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Blackwater - Hutton Unit
  pfs  5328

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 Hutton Unit of 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 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. Mobility-impaired certification applications are available from regional offices of the Commission and at MyFWC.com.

Quota Permit Information:
Dove - 40, no-cost, daily quota permits (no exemptions) are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season. 
Archery - 30, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Muzzleloading Gun - 30, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
General Gun - 30, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts. 
Quail - 8, no-cost, daily quota permits (no exemptions) are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Mobility-impaired General Gun - 30, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Family Hunt - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Youth Turkey - 5, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Spring Turkey - 10, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 3 hunts.
 
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 quail and youth turkey 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. 
 
Assistant for mobility-impaired hunters:  Mobility-impaired hunters may be accompanied by a guest hunter, as specified above, and 1 non-hunting assistant that may participate in the hunt (no license required), but the assistant may not harvest wildlife with archery equipment or a gun.
 
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 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. 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, except during hunting seasons only individuals participating in a hunt are allowed vehicular access.
    2. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on roads shown on the brochure map (except as provided below for mobility-impaired and quail hunts) and shall enter and exit only at designated entrances (see map).
    3. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are prohibited, except mobility-impaired hunters may operate ATVs on established roads, trails and firebreaks only during the mobility-impaired general gun season.
    4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    5. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
    6. Florida traffic laws relating to vehicles and vehicle operators apply on this area.
    7. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
    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.
    9. During quail season only, individuals possessing a valid daily quota permit may operate street-legal motor vehicles on the powerline roads as designated on the hunt map.
  • 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. Hunters must check in at the check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested during the dove, archery, muzzleloading gun, quail, general gun, mobility-impaired general gun, and family hunt seasons. Check station hours are from 5 a.m. through 1 hour after sunset.
    3. In addition to checking all game at an area check station (see #2 above), 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.
    4. Access to the area for wild hog-dog hunts is through Entrances A and B on Deaton Bridge Road (see map).
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1. Hunting with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleoading shotguns is prohibited during quail season.
    2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exception for wild hog-dog season).
    3. 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.
    4. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
    5. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
    6. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed.
    7. Hunting turkey with airguns is prohibited, except PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed.
    8. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or airgun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    9. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    10. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, airguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    11. 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.
    12. 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.
    13. 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 with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take wild hog during wild hog-dog season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited.
    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. Bird dogs may be trained Monday through Friday in October (except during archery season).
    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.
  • Camping
    Camping:
    1. Camping equipment may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of the season. 
    2. Camping is allowed only at designated campsites.
  • 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 -
    Archery season - 2 deer per day, but only 1 antlered deer per quota permit.
    Muzzleloading and general gun seasons - 2 antlered deer per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
    Mobility-impaired general gun season - 2 deer per quota permit (antlerless deer harvest is limited to 1 per day and only by mobility-impaired hunters).
    Family hunt - 3 deer per quota permit, but no more than 1 antlered deer per person and no more than 1 antlerless deer per quota permit.
    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.
    Spring turkey - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
    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. Wildlife management areas and state forests are not just for hunting and fishing. They have been purchased for preservation to benefit all of Florida’s residents and you don’t have to hunt or fish to enjoy them. The same habitat management practices that provide hunting and fishing opportunities also create opportunities for wildlife viewing.
    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 850-265-3676 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    4. 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.
    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. 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, except during hunting seasons only individuals participating in a hunt are allowed vehicular access.
2. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on roads shown on the brochure map (except as provided below for mobility-impaired and quail hunts) and shall enter and exit only at designated entrances (see map).
3. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are prohibited, except mobility-impaired hunters may operate ATVs on established roads, trails and firebreaks only during the mobility-impaired general gun season.
4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
5. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
6. Florida traffic laws relating to vehicles and vehicle operators apply on this area.
7. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
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.
9. During quail season only, individuals possessing a valid daily quota permit may operate street-legal motor vehicles on the powerline roads as designated on the hunt map.
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. Hunters must check in at the check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested during the dove, archery, muzzleloading gun, quail, general gun, mobility-impaired general gun, and family hunt seasons. Check station hours are from 5 a.m. through 1 hour after sunset.
3. In addition to checking all game at an area check station (see #2 above), 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.
4. Access to the area for wild hog-dog hunts is through Entrances A and B on Deaton Bridge Road (see map).
Guns:
1. Hunting with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleoading shotguns is prohibited during quail season.
2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited (see exception for wild hog-dog season).
3. 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.
4. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
5. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
6. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed.
