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Big Bend - Hickory Mound Unit
  pfs  4057

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 Hickory Mound Unit of the Big Bend 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, WMA deer-dog hunting 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:
General Gun (first 9 days) - 175, no-cost, quota permits.  This permit is not needed for hunting ducks, geese and coot in the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
 
Permit applications: Hunters must submit electronic applications for quota 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. 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; ATVs may be ridden independently. 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. During a hunt that allows exemptions, a non-exempt supervisor of a youth must have a quota permit to hunt.
 
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, except 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.
    21.  Commercial fishing or crabbing is prohibited in the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1.  Open to public access year round.
    2.  Persons must enter and exit only at designated entrances.
    3.  Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 through August 31, motorized vehicles may be operated only on Cow Creek Grade, Coker Road, J. C. Franklin Grade and Swartz Tram west of J. C. Franklin Grade.
    4.  Airboats and vehicles are prohibited inside the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
    5.  Gas-powered outboard motors are prohibited in the Hickory Mound Impoundment, except motors of 4 hp or less are allowed from April 1 through August 30.
    6.  Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    7.  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.
    8.      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 Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
    1.  During the first 16 days of archery, general gun and spring turkey seasons, hunters must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested. After 2 p.m. during spring turkey season, hunters are not required to check in or out or check harvested turkeys (the check station will not be staffed after 2 p.m. during spring turkey season).
    2.  In addition to checking all game at an area check station when check stations are staffed, hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
    3.  When staffed, check station hours are from 5 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset, except during the spring turkey season when hours are 5 a.m. until 2 p.m.
    4.  When check stations are staffed, waterfowl hunters using the Hickory Mound Impoundment must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested.
    5.  Hunting from permanent blinds or structures in the Hickory Mound Impoundment is prohibited.
    6.  Tree stands and elevated shooting platforms may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any hunt and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every hunt.
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1.  Only shotguns, bows or crossbows are allowed for hunting in the Hickory Mound Impoundment, but shotguns may be used for hunting only on days when waterfowl hunting is allowed and only for hunting migratory game birds.
    2.  The take of wildlife with any firearm from the Hickory Mound Impoundment dikes is prohibited.
    3.  Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exceptions for general gun and small game seasons).
    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.
    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, muzzleloading guns, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    12.  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.
    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.  Hunting deer with dogs is allowed only during the general gun season.
    2.  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.
    3.  Hunting with dogs is allowed during the general gun and small game seasons.
    4.  Hunting with dogs is prohibited [including deer dog training] during the archery season.
    5.  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.
    6.  Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
    7.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
    8.  A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.

  • Camping
    Camping:
    Camping is prohibited, except for primitive overnight camping at designated sites at Rock Island by through paddlers using the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail from September 11 through June 30, if in possession of a camping permit from the Commission (850-488-5520). The permit will be valid for 1 night only.
  • 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. No person shall exceed statewide bag 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 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.  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.  The WMA extends into the Gulf of Mexico to the outermost occurrence of black needlerush.
    2.  Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
    3.  If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386-758-0525 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    4.  FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
    5.  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 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.
21.  Commercial fishing or crabbing is prohibited in the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
Public Access and Vehicles:
1.  Open to public access year round.
2.  Persons must enter and exit only at designated entrances.
3.  Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 through August 31, motorized vehicles may be operated only on Cow Creek Grade, Coker Road, J. C. Franklin Grade and Swartz Tram west of J. C. Franklin Grade.
4.  Airboats and vehicles are prohibited inside the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
5.  Gas-powered outboard motors are prohibited in the Hickory Mound Impoundment, except motors of 4 hp or less are allowed from April 1 through August 30.
6.  Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
7.  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.
8.  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 Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
1.  During the first 16 days of archery, general gun and spring turkey seasons, hunters must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested. After 2 p.m. during spring turkey season, hunters are not required to check in or out or check harvested turkeys (the check station will not be staffed after 2 p.m. during spring turkey season).
2.  In addition to checking all game at an area check station when check stations are staffed, hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
3.  When staffed, check station hours are from 5 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset, except during the spring turkey season when hours are 5 a.m. until 2 p.m.
4.  When check stations are staffed, waterfowl hunters using the Hickory Mound Impoundment must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested.
5.  Hunting from permanent blinds or structures in the Hickory Mound Impoundment is prohibited.
6.  Tree stands and elevated shooting platforms may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any hunt and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every hunt.
Guns:
1.  Only shotguns, bows or crossbows are allowed for hunting in the Hickory Mound Impoundment, but shotguns may be used for hunting only on days when waterfowl hunting is allowed and only for hunting migratory game birds.
2.  The take of wildlife with any firearm from the Hickory Mound Impoundment dikes is prohibited.
3.  Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exceptions for general gun and small game seasons).
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.
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, muzzleloading guns, pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
12.  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.
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.  Hunting deer with dogs is allowed only during the general gun season.
2.  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.
3.  Hunting with dogs is allowed during the general gun and small game seasons.
4.  Hunting with dogs is prohibited [including deer dog training] during the archery season.
5.  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.
6.  Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
7.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
8.  A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
Camping:
Camping is prohibited, except for primitive overnight camping at designated sites at Rock Island by through paddlers using the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail from September 11 through June 30, if in possession of a camping permit from the Commission (850-488-5520). The permit will be valid for 1 night only.

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. No person shall exceed statewide bag 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 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.  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: 7)
  • Archery Season
    September 21 - October 20
    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 - Deer with at least 1 antler having 2 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5-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, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    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 and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
  • General Gun Season
    November 2-10, 11-17, November 18 - December 29
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during the first hunt), WMA deer-dog hunting permit (if hunting deer with dogs), 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 2 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5-inches or more in length, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter beginning December 1.
    Regulations Unique to General Gun Season - 
    1. Raccoon or opossum may be hunted at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. Hunting raccoon or opossum by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.
    2. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
  • Small Game Season
    November 11 - March 2
    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, 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 hunted at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. Hunting raccoon or opossum by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.
  • Trapping
    January 6 - 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
    March 15 - April 20
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - 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.
  • Migratory Bird Season

    Migratory game birds and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons that coincide with the seasons listed in this brochure. Ducks, geese and coot may be hunted during statewide waterfowl seasons (see exception for Hickory Mound Impoundment). See migratory game bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting outside the Hickory Mound Impoundment 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. Non-protected birds may also be taken.
    Regulations Unique to Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.
    1.  Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the Hickory Mound Impoundment only during the statewide waterfowl seasons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and the first day of each phase of the duck, goose and coot season; shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise until noon. On the remainder of the WMA, waterfowl hunting is allowed during all days of statewide waterfowl seasons; shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2.  Hunting ducks, geese and coot with lead shot is prohibited.
    3.  Centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt.
    4.  When check stations are staffed, waterfowl hunters must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested.
    5.  Shooting hours for mourning and white-winged dove are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.
    6.  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.
    7.  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.
    1.  Commercial fishing or crabbing is prohibited in the Hickory Mound Impoundment.
    2.  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.  The WMA extends into the Gulf of Mexico to the outermost occurrence of black needlerush.
2.  Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
3.  If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386-758-0525 (TDD 800-955-8771).
4.  FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
5.  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.