Florida

Florida and Georgia recently cancelled a longstanding agreement that allowed both states’ resident senior citizens to go freshwater fishing or hunting in either state without purchasing licenses. However, special regulations adopted by the two states for Lake Seminole in Jackson County and the St. Mary’s River in Nassau and Baker counties remain in effect.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin selling approximately 4,500 alligator harvest permits on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 a.m. (EDT) June 3 and will continue through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) June 9.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported 77 boating fatalities for 2007. Though this number may be disconcerting, following a few simple rules and paying attention while boating can make the difference between a safe and enjoyable day on the water and one that ends tragically.

Five Florida youths will be representing their state at the National Youth Hunter Education Challenge in Mansfield, Penn. in late July.

Seventeen-year-old James Barton and 16-year-old Robert Hickman from Jupiter, 14-year-old Colter Brown and 18-year-old Isaac Amicarelle from Jacksonville and 13-year-old Jesse Bodden from Okeechobee won the right to attend the annual prestigious event by beating out 32 other youths during the state challenge at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Ocala Conservation Center on May 3.

Destin, FL (PRWEB) April 26, 2008 -- The Courtyard Sandestin Hotel at Grand Boulevard is offering fishermen and women an unbeatable hotel on dry land to help them steady their sea legs after days spent out on the water.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) opens its doors for MarineQuest 2008 on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year over 3,000 people attended the free, award-winning open house at the FWRI headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg. Now in its 14th year, MarineQuest offers the public the opportunity to experience science firsthand with more than 60 exhibits featuring interactive displays, live animals and events for all ages.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed two changes to its stone crab management rules during a public meeting in Tallahassee on Thursday. A final public hearing on these rule proposals will take place during the June 11-12 FWC meeting in Dania Beach.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a draft rule on Thursday that would allow commercial fishers to harvest striped or black mullet on weekends. A final public hearing on this rule proposal will take place during the June 11-12 FWC meeting in Dania Beach.

An agreement between Florida and Georgia that allows senior citizens from either state to hunt and fish in fresh water without licenses in both states is about to end. The agreement, which dates back to 1981, will end on June 30.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wednesday approved the Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, the first major step in launching the gopher tortoise management plan approved by the Commission last September. The FWC reclassified the gopher tortoise to a threatened species last year, and the management plan serves as a blueprint to conserve the species.