Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

J.W. CORBETT
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
1999-2000
REGULATIONS SUMMARY AND AREA MAP
A COOPERATIVE PUBLIC WILDLIFE AND RECREATIONAL AREA
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
An Equal Opportunity Agency

This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. To make it easier to learn about regulation changes on this area, regulations that are new or differ substantially from last year are shown in bold print. For the exact wording of the wildlife laws and regulations, see Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's wildlife code on file with the Secretary of State and state libraries. This brochure and the quota hunt application forms should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities.
For information pertaining to hunting on private lands and trapping, consult the current Florida Hunting Handbook. This publication is available from any Commission office as well as county tax collectors and their subagents.

PERMIT, STAMP AND LICENSE INFORMATION:
Persons utilizing this wildlife management area are required to have appropriate licenses, stamps and permits. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older, and residents certified totally and permanently disabled as determined by a licensed Florida physician, Armed Forces or Veterans Administration, may obtain exemption certificates for most licenses, stamps and permits from the county tax collector. Hunters under age 16 and Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Forces, not stationed in Florida and home on leave with orders in possession, are exempt from most permit, stamp and license requirements on this area.
Hunting License, Trapping License, Fishing License and Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Wildlife Management Area, Wild Turkey and State Waterfowl permits may be purchased from county tax collectors, their subagents, or by telephone.
Unless exempted, all hunters on this wildlife management area must have the following in their possession and display them upon request of any Commission employee.
1. Hunting License: Information on the categories and costs of hunting licenses is available in the Florida Hunting Handbook.
2. Wildlife Management Area Permit: This $25 permit is required to hunt on this area.
3. Quota Hunt Permit: A no-cost regular quota hunt permit is required to hunt during the first nine days of the general gun season. There are 1,500 regular quota hunt permits available. Applications are available from county tax collectors or their subagents on or about June 1. To apply for a permit, obtain a regular quota hunt application and follow the printed instructions.
Transfer of Permits: Quota hunt and antlerless deer permits are transferable, except that any exempt permit is only transferable to another exempt person. The sale or purchase of any quota hunt permit or antlerless deer permit is prohibited.
4. Archery Permit: This $5 permit is required when hunting during the archery hunt.
5. Muzzleloading Gun Permit: This $5 permit is required when hunting during the muzzleloading gun hunt.
6. Wild Turkey Permit: This $5 permit is required if hunting turkeys.
7. State Waterfowl Permit: This $3 permit is required while hunting ducks.
8. Federal Duck Stamp: Any hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a federal duck stamp while hunting ducks. This $15 stamp is available at post offices.
9. Migratory Bird Permit: This free permit is required when hunting migratory game birds.
10. Off-Road Vehicle Registration: Any vehicle used on this area must have a current license plate or off-road vehicle registration decal and validation sticker. Applications for an off-road vehicle registration decal are available at regional offices of the Commission. The registration decal costs $10 and must be renewed annually.
Persons engaged in recreational activities other than hunting on this wildlife management area must have the following in their possession and display them upon request of any Commission employee.
A. Wildlife Management Area Permit: Members of a permit holder's immediate family (spouse and dependent children), while traveling in the company of a permit holder, are exempt from this permit requirement.
B. Daily-Use Permit: In lieu of a wildlife management area permit, daily use permits may be purchased at designated entry points of the wildlife management area. Daily-use permit is $3 per person, $6 per non-commercial vehicle, $75 per groups of 25 to 100 people and $150 for groups of 101 people or more. Cash and personal checks are acceptable methods of payment. Persons hiking on the Florida Trail are not required to have a daily-use permit or wildlife management area permit.
C. Fishing License (if fishing on the area). Information on the categories and costs of fishing licenses is available in the Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary pamphlet.

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS:
1. Deer--Daily limit 1, yearly limit 2 (all hunts combined).
2. Wild hog--Yearly limit 1.
3. Turkeys--Daily limit 1, season limit 2, possession limit 2.
4. Gray squirrel, quail or rabbit--Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 for each game species.
5. Opossum, raccoon, beaver, coyote, armadillo, skunk and nutria--No bag limits.
6. Bobcat, otter and mink--Daily limit 1 unless in possession of a Trapping License.
7. Migratory game birds--See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations pamphlet.

GENERAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS:
In addition to the regulations which follow, all general laws and regulations relating to wild animal life or freshwater aquatic life shall apply unless specifically excepted for this wildlife management area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in the manner set forth herein.
1. Driving a metal object into any tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven is prohibited.
2. Fires other than campfires are prohibited. It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands or for any individual or group of individuals to build a warming fire or campfire and leave same unextinguished (Chapter 590, Florida Statutes).
3. Wild hogs may not be transported alive.
4. It is unlawful for any person to leave any garbage or refuse or in any way litter in the management area.
5. The wanton or willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
6. No person shall cut or destroy any tree or remove any tree, shrub or protected plant (as listed in F.S. 581.185) from any wildlife management area without written permission from the landowner or primary land manager.
7. Unauthorized planting of trees and shrubs is prohibited.
8. Non-migratory game may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. During spring turkey season, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
9. No deer or wild hog shall be dismembered or removed from the management area until checked at a check station.
10. The head and evidence of sex may not be removed from the carcass of any deer or turkey on the area. After being checked, portions of the carcass may be removed immediately prior to cooking.
11. No person shall release any wildlife on this wildlife management area.
12. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this wildlife management area.
13. Killing fox is prohibited.
14. Taking fox squirrel is prohibited.
15. Killing swimming deer is prohibited.
16. Taking or attempting to take game with the aid of live decoys, traps, snares, nets, drugs, lights or recorded game calls is prohibited.
17. Hunting or fishing is prohibited in areas posted as "CLOSED."
18. Hunting on or from the nature trail, boardwalk, entrance road or parking lot in the archery still hunt area is prohibited.
19. The possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages is prohibited.
20. The area is closed to public access the Sunday 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season until 8 a.m. the day prior to the opening of archery season. However, hiking on the Florida Trail and use of the of the Hungryland boardwalk is allowed year-round..
21. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material above the waistline as an outer garment. This is not required when hunting during an archery-only season.
22. Deer and turkey may be dismembered in the field or camp, but each portion shall have a tag affixed to it identifying the name, address and hunting license number of the person who killed it; the date and location at which it was taken; and shall be readily traceable to the portion of the animal bearing the sex identification.

GUNS OR DOGS:
23. Hunting with gun and light is prohibited (see Small Game section for exceptions).
24. For taking non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, pistols, longbows (including compound and recurved bows), crossbows (during the general gun hunt only) or birds of prey may be used.
25. For hunting deer, muzzleloading guns firing a single bullet must be at least .40 caliber; those firing two or more balls must be 20 gauge or larger.
26. Hunting deer with full-jacketed bullets or any rimfire cartridge is prohibited.
27. Fully automatic firearms, silencer-equipped firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than five rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices, and setguns are prohibited.
28. Guns are allowed only during periods in which their use for hunting is allowed.
29. No person shall have a gun in manual possession while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
30. Children under the age of 16 may not be in possession of a firearm unless in the presence of a supervising adult.
31. Hunting turkeys with dogs is prohibited.
32. The possession of any firearm containing shells or cartridges or any capped or primed muzzleloading gun is prohibited at any check station or public campsite. The discharge of guns is prohibited on, from or across any campsite, check station, levee or improved road.
33. Guns or dogs are prohibited on areas posted as "CLOSED."
34. Dogs are prohibited in the still hunt area, except bird dogs are allowed during small game season. Dogs are prohibited in the archery still hunt area.
35. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest wildlife during any period in which hunting with dogs is prohibited.
36. No person shall possess any dog during any period in which hunting with dogs is prohibited, unless the dog is a non-hunting breed and kept restrained.
37. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
38. Dogs other than bird dogs, dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less or raccoon dogs are prohibited after the general gun season.
39. Use of rifles is prohibited within a one-fourth mile buffer zone around the Pratt-Whitney fence, the Seaboard Coastline Railroad and Mecca Farms.
40. Firearms and crossbows are prohibited in the archery still hunt area, except at Commission functions specifically authorizing their use.
41. Deer and bird dogs may be trained October 23 through November 1 and the possession of guns is prohibited.

