GINS fishes for hunting comments

In early June, the Gulf Islands National Seashore presented several options for public comment concerning hunting.

Duck hunting is allowed along the sound in the area between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach as well as a designated area in Perdido Key. Hunting has been allowed within the Gulf Islands National

Seashore before it was established in 1971 and has continued since that time. Dogs are even allowed without leashes for hunters although not allowed elsewhere in the national park.

“In 1971, the legislation establishing the park recognized hunting as a legitimate form of outdoor recreation at GINS,” Superintendent Dan Brown said. “The enabling legislation directed that GINS permit hunting.”

A waterfowl hunting management agreement exists between GINS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and is about to expire,” said Brown. “Before putting a new, long term plan into place, GINS asked for pubic input by the end of June.”

For more on this story, see the September 8 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.