2013-14 Florida Hunting Incident Report

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Contact the hunter safety section at 850-413-0085 for

further information about Florida hunting incidents.

Contact the International Hunter Education Association at IHEA.com

for further information about hunting incidents in other states.

Federal Aid Project W-5-23

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Hunter Safety Section
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-413-0085

Floridas Hunter safety Statute

379.3581 Hunter safety course; requirements; penalty.
(1) This section may be cited as the Senator Joe Carlucci Hunter Safety Act.
(2)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person born on or after June 1, 1975, may
not be issued a license to take wild animal life with the use of a firearm, gun, bow, or
crossbow in this state without having first successfully completed a hunter safety course as
provided in this section, and without having in his or her personal possession a hunter
safety certification card, as provided in this section.
(b) A person born on or after June 1, 1975, who has not successfully completed a hunter
safety course may apply to the commission for a special authorization to hunt under
supervision. The special authorization for supervised hunting shall be designated on any
license or permit required under this chapter for a person to take game or fur-bearing
animals. A person issued a license with a special authorization to hunt under supervision
must hunt under the supervision of, and in the presence of, a person 21 years of age or
older who is licensed to hunt pursuant to s. 379.354 or who is exempt from licensing
requirements or eligible for a free license pursuant to s. 379.353.
(3) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall institute and coordinate a
statewide hunter safety course that must be offered in every county and consist of not more
than 16 hours of instruction including, but not limited to, instruction in the competent and
safe handling of firearms, conservation, and hunting ethics.
(4) The commission shall issue a permanent hunter safety certification card to each
person who successfully completes the hunter safety course. The commission shall
maintain records of hunter safety certification cards issued and shall establish procedures
for replacing lost or destroyed cards.
(5) A hunter safety certification card issued by a wildlife agency of another state, or any
Canadian province, which shows that the holder of the card has successfully completed a
hunter safety course approved by the commission is an acceptable substitute for the
hunter safety certification card issued by the commission.
(6) All persons subject to the requirements of subsection (2) must have in their personal
possession proof of compliance with this section, while taking or attempting to take wildlife
with the use of a firearm, gun, bow, or crossbow, and must, unless the requirement to
complete a hunter safety course is deferred pursuant to this section, display a valid hunter
safety certification card in order to purchase a Florida hunting license. After the issuance of
such a license, the license itself shall serve as proof of compliance with this section. A
holder of a lifetime license whose license does not indicate on the face of the license that a
hunter safety course has been completed must have in his or her personal possession a
hunter safety certification card, as provided by this section, while attempting to take wild
animal life with the use of a firearm, gun, bow, or crossbow.
(7) The hunter safety requirements of this section do not apply to persons for whom
licenses are not required under s. 379.353(2).
(8) A person who violates this section commits a Level One violation under s. 379.401.
History.s. 1, ch. 89-274; s. 4, ch. 91-58; s. 15, ch. 91-78; s. 53, ch. 91-224; s. 577, ch.
95-148; s. 1, ch. 96-193; s. 136, ch. 99-245; s. 23, ch. 2002-46; s. 17, ch. 2004-335; s. 18,
ch. 2006-304; s. 143, ch. 2008-247; s. 5, ch. 2009-65; s. 53, ch. 2009-86; s. 5, ch. 201295; s. 63, ch. 2013-15.
Note.Former s. 372.5717.

The 10 Commandments of Gun Safety

1. Watch that muzzle. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is
the #1 rule of firearms safety.
2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. It might be loaded, even if
you think that it is not.
3. Be sure barrel and action are clear of obstructions. An obstruction can cause your
firearm to explode.
4. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger, and keep your finger off the trigger
until ready to shoot. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt.
Make sure you have an adequate backstop, and dont touch the trigger of
your firearm until you are ready to shoot.
5. Unload guns when not in use. Leave actions open; carry firearms in cases and
unloaded to and from the shooting area.
6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot. This includes never using
the scope as a pair of binoculars.
7. Never climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded gun. Unload a gun before
you use a treestand or climb a fence, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm
towards you by the butt, not the muzzle.
8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water. If a bullet ricochets you can
never tell where it may go.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely. Store each in secured
locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during shooting.
behavior-altering medicines or drugs.

