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Blackwater - Carr Unit
  pfs  5223

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 Carr 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 and the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities. These publications are available at MyFWC.com.
 
Persons using wildlife management areas are required to have appropriate licenses, permits and stamps. The following persons are exempt from all license and permit requirements (except for quota permits when listed as “no exemptions,” recreational use permits, antlerless deer permits, released quail 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. Released quail permits may only be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Quota Permit Information: 
Quota permits are not required for this area.

Area Regulations
  • General
    General Area Regulations:
    All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
    1. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
    2. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    3. 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.
    4. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
    5. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
    6. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
    7. 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.
    8. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    9. Littering is prohibited.
    10. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
    11. Fires are prohibited.
    12. Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime a management area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from special-opportunity permit requirements.
    13. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1. Open to public access year round.
    2. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on designated roads as shown on the brochure map and must enter and exit only at the designated entrances.
    3. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    4. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. Motorcycles may only be operated on roads open to other motor vehicles.
    5. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited.
    6. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
  • Hunters
    Hunters:
    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. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
    2. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    3. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    4. For hunting quail, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    5. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
    6. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
  • Dogs
    Dogs:
    1. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited.
    2. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
    3. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Camping

    Camping:

    Prohibited.
  • Bag and Possession Limits
    Bag and Possession Limits:
    Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 per person (No bag limit for released quail).
  • 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. These areas provide a range of opportunities, from scenic driving routes to rugged hiking adventures. See the natural Florida that we have protected through acquisition and careful management.
    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. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
2. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
3. 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.
4. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
5. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
6. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
7. 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.
8. The planting or introduction of any non-native plant is prohibited, without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
9. Littering is prohibited.
10. A Law Enforcement Officer may search any camp, vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.
11. Fires are prohibited.
12. Falconers may hunt during the statewide falconry season anytime a management area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from special-opportunity permit requirements.
13. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.
Public Access and Vehicles:
1. Open to public access year round.
2. Motor vehicles shall be operated only on designated roads as shown on the brochure map and must enter and exit only at the designated entrances.
3. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
4. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic. Motorcycles may only be operated on roads open to other motor vehicles.
5. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited.
6. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
Hunters:
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. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
2. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
3. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. For hunting quail, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
5. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited.
6. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
Dogs:
1. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited.
2. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
3. Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.

Camping:

Prohibited.
Bag and Possession Limits:
Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 per person (No bag limit for released quail).
 
Seasons ( Count: 3)
  • Small Game Season
    November 9 - March 2
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, and released quail permit (if releasing quail).
    Legal to Hunt - Quail.
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 
    1. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by centerfire or muzzleloading shotgun, provided each individual or group participating possesses a daily released quail permit and proof (including the name and address of the vendor and date of purchase) that the northern bobwhite were purchased within the past 90 days from a game farm licensed by the Commission or another state. See https://myfwc.com/hunting/quail/released-quail/ for more information.
    2. Northern bobwhite may not be released in that portion of the area designated as Closed to Hunting (see map). 
    3. Quail may be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Fishing and Frogging
    Prohibited.
 
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. These areas provide a range of opportunities, from scenic driving routes to rugged hiking adventures. See the natural Florida that we have protected through acquisition and careful management.
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.