7. Hunting turkey with airguns is prohibited, except PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed.
8. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or airgun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
9. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, airguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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 with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited, except any dog may be used to take wild hog during wild hog-dog season. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during the wild hog-dog season. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited.
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. Bird dogs may be trained Monday through Friday in October (except during archery season).
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.
Camping:
1. Camping equipment may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of the season. 
2. Camping is allowed only at designated campsites.
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 -
Archery season - 2 deer per day, but only 1 antlered deer per quota permit.
Muzzleloading and general gun seasons - 2 antlered deer per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
Mobility-impaired general gun season - 2 deer per quota permit (antlerless deer harvest is limited to 1 per day and only by mobility-impaired hunters).
Family hunt - 3 deer per quota permit, but no more than 1 antlered deer per person and no more than 1 antlerless deer per quota permit.
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.
Spring turkey - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
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: 12)
  • Wild Hog-Dog Season
    2024 hunt dates: May 17-19, June 21-23, July 19-21, August 16-18, September 13-15
    2025 hunt dates: May 16-18, June 20-22
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog.
    Regulations Unique to the Wild Hog-Dog Season -
    1. Wild hog-dog hunts begin at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the hunt and end at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the hunt.
    2. Wild hog may be taken during the day (with or without dogs) or at night by aid of a light with dogs and a firearm, provided that no wild hog shall be shot at night until bayed by dogs. The hunting of wild hog by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat or animal is prohibited.
  • Dove Season
    September 28-29, October 5-6, November 9-10, 16-17 (posted dove fields only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, and migratory bird permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Mourning and white-winged doves, common pigeons (rock doves), and African and Eurasian collared-doves.
    Regulations Unique to Dove Season - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.
    1. Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2. Hunting is allowed on posted dove fields only.
    3. During the dove season, 1 minor under 16 years of age may accompany an adult dove permit holder and may hunt under the supervision and in the presence of the permit holder, provided that the permit holder and the minor may each take 1 daily bag limit of doves.
    4. See migratory game bird hunting regulations for statewide mourning and white-winged dove season dates.
  • Archery Season
    October 26-29, October 30 - November 3
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey) and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 4 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 14 inches or more, 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, rabbits, 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 centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
  • Quail Season
    November 27-28, December 16-17, 21-22, 30-31, January 4-5, February 22-23, March 1-2
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Daily quota permit, hunting license, and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Quail.
    Regulations Unique to Quail Season - 
    1. Hunting with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns is prohibited.
    2. Hunting quail after 3 p.m. Central Standard Time is prohibited.
    3. Individuals possessing a valid daily quota permit may operate street-legal motor vehicles on the powerline roads as designated on the hunt map.
  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    December 7-9
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, muzzleloading gun 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 4 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 14 inches or more, antlerless deer by antlerless deer permit only (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, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Muzzleloading Gun Season - Hunting with archery equipment or guns, other than muzzleloading guns, is prohibited, except centerfire shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds.
  • General Gun Season
    January 18-21, 22-26
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, 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 4 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 14 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
  • General Gun Mobility-Impaired Season
    January 31 - February 2, February 7-9
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, 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 4 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 14 inches or more, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn) may be taken by mobility-impaired hunters only, wild hog, gray squirrel, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Mobility-Impaired General Gun Season -
    1. Only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer (daily limit 1; see Bag Limits section).
    2. Mobility-impaired hunters may use ATVs on established roads, trails, and firebreaks only.
    3. Mobility-impaired hunters must have their valid mobility-impaired certification cards in possession while hunting.
  • Family Hunt
    February 15-16
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 4 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 14 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, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to 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 any youth to hunt.
    2. The quota permit holder may hunt, but only in the presence of at least 1 youth.
    3. One antlerless deer may be harvested per family hunt quota permit (see Bag Limits section for more information).
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: March 8-9
    Spring Turkey: March 15-17, 28-30, April 11-13
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, 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. 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.
    4. 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 may be hunted when their respective statewide seasons coincide with the seasons in this brochure where migratory birds are listed as legal to hunt. See migratory game bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, 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 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 and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting 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.
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • 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. During hunting seasons, vehicular access is allowed only by individuals participating in a hunt.
    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 firearm during daylight hours. 
 
General Information:
1. Wildlife management areas and state forests are not just for hunting and fishing. They have been purchased for preservation to benefit all of Florida’s residents and you don’t have to hunt or fish to enjoy them. The same habitat management practices that provide hunting and fishing opportunities also create opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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 850-265-3676 (TDD 800-955-8771).
4. 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.
5. 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. 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.
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.