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Lake Apopka North Shore PSGHA
 Specific Area pfs  5870

Regulations Summary and Area Map

July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2026
 
 

This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Lake Apopka North Shore Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA). 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, quota application worksheets and the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities. These publications are available at MyFWC.com.

 

Persons using PSGHAs are required to have appropriate licenses, permits and stamps. The following persons are exempt from all license and permit requirements (except for the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp [federal duck stamp], if applicable, Lake Apopka North Shore waterfowl quota permit): 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.

 

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 (available where hunting licenses are sold, at most post offices or at www.duckstamp.com).

Quota Permit Information: 
Waterfowl – 15, no-cost, nontransferable quota permits (no exemptions) for each hunt during Early Waterfowl, General Waterfowl and Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl days. A quota permit is not required during Youth Waterfowl Hunts. 

Please Be Advised: The Florida Department of Health has recommended consumption limits for ducks harvested from this area. Please see details under the "Bag and Possession Limits" and "Waterfowl Season" information below.
 
Permit applications: Hunters must submit electronic applications for quota permits and quota preference points at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Quota hunt worksheets, application periods, deadlines, instructions and a summary of recent quota hunt rule changes are available at MyFWC.com. Quota application periods occur throughout the year; please refer to the hunting handbook or MyFWC.com for specific dates. Worksheets will be available about 2 weeks prior to each application period. 

Hunters are limited to 1 permit per hunt. No more than 5 Lake Apopka North Shore waterfowl quota permits can be acquired per person per permit type. Permits are valid only for the date listed on the permit. Each permit holder may bring up to two hunt guests. The host permit holder and their hunt guests must enter and exit the area together and share a street-legal vehicle while hunting on the area. Guest hunters may only hunt while the host is on the area. Only persons 15 years of age and younger may hunt during Youth Waterfowl Hunts. During Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl days, only individuals with a valid military hunting license or veterans/military ID are allowed to hunt. See "Waterfowl Season" section below for a complete list of license and permit requirements.

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. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or any other food for wildlife on this area. 
    2. 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. 
    3. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited. 
    4. Public access is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as “Closed” or “Restricted.” 
    5. 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. 
    6. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager. 
    7. Littering is prohibited. 
    8. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any vehicle or boat, in accordance with law. 
    9. Construction or use of permanent blinds or structures is prohibited. 
    10. Tampering with or destruction of equipment (including signs), improvements, and water control structures is prohibited. 
    11. Fires are prohibited. 
    12. No person shall cut or destroy any tree on, or remove any tree, shrub or protected plant from this area without written permission from St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
    13. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager. 
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access, Vehicles and Vessels: 
    1. Public recreational access is allowed year-round. 
    2. Persons participating in a hunt are allowed limited vehicle access only on scheduled hunt days and days open for scouting (See "Hunters" section below) and from 4 a.m. until 1.5 hours after sunset only. 
    3. Vehicle access during non-hunting periods is allowed by permit from the SJRWMD (Call 386-329-4401 for information). 
    4. Hunters must enter and exit at a designated entrance. 
    5. Hunters will use the lock combination provided on the quota permit for access through the designated entrance gate, except for Youth Waterfowl Hunts. Gates will be open for access on the non-quota Youth Waterfowl Hunts. 
    6. Hunters should always close and lock the gate upon entering and exiting the area. 
    7. Only 1 vehicle may be used per quota permit or youth hunting group and must be parked only in designated parking areas. 
    8. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or boat launch area.
    9. No overnight parking allowed. 
    10. The use of any motorized vessels including: airboats, gas-powered (internal combustion engine) or electric motors is prohibited, except that electric trolling motors are allowed. 
    11. Vessels shall be launched and loaded from a designated launch location only. 
    12. Tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, swamp buggies and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited. 
    13. 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: https://myfwc.com/ebike/.
  • Personal Property
    Personal Property: The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
  • Hunters
    Hunters: 
    1. Days open for scouting: Sept. 19, Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 5 and Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. 
    2. The gate combination for access during quota hunts will be listed only on the quota permits. 
    3. Please report your leg bands at reportband.gov. 
    4. Hunting is prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting”.
  • Guns
    Guns: 
    1. Only non-toxic shot may be used to take wildlife.
    2. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS. 
    3. Taking wildlife from or across dikes, levees, bridges, or within 300 feet of designated vessel launch sites is prohibited. 
    4. Taking wildlife with firearms other than shotguns is prohibited. 
    5. Shotguns used for taking wildlife shall not be larger than 10 gauge and shall be incapable of holding more than 3 shells in magazine and chamber combined. 
    6. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult. 
    7. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Dogs
    Dogs: 
    1. Dogs may be used for hunting during open seasons. 
    2. 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: Ducks and snipe - See migratory bird hunting regulations.

