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Proposed Rule Changes - Quota Hunt Program

Introduction

The FWC is considering changes to Florida’s quota hunt program beginning in 2009-10.  The proposed changes are designed to improve the fairness of the current system, while maintaining a degree of flexibility in how the permits are used.  The recommendations were developed with the ultimate goals of recruiting new hunters and retaining existing hunters on wildlife management areas (WMAs).   

We would appreciate your comments on these proposed changes. 

Background

The Quota Hunt Program is one method the FWC uses to regulate hunting opportunities and harvest pressure on Florida’s public hunting areas.  The program has been in existence since 1975. 

Over the years, we have received numerous complaints about the fairness of distribution of quota permits.  The public and staff report that some individuals are able to use the system to obtain multiple permits for popular hunts year after year, while other hunters receive none.  This occurs because quota permits are transferable. 

Some individuals apply for quota permits in the names of friends and relatives (with their permission) and transfer the permits to themselves.  This results in what is viewed as an unfair distribution of opportunities.  

A stakeholder working group was formed in 2007 to examine the program and recommend changes for improvement.  Improving hunter recruitment and retention were two goals of the group.  The group examined data on how permits are currently distributed and used and concluded that a substantial amount of abuse was occurring, resulting in an inequitable situation. 

The FWC is committed to improving the system, and over the past 18 months we have done extensive outreach with hunting stakeholders to develop a proposal to make the system fairer.  The two most significant proposed changes would do the following:

• Make the quota permits nontransferable.  
• Allow each permit holder to take one guest per hunt.

Guests would be required to possess a printed guest permit, and the guest permit would be restricted to one individual per hunt.  Both the guest and the quota permit holder would be required to share the same vehicle, enter and exit the area together, and share the bag limit.  The guest would not be allowed to hunt on the area without the quota permit holder. 

The proposed changes would adjust quotas or bag limits on a small number of WMAs.

This survey is for input of comments only.  For specific questions, please go to Ask FWC.

Follow this link to read a complete summary of proposed changes and submit your comments.