Attachment 9 Fort Rucker Reg 215-1 Hunting Fishing Water Safety and Trapping (20 May 2019).pdf

Fort Rucker Reg 215-1 20 May 2019

Fort Rucker Reg 215-1

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

HEADQUARTERS U.S. ARMY GARRISON

2218 6TH AVENUE

FORT RUCKER AL 36362-5105

Fort Rucker Regulation 20 May 2019 No. 215-1

FORT RUCKER

HUNTING, FISHING, WATER SAFETY, AND TRAPPING

Paragraph Page

Section I. GENERAL Purpose and Scope ...................................................................... 1-1 4 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-2 4 Areas, Boundaries, and Restrictions .......................................... 1-3 5 Licenses and Permits ................................................................. 1-4 6 Firearm and Weapon Registration and Transportation ............... 1-5 7 Inspections................................................................................. 1-6 7 Administrative Actions ................................................................ 1-7 7 Restoration of Privileges ............................................................ 1-8 8 Hunter Orange ........................................................................... 1-9 8

Section II. SEASONS Hunting and Fishing ................................................................... 2-1 8 Sportsman Compliance .............................................................. 2-2 8 Public Streams, Lakes, and Ponds ............................................ 2-3 8 Hog Hunting ............................................................................... 2-4 8 Turkey Season ........................................................................... 2-5 8 Quail Hunting ............................................................................. 2-6 9

Section III. HUNTING Clearance to Enter Training Areas ............................................. 3-1 9 Firearms and Ammunition .......................................................... 3-2 9 Clearance before Discharging Firearms ..................................... 3-3 10 Group Hunts .............................................................................. 3-4 10 Quality Deer Management Program ........................................... 3-5 10 Tree Stands ............................................................................... 3-6 10 Use of Privately Owned Vehicles ............................................... 3-7 11 Hunting with Dogs ...................................................................... 3-8 12 Additional Hunting Mandates and Restrictions ........................... 3-9 13

*This regulation supersedes Fort Rucker Reg 215-1 30 August 2016

Paragraph Page Section IV. FISHING Seasons ..................................................................................... 4-1 13 Methods ..................................................................................... 4-2 14 Special Regulations Applying to Small Lakes and Ponds ........... 4-3 15

Section V. RECREATIONAL TRAPPING General ...................................................................................... 5-1 16 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 5-2 16 Administrative Rules .................................................................. 5-3 16 Clearance/Procedures for Trapping in Numbered Training Areas ....................................................................................... 5-4 17 Clearance/Procedures for Trapping in Lettered Training Areas .. 5-5 17 Firearms and Ammunition .......................................................... 5-6 18 Clearance before Discharging Firearms (When Dispatching) ..... 5-7 18 Additional Recreational Trapping Mandates and Restrictions .... 5-8 18

Section VI. DEPREDATION ANIMAL TRAPPING General ...................................................................................... 6-1 19 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 6-2 19 Feral Hog Depredation Trapping (Administrative Rules) ............ 6-3 20 Clearance to Enter Non-Occupied (Open) Training Areas .......... 6-4 20 Clearance to Enter Occupied (Closed) Training Areas ............... 6-5 21 Firearms and Ammunition .......................................................... 6-6 21 Clearance before Discharging Firearms (When Dispatching) ..... 6-7 22 Coyote Depredation Trapping .................................................... 6-8 22 Depredation Mandates and Restrictions .................................... 6-9 23

Section VII. BOATING AND WATER ACTIVITIES General ...................................................................................... 7-1 24 Boat Operations Specific to Lake Tholocco ................................ 7-2 24 Swimming, Beach Rules, and Beach Information ....................... 7-3 25

Section VIII. SAFETY General ...................................................................................... 8-1 26 Policies ...................................................................................... 8-2 26

Section IX. NIGHT HUNTING (RACCOON AND OPOSSUM) General ...................................................................................... 9-1 28 Administrative Rules .................................................................. 9-2 28 Clearance to Enter Zones/Training Areas .................................. 9-3 28 Firearms and Ammunition .......................................................... 9-4 28 Clearance before Discharging Firearms ..................................... 9-5 29 Night Hunting Mandates and Restrictions .................................. 9-6 29

Page

Appendix A. Regulatory Violations and Penalties B. Coyote/Hog Depredation Trapping in Occupied Training Areas C. References

Glossary

Section I

GENERAL

1-1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

a. The primary mission of the Fort Rucker installation is to provide training space and other related installation resources for military use. Land and water resources deemed available for public recreational use and enjoyment will have controlled public access, subject to safety and military requirements, and will not impair the military mission.

b. This regulation pertains to hunting, fishing, watercraft safety, water safety, and trapping recognized by the State of Alabama and federal laws and regulations. Nothing in this regulation will be interpreted to permit acts contrary to either state or federal statutes. Violation of this regulation may result in punitive actions.

c. Hunting, fishing, trapping regulations, and water safety are published for the information and guidance of all concerned and to prescribe general policies and procedures concerning hunting, fishing, watercraft, water safety, and trapping on the Fort Rucker military reservation.

This regulation is applicable to all who participate in any activities governed by this regulation.

