US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

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.

2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130. We have not opened to hunting from the perimeter canal or levee and those areas posted as closed.

3. The refuge open waterfowl season is concurrent with the State season. The refuge does not participate in any early experimental seasons. Hunters may only take duck and coot.

4. We do not open to hunting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Christmas Day.

5. Refuge hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before legal sunset to 1 p.m. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. and must be off the refuge by 3 p.m.

6. Hunters must only enter and leave the refuge at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach) and the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton) (see §27.31 of this chapter).

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. A hunter must complete a daily bag report card and place it in an entrance fee canister each day.

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). We recommend all boats operating within the hunt area fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm × 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.

14. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see §27.31 of this chapter).

15. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561–936–4100.

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. We only allow boats equipped with outboards or electric motors and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners). We recommend that all boats operating within the hunt area fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm × 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.

9. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see §27.31 of this chapter).

10. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561–936–4100. Law enforcement officers monitor VHF Channel 16.

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 regulations.

3. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (see §27.21 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the fire roads, undesignated routes, and areas posted as closed (see §27.31 of this chapter).

5. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561–936–4100. Law enforcement officers monitor 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 prohibit the taking of blue crabs for commercial purposes.

5. We allow the recreational take of blue crabs within 150 feet (45 m) of the Wildlife Drive only with the use of dip nets.

6. Beyond 150 feet (45 m) of the Wildlife Drive we allow recreational take of blue crabs with baited lines and traps only if such devices are continuously attended/monitored and removed at the end of each day. “Attended/monitored” means that all devices used in the capture of blue crabs must be within the immediate view of the sport crabber.

7. The daily limit of blue crabs is 20 per person, of which no more than 10 shall be females.

8. We prohibit the use of cast nets within 150 feet (45 m) of a water-control structure on the Wildlife Drive.

9. We prohibit the use of personal watercraft, air-thrust boats, and hovercraft.

10. We prohibit kite-surfing or kite-boarding, wind-surfing or sail-boarding, or any similar type of activities.

11. We prohibit vessels exceeding the slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters.

12. We only allow vessels propelled by polling, paddling, or floating in the posted “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”.

13. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring of vessels on all refuge waters.

14. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.

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 refuge roads open to public vehicle travel.

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 all commercial activities, including guiding or participating in a guided hunt.

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.

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 A15 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. You may only possess .22 caliber rimfire rifle (but not .22 magnum) firearms (see §27.42 of this chapter) or shotguns with shot no larger than #4 common or bows with arrows that have judo or blunt tips. We prohibit possession of arrows capable of taking big game during the upland game hunting season.

4. 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 A15 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 driven (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 cm² ) 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 only take turkey during the State spring turkey hunting season.

24. You may only take bearded turkeys during the spring turkey hunt.

25. Shooting hours for spring turkey begin 1/2 hour before legal sunrise and end at 1 p.m.

26. 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 in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. You must possess and carry a current signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge.

2. You must possess and carry a refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit while hunting areas 1 or 4, from the beginning of the regular waterfowl season through December 31.

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 entering the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center.

5. You may only hunt on refuge-established hunt days from legal shooting time until 1 p.m.

6. You may enter no earlier than 4 a.m. for the purpose of 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 the age 18.

9. We prohibit accessing a hunt area from 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 from any portion of a dike, road, or railroad grade.

12. We prohibit hunting within 150 yards (135 m) of SR 402 or SR 406.

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 allow fishing at night in the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Haulover Canal.

3. We allow launching of boats at night 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 or slow speed/minimum wake in Haulover Canal.

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.

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.

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 rim-fired rifles, shotguns with nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), or muzzleloaders. You may use shotgun slugs, buckshot, or archery equipment to take feral hogs. We prohibit the use or possession of other weapons. You must unload all firearms for transport in vehicles (uncap muzzleloaders) (see §27.42 of this chapter).

4. We prohibit dogs in the hunt area.

5. There is no limit on the size or number of feral hogs that hunters may take.

6. We allow hunting on designated areas of the refuge. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

7. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road.

8. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.

9. The refuge is only open to daylight use.

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. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road (with the exception of persons hunting in the mobility impaired hunt).

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.

7. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, or blazes.

8. There are two fall archery hunts: hunters may harvest either sex deer, bearded turkey, or feral hogs 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.

