There is a new process this year for duck hunters wanting to apply for T.M. Goodwin’s coveted waterfowl hunt permits.
Hunters now have to apply through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Total Licensing System, instead of telephoning in their request on the Wednesday morning prior to the hunt, as it was done in the past. The new system will expedite and simplify the permit issuance process for hunters.
Duck hunters interested in hunting the 6,270-acre marsh in Brevard County will need to complete a “2006-2007 T.M. Goodwin Unit/Broadmoor Marsh Unit Waterfowl Quota Hunt Permit Worksheet” and submit it to any county tax collector’s office, or they can apply online at MyFWC.com/license during the application periods.
Successful Internet applicants who do not receive their permits in the mail in time for their scheduled hunt date will be admitted into the area by showing identification to the check station operator.
Hunters may receive only one permit per hunt date, and no permit applications will be accepted by license vendors or through the telephone or mail.
Worksheets are available at MyFWC.com/hunting under “Waterfowl Permits.” There is a separate worksheet for hunters interested in the area’s youth hunt.
Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis during five application periods beginning 10 a.m. on the first day of each application period. The application periods are Nov. 1, Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Dec. 27 and Jan. 10 .
Each permit enables up to four hunters access to the area for each hunt date. Previously these waterfowl quota permits were transferable from one hunter to another, but starting this year, they will not be. Also, there are no exemptions allowed.
During the application periods, hunters still get to choose which unit they wish to hunt — either Goodwin or Broadmoor, but this year, the hunt zone within each unit will be selected at the check station the morning of each hunt. Selection preference will be given in the order that hunters applied.
Last year, permit holders needed to arrive at the check station no later than 5 a.m. This year, hunters must “check in” by 4:30 a.m. Any permits not claimed by that time will be made available to “walk-in” hunters on a first-come, first-served basis, the same as it was done last season.
In addition to the waterfowl quota hunt permit, hunters also are required to have a valid Florida hunting license, Florida waterfowl permit, federal duck stamp and a migratory bird permit to duck hunt on the area. A management area permit is not necessary.
Also new this year will be a mobility-impaired duck blind available for use on Goodwin Lake. Only hunters certified mobility impaired may apply to use the blind, and they can do so by calling 726-2862 beginning 10 a.m. the Wednesday prior to the hunt date. The blind will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to three hunters can accompany the mobility-impaired permit holder in the blind.
For more information on the T.M. Goodwin waterfowl area, visit MyFWC.com/hunting or call 726-2862. Hunters also may go to the Web site to check permit availability, by looking under “Limited Entry Hunts” and clicking “Check Permit Availability and Drawing Results.”