1-2. RESPONSIBILITIES.

a. Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR). DFMWR is designated as the primary agency responsible for reviewing, coordinating, and publishing this regulation. DFMWR will be responsible for administration of this regulation in accordance with (IAW) command directive.

b. Directorate of Public Works (DPW). DPW is the authorized agency for supervision, planning, maintenance, and management of fish and wildlife resources. DPW is responsible for biological data collection. DPW will maintain a record of deer, turkeys, and hogs harvested on the installation and provide the information to the proper authorities to assist in effective wildlife management. DPW is responsible for the policy regarding the harvest of antlerless deer. The policy will be IAW the annually published state regulation and installation command policy, quality deer management program. DPW is responsible for developing food plots for wildlife and stocking fish for all installation lakes.

c. Directorate of Public Safety (DPS). DPS is the primary designated law enforcement authority on the Fort Rucker military reservation and will provide Game Law Enforcement (GLE) officers. The GLE officers will closely coordinate with the Fish and Wildlife Section and DPW in the execution of the hunting and fishing programs.

d. Chief Training Division, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS) or their designated representative, is responsible for the overall training area (TA) management and the releasing of TAs for recreational purposes as training or maintenance activities allow as prescribed in chapter 5 of Fort Rucker Regulation 385-1.

e. Outdoor Recreation (ODR) Advisory Council. The ODR Advisory Council receives comments, suggestions, and concerns from Soldiers and other personnel authorized to hunt and fish on Fort Rucker and represents their interests to improve hunting and fishing on the installation. The ODR Advisory Council provides advice on the management of hunting and fishing on Fort Rucker and makes recommendations to improve hunting and fishing to the garrison commander, as appropriate.

f. Sportsmen and recreational users are responsible for:

(1) Familiarizing themselves with the provisions of this regulation, applicable state and federal laws, and abiding by these regulations and laws.

(2) Familiarizing themselves with the “Fort Rucker special overprint map”. The Fort Rucker special overprint map is used to monitor and manage hunting, fishing, and trapping activities. This map is available at ODR facilities.

(3) Calling the Range Operations Training Division’s Automated Briefing System (also known as briefing tape) at 334-255-4086 to obtain information regarding TA status prior to entering a TA.

(4) Informing a responsible person of their whereabouts (i.e., TAs) and expected time of return. The responsible person will inform ODR in the event that the hunter/trapper has not returned. They will also notify the military police (MP) desk, 334-255-2222.

1-3. AREAS, BOUNDARIES, AND RESTRICTIONS.

a. On 11 September 2001, Fort Rucker implemented 100 percent access control. All roads and trails, with the exception of Daleville, Enterprise, Faulkner, and Ozark gates, are blocked or barricaded. All recreational users must gain access to Fort Rucker through an authorized entry point. Failure to do so could result in loss of recreational privileges.

b. Recreational activities are not allowed within the impact area. The impact area is restricted to authorized personnel only. The impact area is defined as that area bounded by Highway 27 on the south and the paved perimeter road on the north, east, and west, plus portions of TAs 7 and 11.

c. Hunters utilizing TAs adjacent to the impact area (TAs 1 through 11) must be familiar with the restrictions for a dudded impact area.

d. TA status can be found by contacting Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086. After confirming TA’s status, hunters must sign-in via https://fortrucker.isportsman.net.

e. Restricted access into these areas. The Training Division, DPTMS, will ensure gates across east and west perimeter roads and Johnston Road are open when hunting or trapping is allowed.

f. Roads with access barriers (e.g., signs, gates, chains, mounds, etc.) are restricted from vehicle traffic. The only exceptions are vehicles in direct support of training, vehicles used by the Natural Resources Branch (NRB) and DPW, vehicles used for area maintenance, and DPS safety and emergency vehicles.

g. The following restrictions apply to recreational hunting:

(1) Bow-only areas. TAs A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and 19E.

(2) Shotgun areas. Sportsmen may only use shotguns in the following areas:

TAs 1- 41, with the exception of 19E.

(3) Rifle areas. Rifles areas, with the exception of TA 19E, are now TAs 1-21, TAs 29-32, and TAs 40-41.

h. Patrons/personnel finding any unexploded ordnance (UXO) will immediately report the location to the Training Division, DPTMS, 334-255-4303/4793. Patrons/personnel will not pick up, move, or otherwise disturb an item suspected of being a UXO. Mark the area and path in such a way that the UXO can be easily located by Range Operations.

1-4. LICENSES AND PERMITS.

a. All patrons/personnel (resident or nonresident) who fish, hunt, or trap on the Fort Rucker military reservation are required to possess the appropriate State of Alabama fishing, hunting, or trapping license. The purchase of a federal duck stamp and State of Alabama duck stamp, in addition to the appropriate state license, is required for hunting water fowl. A federal duck stamp may be purchased at any United States (U.S.) Post Office. A State of Alabama duck stamp may be purchased at the Probate Judge’s Office at the county courthouse.

