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Hatchineha Unit of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge
 Specific Area pfs  3963

Regulations Summary and Area Map

July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2025
 
 
This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Hatchineha Unit of the Everglades Headwaters Wildlife Management Area. Regulations that are new or differ substantially from last year are shown in bold print. Area users should familiarize themselves with all regulations. For exact wording of the wildlife laws and regulations, see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s wildlife code, on file with the Secretary of State and state libraries. This brochure, the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook, and quota permit worksheets should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities. These publications are available at MyFWC.com.
 
Persons using wildlife management areas are required to have appropriate licenses, permits and stamps. The following persons are exempt from all license and permit requirements (except for quota permits when listed as “no exemptions,” recreational use permits, antlerless deer permits and the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp [federal duck stamp], if applicable): Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older; residents who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate; residents in the U.S. Armed Forces, not stationed in Florida, while home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders; and children under 16 years of age. Children under 16 years of age are exempt from the federal duck stamp. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 and 16 years of age or older must have passed a Commission-approved hunter-safety course prior to being issued a hunting license, except the Hunter Safety Mentoring exemption allows anyone to purchase a hunting license and hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter, 21 years of age or older.
 
Youth and mentor license holders are required to be accompanied by a supervisor during any hunt. A youth hunter (less than 16 years of age) must be supervised by a person at least 18 years of age. A mentor license holder must be supervised by a licensed hunter at least 21 years of age. Unless exempt, only those supervisors with proper licenses and permits may hunt.
 
Licenses and permits may be purchased from county tax collectors, license agents, by telephone at 888-486-8356 or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. A no-cost Migratory Bird Permit is available when purchasing a hunting license. Any waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a federal duck stamp. 

Quota Permit Information:
Archery - 6, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Muzzleloading Gun - 6, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Family Hunt - 3, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
General Gun - 6, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Youth Turkey - 3, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Spring Turkey - 3, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
 
Permit applications: Hunters must submit electronic applications for quota and special-opportunity permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Worksheets listing hunts, application periods, deadlines and instructions are available at county tax collector’s offices, FWC offices or MyFWC.com. Quota application periods occur throughout the year beginning April 1; please refer to the hunting handbook or MyFWC.com for specific dates. Worksheets will be available about 2 weeks prior to each application period. 
 
Guest hunters:  For each non-transferable archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, spring turkey and mobility-impaired quota permit issued through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, a quota permit holder (host) may take a guest hunter by obtaining a guest permit. Guest hunters are not allowed during youth turkey hunts. A guest hunter must possess a completed guest permit while hunting except the following persons may be a guest hunter without a guest permit: a youth under 16 years of age, a youth supervisor, a mentor license holder or a mentor license supervisor. A host may only bring 1 guest hunter at a time and may only use 1 guest permit per day. The following persons are not considered to be guest hunters: other quota permit holders, non-hunters and exempt hunters (on areas and during seasons that allow exemptions). The guest hunter and host must enter and exit the area together and must share a street-legal vehicle while hunting on the area. The guest hunter may hunt only while the host is on the area. Refer to the quota hunt worksheets for additional information.
 
Youth and mentor license holders: If a youth or mentor supervisor is hunting during any hunt for which quota permits are issued, at least 1 person in the party must be in possession of a quota permit. 
 
Transfer of permits: Quota and guest permits are not transferable. A positive form of identification is required when using a non-transferable permit, except for a youth under 16 years of age. The sale or purchase of any quota permit or guest permit is prohibited.

Area Regulations
  • General
    General Area Regulations:
    All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
    1. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. These provisions are not required when hunting with a bow and arrow during archery season. 
    2. Taking of spotted fawn, swimming deer or roosted turkey is prohibited. 
    3. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
    4. Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
    5. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    6. Taking or attempting to take any game with the aid of live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial light, net, trap, snare, drug or poison is prohibited. Recorded calls and sounds can be used to hunt furbearers, wild hog and crows.
    7. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
    8. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
    9. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
    10. Taking or herding wildlife from any motorized vehicle, aircraft or boat, which is under power is prohibited until power, and movement from that power, has ceased.
    11. Most game may be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (see exceptions for each season).
    12. The release of any animal is prohibited, expect by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
    13. The skull plate with any attached antler, if applicable, shall remain with any harvested deer. The head and beard, if applicable, shall remain with any harvested turkey. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
    14. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    15. Wild hog may not be transported alive.
    16. A hunting license is not required to hunt wild hog.
    17. Littering is prohibited. 
    18. Fires are prohibited. 
    19. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
    20. Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime a management area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from quota permits during hunts requiring them. 
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1. Open to public access year round with the following exceptions: from 0.5 hours after sunset until 0.5 hours before sunrise when only individuals authorized to participate in a hunt may access the area during periods open to hunting and during the family and youth turkey hunts when one non-hunting guest per quota may also access the area. 
    2. Vehicular access is prohibited except persons participating in a hunt are allowed vehicle access during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, family hunt, small game and spring turkey seasons and 3 days prior to and 3 days after each of these seasons. At all other times, public access other than by foot, horseback or bicycle is prohibited. 
    3. Persons shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.   
    4. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on named and or numbered roads.
    5. Horses may only be ridden on named or numbered roads and designated horse trails.
    6.  Bicycles may only be operated on named or numbered roads, bicycle trails and designated multi-use trails. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles.  All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
    7. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    8. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. 
    9. Airboats, ATVs, tracked vehicles, swamp buggies and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited.
  • Hunters
    Hunters and Harvest Reporting:
    1. Hunters shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.
    2.  Tree stands and elevated shooting platforms may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. 3 days before the opening of a hunt and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 3 days after the end of the hunt.
    3. All hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any harvested deer or turkey they harvest within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
    2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.  
    3. Muzzleloading guns used for taking deer must be .30 caliber or larger, if firing a single bullet, or be 20 gauge or larger if firing 2 or more balls.
    4. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
    5. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
    6. Hunting deer with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
    7. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. 
    8. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    9. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    10. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    11. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. Shotguns shall not be larger than 10 gauge and shall be incapable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
    12. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
  • Dogs
    Dogs:
    1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds), African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. 
    2. The take of wild hogs with dogs is prohibited. 
    3. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
    4. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game. 
    5.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Camping

