Skip to main content
Local

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Logo WMA Brochure Search

 
Brochure not found! Please check the WMA name.
 
Fisheating Creek
  pfs  4180

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 Fisheating 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 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 also 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. 

Quota Permit Information:
Archery - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Muzzleloading Gun - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
General Gun - 20, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 2 hunts.
Wild Hog-Still - 15, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Youth Turkey - 10, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions).
Spring Turkey - 15, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions) for each of 5 hunts.
Special-Opportunity Spring Turkey - 10, $175, special-opportunity turkey 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 special-opportunity 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 possess a quota permit.
 
Transfer of permits: Quota and guest permits are not transferable. Special-opportunity permits are transferable with the following exceptions: permits issued to Florida residents may only be transferred to Florida residents, permits issued to non-residents may only be transferred to non-residents, and permits issued to persons exempt from paying permit fees are only transferable to another person exempt from paying permit fees. 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 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. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.
    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 and special-opportunity permits during hunts requiring them. 
  • Public Access and Vehicles
    Public Access and Vehicles:
    1. Open to public access year-round.
    2. The Palmdale campground is operated by a private concessionaire and daily-use and parking fees are required. Contact the concessionaire at 863-675-5999 or visit fisheatingcreekoutpost.com for more information.
    3. Public recreational access, other than on foot, bicycle, or boat, is prohibited, except registered and licensed vehicles and golf carts may be operated within the Palmdale campground. The use of any vehicle, including but not limited to: all-terrain vehicles, tracked vehicles, or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, is prohibited. The use of personal watercraft or horses is prohibited.
    4. All persons shall enter and exit the area at a designated entrance.
    5. Airboats may only be operated in the airboating area. A no-cost airboat use permit issued by the Commission is required for all airboats operating in the management area (863-946-1194).
    6. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate, or firelane.
    7. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
    8. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.

  • Hunters
    Hunters, Check Stations, and Harvest Reporting:
    1. Permitted hunters and their guests are exempt from the Palmdale campground concessionaire’s daily-use and parking fees during and for the 7 days preceding their hunt. A valid quota or special-opportunity permit must be presented to the concessionaire to receive the exemption.
    2. The Palmdale campground concessionaire’s livery service may transport camping equipment to the Burnt Bridge and Ingrams Crossing locations, but the service does not transport hunting equipment such as guns, tree stands, and decoys. Hunters can have their camping equipment dropped off by the service, but must hike or boat their hunting equipment through the Palmdale entrance. Contact the concessionaire at 863-675-5999 or visit fisheatingcreekoutpost.com for more information.
    3. 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.
    4. During periods when the check station is staffed, hunters must report at the Palmdale campground check station upon entering and leaving the area and check all harvested game. 
    5. In addition to checking all game at an area check station, 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. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
     6. All hunters shall enter and exit the area at the Palmdale campground entrance, except special-opportunity turkey hunters shall use the U.S. Highway 27 right-of-way (Gaskin's) entrance, provided they check in and out at the Palmdale campground check station or at the buggy check station at the Gaskin's entrance.
    7. During periods when the check station is staffed, no deer or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the Palmdale campground check station, except during spring turkey season (west of US Highway 27) when harvested turkeys may be divided in the field provided each portion shall be labeled with the date and time of harvest and the name, address, and hunting license number (if required) of the person that harvested the turkey. Each portion of the divided turkey shall be readily traceable to evidence of the bird’s legal harvest (head and beard).
    8. When staffed, all hunters must check in at the area check station.
  • 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 airguns 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.
    13. The discharge of a bow, crossbow, or airgun or taking the wildlife on or from the Palmdale Campground, Knobby Knee Boardwalk, or associated entrance road or parking lot is prohibited.
  • Dogs
    Dogs:
    1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
    2. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
    3. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
    4. 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. Primitive camping is allowed year-round throughout the area, except in the office complex where camping is prohibited, and at the concessionaire-operated public campground in Palmdale, where camping is by permit only (available from the concessionaire) and only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Palmdale campground and canoe rentals: 863-675-5999 or fisheatingcreekoutpost.com.
    2. During hunting seasons, individuals are encouraged to camp at the Palmdale campground.
    3. Fires other than campfires 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 - 
    Archery season: 2 deer per permit, but only 1 per person. 
    Muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons: 2 antlered deer per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
    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. Turkey - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
    A. Youth turkey - 1 per quota permit. 
    B. Spring turkey - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
    C. Special-opportunity spring turkey - 1 per permit, daily limit 1, season limit 2.
    D. Statewide limits - Spring season limit 2, daily limit 2, possession limit 2.
    3. Wild hog - No bag limits or size restrictions. 
    4. Gray squirrel and rabbits - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 for each.
    5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24.
    6. Armadillo, beaver, coyote, nutria, opossum, raccoon, and skunk - 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-native reptiles - No bag limits.
    10. 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 561-625-5122 (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 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. Fires other than campfires are prohibited.
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 and special-opportunity permits during hunts requiring them. 
Public Access and Vehicles:
1. Open to public access year-round.
2. The Palmdale campground is operated by a private concessionaire and daily-use and parking fees are required. Contact the concessionaire at 863-675-5999 or visit fisheatingcreekoutpost.com for more information.
3. Public recreational access, other than on foot, bicycle, or boat, is prohibited, except registered and licensed vehicles and golf carts may be operated within the Palmdale campground. The use of any vehicle, including but not limited to: all-terrain vehicles, tracked vehicles, or unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles, is prohibited. The use of personal watercraft or horses is prohibited.
4. All persons shall enter and exit the area at a designated entrance.
5. Airboats may only be operated in the airboating area. A no-cost airboat use permit issued by the Commission is required for all airboats operating in the management area (863-946-1194).
6. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate, or firelane.
7. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
8. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.

