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FWC approves Gulf gray triggerfish limited fall season, conservation measures

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At its July meeting in Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved several management changes for gray triggerfish caught in Gulf of Mexico state waters including a limited fall season and several conservation measures.
“By approving this limited season and conservation measures, we are hoping to balance harvest opportunities for recreational anglers with continued rebuilding of this species,” said Commissioner Mike Sole.
Due to the 2016 federal quota being exceeded, the Gulf recreational gray triggerfish season was closed in state and federal waters for all of 2017. At a previous FWC meeting, the Commission expressed interest in potentially opening a fall 2017 season. After considering public testimony at the July 2017 meeting, the Commission directed staff to issue an executive order to reopen the fishery for a limited season this fall. Staff will issue another press release once the season has been determined. The season will also be posted online and will be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”
Approved federal consistency changes include (to go into effect only after federal regulations go into effect, likely sometime in 2018):

  • 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.
  • Creating a January through February annual recreational closure in addition to the current June through July annual spawning closure.

These federal consistency measures should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and the future. The effective date for these changes will be posted online and will be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.” 
For more information on these changes or to view the presentations given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

Gag grouper fall season approved in Gulf 4-county region

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At its July meeting in Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved lengthening the Gulf of Mexico gag grouper recreational season in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties by opening the season Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. The Commission also approved changing the gag grouper commercial minimum size limit in Gulf state waters from 22 to 24 inches. This size limit change is consistent with pending federal regulations.
For the gag grouper recreational season, state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties are currently open from April 1 through June 30. The FWC received stakeholder requests for a longer season that would make fishing opportunities in the four-county area more comparable with the rest of the Gulf, where there is a seven-month season that runs June 1 through Dec. 31.
“The regional management of this species has been a success story. Anglers have been able to fish for this species during more desired times of the year while still promoting conservation,” said Chairman Brian Yablonski. “We are excited that we can offer these additional fishing opportunities to Florida’s anglers.”
The current April 1 through June 30 season will remain in place and the fall season from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 will be in place in time for anglers to participate this year.
For more information or to view the presentations given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

FWRI director receives Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award

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The Florida Guides Association honored Gil McRae, the director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, with the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award at the Commission meeting in Orlando on July 11.
The award is presented to those who display a passionate commitment to the conservation of Florida’s marine fisheries.
For 15 years McRae has lead FWRI, which provides the scientific foundation for the management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. He oversees more than 30 FWRI offices across the state, which encompass programs such as the impacts of red tides, freshwater flows and levels, the research that guides the conservation and management actions for many of Florida’s important and unique species, as well as data collection for all of Florida’s saltwater commercial and recreational fisheries.
“We truly appreciate Gil’s expertise and leadership. Our scientists and researchers are the guiding force behind what we do,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski.
McRae received a Bachelor of Science degree in aquatic ecology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science degree in fisheries science with a minor in statistics from the University of Minnesota. He has worked for the FWC since 1995 and has been the director of FWRI since 2002. 
“I know I speak for many when I say it has been a privilege to have Gil at the top tier of FWC’s leadership. Gil’s dedication to his profession, his work ethic and his stellar career with FWRI make him an example to be followed, and personifies the essence of the Capt. Phil Chapman Award,” said Capt. Pat Kelley, Florida Guides Association president.

FWC Officer Philip Stone Receives Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award

