Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission (Commission) is developing draft rule changes that provide objective criteria for establishing Restricted Hunting Areas (RHAs). The FWC’s stated intent is to reduce confusion for hunters that utilize RHAs and communities that apply for a RHA. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is tracking the rule development process to ensure that hunter access is not unduly restricted.
The proposed rule changes include:
The proposed rule changes would not prohibit hunting in undeveloped areas within an RHA or areas more than 300 feet from a dwelling.
The FWC hosted webinars for the public to learn about the proposed rule changes. The public comment period is open, and comments can be submitted online.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