Hunters, Check Stations, and Harvest Reporting:
1. Permitted hunters and their guests are exempt from the Palmdale campground concessionaire’s daily-use and parking fees during and for the 7 days preceding their hunt. A valid quota or special-opportunity permit must be presented to the concessionaire to receive the exemption.
2. The Palmdale campground concessionaire’s livery service may transport camping equipment to the Burnt Bridge and Ingrams Crossing locations, but the service does not transport hunting equipment such as guns, tree stands, and decoys. Hunters can have their camping equipment dropped off by the service, but must hike or boat their hunting equipment through the Palmdale entrance. Contact the concessionaire at 863-675-5999 or visit fisheatingcreekoutpost.com for more information.
3. 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.
4. During periods when the check station is staffed, hunters must report at the Palmdale campground check station upon entering and leaving the area and check all harvested game. 
5. In addition to checking all game at an area check station, 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. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
 6. All hunters shall enter and exit the area at the Palmdale campground entrance, except special-opportunity turkey hunters shall use the U.S. Highway 27 right-of-way (Gaskin's) entrance, provided they check in and out at the Palmdale campground check station or at the buggy check station at the Gaskin's entrance.
7. During periods when the check station is staffed, no deer or turkey shall be dismembered until checked at the Palmdale campground check station, except during spring turkey season (west of US Highway 27) when harvested turkeys may be divided in the field provided each portion shall be labeled with the date and time of harvest and the name, address, and hunting license number (if required) of the person that harvested the turkey. Each portion of the divided turkey shall be readily traceable to evidence of the bird’s legal harvest (head and beard).
8. When staffed, all hunters must check in at the area check station.
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 airguns 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.
13. The discharge of a bow, crossbow, or airgun or taking the wildlife on or from the Palmdale Campground, Knobby Knee Boardwalk, or associated entrance road or parking lot is prohibited.
Dogs:
1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
2. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
3. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
4. 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. Primitive camping is allowed year-round throughout the area, except in the office complex where camping is prohibited, and at the concessionaire-operated public campground in Palmdale, where camping is by permit only (available from the concessionaire) and only tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping. Palmdale campground and canoe rentals: 863-675-5999 or fisheatingcreekoutpost.com.
2. During hunting seasons, individuals are encouraged to camp at the Palmdale campground.
3. Fires other than campfires 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 - 
Archery season: 2 deer per permit, but only 1 per person. 
Muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons: 2 antlered deer per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
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. Turkey - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits.
A. Youth turkey - 1 per quota permit. 
B. Spring turkey - 2 per quota permit, but only 1 per person.
C. Special-opportunity spring turkey - 1 per permit, daily limit 1, season limit 2.
D. Statewide limits - Spring season limit 2, daily limit 2, possession limit 2.
3. Wild hog - No bag limits or size restrictions. 
4. Gray squirrel and rabbits - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24 for each.
5. Quail - Daily limit 12, possession limit 24.
6. Armadillo, beaver, coyote, nutria, opossum, raccoon, and skunk - 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-native reptiles - No bag limits.
10. 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
    August 23-25, August 30 - September 1 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer having at least one antler with three or more points (each point being one inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but does not include spotted fawns), wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season - Only archery equipment may be used for hunting, except 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).