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Lake Worth resident Philip Stone, a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has received the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award for Marine Conservation.
Officer Stone was honored for his dedication, particularly to the protection of sea turtles, at the FWC Commission meeting in Orlando. Fish & Wildlife Foundation CEO Andrew Walker made the presentation on behalf of the Guy Harvey organization.
“Well before joining FWC as a marine law enforcement officer in 2009, Officer Stone was active as a volunteer in sea turtle conservation in the Palm Beach area,” Walker said. “His desire to do even more to conserve Florida’s marine life and fisheries was a chief motivation in joining the FWC.”
As an FWC officer, Stone has worked with local law enforcement agencies to minimize impact to nesting and hatchling turtles while they conduct essential nighttime beach patrolling. He’s also helped Palm Beach and Martin county businesses and homeowners reduce coastal lighting that can disorient turtle hatchlings, luring them away from the ocean.
Widely covered in the media in 2016 was the FWC’s apprehension of an individual poaching threatened loggerhead turtle eggs from Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County, an investigation led by Officer Stone. By apprehending the person in the act of digging up eggs, 92 eggs could be reburied and led to the hatching of 32 loggerhead turtles.
When off duty, Officer Stone continues to serve as a sea turtle volunteer, conducting nesting surveys, responding to sea turtle strandings, and ­­­­­– as a volunteer and officer – helping recover sick or injured turtles.
“We think Officer Philip Stone is a fitting choice for this award,” said Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation executive director Greg Jacoski. “He exemplifies all that Guy Harvey and our Foundation stand for – an unwavering lifetime commitment to understanding, conserving and appreciating the irreplaceable creatures that inhabit our oceans. We congratulate him and the FWC for all they do.”
Founded by marine biologist and artist Guy Harvey, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators focused on developing sensible strategies for promoting the conservation of our oceans and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists and guardians of our seas.
Through the generous philanthropy inspired by Guy Harvey’s art, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation will fund exceptional research and innovative educational programs developed by universities, colleges, institutes, and nonprofit organizations.

Fishing association honors 2 FWC officers

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The Florida Guides Association on July 11 in Orlando honored two officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their conservation efforts.
Capt. Pat Kelly, Florida Guides Association president, presented FWC officers Peter “Sean” Gaudion and Michael Bibeau of Hillsborough County with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award.
Officer Bibeau has been an FWC officer for seven years. His patience and dedication set him apart and help him stop those that want to take advantage of Florida’s valuable natural resources and those boating dangerously.
“He is a true ambassador for the FWC and represents all law enforcement officers positively,” said Lt. Thomas Van Trees, Bibeau’s supervisor. “He continues his excellence in resource protection and public safety by sharing his knowledge with other officers.”
Additionally, Bibeau participated in multiple search-and-rescues this year and was nominated for a lifesaving award.
Officer Gaudion joined the FWC in 2013 and stands out for his teamwork and drive to succeed in resource protection and public safety. He frequently networks with other officers and community members to organize efforts to stop major violations. 
“Officer Gaudion truly cares about making a positive impact on the citizens and resources of Florida,” said Lt. William Holcomb, his supervisor. “He maintains a positive attitude that inspires and motivates others.”
His extra work on the FWC’s Special Operations Group led him to respond to two hurricanes last season for multiple days at a time.

FWC names Raymond Mowen Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) named Raymond Mowen of Royal Palm Beach the 2016 Volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year at its July Commission meeting in Orlando. The award recognizes a volunteer who significantly advances the cause of safe hunting through extraordinary service in training and education.
Mowen has volunteered to teach the state’s hunter safety course for 24 years. He was the program’s top producer in 2016, volunteering 289 hours to teach 21 classes (17 as chief instructor) and certifying 476 students.
“Being a hunter safety instructor is very rewarding,” Mowen said. “At the end of the class, when a student looks me in the eyes, thanks me and shakes my hand – I know they got it and will be taking this safety knowledge home and to the field. That’s why I do it.”
Mowen became a volunteer hunter safety instructor after learning about the program at a Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (now the FWC) exhibit booth at the 1989 South Florida Fair.
“But I really got turned on to hunter safety by instructor Rudy Reimsnyder, who’s now been teaching the program for 45 years,” Mowen said. “He presents the material in such a great, positive, hands-on way. I knew at that moment I wanted to be a part of passing down tradition, safety and ethics to the next generation.”
Mowen, who spent six years active duty as an airborne parachute rigger with the U.S. Marine Corps, also volunteered his time with several hunting organizations including roles as founder and president of the Florida Quail Federation, director of the South Florida Dog Hunters’ Association, and member of the Florida Airboat & Halftrack Association.
Because Mowen received the award, he is now in the running and representing Florida for the national title International Hunter Education Association’s Instructor of the Year.
“Ray is doing his part to continue the heritage of hunting in Florida by developing safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters. He is dedicated to making sure his students learn about safe, responsible hunting as well as teaching them about conservation,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s section leader for hunter safety and public shooting ranges. “He also is securing the future of FWC’s hunter safety program by recruiting others to become hunter safety volunteer instructors. We cherish volunteers like Ray.”
 Anyone interested in learning how to become a volunteer hunter safety instructor can go to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety and select “Volunteer.”
Successful completion of a hunter safety course is required for anyone born after May 31, 1975, who wishes to obtain a Florida hunting license to hunt unsupervised. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/HunterSafety.

