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Econfina Creek
  pfs  5410

Regulations Summary and Area Map

July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2025
 
 
IMPORTANT: Upcoming management activities may impact equestrian users on this area. Please click here for more information on recreational closures.
 
This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Econfina Creek 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 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 certificate applications are available from regional offices of the Commission and at MyFWC.com.  Released quail permits may only be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Quota Permit Information:
September Duck (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 15, no-cost, daily quota permits (no exemptions) are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Archery (Cat Creek Area) - 30, no-cost, quota permits for each of 2 hunts.
Archery (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 15, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
General Gun (Still Hunt Area, first 13 days) - 50, no-cost, quota permits.
General Gun (Dog Hunt Area) - 80, no-cost, quota permits.
General Gun (Cat Creek Area) - 30, no-cost, quota permits for each of 3 hunts.
General Gun (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 15, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 3 hunts.
Mobility-impaired General Gun (Mobility-impaired Area) - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 5 hunts.
Muzzleloading Gun (Cat Creek Area) - 30, no-cost, quota permits.
Muzzleloading Gun (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 15, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Small Game (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 15, no-cost, daily quota permits (no exemptions) are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Family Hunt (Cat Creek Area) - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Youth Turkey (Still Hunt and Dog Hunt areas) - 10, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Youth Turkey (Cat Creek Area) - 3, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Youth Turkey (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 3, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Spring Turkey (Still Hunt and Dog Hunt areas, first 9 days) - 25, no-cost, quota permits.
Spring Turkey (Cat Creek Area) - 5, no-cost, quota permits for each of 3 hunts.
Spring Turkey (Fitzhugh Carter Area) - 5, 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 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. During a hunt that allows exemptions, a non-exempt supervisor of a youth must have a quota permit to hunt.

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 during daylight hours, defined as 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.
    21. The possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages is prohibited.
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1. Open to public access year round, except access to improved recreation areas from sunset to sunrise is only allowed for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area. 
    2. All persons entering or exiting the Fitzhugh Carter area may do so only at a designated entrance (see map).
    3. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, except in the mobility-impaired area. During periods open to hunting in the mobility-impaired area, vehicles are not restricted to named or numbered roads, but only persons participating in the hunt are allowed vehicular access.
    4. From May through September, vehicular access is prohibited on dog roads 1-8, 10, 13-17, 19-28 and 33-37, Enfinger Road and numbered roads in the mobility-impaired area. Detailed maps of dog roads and the mobility-impaired area are available at www.nwfwater.com.
    5. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
    6. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
    7. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited except in the mobility-impaired area by persons possessing mobility-impaired certificates.
    8. Horses are allowed on designated horse trails only, except horses and trailers are prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
    9. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike. The use of bicycles and electric bicycles is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
    10. In the Fitzhugh Carter Area, vessels are prohibited, except canoes, kayaks, and those boats provided for use on the area.
    11. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
  • Hunters
    Hunters, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
    1. Hunters using the Fitzhugh Carter area must check in at the check station when entering and check out when leaving and check all game harvested. The gates are open and the check station is staffed from 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset.
    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. 1 day after the end of every hunt.
    3. In addition to checking all game at the check station (Fitzhugh Carter Area only), hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey they harvest within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
  • Guns
    Guns:
    1. Hunting with a gun or archery equipment on or from rights-of-way of Thomas, Rattlesnake, Strickland, Porter Pond, Duma Jack/Deadening, Greenhead, Cat Creek and Enfinger roads, Hampshire Boulevard, S.R. 20 or C.R. 388 is prohibited.
    2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited, except as allowed in this brochure during "Raccoon Season" (including dates during overlapping seasons).
    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, pistols, muzzleloading guns, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    11. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire or 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. 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.
    2. Hunting with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs, or retrievers to hunt small game and non-protected birds, is prohibited in the Still Hunt, Cat Creek, and Mobility-impaired areas, except any dog may be used to hunt raccoon and opossum in the Still Hunt Area during raccoon season. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "General Gun Season" in this brochure. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "General Gun Season" and #2 under "Small Game Season" in this brochure.
    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.