Residents of the State of Alabama under 16 years of age or 65 years of age and older are not required to have a state license.

b. DFMWR is the only agency authorized to issue installation hunting, fishing, and trapping permits. All patrons/personnel 16 years of age or older who hunt, fish, or trap on Fort Rucker must have in their possession a valid Fort Rucker hunting, fishing, or trapping permit, as applicable. Permits will be issued only to eligible individuals who possess a valid state license, view the UXO video, pay the appropriate permit fee as prescribed, (for hunters) have proof of completion of a state-certified hunter education course from any of the 50 states, Canada, or Germany.

c. Alabama state residents under 16 years of age or 65 years of age and older are permitted to hunt, fish, and trap on Fort Rucker at no cost. Individuals meeting the state criteria as totally disabled and possessing a special annual State of Alabama fishing license for totally disabled persons are permitted to fish on Fort Rucker at no cost. Patrons/personnel meeting these criteria will be issued the appropriate Fort Rucker permit. Individuals will contact the ODR Service Center, 334-255-4305 for details on how to obtain a permit.

d. A Sikes Act fee for managing fish and wildlife resources and a DFMWR fee for managing recreational aspects of the program will be charged to patrons. The fee is included in the permit prices. The rates will be published annually.

1-5. FIREARM AND WEAPON REGISTRATION AND TRANSPORTATION.

a. IAW Army Regulation 190-11, all firearms, to include black powder (except air guns) brought onto Fort Rucker will be registered with the MP station, building (BLDG) 5001.

Registration will be on Fort Rucker (DPS) Form 818-E. Do not bring weapon(s) into the MP station.

b. Properly registered privately owned firearms may be transported as outlined:

(1) The firearm must be transported unloaded in the trunk of the vehicle. The only exception is a vehicle without a trunk. In these circumstances, the firearm must be transported unloaded, either in a locked compartment or cased and in plain view.

(2) The transporting of a loaded firearm in a vehicle is prohibited. A firearm is considered loaded when an unexpended round is in the chamber and/or magazine.

Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded when the cap is removed or flash pan is empty. Only credentialed police officers are authorized to transport a loaded firearm on Fort Rucker and must be in pursuant to performing law enforcement duty.

(3) Transporting privately owned firearms on motorcycles is authorized if the firearm is secured in a separate lockable container from ammunition; e.g., saddlebag or lockable faring container.

(4) Handguns will not be concealed at any time.

(5) Firearm and weapon owners will have in their possession at all times their Alabama state license, Fort Rucker permit, and picture identification (ID) card. The Fort Rucker Provost Marshal weapon registration must be in their vehicle or in a gun case as they travel on the installation with firearms.

(6) Weapons will only be loaded in the assigned TA. Hunters will inspect, clear, and case their weapons prior to transporting their weapons. Weapons and ammunition will be transported in separate containers and vehicle compartments.

1-6. INSPECTIONS. Sportsmen and women must carry their state license, post permits, and proof of ID on their persons for examination upon request by Fort Rucker GLE officers or state game wardens. Creel and game bags will be made available for examination upon request.

Sportsmen and women must have their weapon’s registration in their vehicle or in a gun case as they travel on the installation with firearms. ODR card must be properly displayed on car dash.

1-7. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS. DFMWR will implement the provisions of the common regulatory violations and possible penalties by conducting hearings when applicable and taking necessary actions in those cases where a violator is identified (appendix A). A violator is defined as an individual who is apprehended or issued a summons by Fort Rucker GLE officers, federal game wardens, or state game wardens for violation of this regulation, state or federal laws, or other applicable Army regulations on the Fort Rucker military reservation. Violators will surrender their post hunting, fishing, or trapping permits to the officer making the apprehension and those privileges will be suspended. Any appeal of a suspension will be made IAW paragraph 1-8 of this regulation.

1-8. RESTORATION OF PRIVILEGES. Appeals for restoration of hunting, fishing, boating, and trapping privileges will be submitted in writing to DFMWR through DPS (for comment) within 10 calendar days from the date the penalty was issued. The community recreation officer will make a recommendation to the Director of DFMWR who will determine if restoration of privileges is warranted or justified. Grounds for appeal include, but are not limited to, emergency beyond patron’s control, citation issued improperly, or patron called back to unscheduled military duty.

1-9. HUNTER ORANGE.

a. During all firearm deer seasons, all persons hunting any wildlife species are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or either a full size hunter orange hat or cap. A small logo is permitted on the front of hunter orange caps. The cap must be visible from all angles.

b. It is required that persons bow hunting in bow hunting only areas wear, at a minimum, hunter orange headgear visible from any angle when moving.

c. If utilizing a tree stand, once the hunter is elevated 12 feet or higher, hunter orange may be removed. Hunter orange must be on prior to descending from the elevated tree stand.

d. It is required that persons duck hunting wear hunter orange while going to and from the duck blind. It may be removed while in the duck blind.

Section II

SEASONS

2-1. HUNTING AND FISHING. Hunting and fishing on Fort Rucker will be IAW the seasons set forth and governed by the State of Alabama and published in the Alabama state Hunting Regulation. The Fish and Wildlife Section, DPW, has the authority to close, limit, or restrict hunting seasons and bag limits in any hunting area on the installation for wildlife management/biological reasons. Any changes will be published in the official section of the Weekly Bulletin, posted on the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) website at http://rucker.armymwr.com/, and published in the Army Flier.

2-2. SPORTSMAN COMPLIANCE. It is the sportsman’s responsibility to comply with the hunting and fishing seasons, regulations, and bag limits for the State of Alabama. Season dates and bag limit are explained annually in the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest.

2-3. PUBLIC STREAMS, LAKES, AND PONDS. All public streams, lakes, and ponds are open to fishing throughout the year. Areas will be marked off-limits when pond management or activities are being conducted.

2-4. HOG HUNTING. IAW Alabama state regulations, hog hunting is allowed during turkey season.