Cal Cooksey receives Youth Hunting Program’s Landowner of the Year award

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At its July meeting in Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) presented Cal Cooksey of Sawdust with the Landowner of the Year award for his generous support of the FWC’s Youth Hunting Program of Florida. This program provides safe, educational, mentored hunts for 12- to 17-year-olds to increase the number of youths involved in hunting and conservation.
Cooksey owns land in Gadsden County that he opens up so those new to hunting can experience the tradition through the Youth Hunting Program of Florida.
“I first got turned on to the Youth Hunting Program by John Fuller with the Future of Hunting in Florida,” Cooksey said. “I saw an opportunity to be able to share with people what I’ve had all my life.”
 For the past couple years, the cattle rancher and professional auctioneer has hosted fall youth hunts on his family property. During these hunts, 50 youth have learned about wildlife and safe, responsible hunting and had the chance to harvest their first dove or deer. Cooksey even recruits neighboring landowners to participate in the program.
“I encourage them to host a youth hunt just once,” Cooksey said. “Then they’ll see how rewarding and satisfying it is, and they’ll want to do it every year.”
Cooksey said he feels the future of the program hinges on finding new ways to attract youth to the outdoors and keeping them engaged. He said he gets a lot of satisfaction from the program, seeing young people get excited about hunting and learning about conservation. He admits his proudest moment was when his entire family embraced the program and helped run the hunts and do the cooking.
“Mr. Cooksey shows his passion and dedication to the program by annually planting dove fields for the youth hunts on his property. He strives to provide a memorable experience to those attending and is always trying to find ways to get more individuals involved in the program,” said Jonathan Roberts, Youth Hunting Program of Florida coordinator. “Families like the Cookseys who open their properties and homes to provide outdoor opportunities to youth are the reason why our hunting tradition will continue on.”
To find out how to become a volunteer landowner or to learn more about the Youth Hunting Program of Florida, go to MyFWC.com/YHPF.

FWC discusses sheepshead, tripletail and cobia management

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At its July meeting in Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed several draft changes to the management of sheepshead, tripletail and cobia. The Commission did not take action on draft changes to sheepshead and tripletail in order to give staff time to gather more input from commercial and recreational stakeholders on potential changes. These two fisheries will be brought back as a draft proposal at a future Commission meeting.
Cobia draft changes were approved and will be brought back before the Commission at the September meeting for a final public hearing. These changes are based on species biology, input from stakeholders, and will promote the continued sustainable management of this fishery.
Cobia
Draft rule changes for cobia to be brought back before the Commission in September for a final public hearing include:

  • Creating a Gulf/Atlantic management boundary defining all state waters north of the Monroe-Collier county line as “Gulf state waters” for purposes of managing cobia.
  • Increasing the minimum size limit in Gulf state waters from 33 to 38 inches fork length.
  • Making the recreational and commercial bag limits in Gulf state waters the same by reducing the commercial trip limit from two to one fish per person.
  • Reducing the recreational and commercial vessel limit in Gulf state waters from six to two per vessel per day.

