For Immediate Release, November 26, 2008

Contact:  Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

FWC reopens Everglades and Francis S. Taylor wildlife management areas

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reopened Everglades and Francis S. Taylor wildlife management areas to public access. Beginning Thursday, Nov. 27, legal hunting, fishing, frogging and recreational use are once again permitted.

The areas were closed by executive order in August, after high water levels jeopardized wildlife, particularly deer.  The water levels have since receded.

Taking game remains prohibited, except for ducks, coots, and snipe.

The general gun-walk season in Conservation Area 3A North, scheduled to open Nov. 29 and close Dec. 28, is cancelled.

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GF/CR

HPC