VEHICLES:
42. Vehicles are prohibited in the archery still hunt area, except on established roads to access parking lots at the youth camp, shooting range and nature interpretive center.
43. Any vehicle used on the area must have a current license tag or an off-road vehicle registration decal and validation sticker.
44. Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates or firelanes.
45. Vehicles may be operated only on improved and designated unimproved roads within the still hunt area.
46. No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of the wildlife management area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities or wildlife surveys.
47. The use or possession of tracked vehicles, airboats, motorcycles and all terrain vehicles having a wheelbase less than 60 inches is prohibited.
48. During open periods other than designated hunting seasons, motorized vehicles may be operated only on the North, South, and Stumpers grades, trail 6, and on the Tomato Field grade east of the Big Gopher Canal.

CAMPING:
49. Camping is permitted during archery season through general gun seasons only on designated campsites. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
50. Each camper shall ensure that their campsite is clean at all times.
51. Camping areas L and M and half of B (during archery season only) shall be designated for short-term camping, with camping being limited to no longer than three days.
52. Campsites may be set up and occupied no earlier than 8 a.m. the day prior to the opening of archery season. All vehicles, camps, tents, trailers and accessories must be removed and campsites cleaned within 24 hours after the close of the general gun season.
53. Camping is also permitted at designated campsites on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after the close of the general gun season through the Sunday two weeks prior to archery season. Camps may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours during this time period. All campsites must be free of litter when vacated.
54. The alteration, defacing, moving or tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited. Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers (unless contained in mobile campers), lumber, sheet metal and other building materials are prohibited.
55. Backpack camping is allowed only by permit from the Everglades Regional Office.

CHECK STATIONS:
56. All persons shall check in and out at a check station when entering or exiting the area and shall check all game taken.
57. Check stations and gates will be operated as follows:

NORTH CHECK STATION:
The north check station will be operated during the hours listed below, although the gate is open continuously during these seasons.
Season Hours:
Archery Season: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday, August 27); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Muzzleloading Gun Season: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday, October 1); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays); 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
General Gun Season: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday, November 5); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Holidays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Small Game Season: Please use self-service check station box.
Spring Turkey Season: 7 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Gate opens from 8 a.m. Fridays to 8 a.m. Mondays.
Remainder of Year: Please use the self-service check station box.

SOUTH CHECK STATION:
The south check station will be operated during the hours listed below, although the gate is open continuously during these seasons.
Season Hours:
Archery Season: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday, August 27); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Muzzleloading Gun Season: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday, October 1); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
General Gun Season: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday, November 5); 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the first nine days.
Small Game Season: Please use the self service check station box.
Remainder of Year: Please use the self service check station box.

SEARCH:
58. A wildlife officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat when he or she reasonably believes a violation has been committed.

ARCHERY:
August 28 through September 19.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, archery permit, and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Any deer (except spotted fawns), wild hogs with a shoulder height of 20 inches or more, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, beaver, coyote, armadillo, skunk and nutria, and migratory bird in season.
Regulations Unique to the Archery Hunt--In addition to these regulations, all General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.
1. Possession of firearms or crossbows is prohibited.
2. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
3. Vehicles may be operated only on improved and designated unimproved roads.

MUZZLELOADING GUN:
October 2 through 17.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, muzzleloading gun permit, and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Deer with one or more antlers at least five inches in length visible above the hairline, wild hogs with a shoulder height of 20 inches or more, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, beaver, coyote, armadillo, skunk, nutria and migratory game birds in season.
Regulations Unique to the Muzzleloading Gun Hunt--In addition to these regulations, all General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.
1. Only muzzleloading guns are allowed.
2. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.

