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August FWC’s Hunting Hot Sheet The latest hunting and conservation news and events from the  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Deadlines for public land hunting opportunities If you're interested in quota permits to hunt public lands, check out these opportunities and be ready to log into GoOutdoorsFlorida.com at the dates and times listed below. Remaining national wildlife refuge hunt permits (phase 2/leftovers) offered beginning Thursday, Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. Eastern time Phase 1 to apply for September early duck permits begins Friday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Aug. 13 Remaining special-opportunity dove club permits (Phase 2/leftovers) offered beginning Friday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern time through Aug. 13 Phase 1 to apply for special-opportunity daily dove permits begins Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Aug. 27. NOTE: There are now 27 permits available for each date at Frog Pond, instead of the original 22 available permits, due to an increase in planted acreage on the area. Phase 1 to apply for Punta Gorda and Dupuis dove quota permits begins Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Aug. 27 Phase 2 application period for September early duck permits begins Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Aug. 27 Remaining September early duck permits (phase 3/leftovers) offered beginning Thursday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. Eastern time Remaining Dupuis and Punta Gorda dove quota permits (phase 2/leftovers) offered beginning Friday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. Eastern time Upcoming hunting seasons Mark your calendar with upcominghunting season dates on private lands. Zone A archery and crossbow seasons opened July 28 and run through Aug. 26 September Canada goose season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 Zone A muzzleloading gun season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 14 Zone A general gun season opens Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 14 and Nov. 17 through Jan. 6, 2019 Zone C archery and crossbow seasons open Saturday, Sept. 15 and run through Oct. 14 Free orientation classes for Aug. 15 to Nov. 1alligator hunt If you have an alligator trapping license/harvest permit and would like to know more about taking part in the statewide alligator harvest program, there are three FWC free training opportunities left. Classes are not mandatory, but we strongly encourage new and experienced hunters to attend. You can learn or brush up on rules and regulations, equipment and methods, safety, and more. Registration is not required.  The statewide recreational alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. Depending on what harvest period you drew, you will be allowed to hunt one of the first 4 weeks and the remaining 7 weeks of the season. For more information, check out the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida. Also, find a public boat ramp. Safeguard Florida deer populations by preventing CWD from entering the state If you’re planning to hunt deer, moose or elk out-of-state, it’s important to be aware of laws and regulations aimed at preventing chronic wasting disease (CWD) from entering Florida. CWD has not been detected in Florida. However this transmissible disease, which causes infected deer, moose and elk to die, has been detected in 25 states, including most recently, Mississippi.  Because CWD is deposited in the soil and remains infectious for years, Floridians hunting in any state or Canadian province where CWD has been detected (see map) can only bring back: Deboned meat Finished taxidermy mounts Cleaned skulls, antlers and hides (all meat must be removed) In Florida, if you encounter sick deer or those found dead of unknown causes, it’s critical to report them to our toll-free CWD Hotline at 866-CWD-WATCH (293-9282). Warning signs to look for include deer that are extremely thin, staggering, walking in circles, standing with a wide stance or have head tremors. Learn more about CWD. Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Florida residents ages 12 to 18 can earn physical education (PE) credit AND complete Hunter Safety and Boater Safety certification. The best part is this Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course is offered for FREE! Students who complete the requirements of the course will receive their Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card and be eligible to obtain a Florida Hunter Safety Certificate. They’ll also earn half a credit for high school. Learn more about this virtual course (see option 3) and get registered today! 2018-2019 Federal Duck Stamp now available Buying Federal Duck Stamps is among the simplest ways you can participate in wildlife and habitat conservation. Duck Stamps are required for waterfowl hunters 16 and older, and a current duck stamp grants the bearer free entrance into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Buy a Federal Duck Stamp at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Considered one of the best conservation tools ever, 98 percent of the Federal Duck Stamp’s purchase price goes to acquire and protect wetland habitat not just in Florida, but throughout North America for migratory birds and other wildlife. This is another important way that hunters and stamp collectors contribute to conservation. 3 great reasons to take bowhunter education You want to learn more about skills, techniques, tackle and safety. You’re planning to hunt in a state that requires bowhunter education. All U.S. states, provinces, and countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Florida Bowhunter Education Certificate.   You enjoy meeting others who bowhunt! You can take a traditional Florida bowhunter education course or you can complete an online, distance learning component, then attend an abbreviated field day. Traditional courses and field days are available throughout the year. Learn more about bowhunter education and check out the list of courses. Outdoor Calendar 2018 Waterfowl Summit You're invited to attend the 9th annual Waterfowl Summit, hosted by the United Waterfowlers-Florida (UW-F) and the FWC. This event will focus on aquatic plant management and the challenges associated with nutrients and invasive species.  Lunch will be provided at no cost to summit attendees. When: Summit: Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and welcome reception: Aug. 9 at 6 p.m.with dinner provided by UW-F Where: Welcome reception: Ocala Hilton pool and Summit: Ocala Hilton Ballroom, 3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 For more information: The Summit is free to attend, but you must register 4th Annual Bow Hunters Challenge When: Aug. 11. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Where: Easton-Newberry Archery Center, 24880 NW 16th Ave.  Newberry, FL. 32669 For more information and to register for the Bow Hunters Challenge  Ocala Women’s Hunter Safety Class Take an online course and sign up for the free skills day, which offers hands-on learning from expert instructors on the basics of treestand safety, archery, and safe handling of firearms. When: Sunday, Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Ocala Youth Conservation Center For more information about online courses and skills days  Questions? Contact Corinne Davis at Corinne.Davis@MyFWC.com Training to become a volunteer huntmaster for the Youth Hunting Program  Thanks to the passion and generosity of volunteers, the Youth Hunting Program of Florida provides safe, educational and mentored hunting experiences for young people. We're offering training for those interested in helping plan and facilitate hunts.  When: Aug. 24-27 Where: Ocala Conservation Center Register now to introduce youth to safe, responsible hunting. Questions? Contact Brandon Stys 850-617-9398 or Tiffany Vital 850-413-0084 Osceola public shooting range closed for repairs The Lewis D. Whitaker Osceola Shooting Range in Lake City is closed through Aug. 13for repairs. The berms will be repaired due to erosion from last year’s Hurricane Irma. For more information, call the FWC’s regional office in Lake City at 386-758-0525. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend workshops are a fun way to connect with nature and learn skills such as fishing, boating, hunting, target shooting, birdwatching, canoeing/kayaking, archery, outdoor cooking and more. We provide expert instructors and safe, hands-on learning opportunities that are open to anyone 18 years or older. When: Oct. 26-28 Where: Ocala Conservation Center Register today for a weekend of outdoor fun and learning! Sign up a hunter safety course Hunter safety courses cover firearms safety, wildlife conservation, responsible hunting and more. Students can attend a no-cost traditional classroom course. Or they can complete the classroom portion online. FWC’s website offers several online courses including a FREE option. After the online classroom portion is complete, students must sign up and attend a skills day. Short Cuts Bookmark these links to find information fast! 2018-2019 Hunting Season dates 2018-2019 Florida Migratory Bird Hunting Season Dates Get your hunting license and permits New hunter information  Find an FWC-Managed Shooting Range Spring/summer hog hunting opportunities  WMA regulations brochures are only available online. Download or print a copy before heading afield Locate a public boat ramp

Learn more about hunting in Florida at MyFWC.com/Hunting. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web Page.

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