    Camping:

    Prohibited.
  • Bag and Possession Limits
    Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person.  The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit. 
    1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
         A.  Area limits - 
         Archery season: 1 antlered and 1 antlerless deer per quota permit. 
         Muzzleloading gun, family hunt and general gun seasons: 2 antlered deer per quota permit.
         B.  Statewide limits - Annual limit 5 deer (only 2 of which may be antlerless), daily limit 2, possession limit 4. 
         C.  As part of the statewide annual deer limit, youth less than 16 years of age may harvest 1 deer annually not meeting antler point requirements but having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length.
    2. Wild hog - No size or bag limit.  
    3. Turkey - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
         A.  Area limits - 
         Archery season - Daily limit 1.
         Youth turkey hunt - 1 per quota permit.
         Spring turkey hunt - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
         B.  Statewide limits - All fall seasons combined limit 2, spring season limit 2, daily limit 2, possession limit 2.
    4. Gray squirrel and rabbit - Daily limit 12 per person, possession limit 24 for each.
    5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24.
    6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
    7. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
    8.  African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling – No bag limits. 
  • General Information
    General Information:
    1. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
    2. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 863-648-3200 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    3. The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
    4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
General Area Regulations:
All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
1. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. These provisions are not required when hunting with a bow and arrow during archery season. 
2. Taking of spotted fawn, swimming deer or roosted turkey is prohibited. 
3. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
4. Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
5. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
6. Taking or attempting to take any game with the aid of live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial light, net, trap, snare, drug or poison is prohibited. Recorded calls and sounds can be used to hunt furbearers, wild hog and crows.
7. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
8. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
9. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
10. Taking or herding wildlife from any motorized vehicle, aircraft or boat, which is under power is prohibited until power, and movement from that power, has ceased.
11. Most game may be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (see exceptions for each season).
12. The release of any animal is prohibited, expect by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
13. The skull plate with any attached antler, if applicable, shall remain with any harvested deer. The head and beard, if applicable, shall remain with any harvested turkey. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
14. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
15. Wild hog may not be transported alive.
16. A hunting license is not required to hunt wild hog.
17. Littering is prohibited. 
18. Fires are prohibited. 
19. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
20. Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime a management area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from quota permits during hunts requiring them. 
Public Access and Vehicles:
1. Open to public access year round with the following exceptions: from 0.5 hours after sunset until 0.5 hours before sunrise when only individuals authorized to participate in a hunt may access the area during periods open to hunting and during the family and youth turkey hunts when one non-hunting guest per quota may also access the area. 
2. Vehicular access is prohibited except persons participating in a hunt are allowed vehicle access during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, family hunt, small game and spring turkey seasons and 3 days prior to and 3 days after each of these seasons. At all other times, public access other than by foot, horseback or bicycle is prohibited. 
3. Persons shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.   
4. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on named and or numbered roads.
5. Horses may only be ridden on named or numbered roads and designated horse trails.
6.  Bicycles may only be operated on named or numbered roads, bicycle trails and designated multi-use trails. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles.  All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
7. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
8. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. 
9. Airboats, ATVs, tracked vehicles, swamp buggies and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited.
Hunters and Harvest Reporting:
1. Hunters shall enter and exit the area at designated entrances.
2.  Tree stands and elevated shooting platforms may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. 3 days before the opening of a hunt and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 3 days after the end of the hunt.
3. All hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any harvested deer or turkey they harvest within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
Guns:
1. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.  
3. Muzzleloading guns used for taking deer must be .30 caliber or larger, if firing a single bullet, or be 20 gauge or larger if firing 2 or more balls.
4. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
5. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
6. Hunting deer with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
7. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. 
8. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
9. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
11. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. Shotguns shall not be larger than 10 gauge and shall be incapable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
12. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
Dogs:
1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds), African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling and any dog may be used to take small game during the small game season. 
2. The take of wild hogs with dogs is prohibited. 
3. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
4. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game. 
5.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.