    Florida Department of Health Recommendation
    The Florida Department of Health has recommended consumption limits for ducks harvested from this area. Consumption of ducks beyond these limits may pose an increased risk to human health (cancer) due to the concentration of pesticides that may exist in the duck meat. Hunters who qualify for more than one hunt per season on this area should pay special attention to the recommended consumption limits. 
    Maximum number of ducks to be consumed per year: 3 mottled ducks, 9 teal or other dabbling or whistling ducks, 6 ringed-necked or other diving ducks. 
    For more information, please contact Ducks@MyFWC.com. 
  • General Information
    General Information: 
    1. Land surfaces underwater are irregular. Exercise caution while on foot or horseback. 
    2. Taking off or landing aircraft (including drones) on District Lands is prohibited by F.A.C. 40C-9.320(8) unless authorized by a Special Use Authorization from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
    3.  For information regarding recreational use other than hunting, please call the SJRWMD at 386-329-4401. 
    4. Report fires to the Florida Forest Service at 352-955-2010. 
    5. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA. 
    6. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Commission at 352-732-1225 (TDD 800-955-8771). 
    7. The SJRWMD management activities include prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. For more information, please visit https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements/ or the SJRWMD at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com or 386-329-4401.

    911 ADDRESS: 
    Parking Area
    24451 Blackhorse Trail
    Astatula, FL 34705 
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. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or any other food for wildlife on this area. 
2. 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. 
3. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited. 
4. Public access is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as “Closed” or “Restricted.” 
5. 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. 
6. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager. 
7. Littering is prohibited. 
8. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any vehicle or boat, in accordance with law. 
9. Construction or use of permanent blinds or structures is prohibited. 
10. Tampering with or destruction of equipment (including signs), improvements, and water control structures is prohibited. 
11. Fires are prohibited. 
12. No person shall cut or destroy any tree on, or remove any tree, shrub or protected plant from this area without written permission from St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
13. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager. 
Public Access, Vehicles and Vessels: 
1. Public recreational access is allowed year-round. 
2. Persons participating in a hunt are allowed limited vehicle access only on scheduled hunt days and days open for scouting (See "Hunters" section below) and from 4 a.m. until 1.5 hours after sunset only. 
3. Vehicle access during non-hunting periods is allowed by permit from the SJRWMD (Call 386-329-4401 for information). 
4. Hunters must enter and exit at a designated entrance. 
5. Hunters will use the lock combination provided on the quota permit for access through the designated entrance gate, except for Youth Waterfowl Hunts. Gates will be open for access on the non-quota Youth Waterfowl Hunts. 
6. Hunters should always close and lock the gate upon entering and exiting the area. 
7. Only 1 vehicle may be used per quota permit or youth hunting group and must be parked only in designated parking areas. 
8. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or boat launch area.
9. No overnight parking allowed. 
10. The use of any motorized vessels including: airboats, gas-powered (internal combustion engine) or electric motors is prohibited, except that electric trolling motors are allowed. 
11. Vessels shall be launched and loaded from a designated launch location only. 
12. Tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, swamp buggies and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited. 
13. 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: https://myfwc.com/ebike/.
Personal Property: The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
Hunters: 
1. Days open for scouting: Sept. 19, Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 5 and Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. 
2. The gate combination for access during quota hunts will be listed only on the quota permits. 
3. Please report your leg bands at reportband.gov. 
4. Hunting is prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting”.
Guns: 
1. Only non-toxic shot may be used to take wildlife.
2. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS. 
3. Taking wildlife from or across dikes, levees, bridges, or within 300 feet of designated vessel launch sites is prohibited. 
4. Taking wildlife with firearms other than shotguns is prohibited. 
5. Shotguns used for taking wildlife shall not be larger than 10 gauge and shall be incapable of holding more than 3 shells in magazine and chamber combined. 
6. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult. 
7. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Dogs: 
1. Dogs may be used for hunting during open seasons. 
2. 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: Ducks and snipe - See migratory bird hunting regulations.