    6. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
  • Camping
    Camping:
    1. Camping is allowed only at designated campsites (see map). A permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) is required and camping is subject to permit provisions. To make a camping reservation, please visit www.nwfwater.com. Camping is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
    2. Hikers using the Florida National Scenic Trail may camp at designated hike-in campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.
    3. Camping is limited to 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period and prohibited where posted as “no camping.”
    4. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
  • Bag and Possession Limits
    Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person. The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit.
    1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
    A. Area limits - See statewide limits below, except during the family hunt, when the bag limit for antlerless deer is 1 per quota permit and during the mobility-impaired general gun season, when only mobility-impaired certified hunters may take antlerless deer (2 per quota permit; daily limit 1).
    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.
    Youth turkey - 1 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. Bobcat and otter - Possession limit 1 unless in possession of a trapping license.
    8. Migratory birds - See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook.
    9. Non-protected birds (African and Eurasian collared-doves, common pigeon, Egyptian goose, house sparrow, and common starling) - No bag limits.
  • General Information
    General Information:
    1. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
    2. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-265-3676 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    3. The FWC and Northwest Florida Water Management District are not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
    4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
General Area Regulations:
All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
1. Any person hunting deer or accompanying another person hunting deer shall wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. These provisions are not required when hunting with a bow and arrow during archery season.
2. Taking of spotted fawn, swimming deer or roosted turkey is prohibited. 
3. It is illegal to hunt over bait or place any bait or other food for wildlife on this area.
4. Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited.
5. No person shall cut, damage or remove any natural, man-made or cultural resource without written authorization of the landowner or primary land manager.
6. Taking or attempting to take any game with the aid of live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial light, net, trap, snare, drug or poison is prohibited. Recorded calls and sounds can be used to hunt furbearers, wild hog and crows.
7. The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.
8. Hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as closed to those activities.
9. People, dogs, vehicles and other recreational equipment are prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by FWC administrative action. 
10. Taking or herding wildlife from any motorized vehicle, aircraft or boat, which is under power is prohibited until power, and movement from that power, has ceased.
11. Most game may be hunted during daylight hours, defined as ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (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.
21. The possession or consumption of intoxicating beverages is prohibited.
Public Access and Vehicles:
1. Open to public access year round, except access to improved recreation areas from sunset to sunrise is only allowed for individuals participating in authorized hunting and/or fishing activities, actively launching/retrieving a boat or authorized to camp within the area. 
2. All persons entering or exiting the Fitzhugh Carter area may do so only at a designated entrance (see map).
3. Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, except in the mobility-impaired area. During periods open to hunting in the mobility-impaired area, vehicles are not restricted to named or numbered roads, but only persons participating in the hunt are allowed vehicular access.
4. From May through September, vehicular access is prohibited on dog roads 1-8, 10, 13-17, 19-28 and 33-37, Enfinger Road and numbered roads in the mobility-impaired area. Detailed maps of dog roads and the mobility-impaired area are available at www.nwfwater.com.
5. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
6. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
7. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited except in the mobility-impaired area by persons possessing mobility-impaired certificates.
8. Horses are allowed on designated horse trails only, except horses and trailers are prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
9. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike. The use of bicycles and electric bicycles is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
10. In the Fitzhugh Carter Area, vessels are prohibited, except canoes, kayaks, and those boats provided for use on the area.
11. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
Hunters, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
1. Hunters using the Fitzhugh Carter area must check in at the check station when entering and check out when leaving and check all game harvested. The gates are open and the check station is staffed from 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset.
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. 1 day after the end of every hunt.
3. In addition to checking all game at the check station (Fitzhugh Carter Area only), hunters must log each harvested deer or turkey prior to moving it from the point of recovery and report any deer or turkey they harvest within 24 hours of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
Guns:
1. Hunting with a gun or archery equipment on or from rights-of-way of Thomas, Rattlesnake, Strickland, Porter Pond, Duma Jack/Deadening, Greenhead, Cat Creek and Enfinger roads, Hampshire Boulevard, S.R. 20 or C.R. 388 is prohibited.
2. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited, except as allowed in this brochure during "Raccoon Season" (including dates during overlapping seasons).
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, pistols, muzzleloading guns, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
11. For hunting migratory game, only centerfire or 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. 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.
