Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-24.002 - Methods of Taking Fur-Bearing Animals; Possession; Open Season

(1) Certain furbearers may be taken by guns, live traps and snares during specified open seasons. Live traps and snares shall be visited at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.

(2) Fur-bearing animals may be taken in accordance with the following:

(a) Raccoon, coyote, opossum, skunk, nutria, and beaver may be taken throughout the year by the use of guns, dogs, live traps or snares, and may be possessed or transported alive only as authorized by Chapter 68A-6, F.A.C.

(b) Raccoon or opossum may be taken at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 gauge centerfire or muzzleloading shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. The hunting of raccoon or opossum under the provisions of this paragraph by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

(c) Bobcat or otter may be taken from December 1 through March 1 by live traps, guns, dogs or snares. Additionally, bobcat may be taken for non-commercial purposes from March 2-31 by guns or dogs. Fox and bobcats may be chased by the use of free-running dogs throughout the year. The taking of any fox and/or coyote by a dog or dogs within an enclosure is prohibited. For the purposes of this subsection, in relation to using dogs for the taking of fox or coyote, an "enclosure" is defined as an area of land enclosed in such a manner as to prevent the natural ingress or egress of fox or coyote. No person shall kill or possess fox unless authorized by permit from the executive director.

(d) The taking or possession of mink, weasel, round-tailed muskrat or Key Vaca raccoon is prohibited.

(3) No person shall use, place, or maintain any set gun or steel trap for the purpose of taking or attempting to take wildlife.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-24.002

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

New 8-1-79, Amended 6-22-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 7-5-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-24.02, Amended 10-8-87, 4-11-90, Formerly 39-24.002, Amended 5-13-02, 7-1-08, 10-5-10, 3-25-12, 7-1-14, Amended by Florida Register Volume 41, Number 135, July 14, 2015 effective 7/29/2015, Amended by Florida Register Volume 50, Number 065, April 2, 2024 effective 7/1/2024.