Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FISHEATING CREEK
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
2000-2001
REGULATIONS SUMMARY AND AREA MAP
A COOPERATIVE PUBLIC WILDLIFE AND RECREATIONAL AREA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
An Equal Opportunity Agency

This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area. To make it easier to learn about regulation changes on this area, regulations that are new or differ substantially from last year are shown in bold print. For the exact wording of the wildlife laws and regulations, see Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's wildlife code on file with the Secretary of State and state libraries. This brochure and the quota hunt application forms should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities.
For information pertaining to hunting on private lands and trapping, consult the current Florida Hunting Handbook. This publication is available from any Commission office as well as county tax collectors and their subagents.

PERMIT, STAMP AND LICENSE INFORMATION:
Persons utilizing the wildlife management area are required to have appropriate licenses, stamps and permits for hunting and/or fishing. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older, and residents certified totally and permanently disabled as determined by a licensed Florida physician, Armed Forces or Veterans Administration, may obtain exemption certificates for most licenses, stamps and permits from the county tax collector. Hunters under age 16 and Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Forces, not stationed in Florida and home on leave with orders in possession, are exempt from most permit, stamp and license requirements on this area.
Hunting License, Trapping License, Fishing License and Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Wildlife Management Area, Wild Turkey and State Waterfowl permits may be purchased from county tax collectors, their subagents, or by telephone.
Unless exempted, all hunters on this wildlife management area must have the following in their possession and display them upon request of any Commission employee.
1. Hunting License: Information on the categories and costs of hunting licenses is available in the Florida Hunting Handbook.
2. Wildlife Management Area Permit: This $25 permit is required to hunt on this area, except during special-opportunity hunts.
3. Special-Opportunity Turkey Permit: A $175 special-opportunity permit is required to hunt on this area during the special-opportunity turkey season; there are no exemptions. There are 10 special-opportunity permits available by application for each hunt. Special-opportunity turkey permit applications are available from regional offices of the Commission on or about December 29.
4. Quota Hunt Permits: A no-cost special quota hunt permit is required to hunt on this area during the archery and muzzleloading gun hunts; there are no exemptions. There are 20 special quota hunt permits available by application for each archery and muzzleloading gun hunt. A no-cost regular quota hunt permit is required to hunt on this area during the general gun and general gun hog hunts; there are no exemptions. There are 20 regular quota hunt permits available by application for each general gun hunt and 15 regular quota hunt permits available for each general gun hog hunt. Quota hunt permit applications are available from county tax collectors or their subagents on or about June 1. To apply for a permit, obtain a quota hunt application and follow the printed instructions.
A no-cost spring turkey quota hunt permit is required to hunt on this area during the spring turkey hunts; there are no exemptions. There are 15 spring turkey quota hunt permits available by application for each spring turkey hunt. Spring turkey quota hunt applications are available at regional offices of the Commission on or about December 29.
Transfer of Permits: Special-opportunity and quota hunt permits are transferable, except that any exempt permit is only transferable to another exempt person. The sale or purchase of any special-opportunity or quota hunt permit is prohibited.
5. Archery Permit: This $5 permit is required when hunting during the archery hunts.
6. Muzzleloading Gun Permit: This $5 permit is required when hunting during the muzzleloading gun hunt.
7. Wild Turkey Permit: This $5 permit is required if hunting turkeys.
8. State Waterfowl Permit: This $3 permit is required while hunting ducks.
9. Federal Duck Stamp: Any hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a federal duck stamp while hunting ducks. This $15 stamp is available at post offices.
10. Migratory Bird Permit: This free permit is required when hunting migratory game birds.
11. Fishing License (if fishing on the area): Information on the categories and costs of fishing licenses is available in the Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary.

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS:
1. Deer--1 antlered deer per quota hunt permit.
2. Wild hogs--Daily limit 1, possession limit 2.
3. Turkey--1 turkey per special-opportunity or spring turkey quota hunt permit.
4. Gray squirrel, quail and rabbit--Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 for each game species.
5. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria--No bag limits.
6. Migratory game birds--See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations pamphlet.

GENERAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS:
In addition to the regulations which follow, all general laws and regulations relating to wild animal life or freshwater aquatic life shall apply unless specifically excepted for this wildlife management area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in the manner set forth herein.
1. All public use shall be prohibited in areas posted as "closed" so as to afford protection to biologically sensitive resources or sites, protection of archeological or cultural resources, or for public safety reasons.
2. Entry into or exit from the area at locations other than designated entrances is prohibited.
3. Wild hogs may not be transported alive.
4. No person shall cut or destroy any tree or remove any tree, shrub or protected plant (as listed in F.S. 581.185) from any wildlife management area without written permission from the landowner or primary land manager.
5. The removal or possession of saw palmetto berries is prohibited.
6. Driving a metal object into any tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven is prohibited.
7. It is unlawful for any person to leave any garbage or refuse or in any way litter in the wildlife management area.
8. The wanton or willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
9. Non-migratory game may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. During spring turkey season, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until 1p.m.
10. It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands or for any individual or group of individuals to build a warming fire or campfire and leave same unextinguished.
11. The head and evidence of sex may not be removed from the carcass of any deer or turkey on the area.
12. No person shall release any wildlife on this wildlife management area.
13. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this wildlife management area.
14. Killing swimming deer is prohibited.
15. Taking any turkey while it is on the roost is prohibited.
16. Taking fox is prohibited.
17. Taking fox squirrel is prohibited.
18. Taking or attempting to take game with the aid of live decoys, traps, snares, nets, drugs, lights or recorded game calls is prohibited.
19. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material above the waistline as an outer garment. This is not required when hunting during an archery-only season.
20. Deer and turkey may be dismembered in the field or camp, but each portion shall have a tag affixed to it identifying the name, address and hunting license number of the person who killed it; the date and location at which it was taken; and shall be readily traceable to the portion of the animal bearing the sex identification.

GUNS OR DOGS:
21. Dogs are prohibited.
22. Hunting with gun and light is prohibited.
23. Fully automatic firearms, silencer-equipped firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than five rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices, or setguns are prohibited.
24. Guns are allowed only during periods in which their use for hunting is allowed.
25. No person shall have a gun in manual possession while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
26. Children under the age of 16 may not be in possession of a firearm unless in the presence of a supervising adult.
27. For hunting deer, muzzleloading guns firing a single bullet must be at least .40 caliber; those firing two or more balls must be 20 gauge or larger.

VEHICLES:
28. The use of any vehicle, including but not limited to tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, or motorcycles, is prohibited (except in the Palmdale campground). The use of personal watercraft or horses is prohibited. Public access is permitted only by foot, bicycle, or boat, except that vehicular access is permitted in the Palmdale campground.
29. The use of airboats is prohibited "west of the head of the bushes" area, as depicted on the area map and by signage.

CAMPING:
30. Permitted at the Fisheating Creek campground throughout the year at designated campsites only. Primitive camping is permitted throughout the area during periods closed to hunting, and, during periods open to hunting, at designated sites only.
31. Only tents, trailers, or self propelled camping vehicles may be used.
32. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.

CHECK STATIONS:
33. Hunters shall check in and out at the check station when entering or exiting the area and shall check all game taken.
34. No deer, wild hog or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the check station.
35. Check station hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Saving Time and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time except during the spring turkey season when hours are 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SEARCH:
36. A wildlife officer may search any vehicle or boat when he or she reasonably believes a violation has been committed.

ARCHERY:
September 15 through 17 and September 22 through 24, west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, archery permit, special quota hunt permit, state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Any deer (except spotted fawns), wild hogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or more, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, skunk, beaver, coyote, nutria and migratory game birds in season.
Regulations Unique to the Archery Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply and the possession of firearms or crossbows is prohibited.