To comment on these proposals, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or email [email protected].
For more information on these discussions or to view the presentations given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

Go primitive on St. Vincent Island or join the Dove Club

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St. Vincent Island whitetail hunts

July “Outta’ the Woods”
By Tony Young
“St. Vincent Island is a wonderful place to take kids and other folks to show them what the real old Florida looked like,” Woody Eubanks, 38-year Bay County veteran fireman, said about the 12,490-acre national wildlife refuge.
Eubanks should know. For the past 27 years, he’s taken part in one of two white-tailed deer hunts offered on the undeveloped barrier island in northwest Florida’s Franklin County.
The first deer hunt is Nov. 16-18 and is an archery hunt. Only vertical bows may be used, unless a hunter has a Disabled Crossbow Permit, in which case a crossbow may be used as well.
During the second white-tailed hunt, hunters may use bows, crossbows and muzzleloaders. That hunt is Jan. 25-27, 2018. There are 250 permits available for each of the two hunts at a cost of $27.50 each.
Eubanks, a lifelong Panama City resident, said he’s done both hunts and has taken a deer every year.
 “A big group of us firemen started off doing these hunts together, and over the years, a lot of ’em have dropped off for various reasons, except for my buddy Randy Rowell – he’s been hunting here with me for all 27 years,” Eubanks said. “And I first brought my son out here when he was just 8 years old. He loved it even then, and we’ve made it an annual father-son pilgrimage for 19 years now and don’t plan to stop.”
If you’d like to also experience the thrills and solitude of primitive hunting on St. Vincent Island, all you have to do is buy a permit in July.
Accessing the island
You can only get to St. Vincent Island by boat, and if you don’t bring your own, you can make a deal with one of the local charter captains to take you to the island and bring you back after the hunt. For a list of boat captains that offer this service, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. 
“We used to take a shuttle boat to and from the island, but I’ve been trailering my own boat over from Panama City the past several years,” Eubanks said. 
Did I mention it’s primitive?
The island has no electricity, so it’s all about primitive camping for three days. You’re allowed to have a small campfire, using only wood you bring with you or deadwood you find on the ground. Eubanks says he meets a lot of good people every year and enjoys sharing his camp cooking with them.
“I recommend bringing a bicycle to get to and from your hunting spot. Over the years, I’ve found that a three-speed beach comber type bike works best out there,” Eubanks said. 
If you harvest any game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will pick you and your animal up in one of their trucks. In addition, transportation to and from hunting spots and accommodations are available to hunters with disabilities.
Good game management
“The USFWS staff does an outstanding job, going out of their way to assist us hunters,” Eubanks said. “They’ve also done a great job managing the wildlife. Historically, there have been hundreds of hogs on the island, but due to current management activities, the population is estimated in the dozens.”
How to get a permit
If you’d like to purchase a permit for one or both of these primitive hunts, get the appropriate worksheet by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts.” Once you’ve completed it, you may buy the permit at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or from any county tax collector’s office or retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing supplies, beginning 10 a.m. EDT on July 14. But you had better be quick, ’cause these permits are being offered first-come, first-served until they’re gone.
“I really like the fact that it’s a primitive hunt, and the good Lord willin’, I don’t plan to miss it,” Eubanks said. “If you’re looking for a great hunt in a truly beautiful remote place and don’t mind roughing it a bit, you will really enjoy St. Vincent Island. My only advice is to make sure you’re prepared for inclement weather, ’cause you never know what Mother Nature’s gonna throw at ya.” 
Dove Club
One of the best ways to spend time afield with friends and family is through dove hunting. Because of this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) created its Special-Opportunity Dove Club Program. It offers hunters the chance to experience exceptional dove hunting on the state’s best public dove fields.
Dove Club permits enable one adult and one youth (age 15 or younger) to hunt all scheduled dates of a dove field, and each hunter gets to take a daily bag limit of birds. New this year, hunters will now have the choice to apply as a “group” with up to three adult hunters. Permits cost $150 per adult hunter. All hunts take place on Saturdays from noon until sunset. Scheduled hunt dates and number of hunts vary between fields.
Last year, 1,303 birds were harvested from five fields. This coming season, there will be the same five special-opportunity dove fields scattered throughout the state from which to choose.
Five fields to choose from
Tenoroc Public Small Game Hunting Area in Polk County was the top producer last year with 382 birds taken. This year, there will be 13 Dove Club permits available to hunt the 50-acre field.
Hunters took 238 doves off Frog Pond North Public Small Game Hunting Area in Miami-Dade County. This year, there will be 23 Dove Club permits available to hunt the 120-acre field.
Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area in Putnam County has three fields that total about 125 acres with 30 Dove Club permits available. Last season, 309 doves were harvested there from just a six-day hunt. 
Hunters harvested 299 birds from Allapattah Flats Public Small Game Hunting Area in Martin County, east of Lake Okeechobee. Thirteen Dove Club permits are available for the 100-acre field. 
The remaining dove field is on Hilochee Wildlife Management Area in Lake County. It has 15 Dove Club permits available to hunt on 80 acres, where 75 doves were taken last season.
How to apply
Dove Club permits will be issued by random drawing during Phase I. That application period runs from 10 a.m. EDT on July 17 through July 27.
After obtaining the correct application worksheet by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts,” you can apply for these season passes by filling out a single worksheet (with up to five dove field choices) and turning it in at any county tax collector’s office, license agent or by applying online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. During Phase I, hunters may be awarded a permit for only one dove field.
You can check the drawing results as early as July 31 by logging in to your customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, and a pop-up message will let you know if you are successful. And any applicant who provides an email address will also be notified by email. If you are successful in getting drawn, you can pay for it online by clicking on the “Claim” link in the “Permit Applications” section of your customer account, or at any of the above mentioned license agents by Aug. 10. 
Dove hunters online update
Brochures on these areas are available online at MyFWC.com/Dove. Also at that web address, beginning in late September, hunters will be able to find the most up-to-date harvest information on these five special-opportunity dove fields. The website is updated weekly throughout dove season.
So if you prefer the solitude of hunting whitetails on St. Vincent Island or if you’d like to join the FWC’s Dove Club, you need to get your permit in July.
Here’s wishing you luck in getting one or both of these great hunts!