2-5. TURKEY SEASON. During turkey season, hunting will be allowed with shotgun shot sizes 6, 7, 7.5 or 8 in bow-only TAs A1, E, F, and I during weekdays.

2-6. QUAIL HUNTING. Quail hunting will be allowed in TAs (A1, E, F, and I) following the gun deer season with shotguns, 12-gauge or smaller, using shot size 7.5, 8, or 9.

Section III

HUNTING

3-1. CLEARANCE TO ENTER TRAINING AREAS.

a. It is mandatory that all hunters call Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086 to obtain information regarding TA’s status. After confirming TA’s status, hunters must sign-in via https://fortrucker.isportsman.net (iSportsman). It is the hunter’s responsibility to check TA closures each period posted daily by DPTMS Range Operations at 1100, 1600, and 2000.

b. iSportsman is Fort Rucker’s primary method to check into a TA for hunting. This requirement aids in addressing safety concerns by ensuring the number of hunters does not exceed the TA’s capacity and prevents recreational activities from impeding on training activities.

c. Hunters will select an open TA. This selected TA assignment shall be binding. Hunters can only be signed in to one TA at a time. Hunters are allowed to change TAs only by calling the Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape for TA availability. Once confirmed, hunters will log into iSportsman to change their TAs.

d. If iSportsman is inoperative, the secondary check-in procedure is to call ODR after 0730 at 334-255-4305 (voice mail) notifying them that iSportsman is inoperative. In the event that both the primary and secondary systems fail, hunters may hunt after verifying that the TA is in fact open for hunting by calling the Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086. The last updated briefing will be at 2000. Hunters can register for an available TA a day prior between the hours of 2005 and 2359. Hunters cannot register for TAs for the following day before Range Operations 2000 update.

e. Hunters and trappers must be out of the hunting areas not later than 1900 central standard time or 2000 daylight savings time (DST). All hunters failing to check out of a hunting area will be automatically removed by the system at 2000 DST.

3-2. FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

a. Firearms.

(1) Legal arms and ammunition for hunting on Fort Rucker will be IAW the state hunting regulations. Rifles, pistols using center-fire, mushrooming type ammunition are authorized for hunting in TAs 1-21, TAs 29-32, and TAs 40-41. There are no firearms permitted in TA 19E. Black-powder, muzzle-loading rifles, pistols (.40-caliber or larger), and shotguns (10-gauge or smaller using buckshot or slugs) are authorized for deer hunting in all gun areas (numbered TAs). Small game hunters may use .22-caliber or smaller rimfire firearms or air guns in all gun areas.

(2) Only .22-caliber firearms are permitted to dispatch hogs caught in hog traps in any bow only areas, with the exception of 19E. There are specific bow only areas that you will be allowed to hunt turkey and quail with a firearm.

b. Bow and Arrow. Bow and arrow equipment will be IAW state regulations. During bow deer season, hunters are not allowed to have in their possession a bow and firearm (rifle or gun).

3-3. CLEARANCE BEFORE DISCHARGING FIREARMS.

a. Hunters will ensure the area behind the target is cleared.

b. No discharge of firearms within 50 yards of paved roads, gravel roads, or maintained roads.

c. No discharge of firearms within 200 yards of airstrips, recreational areas (to include trails), or buildings to include stables and housing areas. Weapons and bows will not be fired in the direction of roads, airstrips, recreational areas, or buildings. The only exception is duck hunters who are permitted to hunt over or around lakes, ponds, creeks, rivers to shoot ducks.

d. Indiscriminate shooting is not allowed within the confines of the Fort Rucker military installation. Target practice is only allowed at the Privately Owned Weapon (POW) Range.

POW Range is located across from Range Operations, BLDG 24314. Individuals must present a stamped copy of their Fort Rucker Form 818-E and a valid state or federal ID to Range Operations personnel and receive a safety brief before they are allowed to use the POW Range.

Patrons/personnel should contact Range Operations for times of operation at 334-255-4303/4486.

3-4. GROUP HUNTS. A group hunt is defined as a cooperative effort by five or more individuals hunting game on Fort Rucker. Group hunts on Fort Rucker are only allowed for hog hunts and must be approved by the garrison commander or their delegated authority prior to the hunt.

Deer drives, by any number of individuals, are not authorized on Fort Rucker.

3-5. QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Fort Rucker’s Quality Deer Management Program entails an annual review of harvest data, fawn recruitment, and other biological data pertaining to the deer population on Fort Rucker by the Environmental and Natural Resources Division (NRD) within DPW. NRD will make a recommendation to the garrison commander for approval about harvest quota, antlerless harvest, and necessary hog and coyote depredation control. An announcement will be made not later than 31 August, prior to the beginning of deer season, detailing the changes to harvest restriction and TA availability for that season.

3-6. TREE STANDS.

a. ODR Tree Stands. DFMWR manages procedures for allocating ODR tree stands. A limited number of tree stands may be erected and maintained by ODR in designated hunting areas. Hunters will not use these areas or tree stands without contacting ODR. Access to the tree stands require registering for specific tree stands at ODR during regular business hours.

Tree stands are used on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee will be charged for the use of these tree stands. This does not include privately built tree stands. All hunting regulations and requirements put forth in the main body of this regulation apply to hunting from tree stands that are controlled by ODR.

(1) ODR has the overall responsibility for building, maintaining, assigning, and collecting fees for the use of these tree stands.

