Did you know there are five subspecies of wild turkey in North America? However, Florida is the only place in the world where the Osceola subspecies is found. Also known as the Florida wild turkey, this unique bird lives only on the Florida peninsula. It’s similar to the eastern subspecies, which is found in north Florida, but tends to be smaller and darker with less white barring on the wings.
Many people don’t know that wild turkeys are powerful fliers. They can fly as fast as 55 miles per hour for short distances. However, to conserve energy, turkeys spend most of their time on the ground, where they search for acorns, seeds, fruits, leaves, insects, small reptiles, frogs, snails and more. They are woodland birds, preferring open forests and where forests and fields meet.
Wild turkeys are social animals and typically flock together in groups. These wary birds have excellent eyesight and will run away or fly to a tree to escape danger. At night, they roost in trees to avoid ground predators.
“Wild turkeys are an amazing conservation success story in Florida and across North America,” said Brian Yablonski, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman. “They had almost disappeared by the turn of the century, with populations remaining in remote pockets of habitat. However, thanks to science-based wildlife restoration efforts, today Osceola and eastern wild turkeys are thriving throughout the state.”
Because the Osceola subspecies is only found in Florida, the Sunshine State is a must-hunt destination for hunters pursuing their Grand Slam. The National Wild Turkey Federation, which recognizes grand slam accomplishments, works with the FWC’s wildlife professionals to support habitat improvement projects and the use of scientific data to conserve wild turkey populations and provide sustainable hunting opportunities. Wild turkey meat, which is leaner than store-bought birds, provides a delicious and clean-eating alternative for the Thanksgiving feast.
From the FWC family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
MyFWC
FWC Chairman to move into a new arena of conservation service in 2018
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) congratulates Chairman Brian Yablonski on his new position as Executive Director of the Property and Environment Research Center, a national conservation research institute in Bozeman, Montana, focused on environmental entrepreneurship and market-based conservation. He will begin his new role in January 2018.
“On behalf of the state of Florida, we truly appreciate Brian’s service. His focus has helped make this a great place for families to live, work and enjoy the outdoors,” said Gov. Rick Scott. “I am confident Brian will continue to work to conserve our nation’s natural treasures. I wish him and his family all the best in this next endeavor.”
Yablonski began his service to the FWC in January 2004 and has held positions as vice chairman and chairman. He will continue to serve in his current role through the end of this year.
“I can think of no one better-suited for this important role with PERC,” said Nick Wiley, FWC Executive Director. “We know more great things are on the horizon for America’s fish and wildlife resources and habitats, and we cannot thank Chairman Yablonski enough for his leadership and conservation legacy with the FWC.”
Yablonski’s leadership on the Commission has been grounded in his attention to Florida’s diverse wildlife and unique habitats. In a state with over 20 million residents and 100 million visitors, he understood the importance of engaging landowners, anglers, hunters, sportsmen, wildlife and bird watchers, hikers, paddlers and recreational boaters while focusing on common ground.
During his 14 years at FWC, Yablonski worked to create new critical wildlife areas, provide landowners and citizens with more conservation incentives – including a constitutional amendment providing tax relief for conservation – and support freedoms and opportunities for current and future generations to enjoy Florida’s natural resources. In 2009, Yablonski was named Florida’s Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Florida Wildlife Federation, and in 2016 he was the recipient of Audubon Florida’s Theodore Roosevelt Award.
“It has been a true lifetime honor and privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners and FWC staff, the best in the nation, as we’ve engaged with stakeholders, partners and residents on the important issues impacting wild Florida,” Yablonski said. “Florida has been my home for more than 25 years. Its great beauty, bountiful fish and wildlife resources, and good friends working in the stewardship arena, will always have a special place in my heart. To serve on behalf of our fish and wildlife in a state that served as an inspiration for Theodore Roosevelt has made all the difference. I will reflect fondly on our efforts and successes here in Florida as I engage in new and exciting ways to advance the cause of conservation.”
You can view the announcement from PERC at PERC.org.