GENERAL GUN:
November 6 through January 2.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, regular quota hunt permit (if hunting during the first nine days), state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Deer with one or more antlers at least five inches in length visible above the hairline, wild hogs with a shoulder height of 20 inches or more (through November 14 only), gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, beaver, coyote, armadillo, skunk, nutria and migratory game birds in season. Bobcat, otter and mink may be taken after November 30.
Regulations Unique to the General Gun Hunt--In addition to these regulations, all General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.

SMALL GAME:
January 3 through February 13.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory game birds).
Legal to Take--Gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, beaver, coyote, armadillo, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, mink and migratory game birds in season.
Regulations Unique to the Small Game Hunt--In addition to these regulations, all General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.
1. Possession of centerfire rifles is prohibited.
2. Dogs other than bird dogs, dogs with shoulder height of 15 inches or less or raccoon dogs are prohibited.
3. Bird dogs shall be removed by 8 p.m., on the last day of the small game season.
4. Raccoons may be pursued with dogs from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.
5. Raccoon may be taken at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 gauge shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6, provided that no firearm shall be loaded at any time except immediately prior to shooting of a treed or bayed raccoon. The hunting of raccoon under the provisions of this paragraph by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.

SPRING TURKEY:
March 4 through April 9, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit and wild turkey permit.
Legal to Take--Bearded turkeys or gobblers.
Regulations Unique to the Spring Turkey Hunt--In addition to these regulations, all General Wildlife Management Area Regulations shall apply.
1. Legal shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
2. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
3. During spring turkey season, vehicles may be operated only on the Stumpers Grade and on improved and designated unimproved roads west of and including the North and South grades.

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS:
Mourning doves, white-winged doves, snipe, rail, ducks, coots, woodcock and crows may be hunted during open seasons established for these species by the Commission which coincide with the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun and small game hunts. Centerfire shotguns are permitted on the area for hunting migratory game birds when one or more of the species are legal to take.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Hunting license, wildlife management area permit, state waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp (if hunting ducks), and migratory bird permit.
Regulations Unique to Migratory Game Birds--See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations pamphlet. In addition to these regulations, all wildlife management area regulations contained in this pamphlet shall apply and the use of lead shot for taking ducks and coots is prohibited.

FISHING AND FROGGING:
Permitted throughout the year except during periods when the area is closed to public access.
Permit, Stamp and License Requirements--Fishing license (required for fishing only) and wildlife management area permit or daily use permit.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ARE NOT JUST FOR HUNTING AND FISHING!
They have been purchased for preservation to benefit all of Florida's residents and you don't have to hunt or fish to enjoy them! The same habitat management practices that provide prime hunting and fishing opportunities also create opportunities for wildlife viewing. These areas provide a range of opportunities, from scenic driving routes, to rugged hiking adventures. See the natural Florida that we have protected through acquisition and careful management.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. Florida Statute 267.13 prohibits digging in or otherwise defacing Indian mounds.
2. The use of naturally fallen dead trees is allowed for campfires.
3. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 must have passed a Commission-approved hunter safety course prior to being issued a hunting license.
4. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (561) 625-5122 {(800) 955-8771 (TDD)}.

COOPERATION REQUESTED:
Please do not discharge firearms at anything other than legal game while in a wildlife management area. Target practice and random discharge of firearms have become increasing threats to the quality of the hunting experience.
PLEASE DO NOT LITTER. TAKE TRASH OUT WITH YOU.
In recent years, unauthorized and uncontrolled fires have caused severe damage to area wildlife and wildlife habitats. Controlled fires are beneficial only when they are of the proper size and location, and when area conditions are suitable. UNCONTROLLED FIRES DO NOT BENEFIT WILDLIFE. Please use caution with campfires, smoking materials and vehicles to prevent damage to wildlife habitats.
The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: The Office for Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
The project described in this publication is part of a program funded by federal dollars under the Wildlife Restoration Act. Federal funds pay $1,827,066 or 31 percent of the cost of the program.

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