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Apalachicola
  pfs  3639

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 Apalachicola 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 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. 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, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
    13. The head and evidence of sex shall remain with any deer harvested on the area and shall not be removed from the carcass of any turkey harvested on the area.
    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. It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands.
    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.
    2. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated, named or numbered roads and mixed-use roads, except all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and unlicensed and unregistered vehicles (including motorcycles) are allowed only on designated motorized trails and mixed-use roads. The use of ATVs is prohibited on Northwest Florida Water Management District (WMD) lands (see map).
    3. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    4. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
    5. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
    6. 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.
  • Hunters
    Hunters and Harvest Reporting:
    1. Hunting equipment may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every season.
    2. Quail hunting is prohibited in the Quail Enhancement Area (QEA) except during the quail season. Other wildlife may be hunted in the QEA as described in this brochure. For more information on hunting quail in the QEA, see myfwc.com/hunting/quail/.
    3. Hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any 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. Hunting with a gun or archery equipment is prohibited on or from the rights-of-way of U.S. Highway 319, State Roads 12, 65, 263, 267, 373, 379, County Roads 67, 260, 299, 368, 375, or that portion of County Road 22 east of the Ochlockonee River.
    2. Hunting deer is prohibited within 50 yards of the rights-of-way of County Road 375.
    3. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exceptions for fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat season).
    4. 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.
    5. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
    6. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
    7. 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. 
    8. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. During general gun season, PCP air guns propelling a bullet .20 caliber or larger may also be used for hunting turkey.
    9. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    10. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    11. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. 
    12. 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.
    13. 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.
    14. 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. The taking or pursuing of deer, wild hog, fox, or coyote with dogs is prohibited unless each dog is equipped and monitored with devices that allow remote tracking and behavior correction.
    2. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area and during the deer dog training season in the fox hunt area. During the deer dog training season, deer dogs may be allowed to run free for training purposes, but the take of wildlife with a gun while training deer dogs is prohibited. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.
    3. Deer dogs may be trained beginning 1/2 hour before sunrise on October 28 through 11:59 p.m. on November 16 (including during non-daylight hours) in the designated Fox Hunt Area (see map).
    4. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited in the Still Hunt Areas (see map).
    5. Bird dogs may be trained June 1 through March 3, except in the Quail Enhancement Area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31 only.
    6. 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.
    7. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
    8. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Camping
    Camping:
    1. Camping in the National Forest is allowed year round but is limited to a 14-day stay, except during the general gun season. During the general gun season, camping is allowed only in designated campsites indicated on the hunt map and is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles. Campers may stay in the campsites from 14 days before to 14 days after the general gun season. Hickory, Whitehead and Mack Landings have restrooms and water and require camping fees. All other hunt camps are free of charge and have no permanent restrooms or water. For additional information on camping in the Apalachicola National Forest, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 850-926-3561 or 850-643-2282.
    2. Within the portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District land, camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as “no camping”), but shall not exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period.  Camping within designated campgrounds (see map) is allowed by permit only and subject to permit provisions.  To make a camping reservation, please visit www.nwfwater.com. Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
  • Bag and Possession Limits
    Bag and Possession Limits:
    1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
    A. Area limits - See statewide limits below.
    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 - Daily limit 1.
    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, possession limit 24 for each.
    5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24, except in the Quail Enhancement Area where the daily limit is 6 per person.
    6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
    7. Bobcat and otter - Possession limit 1 unless in possession of a trapping license.
    8. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
    9. Non-protected birds (African and Eurasian collared-doves, 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 850-265-3676 (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, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
13. The head and evidence of sex shall remain with any deer harvested on the area and shall not be removed from the carcass of any turkey harvested on the area.
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. It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands.
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.
2. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated, named or numbered roads and mixed-use roads, except all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and unlicensed and unregistered vehicles (including motorcycles) are allowed only on designated motorized trails and mixed-use roads. The use of ATVs is prohibited on Northwest Florida Water Management District (WMD) lands (see map).
3. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
4. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
5. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
6. 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.
Hunters and Harvest Reporting:
1. Hunting equipment may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every season.
2. Quail hunting is prohibited in the Quail Enhancement Area (QEA) except during the quail season. Other wildlife may be hunted in the QEA as described in this brochure. For more information on hunting quail in the QEA, see myfwc.com/hunting/quail/.
3. Hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any 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. Hunting with a gun or archery equipment is prohibited on or from the rights-of-way of U.S. Highway 319, State Roads 12, 65, 263, 267, 373, 379, County Roads 67, 260, 299, 368, 375, or that portion of County Road 22 east of the Ochlockonee River.
2. Hunting deer is prohibited within 50 yards of the rights-of-way of County Road 375.
3. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exceptions for fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat season).
4. 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.
5. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
6. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
7. 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. 
8. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. During general gun season, PCP air guns propelling a bullet .20 caliber or larger may also be used for hunting turkey.
9. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
10. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
11. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. 
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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. The taking or pursuing of deer, wild hog, fox, or coyote with dogs is prohibited unless each dog is equipped and monitored with devices that allow remote tracking and behavior correction.
2. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun season in the dog hunt area and during the deer dog training season in the fox hunt area. During the deer dog training season, deer dogs may be allowed to run free for training purposes, but the take of wildlife with a gun while training deer dogs is prohibited. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the general gun and small game seasons in the dog hunt area.
3. Deer dogs may be trained beginning 1/2 hour before sunrise on October 28 through 11:59 p.m. on November 16 (including during non-daylight hours) in the designated Fox Hunt Area (see map).
4. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited in the Still Hunt Areas (see map).
5. Bird dogs may be trained June 1 through March 3, except in the Quail Enhancement Area where bird dogs may be trained November 1 through December 31 only.
6. 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.
7. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
8. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
Camping:
1. Camping in the National Forest is allowed year round but is limited to a 14-day stay, except during the general gun season. During the general gun season, camping is allowed only in designated campsites indicated on the hunt map and is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles. Campers may stay in the campsites from 14 days before to 14 days after the general gun season. Hickory, Whitehead and Mack Landings have restrooms and water and require camping fees. All other hunt camps are free of charge and have no permanent restrooms or water. For additional information on camping in the Apalachicola National Forest, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 850-926-3561 or 850-643-2282.
2. Within the portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District land, camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as “no camping”), but shall not exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period.  Camping within designated campgrounds (see map) is allowed by permit only and subject to permit provisions.  To make a camping reservation, please visit www.nwfwater.com. Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
Bag and Possession Limits:
1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
A. Area limits - See statewide limits below.
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 - Daily limit 1.
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, possession limit 24 for each.
5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24, except in the Quail Enhancement Area where the daily limit is 6 per person.
6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
7. Bobcat and otter - Possession limit 1 unless in possession of a trapping license.
8. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
9. Non-protected birds (African and Eurasian collared-doves, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling) - No bag limits.
 