Camping:

Prohibited.
Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person.  The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit. 
1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
     A.  Area limits - 
     Archery season: 1 antlered and 1 antlerless deer per quota permit. 
     Muzzleloading gun, family hunt and general gun seasons: 2 antlered deer per quota permit.
     B.  Statewide limits - Annual limit 5 deer (only 2 of which may be antlerless), daily limit 2, possession limit 4. 
     C.  As part of the statewide annual deer limit, youth less than 16 years of age may harvest 1 deer annually not meeting antler point requirements but having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length.
2. Wild hog - No size or bag limit.  
3. Turkey - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
     A.  Area limits - 
     Archery season - Daily limit 1.
     Youth turkey hunt - 1 per quota permit.
     Spring turkey hunt - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
     B.  Statewide limits - All fall seasons combined limit 2, spring season limit 2, daily limit 2, possession limit 2.
4. Gray squirrel and rabbit - Daily limit 12 per person, possession limit 24 for each.
5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24.
6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
7. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
8.  African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling – No bag limits. 
 
Seasons ( Count: 9)
  • Archery Season
    October 19-25, November 9-17
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, turkey of either sex, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season - Only archery equipment may be used for hunting, except that centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    November 29 - December 1
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, muzzleloading gun permit, deer permit (if hunting deer) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling.
    Regulations Unique to Muzzleloading Gun Season - Hunting with archery equipment or guns, other than muzzleloading guns, is prohibited, except that centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling.
  • Family Hunt
    December 27-29
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling.
    Regulations Unique to Family Hunt Season - 
    1. Up to 2 youths (under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age) per quota permit may hunt under the direct supervision of an adult (at least 18 years of age), but the quota permit holder must be present for the youth to hunt, and one non-hunting guest per quota permit may also access the area.
    2. The quota permit holder may hunt, but only in the presence of at least 1 youth. 
  • General Gun Season
    January 24-26, January 30 - February 2
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling. 
  • Small Game Season
    February 8 - March 5
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling. 
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 
    1.  Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
    2.  Hunting wild hog with dogs is prohibited.
    3. Dogs may be used to hunt quail, rabbit, squirrel, migratory birds, African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling. 
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: March 8-9
    Spring Turkey: March 20-23, 26-30
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Bearded turkey or gobbler.
    Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season - 
    1.  Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2.  Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3.  Only bows, crossbows, PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow and centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns using a #2 or smaller shot size may be used for hunting.
    4. During the youth turkey hunt, only youth under 16 years of age may hunt and must be under the supervision and in the presence of an adult not younger than 18 years of age. Adults with required licenses and permits for taking wild turkeys may participate when in the presence of a youth, but may not harvest a wild turkey. In addition, one non-hunting guest per quota permit may also access the area.
  • Migratory Bird Season

    Migratory game birds (except ducks, geese, coot and snipe) and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons that coincide with the seasons where migratory birds are listed as legal to hunt in this brochure. Ducks, geese, coot and snipe may be hunted during statewide seasons established for these species. See migratory game bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - See migratory bird season dates, bag limits and regulations. African collared-dove, Eurasian collared-dove, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling may also be taken.
    Regulations Unique to Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.
    1. Hunting ducks, geese and coot with lead shot is prohibited.
    2. Centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt. 
    3. Shooting hours for mourning and white-winged doves are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    4.  Non-hunting assistants with required licenses and permits may actively participate in the Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife.
    5.  Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife.
  • Fishing and Frogging
    Allowed year round.
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Fishing license (if fishing) or management area permit (if frogging). 
    Legal to Take - See Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary.
    Regulations Unique to Fishing and Frogging - All General Freshwater Fishing Regulations shall apply. Shooting frogs is allowed only during the listed open hunting seasons and only with the legal methods of take during each particular season. Frogs may only be taken by firearms during daylight hours.
 
General Information:
1. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
2. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 863-648-3200 (TDD 800-955-8771).
3. The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rules and Information: 
1. For information on general recreation and fees, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 772-581-5557.
2. On days when the area is closed to hunting, persons must still enter and exit the area at a designated entrance via Dairy Road.
3. Construction of permanent or semi-permanent structures on a National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited.
4. The speed limit for all motor vehicles is 25 MPH on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, unless otherwise posted.
5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management includes prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. Area users should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 772-581-5557 for information and location of burn areas.
Cooperation Requested:
If you see law violators or suspicious activities, contact your nearest Commission regional office or call 888-404-FWCC. You may qualify for a cash reward from the Wildlife Alert Reward Association.
The FWC receives financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The DOI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility or you need more information, please contact the FWC at:  FWC, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) 488-6411, or write to:  Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights, Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.