FWC cracks down on night hunting in North Florida counties

NORTH FLORIDA — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement investigated several alleged night-hunting incidents in Jackson, Gulf, Washington, and Holmes counties, according to its February 23–29 report.

During a focused night hunting detail in northern Holmes, Washington, and Jackson counties, FWC officers investigated five separate night hunting incidents.

According to the FWC, individuals were reportedly found shining lights in numerous fields and in possession of firearms.

The individuals were cited. Approximately 30 officers, including FWC aircraft, were involved in the operation.

In Washington County, FWC Officer H. Forehand was on patrol and reported seeing a truck with four people traveling slowly with a spotlight illuminating several farm fields.

A traffic stop was conducted, and upon questioning, the driver reportedly admitted he had a rifle. A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed two loaded rifles and two loaded shotguns.

Three spotlights were reportedly found in the vehicle. All four occupants were charged with night hunting.

In Gulf County, Officer Lipford was on patrol targeting night hunters and said he observed a vehicle displaying a light in an open field capable of disclosing the presence of deer.

He stopped the vehicle and said he found the driver and passenger had a loaded pneumatic air rifle.