Seasons ( Count: 11)
  • Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season
    October 1 - March 3 (Fox Hunt Area Only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Fox, raccoon, opossum, and bobcat. Bobcat may be killed only from December 1 through March 1. Killing fox is prohibited.
    Regulations Unique to Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season - 
    1. Fox, raccoon, opossum and bobcat may be pursued with dogs during the day and at night, but only in the designated Fox Hunt Area shown on the map.
    2. During the small game and general gun seasons, only raccoon or opossum may be hunted at night throughout the Dog Hunt Area by the aid of light and dogs, and only with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 gauge shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. Hunting raccoon or opossum by display or use of light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.
    3. Please read the “Dogs” section for important updates related to hunting with dogs.
  • Archery Season
    October 21 - November 19
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, 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 (except in the QEA), rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season - 
    1. Only archery equipment may be used for hunting (except for methods of take allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds). Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit). 
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited.
  • Small Game Season
    November 11 - March 3
    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 (except in the QEA, unless during quail season), rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter December 1 through March 1.
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 
    1. Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
    2. Raccoon or opossum may be taken at night throughout the Dog Hunt Area (see #2 under Regulations Unique to Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season).
    3. Hunting wild hog with dogs is allowed in the Dog Hunt Area.
    4. Please read the “Dogs” section for important updates related to hunting with dogs.
  • General Gun Season
    November 23-26, December 9 - January 31
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting turkey), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, wild hog, bearded turkey or gobbler (November 23-26 and December 9-20 only), gray squirrel, quail (except in the QEA, unless during quail season), rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter beginning December 9.
    Regulations Unique to General Gun Season -
    1. During general gun season, the use of a light in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of wildlife from 12 a.m. (midnight) until ½ hour before sunrise is prohibited, except when hunting raccoon or opossum (see #2 under Regulations Unique to the Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season).
    2. Please read the “Dogs” section for important updates related to hunting with dogs.
  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    December 2-4
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, muzzleloading gun permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting turkey), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, wild hog, bearded turkey or gobbler, gray squirrel, quail (except in the QEA), rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Muzzleloading Gun Season - 
    1. Hunting with archery equipment or guns, other than muzzleloading guns, is prohibited except as allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds.
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited.
  • Quail Season

