Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Florida Wildlife Commission

Florida Wildlife Commission

Greater amberjack season set to reopen May 1 in Gulf state waters

Posted on

The greater amberjack recreational season in Gulf state waters will remain closed through April 30, and will reopen to harvest May 1-31 and Aug. 1-Oct. 31.

Greater amberjack is overfished and undergoing overfishing, and the season has closed increasingly early in recent years due to federal quotas being met or exceeded. This new season structure will optimize recreational fishing opportunities in both the spring and fall while minimizing harvest during the spawning season, helping to rebuild the stock.

For more information on greater amberjack, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”

Conservation group honors Florida Youth Hunting Program coordinator

Posted on

The Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association honored Jonathan Roberts for his efforts coordinating the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. The award, which was presented Dec. 6 at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in Gainesville, recognizes Robert’s commitment to getting more young people and their parents involved in hunting and conservation.

“Fewer young people today are experiencing the great outdoors, and it’s causing a huge disconnect between them and nature. Jonathan does an outstanding job coordinating all the resources and volunteers necessary to allow new hunters and their parents or guardians to safely experience hunting through the Youth Hunting Program,” said Steven Stroh, FSCA president.

Roberts, an FWC employee since 2014, oversees the statewide program, which provides safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn new outdoors skills during organized, family-oriented weekend hunts.

“I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of the Youth Hunting Program and FWC. I’m also honored to work with organizations such as FSCA,” Roberts said. “They generously provide volunteers who are fully committed to our mission of creating the next generation of conservationists. It’s partnerships like these that have allowed youth across the state to experience the tradition of hunting.”

The FSCA was founded in 1994 by a group of sportsmen who shared a vision for creating a conservation organization that would serve the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts and their families. The organization aims to help protect and restore Florida’s unique natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

For more information about Florida’s Youth Hunting Program, go to MyFWC.com/YHPF.