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Caravelle Ranch
  pfs  5341

Regulations Summary and Area Map

July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2025


 
 
ATTENTION HUNTERS: Please see attached map for a temporary alternate entrance to the North Unit. This alternate entrance is temporarily available to provide additional access due to flooding and wet road conditions impacting area roads.  

This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Caravelle Ranch 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, 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. 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. Released quail permits may only be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Quota Permit Information: 
 

Archery - 100 (North Unit) and 125 (South Unit), no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).

Family Hunt (South Unit only) - 10, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).

Muzzleloading Gun - 100 (North Unit) and 125 (South Unit), no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).

General Gun - 100 (North Unit) and 125 (South Unit), no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.

Dove Field Hunts (during phase 1 of dove season) – 60, no cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.

Dove Field Hunts (during phases 2 and 3 of dove season) – 60, no cost, daily quota permits are available first come, first served at the check station for each of 4 hunts.

Youth Turkey - 10 (South of the Cross Florida Barge Canal Only), no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).

Spring Turkey - 15 (North Unit) and 20 (South Unit), no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 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 family or youth turkey 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. 
 
Transfer of permits: Quota and guest permits are not transferable. Dove Field Hunt quota permits are transferable. A positive form of identification is required when using a non-transferable permit, except for a youth under 16 years of age. The sale or purchase of any quota permit or guest permit is prohibited. 

Area Regulations
  • General
    General Area Regulations:
    All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
    1. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. These provisions are not required when hunting with a bow and arrow during archery season.
    2. Taking of spotted fawn, swimming deer or roosted turkey is prohibited. 
    3. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
    4. Driving a metal object into any tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
    5. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
    6. Taking or attempting to take any game with the aid of live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial light, net, trap, snare, drug or poison is prohibited. Recorded calls and sounds can be used to hunt furbearers, wild hog and crows.
    7. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
    8. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
    9. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
    10. Taking or herding wildlife from any motorized vehicle, aircraft or boat, which is under power, is prohibited until power, and movement from that power, has ceased.
    11. Most game may be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (see exceptions under each season).
    12. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or the 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 by foot, horseback or bicycle.

    2. Vehicular access is prohibited except during the following times: (a) for scouting from 1 ½ hours before sunrise to 1 ½ hours after sunset 1 day prior to archery, family, muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey hunts, (b) during hunting days for archery, family, muzzleloading gun, general gun, supervised small game and small game seasons from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time and from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time, (c) during the dove field hunts from 11 a.m. until one hour after sunset, (d) during the spring turkey season from 4:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset. At all other times, public access is allowed only by foot (pedestrian), horseback (equestrian), or bicycle.

    3. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

    4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.

    5. Use of airboats, all-terrain vehicles, tracked vehicles or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles is prohibited.

    6. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.

    7.     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 :  https://myfwc.com/ebike/.