    (Quail Enhancement Area only): January through February (Wednesdays and Saturdays only, maximum of 16 days). For specific dates refer to: https://myfwc.com/hunting/quail/.

    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Quail.
  • Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season
    February 1-11
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, archery permit (if hunting with archery equipment), muzzleloading gun permit (if hunting with a muzzleloading gun), deer permit (if hunting deer) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail (except in the QEA, unless during quail season), rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season - 
    1. Only archery equipment and muzzleloading guns may be used for hunting (except as allowed during other open seasons) such as centerfire shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited.
  • Trapping
    February 1 - March 1
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Trapping license and management area permit.
    Legal to Trap - Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, otter, and bobcat.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: March 9-10
    Spring Turkey: March 16 - April 21
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Gobbler or Bearded turkey.
    Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season - 
    1. Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2. Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
    4. Only bows, crossbows, PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow and shotguns using a #2 or smaller shot size may be used for hunting.
    5. During the youth turkey hunt, only youth under 16 years of age may hunt and must be under the direct physical supervision 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 take wild turkey with a gun.
  • Migratory Bird Season

    Migratory game birds and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons. See migratory game bird hunting regulations.

    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - 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. Non-protected birds 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 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 Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not take wildlife with a gun.
    5. Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not take wildlife with a gun.
  • 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 850-265-3676 (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. Forest Service Rules and Information:
1. Discharging a firearm across or on a Forest Development Road is prohibited (CFR Title 36261.10[d]).
2. Constructing, placing or maintaining any kind of structure or other improvement is prohibited without a written permit from the district ranger. The permit must be posted on the structure at all times.
3. The use of permanent-type treestands is prohibited. Portable-type treestands are encouraged, but must be removed at season's end.
4. Removing firewood from the forest without a permit from the district ranger is prohibited.
5. Fenced areas are open to hunting unless posted as closed. Close All Gates.
6. Only named or numbered roads and mixed-use roads are open to licensed motor vehicles. Unlicensed motor vehicles (such as ATVs or utility vehicles) are restricted to the OHV trail system (Leon County) or mixed-use roads (Liberty County). Trails/roads/pathways without numbers are closed to motor vehicle use. Motor Vehicle Use Maps may be obtained at Forest Service offices or at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/florida/maps-pubs.
7. Be aware that hikers and horse, mountain bike, ATV and motorcycle riders use trails throughout the year.
8. For information on camping or for additional information on Forest Service regulations in the Apalachicola National Forest, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 850-926-3561 or 850-643-2282. Violations may result in fines or imprisonment.
9. U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service (USDA-FS) conducts prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including during hunting seasons. Any hunting equipment left on the area is at risk of being damaged. The USDA-FS is not responsible for protection of personal property that is left on their lands and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property left on the area. Area users should contact the USDA-FS for information regarding scheduled burns and timber management at 850-643-2282.
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 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 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, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.