Also avoid mind- or

Floridas S.A.F.E. Hunting Rules

Safe direction Always point the gun in a safe direction

always be sure of your target and what lies beyond
Finger is outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
Every firearm must be treated as if it is loaded
3

2013-14 Hunting Incident Report

Non-firearm Related
*Accidents/incidents while hunting, not involving the discharge of a firearm or bow, which causes injury or
death of any person(s).
Type
Treestand

Fatal?
No

Comments
On November 8, 2013, in Eglin Management Area a 54-year-old hunter fell from
a treestand. He was transported by helicopter to the hospital, and was treated
in the intensive care unit.

Treestand Safety
ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body Harness even during ascent and descent. Be aware that
single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer allowed Fall-Arrest devices and should not be used.
Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death.

Florida Hunting Incidents (1980-2014)

HUNTING
SEASON

HUNTER
SAFETY
GRADUATES

MENTORING
EXEMPTIONS

HUNTER
FATALITIES

HUNTER
INCIDENTS

TOTAL
INCIDENTS

HUNTING
LICENSES
SOLD*

INCIDENTS
PER
100,000
LICENSES

FATALITIES
PER
100,000
LICENSES

1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91

3,690
7,445
8,577
8,868
7,076
6,517
5,440
7,268
9,237
8,410
8,005
11,040

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

2
6
6
7
10
10
6
3
5
6
4
5

23
24
24
21
16
33
24
23
33
25
32
30

25
30
30
28
26
43
30
26
38
31
36
35

253,619
260,556
262,747
257,739
254,802
257,467
248,542
234,954
238,581
233,770
221,638
204,994

9.8
11.5
11.4
10.8
10.2
16.7
12
11
15.9
13.2
16.2
17

0.79
2.30
2.28
2.72
3.92
3.88
2.41
1.23
2.10
2.57
1.80
2.44

1991-92
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14

20,917
16,930
16,031
14,721
13,792
11,799
9,639
10,134
9,786
11,176
10,847
12,019
13,346
11,768
13,270
11,542
11,425
14,202
13,558
12,351
13,679
14,682
13,612

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7,331
8,175
8,910
9,527
9,168
10,402
17,048
16,798

16.6
10.9
12.1
15.7
10.8
15.5
9.9
8.9
5
4.9
6
4.5
6.8
4.8
4.6
6.2
7.6
11.8
4.5
7.6
6.4
9.9
4.2

2.02
2.61
0.00
2.71
1.09
2.91
0.55
0.56
0.56
0.00
0.55
0.00
0.57
0.69
0.66
0.63
1.76
2.27
0.57
0.63
1.93
1.85
0.60

Mandatory hunter education began in 1991.

4
5
0
5
2
6
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
3
4
1
1
3
3
1

29
16
23
24
18
26
17
15
8
9
10
8
11
6
6
9
10
17
7
11
7
13
6

33
21
23
29
20
32
18
16
9
9
11
8
12
7
7
10
13
21
8
12
10
16
7

198,015
191,904
189,650
184,242
183,808
205,939
181,177
179,344
177,116
181,635
181,857
176,320
175,067
143,193*
151,128*
159,915*
170,554
176,539
176,034
157,683
155,809
162,293
167,987

All hunting license figures are supplied from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Hunting License
Report, except as noted.
*These figures do not include hunters that are exempt from purchasing a license (e.g., under sixteen, over sixtyfour, disabled and enlisted military.)

Florida Hunting Incident Totals (2011-14)

HUNTING INCIDENT: An incident, resulting from a discharge of a firearm or bow while
hunting, which causes the injury or death of any person(s).
2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

INCIDENTS
Total Incidents
Fatal
Nonfatal

2012-13

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

4 (40%)
5 (50%)
0 ( 0%)
0 ( 0%)
CB 1 (10%)
0 ( 0%)
) 10 (100%)

3 (19%)
11 (69%)
1 ( 6%)
0 ( 0%)
1 ( 6%)
0 ( 0%)
16 (100%)

VIOLATED GAME
LAW

10
3
7

16
3
13

7
1
6

Dove
1
White-tailed Deer
6
Rabbit/Hare
0
Feral Hog
0
Quail/Pheasant
0
Turkey
1
Ducks/Geese
2
Squirrel
0
Alligator
0
Misc. (Snake, Raccoon etc.) 0
Unknown
0
TOTAL
10

0
3
0
2
2
5
2
1
0
1
0
16

0
3
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
7

1
4

1
10

0
4

SKILL AND
APTITUDE

0
3

0
3

0
2

2013-14
1 (17%)

EQUIPMENT TYPE

ANIMAL HUNTED

Rifles
Shotguns
Handguns
Muzzleloader
Bow
Bang Stick
TOTAL

2
5
0
0
0
0
7

(29%)
(71%)
( 0%)
( 0%)
( 0%)
( 0%)
(100%)

