 41. We limit vessels to a maximum of a 25 hp outboard motor. We allow go-devil-type motors.
2. We allow fishing in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset. You may fish the tidal and barrier island area of the refuge year-round 24 hours a day.
3. We only allow crabbing and crab pots for recreational use in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge. You may only use crab pots in accordance with State regulations. Abandoned or unchecked crab pots after 72 hours are subject to impoundment.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of snake and frog in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge.
5. We prohibit the use of trotlines, gigs, spears, bush hooks, snatch hooks, crossbows, or bows and arrows of any type in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge.
[58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 6690, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55185, Nov. 3, 1994; 61 FR 46394, Sept. 3, 1996; 62 FR 47376, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46915, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30781, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56401, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46355, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58944, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54378, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54163, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33168, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45682, Sept. 3, 2009]