STA's issue....

[Pirate91]

Here in NC we have a lottery system for hunting on some of the state impoundments. I was thinking this might work in Fla. Hear me out and tell me what you think or if I'm dreaming.

1. Seek to increase hunting on STA 5 and initiate access to others on a Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun basis.

2. Increase permits "awarded" by 50% to 75 per day, 2 hunters per permit.

3. Establish an application process in which hunters apply for a number of dates during the season, 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice up to 8-10 dates.

4. Charge $5 application fee.

This would do several things, increase access, eliminate the phone system, put more funds in the system.

Good idea, bad idea? The Pirate lands June 29.

[duckmanJR]

WEll, some LIKE the phone in system..especially those that have a large office that they can have call in for them! .....
No matter what system is used...hunters are an ingenious lot...they will figure out how to "work the system"
More access and different days will go a long way.... more permits might be OK...but since I never got thru..NOT EVEN ONCE in two years of trying.... I don't know if the area will stand more people.

[N. Cook]

There are tens of thousands of acres of STAs and tens of thousands of acres of reservoirs to come in the next few years....there is absolutely no reason for any restrictions or red tape for hunters to use this public property except for reasonable limits on motors on STAs and allowing some time each day, even during season, and a day or two each week during season for staff to access the STAs without worrying about hunters and vice versa. The total area available will rival the south of Lake O and the glades....The single largest problem with public land access for hunting in Florida is the burecratic desire to "manage" what is suppose to be a "wild" sport. If the area does not have paved an stripped parking and "his and hers" restrooms " it cannot be opened"!!! We must get away from this mind set or hunting will become a "elitest" activity and lose support of the many shut out by red tape. Newton

[DUCKWHACKER]

I don't think we need any more application fee hunts. The folks who can afford the most money usually win. Just look at the Special Oppertunity Hunts. Used to be able to pull a hunt with only about $20 in applications. Slim odds now. I know folks who put in several hundred dollars in $5 applications every year. Just my two cents worth.