MUZZLELOADING GUN:
October 13 through 15 and October 20 through 22, west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, muzzleloading gun permit, special quota hunt permit, migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Deer with one or more antlers at least five inches in length visible above the hairline, wild hogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or more, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, skunk, beaver, coyote, nutria and migratory game birds in season.
Regulations Unique to the Muzzleloading Gun Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply and only muzzleloading guns are allowed.

GENERAL GUN:
November 3 through 5 and November 24 through 26, west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, regular quota hunt permit, state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Deer with one or more antlers at least five inches in length visible above the hairline, wild hogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or more, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, skunk, beaver, coyote, nutria, and migratory game birds in season.
Regulations Unique to the General Gun Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.

GENERAL GUN HOG:
December 9 through 10, west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, and regular quota hunt permit.
Legal to Take--Wild hogs only.
Regulations Unique to the Small Game Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply and hunting with dogs is prohibited.

SPRING TURKEY:
March 3 through 6, March 9 through 12, March 16 through 19, March 23 through 26, and March 30 through April 2, west of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, spring turkey quota hunt permit, wild turkey permit.
Legal to Take--Bearded turkeys or gobblers.
Regulations Unique to the Spring Turkey Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.

SPECIAL-OPPORTUNITY SPRING TURKEY:
March 3 through 9 and March 17 through 23, east of U.S. Highway 27 only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, special-opportunity turkey permit, and wild turkey permit.
Legal to Take--Bearded turkeys or gobblers.
Regulations Unique to the Spring Turkey Hunt--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.

TRAPPING:
Trapping is prohibited.

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS:
Rails, common moorhens, mourning doves, white-winged doves, snipe, ducks, coots, woodcock and crows may be hunted during seasons established by the Commission for these species which coincide with the archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun seasons.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), quota hunt permit (if hunting during the archery, muzzleloading gun or general gun hunts), migratory bird permit.
Legal to Take--See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations pamphlet.
Regulations Unique to Migratory Game Birds--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply and the use of lead shot for taking ducks and coots is prohibited.

FISHING AND FROGGING:
Permitted throughout the year.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Fishing license (not required when frogging).
Regulations Unique to Fishing and Frogging--All General Wildlife Management Area Regulations and statewide fishing regulations shall apply and the possession of guns is permitted only during periods when hunting is allowed.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ARE NOT JUST FOR HUNTING AND FISHING!
They have been purchased for preservation to benefit all of Florida's residents and you don't have to hunt or fish to enjoy them! The same habitat management practices that provide prime hunting and fishing opportunities also create opportunities for wildlife viewing. These areas provide a range of opportunities, from scenic driving routes to rugged hiking adventures. See the natural Florida that we have protected through acquisition and careful management.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. Florida Statute 267.13 prohibits digging in or otherwise defacing Indian mounds, collecting artifacts or disturbing archaeological and historic sites on state-owned lands.
2. Defacing, molesting or destroying signs or other property on or about this management area is punishable by law.
3. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 must have passed a Commission-approved hunter safety course prior to being issued a hunting license.
4. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3205 {(800) 955-8771 (TDD)}.

COOPERATION REQUESTED:
Please do not discharge firearms at anything other than legal game while in a wildlife management area. Target practice and random discharge of firearms have become increasing threats to the quality of the hunting experience.
Since you have the privilege to use this wildlife management area, go the extra mile to exercise great caution and care while hunting, fishing, sightseeing or using the area in any way. Leave the area better than you found it. Hunters, wildlife, the environment and conservation in general can only benefit.
Your conduct on this area may determine your future use of the area.
PLEASE DO NOT LITTER. TAKE TRASH OUT WITH YOU.
The U.S. Department of Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: The Office for Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
The project described in this publication is part of a program funded by federal dollars under the Wildlife Restoration Act. Federal funds pay $2,095,005 or 33 percent of the cost of the program.

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