(2) ODR and Range Operations are responsible for selecting tree stand construction sites.

(3) The hunter will request an assigned tree stand from ODR. ODR personnel will brief the hunter on any special requirements and can be contacted at 334-255-4305.

(4) Hunters will register with ODR, in person, for the use of tree stands located in

TA 11.

(5) Hunters must park in the designated TA assigned to the tree stand.

(6) Hunters can only hunt in the tree stand and area that they are assigned. Should the area be subsequently closed for training, the tree stand fee will be refunded. There will be no refunds for stands not canceled a minimum of 24 hours in advance by the hunter.

(7) Some stands are large enough for one adult and one child. Stands are not designed for and will not be occupied by two adults.

b. Privately Built Tree Stands (Semi-Permanent). Construction of a tree stand in no way implies ownership. Permission must be obtained from ODR as to the location prior to construction. All tree stands constructed by private individuals become community property for authorized hunters. Fort Rucker installation assumes no responsibility for the construction, condition, or maintenance of tree stands constructed by private individuals. Hunters use tree stands at their own risk.

c. Temporary Tree Stands. Temporary tree stands (i.e., ladder stands) will have a placard attached with information denoting the owner’s name, the owner’s phone number, and the date the stand was emplaced. The placard will be a minimum of three by five inches and contained within a waterproof and transparent plastic bag, attached to either the stand or tree in a readily visible location.

d. Restricted Areas. No tree stands will be built or located in the impact area.

e. Safety. Falls from tree stands are common when hunting. Anyone who hunts from an elevated stand is required to use a full-body style safety harness (fall restraint device). Hunters may use tree stands at their own risk.

3-7. USE OF PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES.

a. Licensed motor vehicles are limited to operation on paved roads, gravel roads, and maintained dirt roads.

b. Upon entering a TA, hunters and trappers will not block roads, tank trails, etc., when parking their vehicle.

c. Hunters and trappers must display the ODR registration card in plain view on the dashboard of the driver’s side of their vehicle. The ODR registration card must be filled out legibly and in its entirety.

d. Motor vehicles will not traverse cross-country through wildlife openings (food plots), through utility line rights-of-way, or around locked gates and cables. Law enforcement, other official agencies, and properly registered hunters who are individuals with disabilities (IWDs) are granted permission through proper coordination with ODR.

e. Hunting from a motor vehicle is prohibited; the ONLY exception as defined in State of Alabama law allowing the use of motor vehicle hunting by hunters who are IWDs. IWD hunters who are interested in obtaining approval to operate off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles must contact ODR at 334-255-4305 for details, requirements, and forms.

f. Hunters and trappers in TA Charlie will not park automobiles on Artillery Road.

g. Hunters and trappers will not tamper with or otherwise remove any barricade or gate that prohibits entry into any TA that is closed for training.

3-8. HUNTING WITH DOGS.

a. Vaccination. Dogs brought onto the installation shall be properly immunized for rabies.

Upon request by proper authorities, GLE officers, state game wardens, federal game wardens, etc., owners of hunting dogs shall produce rabies vaccination certificates.

b. Training.

(1) Training or conditioning of hunting dogs on Fort Rucker is limited to the area south of Highway 27 and may be done during daylight hours only, with the exception of raccoon hunting.

(2) Personnel will call Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086 to obtain information on TAs that are available for hunting/training dogs.

(3) Dog trainers will ensure dogs remain under close supervision in designated TA and that native game is not molested.

(4) Water training may be done year-round at Engineer Beach on Lake Tholocco, Beaver Pond on Andrews Avenue near the golf course, or Beaver Lake. Dog training and/or pets are not allowed in the recreational areas at Buckhorn Lake, Ech Lake, and Parcours Lake.

(5) Hunting dog training is restricted during the critical ground bird (wild turkey, quail, etc.) nesting and brood-raising period of 1 March to 31 July. Only exception is at designated water TAs.

(6) There is no training allowed for deer hunting dogs.

c. Deer and hog hunting with dogs on Fort Rucker is prohibited.

d. Hunting with horses is prohibited.

3-9. ADDITIONAL HUNTING MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS.

a. Electronic calls are authorized for small game hunting, including hogs. Electronic calls can only be used during daylight hours.

b. The use of explosive noise-producing devices (e.g., fireworks, blank pistols, etc.) is prohibited. Training pistols incapable of firing any ammunition but blanks may be used in training hunting dogs. State regulations apply to the use of other types of noise-producing devices (e.g., game and bird calls, rattling antlers, etc.).

c. Cleaning game in housing areas is prohibited. A cleaning shed is located behind the Game Warden Office, BLDG 24201. For additional information concerning this facility, contact ODR at 334-255-4305.

d. Collection Stations. Field dressing game in the TA is prohibited. Hunters must utilize the collection stations. All deer and turkeys must be physically taken to the collection stations to be weighed, measured, and logged in (instructions are posted at all collection stations). All hunters must fill out their harvest record, to include newly required confirmation number, before removing the animal/bird from the installation. Failure to do so will result in a 30-day suspension. Collection stations for TAs north of Highway 27 (TAs 1-11) is located across from Range Operations, BLDG 24314. Collection stations for TAs (TAs 12-41) south of Highway 27 are located across from the Game Warden Office, BLDG 24201, and at the Newton gate.

e. Hunters wounding game will make every effort to track down the animal or bird. They will notify the game warden officers (334-255-4735/4213) of lost game. Tracking wounded game into the impact area is prohibited. Tracking for game is not allowed in areas known or suspected to contain UXOs.

f. As part of the Wildlife Management Program the number of hogs/coyotes hunted must be recorded to track the hog/coyote populations. All hogs hunted must be recorded on the hunter’s “kill card”. Kill cards can be picked-up from ODR at BLDG 24235, once the card is full, it must be turned-in to ODR. ODR shall report all kill card data to Natural Resources (NR) within two days of receipt.

g. Turkey hunters will only possess ammunition legal for hunting turkeys.

