FLORIDA HARVEST REPORTS

[Kylongspur88]

 A FOIA request is the only way you will get the info. It's not secret info, they're just not publishing it. There's probably a fill in the blank form on the states website you can fill out and submit.

[Spurs Up]

A FOIA request is the only way you will get the info. It's not secret info, they're just not publishing it. There's probably a fill in the blank form on the states website you can fill out and submit.

Sample Form:

https://www.nfoic.org/florida-sample-foia-request/

[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

[joey46]

Thanks for the replies and FOIA info.  Until these discussions I never realized so many submitted them.  Florida WMAs applications for turkey quota hunts take place in a few months.  I had hoped to know the post hurricane harvest number prior to the application deadline for a few areas with no check stations or drop boxes. I've done a boots on the ground look at one area and a drive-by of another.  IMO neither looked devastated but knowing their  harvest numbers for their 2023 quota hunts would be nice before applying for 2024.  This is the reason I started this topic on a few forums and it seemed to have snowballed.

[joey46]

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

[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..

[joey46]

I received a reply stating they are so busy it could take several weeks for my request.  What a hoot. They are hiding these turkey numbers I believe. Your reply that you have received the deer numbers but not received the turkey numbers makes it obvious. 

[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?!?

[joey46]

Physical tags and stiff fines are the way to go.  Never been a doubt.  Florida is such an anomaly with any 65 year old resident having no accountability if hunting private land.  It truly is a  and it appears they will fight tooth and nail to hide what data they received.

[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

[joey46]

If anyone actually receives the 2023 turkey harvest numbers from FWC please let us know.  My state representative is the head of the conversation committee.  If FWC ignores these FOIA request I'll send him my concerns.  Thanks.