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Nutrien - White Springs
  pfs  3491

Regulations Summary and Area Map

July 01, 2023 - June 30, 2024
 
 
This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Nutrien-White Springs 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 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 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:
Quota permits are not required for this area.

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 other food for wildlife on this area.
    2.  Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
    3.  No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    4.  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.
    5.  The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
    6.  Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
    7.  People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
    8.  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.
    9.  The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
    10.  The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    11.  Littering is prohibited.
    12.  It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands.
    13.  A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
    14.  Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime the management area is open for public access.
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1.  These WMA lands are known locally and identified on some maps as “Beehaven Bay”.
    2.  This WMA is adjacent to an industrial area with frequent vehicle use by large work trucks. Please use caution when operating vehicles on nearby roads.
    3.  Open to public access only by persons participating in the hunt and by anglers from sunrise until sunset during periods closed to hunting. Hunters may scout during daylight hours the 2 days prior to each phase of waterfowl season. Hunters may enter the area on hunt days beginning at 5 a.m. and must exit by 1 p.m.
    4.  Motorized boats are allowed, except the use of airboats is prohibited.
    5.  Watercraft may be operated at idle speed only.
    6.  Wading and the use of tube boats are prohibited.
    7.  Warning - This area includes deep open water with shallow marsh areas throughout. Be cautious of submerged wetlands when operating watercraft. It is extremely hazardous for persons to attempt to wade or swim in the area! 
    8.  Vehicles may only be operated on designated portions of roads (see map) and may only be parked adjacent to the boat launch entrance road.
    9.  Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    10.  No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. Motorcycles and ATVs may only be operated on roads open to other motor vehicles.
    11.      Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
  • Hunters
    Hunters:
    Please report leg bands to 800-327-BAND or at www.reportband.gov.
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1.  Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
    2.  Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    3.  No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    4.  For hunting migratory game, only 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.
    5.  Hunting with air guns, full-automatic firearms, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
    6.  The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
  • Dogs
    Dogs:
    1.  Only waterfowl retrievers may be used for hunting.
    2.  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.
    3.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Camping
    Camping:
     Prohibited.
  • Bag and Possession Limits
    Bag and Possession Limits: No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
    Duck, geese (including Egyptian goose) and coot - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
  • 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 386-758-0525 (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.  It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
2.  Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
3.  No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
4.  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.
5.  The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
6.  Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
7.  People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
8.  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.
9.  The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
10.  The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
11.  Littering is prohibited.
12.  It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands.
13.  A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
14.  Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime the management area is open for public access.
Public Access and Vehicles:
1.  These WMA lands are known locally and identified on some maps as “Beehaven Bay”.
2.  This WMA is adjacent to an industrial area with frequent vehicle use by large work trucks. Please use caution when operating vehicles on nearby roads.
3.  Open to public access only by persons participating in the hunt and by anglers from sunrise until sunset during periods closed to hunting. Hunters may scout during daylight hours the 2 days prior to each phase of waterfowl season. Hunters may enter the area on hunt days beginning at 5 a.m. and must exit by 1 p.m.
4.  Motorized boats are allowed, except the use of airboats is prohibited.
5.  Watercraft may be operated at idle speed only.
6.  Wading and the use of tube boats are prohibited.
7.  Warning - This area includes deep open water with shallow marsh areas throughout. Be cautious of submerged wetlands when operating watercraft. It is extremely hazardous for persons to attempt to wade or swim in the area! 
8.  Vehicles may only be operated on designated portions of roads (see map) and may only be parked adjacent to the boat launch entrance road.
9.  Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
10.  No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. Motorcycles and ATVs may only be operated on roads open to other motor vehicles.
11.  Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
Hunters:
Please report leg bands to 800-327-BAND or at www.reportband.gov.
Guns:
1.  Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
2.  Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
3.  No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4.  For hunting migratory game, only 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.
5.  Hunting with air guns, full-automatic firearms, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
6.  The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
Dogs:
1.  Only waterfowl retrievers may be used for hunting.
2.  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.
3.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
Camping:
 Prohibited.
Bag and Possession Limits: No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
Duck, geese (including Egyptian goose) and coot - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
 
Seasons ( Count: 2)
  • Waterfowl Season
    September Teal & Wood Duck (Wednesdays & Saturdays only): September 16-20
    September Teal Only (Wednesdays & Saturdays only): September 21-24
    Youth Duck & Goose (Saturday only): November 11
    Regular Season 1st Phase (Ducks, Coots & Light Geese; Wednesdays & Saturdays only): November 18-25
    Regular Season 2nd Phase Canada Goose (Wednesdays & Saturdays only): November 18-25
    Regular Season 3rd Phase Canada Goose (Wednesdays & Saturdays only): December 2 - January 27
    Regular Season 2nd Phase (Ducks, Coots & Light Geese; Wednesdays & Saturdays only): December 9 - January 27
    Veteran's and Military Waterfowl Days (Saturday only): February 3
    Youth Duck & Goose (Saturday only): February 10
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp.
    Legal to Hunt - Ducks, geese (including Egyptian goose) and coot (see migratory game bird hunting regulations).
    Regulations Unique to Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.

    1.  Ducks, geese and coot may be hunted only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    2.  Shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise until noon.

    3.  Hunting ducks, geese and coot with lead shot is prohibited.
  • Fishing and Frogging

    Prohibited during periods open to hunting; allowed during periods closed to hunting.
    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.
 
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 386-758-0525 (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.

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.
 FWC programs receive Federal financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Fish and 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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) at: FWC, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399, Ph: (850) 488-6411, or you may write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.