Section IV

FISHING

4-1. SEASONS. All ponds, lakes, and streams, with the exception of Buckhorn Lake and those identified as in the impact area, will be open for fishing 24 hours a day. Ponds, lakes, and streams may be closed due to military training or restocking. Notice of closed ponds or lakes, as well as effective dates of closing will be published on the MWR website at http://rucker.armymwr.com/. Signs, indicating closures, will be displayed at all ponds or lakes when closed for any purpose.

4-2. METHODS.

a. Fisherpersons will have in their possession at all times their Alabama state fishing license, Fort Rucker fishing permit, and a picture ID card.

b. Methods of Fishing. Rod and reel, hook and line, cane pole, and similar methods of fishing are authorized. Fisherpersons are limited to two fishing poles or rods per person while fishing off of designated fishing piers on Lake Tholocco. Bait restrictions for small lakes and ponds are outlined in paragraph 4-3 below.

c. Line Fishing. Trotlines, throw lines, or setlines (to include jugs) are authorized only under the following conditions:

(1) All such lines will be prominently marked with the owner’s last name and Fort Rucker hunting/fishing permit number.

(2) Trotlines will be prominently marked at both ends and will not be located on any span that may interfere with other fisherpersons’ lines or watercraft. Trotlines are limited to 200 feet in length and not more than two lines per individual. Trotlines and setlines will not be placed in a water ski area, Area 1.

(3) All lines will be checked each 12-hour period.

(4) Unmarked lines and improperly set lines will be confiscated by GLE officers or state and federal game wardens.

(5) Glass and metal containers are prohibited for jug fishing. All jugs will be marked with the owner’s last name and Fort Rucker hunting/fishing permit number. Jugs will be attended to prevent them drifting into recreational areas.

d. Traps, Seines, and Nets.

(1) The only fish traps authorized in any waters on Fort Rucker are minnow traps with an aperture of one inch or less.

(2) Special regulations governing sucker netting are as follows:

(a) Persons participating must comply with the license provisions of paragraph 1-4, and are required to have Fort Rucker fishing permits in their possession.

(b) Rods and reels, hooks and lines, cane poles, spears, gigs, longbows, or firearms are not allowed in boats with, or in the possession of, persons engaged in sucker netting.

(c) All nets will be marked with buoys or floats readily visible above the water line and prominently marked with the owner’s last name.

e. Fishing Lake Tholocco.

(1) No fishing in the primary ski area while being used by skiers, tubers, etc.

(2) No fishing within 100 feet around designated swimming areas, except on the West Beach fishing pier.

(3) No fishing on beach areas when open for swimming activities.

(4) No fishing within 50 feet of boat docks.

(5) No fishing within 50 feet of vessel launching areas.

(6) No fishing from a boat within 150 feet of the spillway.

4-3. SPECIAL REGULATIONS APPLYING TO SMALL LAKES AND PONDS. The following regulations apply to Beaver Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Ech Lake, and Parcours Lake on the Fort Rucker military reservation.

a. Minnows of all types are prohibited.

b. Seining or netting is prohibited, except for specific military training.

c. Trotlines and/or jugs are prohibited.

d. Only paddles, oars, and electric motors are allowed as means of boat propulsion on Beaver Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Ech Lake, Parcours Lake, and other waters of the military reservation. The operation of gasoline engines on these four lakes is prohibited. Float tubes or belly boats are authorized for fishing.

e. Swimming and wading are prohibited in the lakes identified in paragraph 4-3.

f. Lake creel limits are posted at Lake Tholocco, Beaver Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Ech Lake, and Parcours Lake.

g. Gigging for frogs on ponds open for fishing is permitted if the gig has at least three prongs. A post fishing permit is required.

h. Parcours Lake is reserved for youth fishing, 15 years of age or younger. Adults may assist youth fishing activities but cannot actively fish themselves.

Section V

RECREATIONAL TRAPPING

5.1. GENERAL. Recreational trapping refers to trapping of fur bearing creatures. The following are designated as furbearing animals in Alabama (2016-2017): beaver, bobcat, fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, stripped skunk, coyote, and feral swine. Recreational hunting is at the expense of the trapper. Fort Rucker provides no additional resources to support trapping or baiting of furbearing animals. Recreational trapping is not depredation trapping and has separate procedures and policies.

