This proposal will explore simplifying the registration process by removing the in-person registration requirement for certain furbearer species. It will also investigate requiring fewer instances where a pelt and/or carcass tag would be required because fewer individuals would be required to submit a full carcass. Also, other individuals may be required to submit only a part of a carcass rather than the entire carcass. Successful harvesters will still be required to report their harvest.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
The chapter on wild animals and plants, in s. 29.014, “rule making for this chapter”, establishes that the department shall maintain open and closed seasons for fish and game and any limits, rest days, and conditions for taking fish and game. This grant of rule-making authority allows the department to make changes related to trapping and hunting regulations. Also, s. 23.47 (1) grants the department the authority to designate, by rule, forms of acceptable proof of hunting and trapping licenses. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
Approximately 120 hours will be needed by the department prior to and following the hearings
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
Trappers and hunters who pursue furbearing animals are the principal groups that will be affected by this rulemaking.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
States possess inherent authority to manage the wildlife resources located within their boundaries, except insofar as preempted by federal treaties and laws, including regulations established in the Federal Register. None of these rule changes violate or conflict with the provisions established in the Federal Code of Regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
Based on our preliminary analysis, we do not anticipate an economic impact to individuals or groups. If there were to be any economic impact resulting from this rule, we anticipate that it would be very minimal. These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small business, nor are any design or operational standards contained in the rule.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department anticipates holding four public hearings in the month of August 2020. Hearing cities will be determined.
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
Date Submitted