SHOOTERS AGE
0- 9
10 - 19
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 and over
Unknown
TOTAL

HUNTER JUDGMENT
Victim out of sight of
shooter/moved into
line of fire
Victim covered by
shooter swinging on
game
Victim mistaken for
game
Game ran between
shooter and victim
TOTAL

2011-12

MISCELLANEOUS
Obstruction in barrel
Ricochet
Other
TOTAL

1 (10%)
4 (40%)
5 (50%)
2 (20%)
1 (10%)
0 ( 0%)
0 ( 0%)
K-9 1 (10%)
10 (100%)

0 ( 0%)
3 (18.75%)
2 (12.5%
2 (12.5%)
1 (6.25%)
2 (12.5%)
6 (37.5%)
0 ( 0%)
16 (100%)

0 ( 0%)
2 ( 28%)
0 ( 0%))
1 ( 14%)
2 ( 28%)
1 ( 14%)
0 ( 0%)
1 ( 0%)
7 (100%)

0
0
0
0

1
0
0
1

0
0
0
0

Loading/unloading gun
Careless or reckless
handling
Careless handling while
climbing into/out of tree
stand
Dropped firearm
Shooter stumbled and
fell
TOTAL

0
2

0
0

0
1

0
0

0
1

0
0

SELF-INFLICTED

ALCOHOL A FACTOR

SAFETY & LAW VIOLATION

Removing/placing
firearm in vehicle or
stand
Discharge of firearm
in/on vehicle
Improper crossing of
an obstacle
Firearm fell from
insecure rest/using
firearm as a club
TOTAL

SHOOTER HAD
COMPLETED
HUNTER SAFETY

5 (50%)
6
1-Non-FL 2-Non-FL

VICTIM WEARING Y
HUNTER ORANGE N
N/A

0 (0%)
2 (17%)
10 (83%)

0 (0%)
2 (20%)
8 (80%)

5 (71%)

1 (17%)
(%)
6 (83%)

2013-14 Fatal Incidents

FWNW13OFF14639
Date

11/2/13

County

Santa Rosa

Shooters
Age/Gender

Firearm

30/Male

Shotgun

Animal
Hunted

Deer

Self
Inflicted?

No

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Yes

Comments:

Two men were hunting together on a farm in Santa Rosa County. After legal shooting time, one
of the hunters exited his stand and started walking back to his residence. The second subject,
who had been hunting in the south field, was making his way back to the residence when he
observed movement in the field out of the corner of his right eye. He pointed his 12 gauge
shotgun, loaded with double ought buckshot, and fired a round in the direction of the
movement. The victim was struck with four shotgun pellets and sustained life threatening
injuries and died due to the sustained injuries. Investigators obtained a copy of the shooters
Florida Hunter Safety Completion Certificate and charged him with violation of 782.07
Homicide Negligence Manslaughter and 775.087.1(a) Weapon Offence felon in possession of
a firearm.

Problems:

Careless or reckless. Victim mistaken for game.

Preventions:

Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond.

2013-14 Nonfatal Incidents

FWNC11OFF8006
Date

11/2/13

County

Shooters
Age/Gender

Firearm

Animal
Hunted

Columbia

12/Male

Rifle

Hog

Self
Inflicted?

Yes

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

No

Comments:

While climbing down from his treestand, the 12-year-old victim lost his footing. After losing his
footing he dropped his .22 caliber rifle to the ground. When the firearm hit the ground it
discharged shooting him in the torso. The injuries were not life threatening and the victim was
treated for his wound and released from the hospital.

Problems:

Firearm fell, insecure rest. Possible faulty safety.

Preventions:

Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction; this requires using a haul line when entering
or exiting a treestand.

FWNW14OFF000181
Date

1/5/14

County

Okaloosa

Shooters
Age/Gender

Firearm

Animal
Hunted

??/Male

Shotgun

Ducks

Self
Inflicted?

No

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Unknown

Comments:

While attempting to harvest ducks both hunters rose from their position. One swung on the
other, striking him in the head at close range. (Still waiting on final report.)

Problems:

Victim covered by shooter swinging on game.

Preventions:

FWNW14OFF000737
Date

1/19/14

County

Washington

Shooters
Age/Gender

16/Female

Firearm

Shotgun

Animal
Hunted

Deer

Self
Inflicted?