5.2. RESPONSIBILITIES.

a. ODR, DFMWR. For patrons declaring their intention to trap on Fort Rucker, ODR staff will annotate trapping authorization on the trapper’s Fort Rucker hunting permit, brief the patron on the major rules and procedures of this regulation, and specifically address trapping procedures within the lettered TAs surrounding the cantonment area. ODR will maintain a roster of all trappers registered and approved to trap on Fort Rucker. ODR will ensure Corvias Housing includes a statement in military tenants’ housing agreements denoting that trapping is authorized in the TAs surrounding the cantonment area but is restricted to at least 200 yards from any housing areas, facilities, or structures.

b. DPS, GLE Officers. GLE are responsible for enforcing state and federal law as well as regulations and guidelines identified in this regulation and Fort Rucker Regulation 385-1. They are authorized to enforce all applicable regulations and/or state laws pertaining to trapping on Fort Rucker. They will take appropriate actions against violators.

c. Fish and Wildlife Section, DPW. Consolidate trapping information from all recreational trappers. Fort Rucker biologists will maintain annual records of all game trapped on Fort Rucker.

d. Recreational Trappers. Patrons wanting to trap on Fort Rucker will declare those intentions at the ODR Office, BLDG 24235, at Lake Tholocco. They will receive the trapping briefing from the ODR staff and have trapping authorized on their Fort Rucker hunting permit. Trappers will fully understand and adhere to Fort Rucker regulations and Alabama state laws that govern trapping. Trappers will check traps set in water at least once every 72 hours. All other types of traps will be inspected at least once every 24 hours.

Trappers shall report the number and types of game trapped to the Fish and Wildlife Section, DPW at 334-255-1664/2416 and/or via email.

e. Trappers who are specifically trappings feral hogs must coordinate with DPW, NR at 334-255-1659.

5-3. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.

a. Recreational trappers will adhere to all requirements found in Section I and Section III of this regulation.

b. Trapping is not authorized in the impact area, TA 19E, portions of TA 7 and 11, and as depicted on the surrounding cantonment TAs.

5-4. CLEARANCE/PROCEDURES FOR TRAPPING IN NUMBERED TRAINING AREAS.

a. Recreational trapping is only authorized within TAs in an open status. Trappers are required to check TA’s statuses through the Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086. Trappers must sign in and out via http://fortrucker.isportsman.net to sign in to TAs. Traps in TAs scheduled to be closed must be disarmed prior to the scheduled closed date. TAs projected open and closed dates are published on the ODR Hunting Area Status Map website.

b. Licensed motor vehicles are limited to operation on paved roads, gravel roads, and maintained dirt roads. Upon entering a TA, trappers will not block roads, tank trails, etc., when parking their vehicle. Trappers must display the ODR dashboard registration card in plain view on the dashboard of the driver’s side of their vehicle. The card must be filled out legibly and in its entirety.

c. Trappers may only carry and use a .22-caliber rimfire weapon to dispatch trapped furbearing game. The weapon will not be loaded until the trapper is ready to dispatch the trapped game. Conducting animal dispatch, see paragraph 5-7. CLEARANCE BEFORE

DISCHARGING FIREARMS (WHEN DISPATCHING).

5-5. CLEARANCE/PROCEDURES FOR TRAPPING IN THE LETTERED TRAINING AREAS.

a. TAs surrounding Fort Rucker’s cantonment area known as lettered TAs, thus, extra safety measures will be exercised. Lettered TAs are A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and 19E.

The lettered TAs and their boundaries are depicted on the Fort Rucker reservation hunting map issued by ODR with the purchase of an annual Fort Rucker hunting permit.

b. Trappers will follow normal log-in procedures notifying Range Operations and signing into iSportsman. See paragraph 3-1. CLEARANCE TO ENTER TRAINING AREA.

c. The trapper must maintain constant cognizance of their location when trapping and dispatching, especially when trapping in a lettered TA.

d. For those lettered TAs that border any portion of the residential housing, trappers are not authorized to park vehicles on any street, grass, field, or road (dirt or otherwise) that is in or between the residential housing and the lettered TAs. Trappers will not transit through any portion of the residential housing with weapons or game or to inspect traps.

e. Trapping is not authorized within 200 yards of the cantonment area or in specific areas with extended restricted areas, to include houses, schools, offices, storage buildings, riding stables, airfield, recreational area, etc.

f. Trappers may only carry and use a .22-caliber rimfire weapon to dispatch trapped furbearing game. The .22-caliber firearm is the only authorized firearm for use in lettered TAs to dispatch. The weapon will not be loaded until the trapper is ready to dispatch the trapped game. Conducting animal dispatch, see paragraph 5-7. CLEARANCE BEFORE

DISCHARGING FIREARMS (WHEN DISPATCHING).

5-6. FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. Rifles may be used to dispatch furbearing game in TAs 1-21, TAs 29-32, and TAs 40-41. Only .22-caliber firearms are permitted to dispatch in lettered TAs, TAs A-I. There are no firearms permitted in TA 19E.

5-7. CLEARANCE BEFORE DISCHARGING FIREARMS (WHEN DISPATCHING).

a. Trappers will not fire in the direction of any post housing or any other structure bordering or surrounding a lettered TA. If there is any doubt as to which direction is the safe direction to fire, the trapper will not fire. The trapper will either release the trapped animal or regain their bearing to determine which direction is the safe direction to fire before dispatching the animal.

b. Trappers will ensure the firearm is loaded and aimed in a ‘downward’ manner to prevent rounds from departing the immediate area placing personnel or infrastructure at risk (no free shooting of trapped or un-trapped animals).

c. Trappers will ensure the area surrounding the trap is cleared before firing. Trappers will not dispatch game greater than 50 yards from the target.

d. No discharge of firearms within 50 yards of trails, paved roads, gravel roads, or maintained roads.

e. No discharge of firearms within 200 yards of airstrips, recreational areas to include trails, or buildings to include stables and housing areas.

f. Weapons, firearms, and bows will not be fired in the direction of roads, airstrips, recreational areas, fishing areas, lakes, or buildings.

g. All weapons will be properly cleared and placed on safe immediately following animal dispatch.

h. The weapon will remain unloaded and unconcealed while removing the dispatched animal from the area.

i. Trappers must ensure the animal is deceased before transporting it. Alabama law prohibits the transport of live game animals.