Zone C deer season opener provides a connection to the outdoors
New hunters invited to learn about hunting
and conservation through FWC programs
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Florida’s Zone C general gun deer season begins, providing hunters the opportunity to slow down and immerse themselves in the splendor of the outdoors. For many, the predawn melody of songbirds while the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees is a chance to escape the daily stressors of life. And when knowledge, skill and luck come together for a successful hunt, there’s also a delicious and organic wild game feast to enjoy.
Zone C is Florida’s largest hunting zone, encompassing the central and northern part of the state. The general gun deer season runs Nov. 4 – Jan. 21, giving private land hunters the chance to carve out time from their busy schedules to go afield. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce someone to deer hunting. Sharing the hunt with a friend or family member new to hunting makes the experience even more special. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has developed online resources to make it easier for mentors and new hunters to get started deer hunting, including a list of wildlife management areas that allow public land hunting without a quota permit.
Those new to hunting can learn how to be safe, responsible hunters by taking a free FWC hunter safety course. Hunting is a safe activity, and hunter safety courses help make it even safer by teaching students about firearms safety, hunting laws and regulations, outdoor skills, knowledge about wildlife and habitats, and the importance of being a conservationist. Details about Florida’s hunter safety requirement are available online.
Another resource for youth who want to experience hunting is the FWC’s Youth Hunting Program, which offers safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn about conservation and gain new outdoor skills during these organized hunts. Program volunteers provide places to hunt, meals and mentors at these family-oriented events. Those interested can check out the Youth Hunting Program event calendar and sign up for a hunt.
Youth throughout the state also are learning a variety of outdoors skills through the FWC’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Through this program, staff work with more than 350 partners to introduce kids throughout Florida to archery, hunting, boating, fishing, wildlife discovery and more. The FYCCN’s partners engage youth in outdoor adventure while igniting their interest in conservation.
All of the FWC’s programs are designed to inspire people to become good stewards of our natural resources. Florida’s healthy game populations, along with a wide variety of other wildlife species, are proof of this commitment to conservation by Florida hunters and the FWC. The agency’s wildlife professionals use scientific data to conserve game populations and provide sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters and target shooters are important partners in this conservation effort. They provide wildlife management funding through the purchase of hunting licenses that bring more dollars back to Florida through the Wildlife Restoration program. This program provides grant funds to state wildlife management agencies, such as the FWC, from the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities. This funding supports research, education, access to public lands, and habitat management and conservation to benefit many wildlife species.
To take part in the Zone C general gun season for deer, hunters need a Florida hunting license and a deer permit. In addition, those planning to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas will need a management area permit. Get more information about Florida hunting licenses and permits, hunting season dates and information about deer management units.
FWC invites public comments for Division of Law Enforcement reaccreditation assessment
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement is seeking reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
“A team of CFA-certified assessors will arrive Dec. 12 to examine the division’s policies, procedures, equipment and facilities, and conduct interviews with employees,” said Col. Curtis Brown, division director. “This important process assures that the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement maintains the highest standards.”
The division must comply with approximately 240 standards to receive reaccreditation status. If the CFA determines the Division of Law Enforcement has complied with the appropriate standards, the reaccreditation will be awarded for three years.
“Accreditation is a voluntary pursuit and a valuable means of external accountability. This will be our fourth accreditation assessment, with the initial assessment taking place in 2008. Our commitment to excellence in conservation law enforcement is apparent by our continued commitment to the accreditation process through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation,” said Juli Brown, the Division of Law Enforcement’s accreditation manager.
The general public, including members of the FWC, are invited to offer comments related to the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards. Comments must be submitted in writing to CFA, Attention: Public Comment, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302, or may be submitted by email at [email protected].
A copy of the accreditation standards is available by visiting the CFA website or by contacting Robert Klepper, public information coordinator for the Division of Law Enforcement, at 850-617-9666 or by email at [email protected].