2. Hunting with dogs, other than using bird dogs, rabbit dogs, squirrel dogs, or retrievers to hunt small game and non-protected birds, is prohibited in the Still Hunt, Cat Creek, and Mobility-impaired areas, except any dog may be used to hunt raccoon and opossum in the Still Hunt Area during raccoon season. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs and retrievers, is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "General Gun Season" in this brochure. The take of wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except as allowed in #2 under "General Gun Season" and #2 under "Small Game Season" in this brochure.
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.
6. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
Camping:
1. Camping is allowed only at designated campsites (see map). A permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) is required and camping is subject to permit provisions. To make a camping reservation, please visit www.nwfwater.com. Camping is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter Area.
2. Hikers using the Florida National Scenic Trail may camp at designated hike-in campsites along the trail without obtaining a camping permit.
3. Camping is limited to 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period and prohibited where posted as “no camping.”
4. Camping is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.
Bag and Possession Limits: A guest hunter must share the host’s bag limit for deer, turkey, and quail, except when these bag limits are specified as per person. The host is responsible for violations that exceed the bag limit.
1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
A. Area limits - See statewide limits below, except during the family hunt, when the bag limit for antlerless deer is 1 per quota permit and during the mobility-impaired general gun season, when only mobility-impaired certified hunters may take antlerless deer (2 per quota permit; daily limit 1).
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.
Youth turkey - 1 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. 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)
  • Archery Season
    October 26 - November 24 (except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, and Mobility-impaired areas)
    October 26 - November 1, November 2-10 (Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting in the Cat Creek or Fitzhugh Carter areas), hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, turkey of either sex, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season -
    1. Only archery equipment may be used for hunting, except as allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the archery season.
    3. Hunting is prohibited in the mobility-impaired area.
  • Raccoon Season
    November 9 - March 7, April 21 - July 31 (except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, and Mobility-impaired areas)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting from 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset during any quota period), hunting license and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Raccoon and opossum.
    Regulations Unique to Raccoon Season - Raccoon and opossum may be hunted at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 centerfire or muzzleloading shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. Hunting raccoon or opossum by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat, or animal is prohibited.
  • Small Game Season
    November 9 - March 2 (except in the Fitzhugh Carter and Mobility-impaired areas)
    December 14-29 (Fitzhugh Carter Area)
    February 8 - March 2 (Mobility-impaired Area; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), daily quota permit (if hunting in the Fitzhugh Carter Area), hunting license, management area permit, mobility-impaired certificate (if hunting in the mobility-impaired area unless accompanying a person possessing a mobility-impaired certificate), released quail permit (if releasing northern bobwhite), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter December 1 through March 1 (except in the Fitzhugh Carter Area).
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season -
    1. Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
    2. Hunting wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during daylight hours in the Dog Hunt Area.
    3. 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 http://www.myfwc.com/hunting/by-species/quail/released-quail/ for more information.
    4. Northern bobwhite may only be released in that portion of the area north of State Road 20 and east of Highway 77.
    5. Northern bobwhite may not be released during general gun season quota dates.
    6. A quota permit is not required to hunt raccoon and opossum in the dog hunt and still hunt areas from 1 hour after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise during any quota periods.
  • General Gun Season
    November 28 - December 1, December 14 - February 5 (Dog Hunt and Still Hunt areas only)
    November 28-December 1, January 25-28, January 29-February 2 (Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, or dog hunt area and if hunting before December 23 in the still hunt area), hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), WMA deer-dog permit (if hunting deer with dogs), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter beginning December 1 (except in the Fitzhugh Carter area).
    Regulations Unique to General Gun Season -
    1. A quota permit is not required to take raccoon in the still hunt and dog hunt areas from 1 hour after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise during any quota period.
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except during daylight hours in the Dog Hunt Area.
    3. A valid WMA deer-dog hunting permit is required to hunt deer with the aid of dogs.
  • General Gun Mobility-Impaired Season
    November 29 - December 1, January 17-19, 24-26, January 31 - February 2, February 5-7 (Mobility-Impaired Area only)
    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 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawns) by mobility-impaired hunters only, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter beginning December 1.
    Regulations Unique to Mobility-Impaired General Gun Season -
    1. Only mobility-impaired hunters may take antlerless deer (limit 2 per quota permit; daily limit 1).
    2. Mobility-impaired hunters must have their valid mobility-impaired certification cards in possession while hunting.
    3. Motorized vehicles are not restricted to named or numbered roads but may be operated only by persons authorized to participate in the hunt. All-terrain vehicles may be operated by persons possessing mobility-impaired certification cards only.
