Florida FWC Proposes Step to Curtail/Capitalize on Non-Resident WMA Hunters

[deerhunt1988]

One thing Florida FWC does that I really like is sends out e-mails/surveys where you can comment on proposed changes. I'm going through them now here is one of the items proposed:





Currently, a non-resident only needs a ~$27 WMA permit to apply for quota hunts. If this regulation passes, NR would need an additional $125 turkey permit each year just to apply! So NR would be looking at $150 each year to apply for WMA quotas. WOW! Seeing as a lot of quota hunts now take 2-3+ points to draw, a NR could easily be looking at $500 in fees to hunt their desired area.

Their draw system needs modifications, but I don't think this is the best route to start pricing out turkey hunters. They could simply put a cap on the amount of NR drawn per hunt. But that isn't going to make them as much money as this proposal would.

As many of us on here have been saying for years, the mass commercialization and exploitation of our public land resources is slowly turning wild turkey hunting into western big game hunting. I'd really like to see a proposal to prohibit commercial filming on Florida's WMAs. I can only imagine the extra interest in south Florida turkey hunting after the Meateater episode filmed down there on a WMA this past spring hits the air. One YouTube channel already did substantial damage, and there seems to be no end in sight.

For those of you who wish to comment on Florida's proposed rules, go to this link:

https://www.research.net/r/2024-25-FWC-Proposed-Rules

[joeturkey]

For assistance on turkey harvest in Florida contact the Florida state chapter nwtf they will help you.

[joeturkey]

Florida state chapter nwtf district biologists

[WV Flopper]

 I have 0 problems with that. Except....they will have to do this for all WMA and public, otherwise we all know what will happen to those.

They have the only Osceola turkey in the country, come and pay for it on public ground.

The question is to me, what will this do to lease prices if anything.

[Tail Feathers]

I go to FL most years.  I feel for the FL resident turkey hunters.  This doesn't upset me, FL will probably become more restrictive in coming years.

[sasquatch1]

With the urban expansion in Florida and elsewhere, we one day may wish we'd have paid more if those lands get developed and lost. It does however seem a little expensive for a turkey but...

Buying, keeping, and managing public properties isn't cheap. The cost of the average wma permit is along the lines of thievery for what if provides us access too. Sadly that won't be realized until it's one day gone.

Nathan, and idea of what kind of money that would equate to yearly for the state? Anyone know how many NR been applying to do the math?


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[slicksbeagles1]

That's sad news! Now the outfitters will really jack up their already outrageous hunting prices. Unless I hit the lottery I will probably never go back.

[Spurs Up]

Seems shrewd to me. This is a good start at controlling Osceola public land craziness. Should satisfy residents by giving them an edge and stands to generate more money (who knows, maybe for tags and habitat work). I'll pay it and maybe have a chance at going back sooner. Hope they do more.

[Crghss]

I don't like tit-for-tat but it cost $500 just for non-res licenses in GA. So seems like a small price to pay considering most states fees.

[deerhunt1988]

I don't like tit-for-tat but it cost $500 just for non-res licenses in GA. So seems like a small price to pay considering most states fees.

Georgia definitely needs to revamp their quota hunt system. I'm sitting on like 8 turkey points as a non-resident since its free to apply. Even collecting deer points now, because why not? It is free!

[FLTurkHntr]

I "voted" no on that.  I don't think jacking up prices is the answer. We have enough inflation these days. NR permits should just be capped like other states do imo.
I wonder how many points Rinella had when he pulled that permit? 

[Spurs Up]

I "voted" no on that.  I don't think jacking up prices is the answer. We have enough inflation these days. NR permits should just be capped like other states do imo.
I wonder how many points Rinella had when he pulled that permit?

I didn't see anything in their proposal about increasing ANY of the prices of permits. The permit prices haven't changed in years, while everything else certainly has.  Instead, it's a proposal to require a permit (that is already required anyway when hunting) when applying.

Like you, I'm okay with capping the number of permits but that apparently isn't on the table. Something needs to be done. For those reasons, I "voted" yes.

[Old Gobbler]

They are going to do it ...they are in a funding crisis and money talks , and they fully well know how valuable the permits are.  ...don't even get me started on antis getting permits

People have done all kinds of nefarious activities with the permits up to and including all out selling them

The other major loophole is that Florida residents have been applying with just a 26 dollar management stamp and not buying the rest ...underfunding the fwc , and pushing out real hunters

[FLTurkHntr]

Yeah, Florida is not Hunter friendly for a red state imo. Lots of issues. There should be plenty of money for a robust FWC.

[bbcoach]

I don't see this as a problem to curtail Nonresidents since many states are already doing this.  My question is to the residents of Florida is, what are these fees going to be used for???  It's all well and good to raise and collect these fees but DNR needs to be accountable to the people of Florida and ONLY use these fees to keep and restore the Osceola Turkey population.  Has DNR given an answer to this question or have the Resident Hunters ask for specifics???