  • Muzzleloading Gun Season
    September 13-15, 20-22 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    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 - Antlered deer having at least one antler with three or more points (each point being one inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 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. 
    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
    October 4-6, 18-20 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), and migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds).
    Legal to Hunt - Antlered deer having at least one antler with three or more points (each point being one inch or more in length) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more in length, wild hog, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, quail, grey squirrel, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds
  • Wild Hog-Still Season
    November 23-24 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog.
    Regulations Unique to Wild Hog Still Season - Hunting other animals is prohibited.
  • Small Game Season
    December 7 - February 16 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl), and military license or ID (if harvesting waterfowl during the veterans and military waterfowl hunt).

    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 may be hunted beginning December 1. 
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    Youth Turkey: February 22-23 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Spring Turkey: March 1-4, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31 (west of U.S. Highway 27 only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Gobbler or bearded turkey.
    Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season -
    1. Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2. Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3. Only bows, crossbows, PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow, and centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns using #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 direct physical supervision of an adult not younger than 18 years of age. Adults with required licenses and permits for taking wild turkeys may participate when in the presence of a youth, but may not harvest a wild turkey.
  • Special-Opportunity Spring Turkey Season
    March 1-7, 15-21 (in the Special-opportunity Spring Turkey Area only)
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Special-opportunity spring turkey permit, hunting license, and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Gobbler or bearded turkey.
    Regulations Unique to Special-Opportunity Spring Turkey Season -
    1. Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
    2. Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3. Only bows, crossbows, PCP airguns propelling a bolt or arrow, and centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns using #2 or smaller shot size may be used for hunting.
  • Migratory Bird Season

    Migratory game birds and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons (west of U.S. Highway 27 only). See migratory bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during any quota period), hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl), and military license or ID (if harvesting waterfowl during the veterans and military waterfowl hunt.
    Legal to Hunt - See migratory bird season dates, bag limits, and regulations. Non-protected birds may also be taken.
    Regulations Unique to Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply.
    1. Hunting ducks, geese, and coot with lead shot is prohibited.
    2. Centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt.
    3. Shooting hours for migratory birds are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    4. Non-hunting assistants with required licenses and permits may actively participate in Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days, provided they may not harvest wildlife.
    5. 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.
    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 be taken by firearm during daylight hours only. 
  • Non-Native Reptiles
    Allowed year round.
    Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Management area permit (if taking non-native reptiles with a gun west of Highway 27). Special-opportunity Spring Turkey Permit (east of Highway 27).

    Legal to take - Non-native reptiles including, but not limited to, Conditional and Prohibited reptiles such as the Argentine black and white tegu, green iguana, and Burmese python. Note: Conditional and Prohibited reptiles shall not be removed from the area alive.
    Regulations unique to removal of non-native reptiles -
    1. Non-native reptiles may be taken by methods other than firearms, airguns, bows, and crossbows year-round (west of U.S. Highway 27 only). East of U.S. Highway 27, non-native reptiles may only be taken during the Special-opportunity Spring Turkey Season, by individuals who possess a valid Special-opportunity Spring Turkey Permit, with methods of take as allowed during this season.
    2. Firearms, airguns, bows, and crossbows (as allowed by season) may be used to take non-native reptiles only during open hunting seasons summarized in this brochure.  
    3. Conditional and Prohibited reptiles shall not be removed from the area alive.
    4. Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
    5. Please report take and sightings of non-native reptiles at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681) or online at IveGot1.org.
    6. Taking non-native reptiles with dogs is prohibited. 
 
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 561-625-5122 (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 (*FWC or #FWC may also be used depending on your phone service provider). 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.