    8.     A marked footpath called the Florida Trail traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.

  • Hunters
    Hunters, Check Stations, and Harvest Reporting:
    1. The take of dove is prohibited south of Rodeheaver Road and east of State Road 19, except on the posted dove fields during established dove hunts.
    2. 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. the day after the end of every hunt.
    3. Hunters must check in/out at the check station and check all harvested game if hunting the South Unit (the portion of the area south of CR 310 and west of S.R. 19 and the portion of the area east of S.R. 19).
    4. Check station hours (for South Unit hunters only) are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time during the archery, family, muzzleloading gun, and general gun seasons, 11 a.m. until one hour after sunset during the dove field hunts, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the supervised small game and small game seasons, and 4:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset during the spring turkey season.
    5. In addition to checking all game at area check station (South Unit only), ALL hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey they harvested within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
    6. The release of northern bobwhite is limited to that portion of the area that is bounded by Loop Road.
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
    2. 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.
    3. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
    4. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
    5. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
    6. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed.
    7. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or airgun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
    8. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    9. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, airguns, bows, crossbows, or falconry may be used. 
    10. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows, or falconry may be used. Shotguns must be 10 gauge or smaller and incapable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
    11. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices, or set guns is prohibited.
    12. 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 is prohibited, except bird dogs or retrievers may be used during the general gun season, dogs may be used on the dove fields during dove hunts, and dogs may be used to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel, and migratory bird) and non-protected birds during small game season.
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited. 
    3. 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.
    4. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
    5. 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 is allowed only in designated primitive campsites and only from 8:00 a.m. one day prior to each hunt through 6:00 p.m. one day after each hunt (except no camping is allowed on dates for dove hunts only).  
    2. Only tents, trailers and self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
  • 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: 1 antlered or 1 antlerless deer per quota permit. 
    Family hunt: 1 antlered deer per quota permit
    Muzzleloading and general gun seasons: 1 antlered deer per quota permit.
    B. Statewide Limits - Annual limit 5 deer (only 2 of which may be antlerless), daily limit of 2, possession limit of 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 -
    Archery season - Daily limit 1, season limit 2, possession limit 2.  
    Spring turkey season - 1 gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
    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 (No bag limit for released quail).
    6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
    7. Dove - Daily limit 15, possession limit 45.
    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 352-732-1225 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    3. The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
    4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
General Area Regulations:
All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
1. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. These provisions are not required when hunting with a bow and arrow during archery season.
2. Taking of spotted fawn, swimming deer or roosted turkey is prohibited. 
3. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
4. Driving a metal object into any tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
5. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
6. Taking or attempting to take any game with the aid of live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial light, net, trap, snare, drug or poison is prohibited. Recorded calls and sounds can be used to hunt furbearers, wild hog and crows.
7. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
8. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
9. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
10. Taking or herding wildlife from any motorized vehicle, aircraft or boat, which is under power, is prohibited until power, and movement from that power, has ceased.
11. Most game may be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (see exceptions under each season).
12. The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or the 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 by foot, horseback or bicycle.

2. Vehicular access is prohibited except during the following times: (a) for scouting from 1 ½ hours before sunrise to 1 ½ hours after sunset 1 day prior to archery, family, muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey hunts, (b) during hunting days for archery, family, muzzleloading gun, general gun, supervised small game and small game seasons from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time and from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time, (c) during the dove field hunts from 11 a.m. until one hour after sunset, (d) during the spring turkey season from 4:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset. At all other times, public access is allowed only by foot (pedestrian), horseback (equestrian), or bicycle.

3. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads.

4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.

5. Use of airboats, all-terrain vehicles, tracked vehicles or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles is prohibited.

6. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.

7.     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 :  https://myfwc.com/ebike/.

8.     A marked footpath called the Florida Trail traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.

Hunters, Check Stations, and Harvest Reporting:
1. The take of dove is prohibited south of Rodeheaver Road and east of State Road 19, except on the posted dove fields during established dove hunts.
2. 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. the day after the end of every hunt.
3. Hunters must check in/out at the check station and check all harvested game if hunting the South Unit (the portion of the area south of CR 310 and west of S.R. 19 and the portion of the area east of S.R. 19).
4. Check station hours (for South Unit hunters only) are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time during the archery, family, muzzleloading gun, and general gun seasons, 11 a.m. until one hour after sunset during the dove field hunts, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the supervised small game and small game seasons, and 4:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset during the spring turkey season.
5. In addition to checking all game at area check station (South Unit only), ALL hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey they harvested within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
6. The release of northern bobwhite is limited to that portion of the area that is bounded by Loop Road.
Guns:
1. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited.
2. 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.
3. Hunting deer with rimfire or non-expanding, full metal jacket (military ball) ammunition is prohibited.
4. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with airguns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details.
5. Hunting deer with airguns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
6. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed.
7. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or airgun must be in the presence of a supervising adult.
8. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
9. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles, muzzleloading guns, pistols, airguns, bows, crossbows, or falconry may be used. 
10. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows, or falconry may be used. Shotguns must be 10 gauge or smaller and incapable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
11. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds, explosive or drug-injecting devices, or set guns is prohibited.
12. 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 is prohibited, except bird dogs or retrievers may be used during the general gun season, dogs may be used on the dove fields during dove hunts, and dogs may be used to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel, and migratory bird) and non-protected birds during small game season.
2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited. 
3. 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.
4. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
5. 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 is allowed only in designated primitive campsites and only from 8:00 a.m. one day prior to each hunt through 6:00 p.m. one day after each hunt (except no camping is allowed on dates for dove hunts only).  
2. Only tents, trailers and self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
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: 1 antlered or 1 antlerless deer per quota permit. 
Family hunt: 1 antlered deer per quota permit
Muzzleloading and general gun seasons: 1 antlered deer per quota permit.
B. Statewide Limits - Annual limit 5 deer (only 2 of which may be antlerless), daily limit of 2, possession limit of 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 -
Archery season - Daily limit 1, season limit 2, possession limit 2.  
Spring turkey season - 1 gobbler or bearded turkey per quota permit.
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 (No bag limit for released quail).
6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limits.
7. Dove - Daily limit 15, possession limit 45.
8. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
9. Non-protected birds (African and Eurasian collared-doves, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling) - No bag limits.
 
