Permit Changes for Duck Season...

[bman]

You guys know I like to go to the STA's at least once a season.
FWC has made some changes in the way permits are awarded and can be returned.

Here is the post -
"Dear Florida Waterfowl Hunter,

This notice from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) outlines changes to how waterfowl quota permits will be issued.

Florida offers some of the most exciting waterfowl hunting in the nation, and the FWC is proud of the partnerships we’ve formed to provide public hunting opportunities. We currently offer 27 different applications for waterfowl quota permits each season and demand for these permits is high. To improve access to these opportunities, FWC staff has been reviewing methods for issuing waterfowl hunting permits and seeking stakeholder input.

Over the past year, a Technical Assistance Group (TAG) comprised of a diverse set of waterfowl-hunting stakeholders has provided information, assistance, and feedback to FWC staff. With consideration of the TAG’s input, FWC staff have recommended changes to the permit application process that have been accepted by agency leadership. These changes make it easier for hunters to apply without sacrificing hunting opportunity. In addition, they provide a more uniform, and less complex, permitting process for the different waterfowl hunt areas as well as better distribute waterfowl hunting opportunity. FWC also hopes these changes will significantly reduce the number of unclaimed permits for each hunt.

Beginning this season, the number of quota permit applications will transition from 27 to 5. These revised applications will include one for the early/September season, three applications for the regular season, and one for youth waterfowl hunts.
Each of the five applications will incorporate all hunt areas (Guana River, Ocklawaha Prairie, T.M. Goodwin/Broadmoor and all Stormwater Treatment Areas) and permits will be issued as follows through FWC’s online licensing system (RLIS):
Phase I: Application period with a random drawing
Phase II: Application period with a random drawing, limited to persons who do not yet have a permit for the given hunt permit type
Phase III: Leftover period with permits issued via first-come, first served

Hunters may receive up to 5 permits cumulatively for each hunt permit type across all phases. Hunters will be allowed up to 10 choices per application during Phase I, Phase II, and Phase IV (see details on Phase IV below).

To reduce no-show rates for each area, FWC will also implement online returns for waterfowl quota permits. Once Phase III opens, a “Return” link will show with each issued permit, and those hunters who are unable to use an awarded permit may return it so it can be reissued to another hunter. These returned permits will be reissued weekly in a “Phase IV” reissuance process. Any permits returned Saturday through Friday of any given week will be available to apply for weekly, from noon on Saturday through noon on Tuesday, followed by a random drawing.

Permits forfeited the day of the hunt will be reissued at the check station by random draw on all areas except Ocklawaha Prairie, which does not have a staffed check station.

FWC will continue to seek input from waterfowl hunters regarding these changes and is committed to holding a post-hunt meeting with the TAG shortly following the conclusion of the 2016-17 waterfowl hunting season.

Thank you for your interest in Florida duck hunting. The application dates for the upcoming waterfowl season will begin in August and will be posted on the Limited Entry Hunts webpage. For more information on waterfowl hunting in Florida, please contact our Waterfowl and Small Game office at 850/488-5878. For questions specific to T.M. Goodwin/Broadmoor, Guana River, and Ocklawaha Prairie, please contact the Northeast Regional Office at 352/732-1225. For questions specific to the Stormwater Treatment Areas, please contact the South Regional Office at 561/625-5122.

Division of Hunting and Game Management and Office of Licensing and Permitting
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission"