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Blackwater
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	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 Blackwater 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 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: General Gun Still (first 13 days and last 17 days) - 1,800, no-cost, quota permits. General Gun Dog - 450, no-cost, quota permits for each of 2 hunts (first 20 days and last 24 days). Note: the Blackwater general gun dog hunt quota permits are transferable. Family Hunt - 150, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions). Archery/Muzzleloading Gun (Field Trial Area) - 75, no-cost, quota permits. Permit applications: Hunters must submit electronic applications for quota and special-opportunity permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Worksheets listing hunts, application periods, deadlines and instructions are available at county tax collector’s offices, FWC offices or MyFWC.com. Quota application periods occur throughout the year beginning April 1; please refer to the hunting handbook or MyFWC.com for specific dates. Worksheets will be available about 2 weeks prior to each application period. Guest hunters: For each non-transferable archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, spring turkey and mobility-impaired quota permit issued through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, a quota permit holder (host) may take a guest hunter by obtaining a guest permit. Guest hunters are not allowed during general gun dog, family still hunt and quail quota hunts. A guest hunter must possess a completed guest permit while hunting except the following persons may be a guest hunter without a guest permit: a youth under 16 years of age, a youth supervisor, a mentor license holder or a mentor license supervisor. A host may only bring 1 guest hunter at a time and may only use 1 guest permit per day. The following persons are not considered to be guest hunters: other quota permit holders, non-hunters and exempt hunters (on areas and during seasons that allow exemptions). The guest hunter and host must enter and exit the area together and must share a street-legal vehicle while hunting on the area. The guest hunter may hunt only while the host is on the area. Refer to the quota hunt worksheets for additional information. Youth and mentor license holders: If a youth or mentor supervisor is hunting during any hunt for which quota permits are issued, at least 1 person in the party must be in possession of a quota permit. 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 (except the general gun-dog hunt quota permits); antlerless deer permits are transferable. A positive form of identification is required when using a non-transferable permit, except for 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 during daylight hours, defined as ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (but see each season for potential exceptions). 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. 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. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year. 3. Only street-legal vehicles are allowed. The use of airboats, tracked vehicles, swamp buggies or other off-highway vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and off-highway motorcycles) is prohibited, except by permit from the Florida Forest Service. Find more information for permits to use off-highway vehicles at the Clear Creek OHV Riding Area on the Recreation Areas at Blackwater River State Forest Webpage. 4. Street-legal motor vehicles may be operated only on named and numbered roads. 5. The Florida Gas Transmission Line is closed to public vehicular traffic. 7. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane. 8. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. 9. 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, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting: 1. 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. 2. Hunting quail in the Field Trial and Quail Enhancement areas (see map) is allowed only during the quail season dates specified in this brochure. 3. During the family hunt only, all hunt participants must check in at the designated check station prior to hunting and check all game taken. 4. Hunting is prohibited on Bear, Karick, and Krul lakes, and the eastern portion of Hurricane Lake (see map). 5. In addition to checking all game at an area check station (during the family hunt), 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 State Road 4 and 189; U.S. 90; County Road 2, 180 and 191; Beaver Creek Highway, Bryant Bridge, Norman Riley, Sandy Forest, Pleasant Home, Bob Pitts, Deaton Bridge, Indian Ford, Red Rock, Shockley Springs, State Line, Sherman Kennedy, Hurricane Lake, Belandville and Sellersville roads; paved portions of Camp Lowery Road and Green Road; and Carpenter Road from County Road 191 to Juniper Creek. 2. Taking wildlife with a gun or archery equipment within 300 yards of any public campsite is prohibited. 3. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season", #1 under "General Gun-Dog Season", #3 under "Small Game Season", and #2 under "Wild Hog-Dog Season" in this brochure. 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 airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 7. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 8. Hunting turkey with airguns 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 airgun 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, airguns, 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. Taking deer with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #4 under "Family Hunt Season" and during the "General Gun-Dog Season" in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area). 2. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in the Still Hunt Area, Field Trial Area, and during the portion of general gun still season that occurs in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area), except any dog may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbits, gray squirrel, and migratory birds in season) and non-protected birds during small game season and to hunt wild hogs during the wild hog-dog season. Hunting wild hog with dogs during the small game season is prohibited, except in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area). 3. Bird dogs may be trained throughout the year, except during the spring turkey season and in the Field Trial and Quail Enhancement Areas. Bird dogs may be trained in the Quail Enhancement Area only during the bird dog training season (November 1 through December 31); a general gun quota permit is required if training during the general gun quota period. Dogs are prohibited in the Field Trial Area, except as specifically authorized by permit, or during the bird dog training (October 1-15 and November 14-30) and dove or quail hunting seasons, or during wild hog-dog season for the purpose of hunting wild hogs. 4. 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. 5. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game. 6. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. 7. 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. 8. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs. Camping Camping: Camping is allowed at the following sites: Bear, Hurricane, Karick and Krul Lakes, Coldwater, Clear Creek OHV Riding Area, Blackwater River State Park and other designated campsites. Most overnight camps require a fee. See Florida Forest Service Rules and Information below. Bag and Possession Limits Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person. The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit. 1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits. A. Area limits - See statewide limits below. Family hunt - 3 deer per quota permit (only 1 antlerless deer may be taken per person per day). Archery/muzzleloading gun season, Field Trial Area - 1 antlered and 1 antlerless deer per day. 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 limits. 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, except the daily bag limit for quail on the Quail Enhancement Area 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 and Florida Forest Service are 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 during daylight hours, defined as ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (but see each season for potential exceptions). 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. 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. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year. 3. Only street-legal vehicles are allowed. The use of airboats, tracked vehicles, swamp buggies or other off-highway vehicles (including all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and off-highway motorcycles) is prohibited, except by permit from the Florida Forest Service. Find more information for permits to use off-highway vehicles at the Clear Creek OHV Riding Area on the Recreation Areas at Blackwater River State Forest Webpage. 4. Street-legal motor vehicles may be operated only on named and numbered roads. 5. The Florida Gas Transmission Line is closed to public vehicular traffic. 7. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane. 8. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. 9. 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, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting: 1. 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. 2. Hunting quail in the Field Trial and Quail Enhancement areas (see map) is allowed only during the quail season dates specified in this brochure. 3. During the family hunt only, all hunt participants must check in at the designated check station prior to hunting and check all game taken. 4. Hunting is prohibited on Bear, Karick, and Krul lakes, and the eastern portion of Hurricane Lake (see map). 5. In addition to checking all game at an area check station (during the family hunt), 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 State Road 4 and 189; U.S. 90; County Road 2, 180 and 191; Beaver Creek Highway, Bryant Bridge, Norman Riley, Sandy Forest, Pleasant Home, Bob Pitts, Deaton Bridge, Indian Ford, Red Rock, Shockley Springs, State Line, Sherman Kennedy, Hurricane Lake, Belandville and Sellersville roads; paved portions of Camp Lowery Road and Green Road; and Carpenter Road from County Road 191 to Juniper Creek. 2. Taking wildlife with a gun or archery equipment within 300 yards of any public campsite is prohibited. 3. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season", #1 under "General Gun-Dog Season", #3 under "Small Game Season", and #2 under "Wild Hog-Dog Season" in this brochure. 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 airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 7. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 8. Hunting turkey with airguns 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 airgun 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, airguns, 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. Taking deer with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #4 under "Family Hunt Season" and during the "General Gun-Dog Season" in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area). 2. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited in the Still Hunt Area, Field Trial Area, and during the portion of general gun still season that occurs in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area), except any dog may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbits, gray squirrel, and migratory birds in season) and non-protected birds during small game season and to hunt wild hogs during the wild hog-dog season. Hunting wild hog with dogs during the small game season is prohibited, except in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area). 3. Bird dogs may be trained throughout the year, except during the spring turkey season and in the Field Trial and Quail Enhancement Areas. Bird dogs may be trained in the Quail Enhancement Area only during the bird dog training season (November 1 through December 31); a general gun quota permit is required if training during the general gun quota period. Dogs are prohibited in the Field Trial Area, except as specifically authorized by permit, or during the bird dog training (October 1-15 and November 14-30) and dove or quail hunting seasons, or during wild hog-dog season for the purpose of hunting wild hogs. 4. 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. 5. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game. 6. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. 7. 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. 8. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
	Camping: Camping is allowed at the following sites: Bear, Hurricane, Karick and Krul Lakes, Coldwater, Clear Creek OHV Riding Area, Blackwater River State Park and other designated campsites. Most overnight camps require a fee. See Florida Forest Service Rules and Information below.
	Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person. The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit. 1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits. A. Area limits - See statewide limits below. Family hunt - 3 deer per quota permit (only 1 antlerless deer may be taken per person per day). Archery/muzzleloading gun season, Field Trial Area - 1 antlered and 1 antlerless deer per day. 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 limits. 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, except the daily bag limit for quail on the Quail Enhancement Area 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: 14) Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season May 1 - March 2 (Fox Hunt Area only) Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period; see exception under general gun dog season), hunting license, and management area permit. Legal to Hunt - Fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, coyote, and rabbits. Bobcat may not be harvested, except during daylight hours from December 1 through March 1. Coyote and rabbits may not be harvested, except as allowed during overlapping seasons. Raccoon and opossum may only be harvested as described in #2 of "Regulations Unique to Fox, Raccoon, Opossum, and Bobcat Season", except as allowed during overlapping seasons. Harvesting fox is prohibited. Regulations Unique to Fox, Raccoon, Opossum and Bobcat Season - 1. Fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, and coyote may be chased with free-running dogs during the day and at night, but only in the designated fox hunt area (see map). 2. Raccoon and 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 centerfire or muzzleloading 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. 3. Rabbits may be chased with free-running dogs from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset only. Wild Hog-Dog Season 2024 hunt dates: May 3-5, 17-19, June 7-9, 21-23, July 5-7, 19-21, August 2-4, 16-18, September 6-8, 20-22 2025 hunt dates: May 2-4, 16-18, June 6-8, 20-22 Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Management area permit. Legal to Hunt - Wild hog. Regulations Unique to the Wild Hog-Dog Season - 1. Hunts begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning and end at midnight Sunday evening. 2. Wild hogs may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by the aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot during the period from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hogs under this provision by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited. 3. Hunting wild hog from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset is prohibited in that portion of the area south of State Road 4 and west of County Road 191. Archery Season October 26 - November 24 (throughout the area) November 28 - December 1, December 21 - January 16, January 20 - February 12 (Field Trial Area only) 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 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn) from October 26 through November 24 only, wild hog, turkey of either sex, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, 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 as allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire and muzzleloading 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, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the archery season. 3. The take of antlerless deer and turkey is prohibited in the Field Trial Area after November 24. Small Game Season November 9 - March 2 (except in the Field Trial Area) Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), 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, rabbits, 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 prohibited. 2. Hunting wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during daylight hours in the Dog Hunt Area (including the Fox Hunt Area). 3. In the Dog Hunt Area only, raccoon and 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 centerfire or muzzleloading 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. 4. A quota permit is not required to hunt raccoon and opossum from 1 hour after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise on dates that overlap with general gun-dog season. 5. Quail may only be hunted in the Field Trial Area on certain dates during February and in the Quail Enhancement Area on certain dates during January and February. See the "Quail Season" section of this brochure for more information. General Gun Still Season November 28 - December 1, December 21 - February 12 (Still Hunt Area only) January 6-19 (Dog Hunt Area only) Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting November 28 - December 1, December 21-29 or January 27 through February 12), hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), antlerless deer permit (if hunting antlerless deer), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer by antlerless deer permit only and only in portions of the still hunt area and during dates as listed on the permit (each antlerless deer permit allows the take of 1 deer without antlers or with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, 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 Still Season - 1. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited. 2. General gun still season is closed in the Field Trial Area. General Gun Dog Season Hunt 1: November 28 - December 1, December 21 - January 5 (Dog Hunt Area only, which includes Fox Hunt Area) Hunt 2: January 20 - February 12 (Dog Hunt Area only, which includes Fox Hunt Area) Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), antlerless deer permit (if hunting antlerless deer), WMA deer-dog permit (if hunting deer with dogs), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer by antlerless deer permit only and only in that portion of the dog hunt area as listed on the permit (each antlerless deer permit allows the take of 1 deer without antlers or with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, 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 Dog Season - 1. Raccoon and 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 centerfire or muzzleloading 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 quota permit is not required to hunt raccoon and opossum from 1 hour after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise. 3. General gun dog season is closed in the Field Trial Area. 4. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs. Muzzleloading Gun Season December 7-9 (except in the Field Trial Area) Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, muzzleloading gun permit, deer permit (if hunting deer) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds). Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, 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, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the muzzleloading gun season. Family Hunt December 14-15 Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Family Hunt quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), WMA deer-dog permit (if hunting deer with dogs), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Regulations Unique to the Family Hunt - 1. Up to 2 youths (under 16 years of age but not younger than 8 years of age) per quota permit may hunt under the direct supervision of an adult (at least 18 years of age), but the quota permit holder must be present for the youth to hunt. Supervising adults other than the permit holder may participate in the hunt, but may not harvest wildlife. 2. The quota permit holder may hunt, but only in the presence of at least 1 youth. 3. All hunt participants are requested to attend a pre-hunt orientation meeting at the Munson Fire Station from 5 to 6 p.m. the day before the hunt. 4. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is allowed in the dog hunt area only (including the fox hunt area). 5. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs. Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season January 17-19 (Field Trial Area only) February 20 - March 2 (except in the Field Trial Area) Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting in the Field Trial Area), 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), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer if hunting in the field trial area (antlerless deer includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, 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 hogs with dogs is prohibited, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the archery/muzzleloading gun season. Quail Season February 5-6, 10-11, 19-20, 24-25 (Field Trial Area only) January through February on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, maximum of 16 days (Quail Enhancement Area only). For specific dates in the Quail Enhancement Area please refer to: https://myfwc.com/hunting/quail/. Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license and management area permit. Legal to Hunt - Quail. Regulations Unique to Quail Season - 1. Hunting quail after 3 p.m. Central Time is prohibited on the Field Trial Area. 2. Hunting with centerfire rifles is prohibited, except in the Quail Enhancement Area on dates that overlap with the general gun season. Spring Turkey Season Youth Turkey: March 8-9 (except in the Field Trial Area) Spring Turkey: March 15 - April 20 (except in the Field Trial Area) 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 centerfire and muzzleloading 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 supervision and in the presence of an adult not younger than 18 years of age. Adults with required licenses and permits may participate when in the presence of a youth, but may not harvest a wild turkey. Migratory Bird Season Migratory game birds and crows (other than doves, ducks, geese, and coot) may be hunted when their respective statewide seasons coincide with seasons in this brochure where migratory birds are listed as legal to hunt. Mourning dove and white-winged dove may be hunted throughout the area during the statewide dove season, except in the Field Trial Area where doves may be hunted on posted dove fields only. Ducks, geese, and coot may be hunted during statewide waterfowl seasons, except hunting is prohibited on Bear, Karick, and Krul lakes, and the eastern portion of Hurricane Lake (see map). See migratory game bird hunting regulations. Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), hunting license, military license or ID (if harvesting waterfowl during the Veterans and Military Waterfowl Hunts), management area permit, migratory bird permit, and state waterfowl permit and 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 and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt. 3. Shooting hours for migratory birds 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 harvest wildlife. 5. Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife. Fishing and Frogging Allowed year-round (except on the fish hatchery). 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. Trapping Prohibited.


	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 and Florida Forest Service are 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.



	Florida Forest Service Rules and Information: 1. Most Florida State Forest campsites are reservable on any mobile device or computer by visiting FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com, or by calling ReserveAmerica at (877) 879-3859. 2. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) requires a fee at some day-use areas and all campgrounds. Hunters are exempt from paying day-use fees 2 weeks prior to and during scheduled hunts. All campground and other fees apply. For information on general recreation and fees, please contact the FFS at 850-957-5700. 3. No person shall operate any vehicle on managed lands controlled by the FFS at a speed greater than 30 mph, unless otherwise posted. 4. Florida traffic laws relating to vehicles and vehicle operators apply on this area. 5. FFS management includes prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. Area users should contact the FFS for information and location of burn areas, 850-957-5700.
	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. Persons using the Florida Trail during open hunting seasons are encouraged to wear blaze-orange headgear and/or clothing. 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.