FLORIDA HARVEST REPORTS

[deerhunt1988]

Here is the actual link to the FWC information request. They normally get me quota hunt data within a week or two every year.

https://flfwc.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(pnpc3rzdoxdvjjptqmznad03))/RequestOpenCI.aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=1

[btodd00]

Bump - Just sent in the FOIA request.  First one ever.  I'll post how it goes.  Should not have had to do this.

When I saw this thread a couple weeks back, I submitted one for harvest results on deer and turkeys just to see how easy the info was to get. I received the data for deer back within a couple days, I have never received anything for turkeys

I also requested the applicants for special opportunity areas. That spreadsheet was so large it made me realize that $5 per application is never going to change..

[Prospector]

I guess I'm on the outside. Harvest reporting imo is a waste of money. Too much opportunity to NOT report to suggest the info you get is even remotely correct. Would much rather have a physical tagging system (as suggested) with extremely stiff repercussions for transgression. Again, at least in MS, easy to do wrong and get away with, but IF you get caught... it's gonna hurt-and it should.
Now, MS is reporting the #s per county it seems throughout the season. However, assuming it's even remotely truthful all you know is which counties are reporting the most success( or the most hunters, lol). Had a gentlemen this week ( when he found out where I live/where I hunt) state that," according to your reports, your county was tops this spring..." Not sure this is what I personally want (as an avid and selfish Turkey hunter ) others gaining on info I'm complicit in reporting! Truthfully, somebody tell me please, What does Harvest Reporting as it is right now, do to HELP Wild Turkey conservation that physical tagging would not provide?!?

[Prospector]

My personal belief is that potentially good and well meaning biologist are hamstrung by know it alls with money. I'm man enough to admit that I am occasionally just that ( without the money, of course). I believe that true and ethical hunters are the greatest conservationists. Turkey populations will ebb and flow throughout the times but humans have influenced habitat to the extent that we are most likely seeing much more profound ebbs- I hope that with the poult sighting reports that the "flow" is rising. BUT as y'all are probably tired of hearing, more is gonna have to be done to guarantee the big birds flourish