The quota hunt program is one method that FWC uses to manage hunting pressure, harvest, and quality of the hunting experience on public lands. Over the years, many attempts have been made to improve the program, but FWC continued to receive complaints about how quota permits were issued and used.  Therefore, beginning in 2007, FWC staff did extensive public outreach and worked with stakeholders to address the issues.  In February, 2009, the Commission adopted changes to quota hunt rules, which are now in effect.  The changes were designed to increase fairness of the system yet provide flexibility for hunters to hunt with a friend or family member.  The hope is that the changes will result in a program that helps to bring in new hunters while retaining the existing ones. 

 

The following is a summary of major changes to the quota hunt program and application process, beginning with the 2009-10 hunting season:

 

-       Quota hunt types will be expanded from 3 (Archery/Muzzleloading Gun, General Gun and Spring Turkey) to 5 types (Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, General Gun, Wild Hog and Spring Turkey).

 

-       All quota permits will be nontransferable, with 2 exceptions: Holton Creek WMA Mobility-Impaired hunts and Blackwater WMA dog hunts.

-       One nontransferable guest permit may be issued for each nontransferable quota permit.

-       Phase I application period will be 30 days from 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) June 1, 2009 to 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) June 30, 2009.

 

-       The preference point system will be cumulative, adding a point each year you are not drawn in Phase I for each hunt type.

 

-        Permit holders who receive a nontransferable permit and are unable to use it may return their permit to the Commission for reissuance. Preference points are returned to Phase I permit holders, and an additional point is awarded for the current year to permit holders who return permits, if postmarked prior to the first day of the hunt.

 

-        Nontransferable permits that are lost may be replaced at any license agent or tax collector office for the normal permit replacement fee.

 

-   Most quota permits will no longer be mailed. Only Mobility Impaired, Tracked Vehicle and Airboat quota permits will be mailed to the applicant. All other permits may be picked up at the customer’s convenience from Tax Collectors’ offices or from any business that sells FWC licenses.

      

   This change was done primarily as a cost reduction for FWC.  Also, customers have suggested that the mailings are untimely (ether too far before the hunt or too late) and permits frequently have been lost in the mail or returned as undeliverable.  . 

 

For more details about the new rules and application process, please visit http://myfwc.com/hunting

Look under “Limited Entry Hunts” then “Quota”.