    4. The take of deer with dogs is prohibited.
  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    December 7-9 (except in the mobility-impaired area)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting in the Cat Creek or Fitzhugh Carter areas), 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 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Hunting bobcat and otter is prohibited in the Fitzhugh Carter area.
    Regulations Unique to Muzzleloading Gun Season - 
    1. Hunting with archery equipment or guns, other than muzzleloading guns, is prohibited, except as allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds.
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the muzzleloading gun season.
    3. Hunting is prohibited in the mobility-impaired area.
  • Family Hunt
    December 24-27 (Cat Creek Area)
    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), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, 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.
    4. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited.
  • Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season
    February 6-16 (except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, and Mobility-impaired areas)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, archery permit (if hunting with archery equipment), muzzleloading gun permit (if hunting with a muzzleloading gun), deer permit (if hunting deer), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds) and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 2 or more points (each point 1 inch or more in length) and having at least 1 antler 5 inches or more in length, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season -
    1. Only archery equipment and muzzleloading guns may be used for hunting, except as allowed during other open seasons such as centerfire shotguns for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
    2. Hunting deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited, except wild hog may be hunted with dogs as allowed during the small game season on dates that overlap with the archery/muzzleloading gun season.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: March 8-9 (except in the Mobility-impaired Area)
    Spring Turkey: March 15 - April 20 (except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, and Mobility-impaired areas)
    Spring Turkey: March 15-17, 28-30, April 11-13 (Cat Creek and Fitzhugh Carter areas)
    Spring Turkey: March 15 - April 20 (Mobility-impaired Area; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting in the Cat Creek or Fitzhugh Carter areas or before March 24 in the Dog and Still Hunt areas), mobility-impaired certificate (if hunting in the mobility-impaired area unless accompanying a person possessing a mobility-impaired certificate), 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.
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Migratory Bird Season

    Migratory game birds and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons, except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter and mobility-impaired areas, where they may be hunted only when their respective statewide seasons coincide with the seasons in this brochure where migratory birds are listed as legal to hunt. Migratory birds may also be hunted in the Fitzhugh Carter area during the September Duck seasons. See migratory game bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period, but see special regulations below for waterfowl hunters), daily quota permit (if hunting during the September Duck seasons in the Fitzhugh Carter Area), mobility-impaired certificate (if hunting in the mobility-impaired area unless accompanying a person possessing a mobility-impaired certificate), 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. Individuals participating in waterfowl hunts are exempt from quota permit requirements except in the Cat Creek, Fitzhugh Carter, and Mobility-impaired areas.
    5. 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.
    6. Adults with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife.
  • Fishing and Frogging
    Allowed year round.
    (except in the Fitzhugh Carter area). Please refer to the Fitzhugh Carter Tract brochure for specific regulations or call 850-265-3676 [TDD 800-955-8771] for a copy of this brochure).
    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. Anglers must check in at the check station when entering and check out when leaving the Fitzhugh Carter area and shall check all fish taken.
    2. On all Fitzhugh Carter area lakes and other water bodies, fishing is allowed only by permit issued by the Commission. Days and hours of operation, fish bag and size limits, angler quotas, and other related rules shall be as designated by the Commission and posted at the check station.
    3. 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 850-265-3676 (TDD 800-955-8771).
3. The FWC and Northwest Florida Water Management District are not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
4. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
Northwest Florida WMD Rules and Information:
1. This land was acquired by the Northwest Florida Water Management District (District) to protect public water resources. The purpose of the District's land acquisition and management program is to conserve and protect unique and irreplaceable land and water resources, restore areas to their original condition as much as possible and allow controlled multiple recreational and educational uses consistent with this purpose.
2. Recreation maps of the area are available at www.nwfwater.com.
3. The District’s land management activities for this area may include prescribed burning and timber harvesting during most months of the year. For personal safety reasons, area users should be aware of activities in the area and contact the District's Land Management office at 850-539-5999 with any questions. The District has no responsibility or obligation to identify and/or protect personal property while undertaking its land management activities.
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.