November weekend added to Gulf gray triggerfish state season
The gray triggerfish recreational season in Gulf state waters will be open an additional weekend this November to provide anglers with fishing opportunities that were missed due to bad weather from Hurricane Nate earlier in the season. Gray triggerfish will open in Gulf of Mexico state waters for recreational harvest Nov. 4 and 5. The season was previously open Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15. The season was also open Oct. 21 and 22 as an extension due to the impacts of Hurricane Irma.
During this state season opening, the Gulf state waters minimum size limit is 14 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is two per person, per day.
The season is closed in Gulf federal waters for 2017.
Several changes to gray triggerfish management are pending for Gulf state and federal waters, and could affect harvest starting in 2018. These pending management changes include:
- Creating a January through February annual recreational closure in addition to the current June through July annual spawning closure.
- Decreasing the recreational daily bag limit from two to one fish per person.
- Increasing the recreational size limit from 14 to 15 inches fork length.
These changes will not be in effect during the 2017 state season opening, but should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and beyond.
More information about Gulf gray triggerfish regulations may be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”
Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day by pledging to create a new conservationist
For many residents of Florida, time spent hunting and fishing are treasured moments. Hunting and fishing bring friends and family together and provide one of the most immersive outdoor experiences you can have. To encourage people to share their love of the outdoors, the focus of this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated Saturday, Sept. 23, is to challenge every hunter and angler to take someone with them on their next outdoor adventure.
“Not only do hunting and fishing allow you to connect with nature on a profound level, those who take part in these activities also contribute to conservation,” said Nick Wiley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director. “Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment or fishing tackle, they are contributing to science-based fish and wildlife management through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. This program brings funding from the sporting arms, archery and fishing industries and from sportsmen and women back to state wildlife management agencies like the FWC. This support, in addition to hunting and fishing license fees, is critical for conserving fish and wildlife.”
Involve others in the outdoors between now and Sept. 23 by pledging to take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. By taking the pledge at NHFDay.org, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package for two or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience at the famous Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
“If you are a sportsman, sportswoman or an angler, you can make a difference and support National Hunting and Fishing Day by becoming a mentor,” said Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day. “Mentoring is critical to ensure our outdoor tradition lives on through future generations. Make the commitment to take someone outdoors and show them why you value hunting, fishing and target shooting.”
This is a great time of year to introduce a friend, family member or co-worker to the outdoors, and FWC offers several resources on MyFWC.com and GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to help you get started:
- Saltwater fishing
- Freshwater fishing
- Find a boat ramp
- New hunter information
- Find an FWC-managed public shooting range
- Get your hunting/fishing license
If you’d like to take someone hunting or fishing but don’t know where to go, consider Florida’s wildlife management area system. At nearly 6 million acres, Florida’s WMA system is one of the largest in the country and offers a variety of #WMAzing destinations. Hurricane Irma impacted some WMAs resulting in area closures. However, the FWC and its land management partners are working hard to address storm impacts so these public lands are available for recreation while balancing the need for public safety. Information about the open/closed status of WMAs can be found at MyFWC.com. This list is updated as new information is received, so check back regularly.
This year, Florida’s WMA system is celebrating 75 years of conservation success. For more information, go to MyFWC.com/WMA75. Learn more about our great natural treasures and download WMA regulations brochures at MyFWC.com by clicking on “Hunting” then “WMA Brochures.”
FWC releases new videos to help Florida residents avoid conflicts with bears
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce conflicts with bears, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing two new videos in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series. These videos are designed to help educate the public about how to safely coexist with bears in Florida.
The “Bear Behavior” video describes how a person should react if they encounter a bear in the wild, such as speaking in an assertive voice and backing away slowly. Bears are generally not aggressive toward people, but an encounter may become dangerous if a bear feels concerned or threatened. Knowing how to interpret bear behavior can help people react appropriately when they have a close encounter with a bear.
The “Scare the Bear” video illustrates how residents can reduce conflicts with bears that may come onto their property. Bears are driven by their need for food and powerful sense of smell, which often leads them into neighborhoods and areas with readily accessible food sources. While properly securing garbage and other attractants is critical, scaring bears away from neighborhoods is also important because it can reinforce their natural fear of people. A bear that has been frightened by people is less likely to stay in areas where people are present, which reduces the risk to public safety.