5-8. ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAPPING MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS.

a. Recreational trapping is not authorized in a closed TA. Traps must be de-armed (unset) prior to unit occupation.

b. Hunter orange is required for all recreational trappers.

c. Any person trapping furbearing animals in Alabama is required to carry a choke stick.

d. Trap Markings. Leg and water traps will be marked with a three foot high (minimum) stake, topped with a small strip of orange marking tape, and staked within five feet of the trap location with a plastic or metal tag showing the trapper’s last name, Fort Rucker permit number, and state license number.

e. Reporting. All trappers shall report the number and types of game trapped to the Fish and Wildlife Section, DPW at 334-255-1664/2416.

f. Violations and penalties associated with trapping on Fort Rucker are as published in appendix A of this regulation.

Section VI

DEPREDATION ANIMAL TRAPPING

6-1. GENERAL.

a. Increases in feral hog populations on Fort Rucker over the last 25 years have resulted in numerous problems for the installation. Feral hogs directly compete with both game and non-game species for available resources; displace native wildlife populations; disrupt and destroy nests of native wildlife; and cause damage to crops, trees, landfill caps and erosion control structures.

b. In order to reduce the feral hog population on the installation, Fort Rucker NR has instituted a depredation hog trapping program. As part of this program hog traps and a limited amount of corn have been purchased by NR and will be made available for use by depredation trapping volunteers. A limited amount of corn will be available from NRB at no cost to the trapper. One 50 pound bag of corn per trap will be available each month on the first Wednesday of the month.

6-2. RESPONSIBILITIES.

a. DPW, NR is responsible for identifying the need for depredation trapping due to damage, disease, or safety risk caused by wild animals. NR will be responsible for developing a plan for accomplishing depredation animal trapping and implementing the plan through the use of NR personnel, USDA, Wildlife Resources personnel, and volunteer resources. NR will provide updated depredation trapping maps to DPTMS, Training Division and the garrison commander as changes occur.

b. DPTMS, Training Division is responsible for reviewing the depredation trapping plan and de-conflicting trapping activities with training and other users of TAs.

c. DPS, GLE Officers. GLE are responsible for enforcing state and federal law, as well as regulations and guidelines identified in this regulation and Fort Rucker Regulation 385-1. They are authorized to enforce all applicable regulations and/or state laws pertaining to trapping on Fort Rucker. They will take appropriate actions against violators.

d. MWR, ODR is responsible for the recreational aspects of trapping as well as the maintenance of traps. MWR is also responsible for consolidating kill cards information from hunters and depredation trappers for both feral hogs and coyotes. MWR will issue recreational hunting and trapping permits and provide incentive opportunities for depredation animal control by recreational hunting. MWR is the proponent for this regulation. ODR shall report all kill card data to NR within two days of receipt. ODR shall coordinate approval of any “Hunting Incentives” with NR prior to publishing policy.

6-3. FERAL HOG DEPREDATION TRAPPING (ADMINISTRATIVE RULES).

a. All volunteer trappers and their assistants must have an Alabama hunting license and a Fort Rucker hunting permit. There should be no charge for the Fort Rucker hunting permit if no other species are to be hunted. They submit Department of Defense Form 2793 with NR.

b. Volunteers will sign an agreement/permit stating familiarity with this regulation, location of trap, responsible personnel for trap, receipt of trap, and any special considerations for the specific location used.

c. Only one person will be issued a volunteer trapping permit for each trap and will be accountable for that trap. All trappers are limited to three traps. Only the permit holder is authorized to make arrangements with the NRB. If other personnel are assisting with the trap in the field, their names must be added to the permit issued to the responsible individual and signed off by the NRB. A copy of the trapping permit must be in the trapper’s possession when inspecting traps.

d. Depredation trappers must call Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086 to obtain information regarding TA status. If the area is open, depredation trappers will follow procedures for open TAs. If the area is closed, depredation trappers will follow procedures for occupied TAs.

e. When the trap is set the volunteer must inspect the trap daily (once every 24 hours) and dispatch and remove any hogs that have been caught IAW state law. Hogs must be dispatched inside the trap with firearms authorized in the assigned TA, with the exception of the lettered (bow) areas in which only a .22-caliber rimfire firearm can be used.

f. Depredation trappers must wear a yellow ID vest and display an NR vehicle ID card on the dash of their vehicles during trapping activities in the TA. These items will be provided by

DPW, NR.

6-4. CLEARANCE TO ENTER NON-OCCUPIED (OPEN) TRAINING AREAS.

a. It is mandatory that all depredation trappers call Range Operations Training Division’s briefing tape at 334-255-4086 to obtain information regarding TAs status. After confirming TA’s status, trappers must sign-in via https://fortrucker.isportsman.net.