Yes

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Yes

Comments:

The 16-year-old victim was getting onto a four-wheeler while having a 12 gauge shotgun loaded
with 00 buckshot in her possession. At some point as she got on, the gun fired and struck her
in the right lower leg. She was flown to Sacred heart Hospital where her leg was amputated
due to the severity of the injury.

Problems:

Loaded firearm in vehicle.

Preventions:

Always unload your firearm when not in use.

FWNC14OFF0655
Date

2/2/14

County

Madison

Shooters
Age/Gender

Firearm

Animal
Hunted

42/Male

Shotgun

Quail

Self
Inflicted?

No

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Yes

Comments:

Three friends were quail hunting on a plantation in Madison County. While two of the hunters
were on point to shoot quail, the third friend was taking pictures. The quail flushed out to the
right side of the shooter. He shot one quail and was attempting to shoot another. As he swung
around toward the hunting cart and his friend to shoot the second bird, he shot hitting his
friend with four pellet wounds in his upper right arm and four pellet wounds in his head.

Problems:

Victim covered by shooter swinging on game. Game flew between shooter and victim. Careless
or reckless.

Preventions:

Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond.

FWSW14OFF001544
Date

2/25/14

County

Hillsborough

Shooters
Age/Gender

43/Male

Firearm

Animal
Hunted

Rifle

Deer

Self
Inflicted?

No

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Yes

Comments:

The shooter and his nephew were camping and hunting during a family hunt on the Lower
Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area. They had already taken one white tail deer, and got
up early the next morning for another hunt. The two walked along one of the small trails, then
set up a makeshift blind using palm fronds. At approximately 6:35, two other individuals
parked at Flatwoods Park, crossed the road and entered the Wildlife Management Area by
cutting through the barb-wire fence. Once they entered the property, they walked down one of
the small trails to call turkey in an attempt to video record them on their phones. At
approximately 7 a.m. the shooter thought he saw a deer and fired two shots within
approximately 3 to 5 seconds of each other. The two bullets struck the victim, first in the left
side of his torso and then in his left arm. The shooter was charged with Culpable Negligence
FSS 784.05(2) and violation of WMA rule FAC 68A-15.004(12)(a) for cutting the tree/shrub.
The victim and his friend were found in violation of WMA rule FAC 68A15.061(17)(d)(2) for not
entering/exiting the WMA through a designated entrance.

Problems:

Victim mistaken for game. Careless or reckless.

Preventions:

Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond.

FWSA14OFF1614
Date

County

Shooters
Age/Gender

3/1/14

Collier

54/Male

Firearm

Animal
Hunted

Shotgun

Turkey

Self
Inflicted?

No

Hunter safety
Graduate?
(Shooter)

Yes

Comments:

Two hunters were hunting turkey on Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area. One
was sitting at a base of a tree facing north and actively hunting for turkeys. The second hunter
was hunting to the south of the other hunter. Neither hunter knew the other was in the area.
The second hunter decided he was done hunting and was walking in a easterly direction to go
back to his vehicle. The first hunter saw movement and pointed his 12 gauge shotgun loaded
with #4 turkey load and fired a round in the direction of the movement. The victim was struck
by 36 pellets from the shot. The victim was driven to the hospital by his friend who was
hunting to the west of where the incident occurred.

Problems:

Victim mistaken for game. Careless or reckless.

Preventions:

Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond.

10

The following is a synopsis of Federal Regulations that pertain to the

hunting of migratory game birds. Persons requiring more information
should go to http://www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html, where they will find
a complete version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law is different from the
following Federal law the hunter must comply with the most restrictive law.
State waterfowl hunting rules can be viewed at www.MyFWC.com/duck

What terms do I need to understand?

Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result of treaties signed with
other countries. Protected migratory birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal
Regulations, Section. 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the United States
with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove),
European starling, Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which are
protected by state laws).
All migratory birds are protected. However, a subset of migratory birds classified as
migratory game birds and may be hunted in accordance with State and Federal
regulations. The list of migratory game birds includes species of ducks , geese (including
brant), swans, doves and pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock
and snipe, if there is an open season. There is no open season in Florida on purple
gallinule, cranes, harlequin duck, brant, or geese (except greater and lesser snow
and Rosss geese and Canada geese).
Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species
or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day
during the open season in any one specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is
prescribed.
Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds
permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season when such
person hunts in more than one specified geographic area and/or for more than one species
for which a combined daily bag limit is prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal
to, but shall not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one species or for
any one specified geographic area in which taking occurs.
Possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single
species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person when
lawfully taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area for which a
possession limit is prescribed.
Aggregate possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a
single species or combination of species taken in the United States permitted to be
possessed by any one person when taking and possession occurs in more than one
specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed. The aggregate
possession limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed

for any one of the species or specified geographic areas in which taking and possession
occurs.
Personal abode means ones principal or ordinary home or dwelling place, as
distinguished from ones temporary or transient place of abode or dwelling such as a
hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunting club, or any
hotel, motel or rooming house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.
Migratory bird preservation facility means:
(1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire or other
consideration; or
(2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other
consideration; or
(3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives, possesses, or
has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of
picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.
Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation means a
planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or
manipulation after such harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance
with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative
Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Normal agricultural operation means a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, postharvest manipulation, or agricultural practice that is conducted in accordance with official
recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Normal soil stabilization practice means a planting for agricultural soil erosion control
or post-mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations
of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control.
Baited area means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed,
deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or
attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to
take them. Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete
removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.
Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or
scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory
game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.
Manipulation means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by
activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding, discing, rolling,
chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation
does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal
from or storage on the field where grown.
Natural vegetation means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized plant species that
grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The

term natural vegetation does not include planted millet. However, planted millet that
grows on its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural
vegetation.

What hunting methods are illegal?

No persons shall take migratory game birds:

With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt
gun, battery gun, machinegun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying
substance;

With a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells,
unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without
disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells. This
restriction does not apply during dates States haves selected under the
Conservation Order for light geese (i.e. greater and lesser snow and Rosss geese)
or those selected for the control of resident Canada geese.
Shotguns used for taking migratory birds in Florida shall be incapable of holding
more than three shells in magazine and chamber combined (68A-12.002 FAC).

From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating
device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath
the surface of the water;

From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land

conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing
one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motordriven land conveyance;

From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any
sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and
its progress there from has ceased;

By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited to, it shall be a
violation of this paragraph for any person to take migratory waterfowl on an area
where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and
have been for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to such taking, confined
within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and
totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl;

By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds, or

recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. This
restriction does not apply during dates States haves selected under the
Conservation Order for light geese (i.e. greater and lesser snow and Rosss geese)
or those selected for the control of resident Canada geese.
Taking or attempting to take any game species in Florida with recorded game
calls or sounds is prohibited (68A-12.002).

By means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance, or any
sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying,
or stirring up of any migratory bird;

By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person knows or
reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.

It is legal to take migratory game birds including waterfowl, coots, and cranes, on or
over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas:

Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics);

Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded harvested

croplands; or lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as
the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation
or normal soil stabilization practice;

From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation;

From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from

agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing,
depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or

Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently

scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing
decoys, or retrieving downed birds.

It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over
lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been
distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other
feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.
Wanton waste of migratory game birds No person shall kill or cripple any migratory
game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and retain it in his
actual custody, at the place where taken or between that place and either (a) his
automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or
temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or
(d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Non-toxic Shot No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while
possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than
approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see
(http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/nontoxic_shot/nontoxic.htm)
Opening Day of a Season No person on the opening day of the season shall possess any
freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or aggregate daily
bag limit, whichever applies.
Field Possession Limit No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport more than
the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies, of migratory game
birds, tagged or not tagged, at or between the place where taken and either (a) his

automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or

temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or
(d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Tagging requirement No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any
place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of another person for picking,
cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation, or storage (including temporary storage),
or for the purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag
attached, signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species of birds,
and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported in any
vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shall not be considered as being in
storage or temporary storage.
Custody of birds of another No person shall receive or have in custody any migratory
game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.
Termination of possession Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possession
of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased when such birds have been
delivered by him to another person as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post
office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for
transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier to some person other than the hunter.
Gift of migratory game birds No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any
freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor
or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds,
stating such hunter's address, the total number and species of birds and the date such
birds were taken.
Transportation of birds of another No person shall transport migratory game birds
belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.
Species identification requirement No person shall transport within the United States
any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, unless the head or one
fully feathered wing remains attached to each such bird at all times while being
transported from the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of
the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.
Marking package or container No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a
common carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container in which such
birds are transported has the name and address of the shipper and the consignee and an
accurate statement of the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearly and
conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp The law requires that each
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and older must carry on his person a Migratory Bird

Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter
signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp.
More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges opened to public
hunting. For additional information on refuge specific regulations see
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/