Seasons ( Count: 11)
  • Archery Season
    September 21-29
    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), 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, turkey of either sex, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season - Only archery equipment may be used for hunting, except that centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
  • Dove Season
    September 28, October 12, November 23, December 21, January 4, 18
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (September 28, October 12) or daily quota permit (November 23, December 21, January 4 and 18), hunting license, management area permit and migratory bird permit. One youth 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. The permit holder and youth may each take one daily bag limit of doves. Permits are transferable. 
    Legal to Hunt - Mourning and white-winged doves, non-protected birds (African and Eurasian collared-doves and common pigeon).

    Regulations Unique to Dove Season - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.

    1.     Hunting with dogs is allowed on the posted dove fields.

    2.     Hunting with firearms other than centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns is prohibited.

    3.     Shooting hours are from noon to sunset.

    4.     Hunters may enter the posted dove fields no earlier than 11 a.m. and shall exit the fields by 1 hour after sunset.

    5.     During dove season, hunting is prohibited on the posted dove fields, except during the hunt dates listed above.

    6.     Only authorized participants may access the dove field during the established dove season.

    7.     Check station hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset.

  • Family Hunt
    October 4-6 (South Unit Only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Family hunt 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 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, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, 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. 
    2. Supervising adults with required licenses and permits may participate when in the presence of a youth but may not harvest any wildlife with a gun. 
    3. All legal methods of take for game may be used for hunting deer during the established family hunt.
  • Supervised Small Game Season
    October 8-13
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season and non-protected birds. 
    Regulations Unique to Supervised Small Game Season -
    1.     Only persons under 16 years of age and their adult supervisor may hunt.
    2.      Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    October 25-27
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, 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, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, 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 that centerfire shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds.
  • General Gun Season
    November 6-10, 13-17
    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 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, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season and non-protected birds. 
  • Small Game Season
    November 21 - January 5 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, released quail permit (if releasing northern bobwhite), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season and non-protected birds. 
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 
    1. Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
    2. 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 bobwhites 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. 
    3. Northern bobwhite may only be released in that portion of the area that is bounded by Loop Road. 
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: March 8-9 (South of the Cross Florida Barge Canal only)
    Spring Turkey: March 19-23, 26-30
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Bearded turkey or gobbler.
    Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season -
    1. Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2. Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3. Only bows, crossbows, PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow and centerfire or 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 during their respective statewide seasons that coincide with the seasons listed in this brochure.  See migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - See migratory bird season dates, bag limits and regulations. Non-protected birds may also be taken.
    Regulations Unique to the Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.
    1. The take of dove is prohibited south of Rodeheaver Road and east of State Road 19, except on the posted dove fields with a valid dove quota permit.
    2. Hunting ducks, geese and coot with lead shot is prohibited.
    3. Centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt.
    4. Shooting hours for mourning and white-winged dove are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. (Please see dove season for information on shooting hours for dove field hunts.)
    5. Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife with a gun.
  • Fishing and Frogging
    Allowed year round.
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Fishing license (if fishing) or management area permit (if frogging).
    Legal to Take - See Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary.
    Regulations Unique to Fishing and Frogging - All General Freshwater Fishing Regulations shall apply. Shooting frogs is allowed only during the listed open hunting seasons and only with the legal methods of take during each particular season. Frogs may only be taken by firearms during daylight hours.
 
General Information:
1. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
2. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 352-732-1225 (TDD 800-955-8771).
3. The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
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 & 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, Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.