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Emeralda Marsh PSGHA
  pfs  4158

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 Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA). 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 from any Commission office and at MyFWC.com.

 

Persons using PSGHAs are required to have appropriate licenses, permits and stamps. The following persons are exempt from all license and permit requirements (except for 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.

 

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 (available where hunting licenses are sold, at most post offices, or at www.duckstamp.com).

Quota Permit Information:

Quota permits are not required for this area.

Area Regulations
  • General
  • Public Access and Vehicles
  • Hunters
  • Guns
  • Dogs
  • Camping
  • Bag and Possession Limits
  • General Information

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 any other food for wildlife on this area.

2.   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.

3.   The wanton and willful waste of wildlife is prohibited.

4.   Public access is prohibited on any portion of the area posted as “Closed” or “Restricted.”

5.   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.

6.   The release of any animal is prohibited, except by permit from FWC or written authorization from the landowner or primary land manager.

7.   Littering is prohibited.

8.   It is unlawful to set fire to any forest, grass or woodlands.

9.   A Law Enforcement Officer may search any vehicle or boat, in accordance with law.

10.  Construction or use of permanent blinds or structures is prohibited.

11.  Tampering with or destruction of equipment (including signs), improvements, and water control structures is prohibited.

12.  No person shall cut or destroy any tree on, or remove any tree, shrub or protected plant from this area without written permission from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).

Public Access, Vehicles and Vessels:

1.   Notice: Area 5 is closed to all public access until further notice.

2.   Public access for purposes other than hunting, fishing or frogging is regulated by SJRWMD.

3.   Vehicles are allowed only on named or numbered roads and in designated parking areas. 

4.   On scheduled hunt days, vehicles are allowed only from 4 a.m. to sunset. Only persons scouting are allowed vehicle access on scout days (Sept. 20, Nov. 15, 22, Dec. 6, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7) and vehicles are allowed only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Outside of these dates and times, vehicles are prohibited, but scouting on foot or by bicycle is allowed.

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

6.   Use of outboard motors larger than 40 horsepower is prohibited.

7.   Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or boat ramp area.

8.   Boats shall be launched and loaded from the designated boat ramps and boat launches.

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: https://myfwc.com/ebike/.
10. Horseback riding is allowed only in Area 6.

Hunters:

1.   Please report your leg bands at www.reportband.gov.

2.   Hunting is prohibited in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting.”

Guns:

1.   The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.

2.   Taking wildlife within 500 feet of any paved road, pumping facility, electric powerlines or posted construction site is prohibited.

3.   Taking wildlife from perimeter levees is prohibited.

4.   Taking wildlife with firearms other than shotguns is prohibited.

5.   Shotguns used for taking wildlife shall not be larger than 10 gauge and shall be incapable of holding more than 3 shells in magazine and chamber combined.

6.   Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm must be in the presence of a supervising adult.

7.   No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Dogs:

1.   Dogs may be used for hunting during open seasons.

2.   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 except by permit from the SJRWMD.

Bag and Possession Limits:

1.   Waterfowl – Consult http://myfwc.com/hunting/by-species/ or the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for detailed information on September duck season and duck, light goose and coot season.

2.   Snipe – Consult http://myfwc.com/hunting/by-species/ or the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for detailed information on snipe season.
 
Seasons ( Count: 2)
  • Waterfowl and Snipe Seasons
  • Fishing and Frogging
 

General Information:

1.   Land surfaces underwater are irregular. Exercise caution while on foot or horseback.

2.   The southern levees of Area 3 have several electrical high-power pumping facilities.  These pumps start and stop automatically, creating high water flows and turbulence.  Obey warning signs and do not enter the pump-restricted areas.

3.   For information regarding recreational use other than hunting, please call SJRWMD at 386-329-4401.

4.   The SJRWMD management activities include prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. For more information, please visit https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements/ or the SJRWMD at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com or 386-329-4401.

5.   Report fires to the Division of Forestry at 352-797-4100.

6.   Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.

7.   If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Commission at 352-732-1225 (TDD 800-955-8771).

8.   The FWC is not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.

Cooperation Requested:

     Idle speed is requested within 500 feet of boat ramps.

     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.