9. There is a winter archery/muzzleloader hunt. Hunters may harvest doe deer, antlerless deer, bearded turkey, or feral hog. We define “antlerless deer” as deer with antlers less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the hairline and “antlered deer” as deer with antlers at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the hairline. If the first deer you harvest is an antlerless male, you may harvest another doe or antlerless deer as your second deer. If the first deer you harvest is a doe, you may bring it to the check station, and we will give you a permit to harvest an antlered deer. With the antlered deer permit, you may harvest any deer as your second deer. Archery equipment and muzzleloaders must meet the requirements set by the State. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt area (see §27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

10. There are two modern gun hunts. Modern guns must meet State requirements. We will hold one hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the Wakulla Unit. You may harvest deer as described in C9 above. You may also harvest one bearded turkey or feral hog (no limit). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

11. 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.

12. There is one mobility-impaired hunt on the Panacea Unit in the area west of County Road 372. Hunters may harvest doe deer, antlerless deer, bearded turkey, or feral hog. See definition for “antlerless deer” in C9 above. We will give each hunter that harvests a doe deer a permit to harvest an antlered deer, as described in C9 above. Hunters may have an able-bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to two deer per hunt. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.

13. 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 boats on impoundments on the St. Marks Unit from March 15 through October 15 each year.

6. We prohibit taking of frogs or turtles (see §27.21 of this chapter).

7. We prohibit use of cast nets, traps, or dip nets 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 must be possessed and carried while hunting. Only signed permits are valid. We only allow people with a signed refuge hunt permit on the island during the hunt periods.

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 11 a.m. on November 20, December 18, and January 8.

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. We close to public entry all areas marked with eagle nesting area, shorebird closed area, or area closed signs.

5. 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 Florida Wildlife Commission regulations.

6. We restrict camping and fires (see §27.95 of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.

7. Hunters may set up camp after receiving their hunting permit. We allow camping beginning on the first day of the hunt period, and campers must remove all personal equipment (see §27.93 of this chapter) from St. Vincent Island by 11 a.m. on Sunday of the hunt period.

8. You may only set up tree stands after you check-in, and you must remove them from the island at the end of the hunt (see §27.93 of this chapter).

9. You may only retrieve game from the closed areas if accompanied by a refuge officer.

10. 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. Each adult may only supervise one youth hunter.

11. We will issue permits for the white-tailed deer December and January hunts beginning at legal sunrise on the first day of the hunt period. You must obtain permits at the check station prior to accessing the hunt area.

12. We issue permits for the sambar deer hunt by computer drawing. You may obtain applications after May 15 from the refuge office (P.O. Box 447, Apalachicola, FL 32329).

13. Primitive weapons hunters (sambar deer and January white-tailed deer hunt), when outside the campsite area, must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm² ) of a solid, unbroken pattern of fluorescent orange-colored material visible above the waistline.

14. We limit weapons to muzzleloaders or bow and arrow on the sambar deer hunt and the January white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the December hunt to bow and arrow. Weapons must meet all State regulations.

15. We allow only stand, still, and stalk hunting. We prohibit man drives.

16. We prohibit the use of flagging material and/or bright eyes. We prohibit defacing of plants or trees (see §27.51 of this chapter).

17. 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.

18. Nonmovement stand hours for all hunts will be from legal morning shooting time until 9 a.m.

19. We prohibit discharging of weapons (including cap firing) in campgrounds (see §27.42 of this chapter).

20. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.

21. 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.

22. We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles).

23. Refuge personnel must check and tag game harvested before the hunter leaves the island.

24. We prohibit littering (see §27.94 of this chapter) and cutting of live trees (see §27.51 of this chapter). Only dead and downed wood may be cut.

25. Bag limits:

i. Sambar deer hunt—two sambar deer, 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 hogs or raccoons.

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 legal antler configuration. There is no limit on feral hog or raccoon.

26. We prohibit bringing live game into the check station.

27. Hunters must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.

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 prohibit leaving boats and fishing gear on the refuge overnight (see §27.93 of this chapter).

7. We prohibit commercial fishing or the taking of frog or turtle (see §27.21 of this chapter).

8. We only allow the use of rods and reels or poles and lines. You must attend your fishing equipment at all times.

9. You may only take fish species and fish limits authorized by State regulations.

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.