Florida Department of Health Recommendation
The Florida Department of Health has recommended consumption limits for ducks harvested from this area. Consumption of ducks beyond these limits may pose an increased risk to human health (cancer) due to the concentration of pesticides that may exist in the duck meat. Hunters who qualify for more than one hunt per season on this area should pay special attention to the recommended consumption limits. 
Maximum number of ducks to be consumed per year: 3 mottled ducks, 9 teal or other dabbling or whistling ducks, 6 ringed-necked or other diving ducks. 
For more information, please contact Ducks@MyFWC.com. 
 
Seasons ( Count: 3)
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Waterfowl Season
    September wood duck and teal season: September 20, 24
    Youth Hunt: November 15
    Duck Season: November 22, 26, 29, December 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31, January 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24
    Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt: January 31, February 1
    Youth Hunt: February 7
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements – Lake Apopka North Shore waterfowl quota permit (except during youth hunts), hunting license, military license or ID (if hunting during the Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunts), management area permit, migratory bird permit, state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (unless hunting snipe only).
    Legal to Hunt - Ducks and snipe. See migratory bird season dates, bag limits, and regulations.

    Florida Department of Health Recommendation
    The Florida Department of Health has recommended consumption limits for ducks harvested from this area. Consumption of ducks beyond these limits may pose an increased risk to human health (cancer) due to the concentration of pesticides that may exist in the duck meat. Hunters who qualify for more than one hunt per season on this area should pay special attention to the recommended consumption limits. 
    Maximum number of ducks to be consumed per year: 3 mottled ducks, 9 teal or other dabbling or whistling ducks, 6 ringed-necked or other diving ducks. 
    For more information, please contact Ducks@MyFWC.com. 

    Regulations Unique to Waterfowl Season – All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply. 
    1. Hunting ducks and snipe with lead shot is prohibited. 
    2. Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until noon. 
    3. Non-hunting assistants with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife with a gun. 
    4. Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife with a gun.
  • Fishing
    Allowed year round.
    Permit, Stamp, & License Requirements - Freshwater fishing license.
    Legal to Take - See the Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary. This is a catch and release only area for all fish. 
    Regulations Unique to Fishing – 
    1. This area is strictly catch and release only. No person shall kill or possess any fish, and all fish must be released immediately on this area. 
    2. Frogging is prohibited. 
    3. All General Freshwater Fishing Regulations shall apply. 
    4. The possession of cast nets or minnow lift nets is prohibited.
 
General Information: 
1. Land surfaces underwater are irregular. Exercise caution while on foot or horseback. 
2. Taking off or landing aircraft (including drones) on District Lands is prohibited by F.A.C. 40C-9.320(8) unless authorized by a Special Use Authorization from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
3.  For information regarding recreational use other than hunting, please call the SJRWMD at 386-329-4401. 
4. Report fires to the Florida Forest Service at 352-955-2010. 
5. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA. 
6. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Commission at 352-732-1225 (TDD 800-955-8771). 
7. The SJRWMD management activities include prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. For more information, please visit https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements/ or the SJRWMD at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com or 386-329-4401.

911 ADDRESS: 
Parking Area
24451 Blackhorse Trail
Astatula, FL 34705 
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.