“The No. 1 cause of conflict with bears is unsecured trash and other attractants, such as pet food, barbecue grills and birdseed,” said Dave Telesco, who leads the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “As bears spend more time in neighborhoods, they begin to lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to dangerous encounters. These videos highlight steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of both bears and humans.”
The new videos are being added to the existing “Living with Florida Black Bears” series, which already includes the following videos:
- How to Make Your Wildlife Feeders Bear-Resistant
- How FWC Conducts Bear Population Estimates
- A Day in the Life of a Florida Black Bear
- How to Protect Livestock and Pets from Bears
- Cause for a Call
- BearWise Communities
The FWC plans to release more bear-related videos in the coming months. These videos help educate the public about black bears in a quick and convenient format.
The entire “Living with Florida Black Bears” video series can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Bear in the “Brochures & Other Materials” section.
In addition to educational efforts, the FWC is inviting local governments to apply for BearWise funding for their communities. The FWC will focus on providing financial assistance to local governments with BearWise ordinances in place, which require residents and businesses to keep their garbage secure from bears. A total of $515,000 will be available to offset the costs for communities to use bear-resistant equipment to secure their garbage and help reduce conflicts with bears.
To learn how to become BearWise, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “BearWise Communities” on the left side of the page.
Who will be the next Lionfish Challenge winners? Find out Sept. 9
There’s still time to remove lionfish and win prizes by participating in the 2017 Lionfish Challenge. The statewide lionfish removal incentive program will come to a close Sept. 4. The winners, also known as the Lionfish King/Queen (recreational category) and the Commercial Champion, will be crowned at the Lionfish Safari in St. Petersburg at 4 p.m. Sept. 9. Join Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff along with Lionfish Safari organizer Reef Monitoring, as we celebrate these amazing lionfish hunters at the North Straub Park, 400 Bay Shore Drive NE.
Competition is fierce. The 100 recreational and commercial participants have removed more than 12,300 lionfish so far (just over 6,000 recreationally and just under 6,000 commercially) and have received prizes ranging from T-shirts, tumblers and heat packs to ZombieStickz Lionfish Eliminator and Neritic pole spears, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium gift bags and ZooKeeper Lionfish Containment Units. Lionfish Challenge winners will be given a custom-made FishBone Design trophy and a No Shoes Reefs limited edition Engel 85 cooler.
The FWC’s Lionfish Challenge started on Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day, May 20.
To enter, participants register online at MyFWC.com/Lionfish and submit their harvest of 25 lionfish (or 25 pounds commercially).
The more lionfish you enter, the more prizes you will receive.
Think you have what it takes to be crowned the next Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion? Sign up and learn more today at MyFWC.com/Lionfish.
Learn more about the Lionfish Safari at ReefMonitoring.org by scrolling over “Event Page” and clicking on “Lionfish Safari.”
Also, be sure to check out the new and improved Reef Rangers website at ReefRangers.com, which will be launched Sept. 5.
Snook season starts Sept. 1
The recreational harvest season for snook starts Sept. 1 statewide. Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home. When releasing a snook, proper handling methods can help ensure your fish’s survival and the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about catch-and-release and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. In the Gulf, they must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.
A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook-and-line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.
Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook are closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”
These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments. If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at SnookFoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action Program” link in the bar at the top of the page.
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations” for more information on snook.
FWC Officers Assisting with Disaster Response Efforts in Texas
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers today are actively assisting with disaster response efforts in the Houston area. Governor Scott directed the deployment of FWC officers and resources in response to Texas’ request for emergency assistance.
Currently, 37 FWC officers and 21 boats are in route to Houston to support ongoing response efforts. More than 60 officers and nearly 20 boats are being staged and will deploy today. This weekend, twenty-five FWC officers, 17 high water vehicles, two Mobile Command Centers, eight shallow draft vessels and four patrol boats arrived in Houston after being deployed Saturday night.