FWC urges Fourth of July boaters to be careful, use beacons and enjoy Florida’s waterways

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During the Fourth of July holiday, many people take to the water to celebrate Independence Day. The warm, sunny days of summer combined with viewing fireworks puts many more boats and people on the water in close proximity to one another.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boaters to use caution while boating on this busy holiday. Many boating accidents are caused by inattentiveness or improper lookout.
“Boat operators have a personal responsibility to make sure their passengers are safe and they are not creating a hazard for other boaters,” said Capt. Gary Klein, Florida’s boating law administrator. “We all expect to have a good time when we celebrate the Fourth of July. No one expects anything to go wrong, but that can all change in an instant if someone is not paying attention or is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
During this weekend, boaters can expect to see an enhanced law enforcement presence and increased messaging about safe boating practices.
Beginning July 1, Floridians have another great reason to purchase and register an emergency locator beacon. Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have instituted discounted vessel registration fees for anyone who owns a recreational vessel equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or a Personal Locator Beacon.
“For many boaters an EPRIB or PLB can make a big difference if an emergency occurs,” said Klein. “These devices send a signal via satellite to search-and-rescue agencies so rescuers can more quickly locate the boaters in need.”
More information on EPIRBs is available at MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking on “Safety and Education.”
More information on the new discounted vessel registration law can be found at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ website.