ATV Florida Forum

Now's time to contact FWC for rule changes
March 20, 2009
If there's a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunting or freshwater fishing regulation that you'd like to see changed or implemented, the FWC is listening.

The best way to let your thoughts be heard is by going online to myfwc.com and clicking the "suggest rule changes" link. An online form must be completed for each of your proposed changes. Forms must be submitted by March 30. Any regulation changes that result will not take effect until July 2010.

Some duck hunters I know want to change a rule that took effect last July banning ATVs from the Everglades/Francis Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger wildlife management areas except right before and during the archery, muzzleloader and general gun-walk seasons.

Those who crafted the rule never considered that ATVs are used in those WMAs during the duck season. Several ATV enthusiasts I know also want to change the rule to allow ATV use in a small portion of one or more of those WMAs.



United Waterfowlers Florida has suggested allowing full migratory bird seasons on all WMAs, because some WMAs are open to duck hunting only during deer and small-game seasons. And the Florida Sportsman's Conservation Association wants to stop allowing rifles to be used during spring turkey season on some WMAs and other public lands.

I sent mine in. Asking for a place to ride in Broward. GOOD LUCK. Maybe I should ask to win the lottery. I might have better luck with that one.

Great post.

The only chance we have is for us to word our rule change requests so as to suggest that it could actually make hunting better. So, use your imagination, instead of your frustration/anger. For example, Holeylands is the smallest area of the three back-to-back WMAs(F.Taylor/Everglades, Holeyland and Rottenberger) and if FWC was to reopen it to ATVs during hunting's off-season, it could discourage/minimize trespassing and habitat destruction elsewhere. Trail maintenance/habitat restoration/law enforcement costs/enforcement could be muted by a $50/yr. OHV permit/operator licensing(like is done in Big Cypress), volunteer trail rangers and rules violations could carry the appropriate fines/penalties. Otherwise, you'll have to buy side-by-sides, old Sammy's, Jeeps, etc.!

That is exactly what I wrote to them. I explained about charging a fee, self patrols, clean up groups, and working with the riders to make it a better place. I did not express anger. I was used examples to show how we can ride and still preserve the land.

Thanks Dan. Didn't say you were angry. I see you're new to this site. Please know there's quite a few young folks participating here. In the past, many of them have expresseed anger, anarchy and lawlessness as their plan of action for overcoming the lack of riding spots.

Thanks AintSkeered. I did not take as if you were saying I was angry. I understood what you were writing and completely agree with you. There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Was just letting you know I was trying the right way.
My son and I need a closer place to the house to ride. Two hour trips are not fun. It used to take us 40 minutes from the door to the parking area.
I also understand and completely agree as to why the Holey lands area was closed. It was getting crazy out there. But, if we do things the right way and approach it with a solution, and not with another problem, hopefully we can get a riding spot back. I serious doubt it, but is worth a try. If you do not try to make a difference, then you do not have the right to complain. Just my two cents.

Good luck on the Holeylands.

I fear that's just the beginning though. Being one that attends the ORV meetings and stays in tune with the State and Federal government's position/opinion on ATV use, its likely we will see more and more areas closed off and none opening up.