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Green Swamp
  pfs  5302

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 Green Swamp 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 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 GoOutdoorsFloirda.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:
Wild Hog-Dog - 160, no-cost, daily quota permits are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Archery - 750, no-cost, daily quota permits are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
General Gun (first 9 days) - 750, no-cost, quota permits for each of 2 hunts.
General Gun (after first 9 days) - 750, no-cost, daily quota permits are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Small Game - 300, no-cost, daily quota permits are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
Spring Turkey (first 2 days) - 200, no-cost, spring turkey quota permits.
Spring Turkey (after first 2 days) - 200, no-cost, daily quota permits are available first-come, first-served at the check station each day of the season.
 
Refer to the Camping section for information related to camping permits.
 
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. 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.
 
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 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 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. Public access is limited to foot traffic and bicycles only, except during periods open for scouting or hunting, during fishing and frogging season (May 4 through June 16, 2024, Saturdays and Sundays only and May 3 through June 15, 2025 Saturdays and Sundays only) and when camping is allowed.
    2.  Except at campsites, vehicles may only be operated on the area from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset during established hunting seasons, and from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. 1 day prior (scout day) to archery, general gun and spring turkey hunts. During the fishing and frogging season, vehicles may be operated during daylight hours only.
    3.  Vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 8 a.m. 1 day prior to archery, general gun and spring turkey hunts until 1½ hours after sunset on the last day of the hunt. During wild hog-dog season vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 4 p.m. on Wednesdays until 1½ hours after sunset on Sundays. During small game, and the fishing and frogging seasons, vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 4 p.m. on Fridays until 1½ hours after sunset Sundays.
    4.  Vehicles may be operated only on named roads, except Stanley Fish Hole, Orange Lake and Tillman Lake roads are open only during the fishing and frogging season.
    5.  Stanley Fish Hole, Orange Lake and Tillman Lake roads will be open to vehicular traffic during the May-June fishing season. Tanic Grade, Powder Grade and Levee Road north of Main Grade are closed during this period.
    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.  Tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, airboats, horses and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited.
    9.  Bicycles may be operated only on named roads and designated bicycle trails. 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.
    10. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
  • Hunters
    Hunters, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
    1.  Hunters shall enter and exit the area at a designated entrance and only during hours a check station is in operation.
    2.  Hunters must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested.
    3.  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 of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
    4.  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 on the last day of each hunt.
    5.  No deer or wild hog shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
    6. Check station hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Saving Time and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time, except during the small game and wild hog-dog seasons when hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 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 air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
    5.  Hunting deer with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
    6.  Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow. 
    7.  Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun 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, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    10.  For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
    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 and set guns is prohibited.
    12.  The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
  • Dogs
    Dogs:
    1.  Hunting with dogs other than bird dogs is prohibited, except any dog may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) and non-protected birds during small game season and any dog may be used during the wild hog-dog season.
    2.  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.
    3.  Hunting wild hogs with dogs is prohibited except during the wild hog-dog season.
    4.  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.
    5.  Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
    6.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Camping
    Camping:
    1.  Camping is allowed by permit only and only within the site designated on the permit.
    2.  All camping permits are only available first-come, first-served at the campgrounds when camping is allowed .
    3.  The improved campsites located at the SR 471 campground are intended for use by persons with disabilities.
    4.  Camping permits are non-transferable. Camping permit holders may allow others to camp within their site; however, the permittee is responsible for the assigned site.
    5.  Camping equipment must be removed on the last day of each season, except the period between archery and general gun seasons.
    6.  Tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited.
    7.  Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
    8.  Unless contained in mobile campers, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited. Lumber, sheet metal and other building materials are also prohibited.
    9.  The use of electrical generators powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
    10.  A legible copy of the camping permit or the permittee’s name and permit number must be visibly affixed to camping shelters.
    11. During the small game season, camping is allowed at the 471 campground and the Rock Ridge Road campground. During the fishing and frogging season, camping is allowed only at the Rock Ridge campground.
  • 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.
         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.
         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.
    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.  Water in wells is not certified for human consumption.
    2.  Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
    3.  If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 863-648-3200 (TDD 800-955-8771).
    4.  The FWC and the District are not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
    5. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.
General Area Regulations:
All general laws and regulations relating to wildlife and fish shall apply unless specifically exempted for this area. Hunting or the taking of wildlife or fish on this area shall be allowed only during the open seasons and in accordance with the following regulations:
1.  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 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. Public access is limited to foot traffic and bicycles only, except during periods open for scouting or hunting, during fishing and frogging season (May 4 through June 16, 2024, Saturdays and Sundays only and May 3 through June 15, 2025 Saturdays and Sundays only) and when camping is allowed.
2.  Except at campsites, vehicles may only be operated on the area from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset during established hunting seasons, and from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. 1 day prior (scout day) to archery, general gun and spring turkey hunts. During the fishing and frogging season, vehicles may be operated during daylight hours only.
3.  Vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 8 a.m. 1 day prior to archery, general gun and spring turkey hunts until 1½ hours after sunset on the last day of the hunt. During wild hog-dog season vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 4 p.m. on Wednesdays until 1½ hours after sunset on Sundays. During small game, and the fishing and frogging seasons, vehicle access to campsites is allowed after 4 p.m. on Fridays until 1½ hours after sunset Sundays.
4.  Vehicles may be operated only on named roads, except Stanley Fish Hole, Orange Lake and Tillman Lake roads are open only during the fishing and frogging season.
5.  Stanley Fish Hole, Orange Lake and Tillman Lake roads will be open to vehicular traffic during the May-June fishing season. Tanic Grade, Powder Grade and Levee Road north of Main Grade are closed during this period.
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.  Tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, airboats, horses and unlicensed and unregistered motorcycles are prohibited.
9.  Bicycles may be operated only on named roads and designated bicycle trails. 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.
10. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
Hunters, Check Stations and Harvest Reporting:
1.  Hunters shall enter and exit the area at a designated entrance and only during hours a check station is in operation.
2.  Hunters must check in at a check station upon entering and check out upon leaving the area and check all game harvested.
3.  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 of recovery. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook or MyFWC.com for deer and turkey harvest reporting instructions.
4.  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 on the last day of each hunt.
5.  No deer or wild hog shall be dismembered until checked at a check station.
6. Check station hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Saving Time and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time, except during the small game and wild hog-dog seasons when hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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 air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 
5.  Hunting deer with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt, arrow or bullet .30 caliber or larger are allowed. 
6.  Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow. 
7.  Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun 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, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
10.  For hunting migratory game, only centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used.
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 and set guns is prohibited.
12.  The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
Dogs:
1.  Hunting with dogs other than bird dogs is prohibited, except any dog may be used for hunting small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel and migratory birds) and non-protected birds during small game season and any dog may be used during the wild hog-dog season.
2.  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.
3.  Hunting wild hogs with dogs is prohibited except during the wild hog-dog season.
4.  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.
5.  Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
6.  Dogs are allowed during periods or in areas closed to hunting with dogs, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
Camping:
1.  Camping is allowed by permit only and only within the site designated on the permit.
2.  All camping permits are only available first-come, first-served at the campgrounds when camping is allowed .
3.  The improved campsites located at the SR 471 campground are intended for use by persons with disabilities.
4.  Camping permits are non-transferable. Camping permit holders may allow others to camp within their site; however, the permittee is responsible for the assigned site.
5.  Camping equipment must be removed on the last day of each season, except the period between archery and general gun seasons.
6.  Tampering in any way with official markings of campsites is prohibited.
7.  Only tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles may be used for camping.
8.  Unless contained in mobile campers, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited. Lumber, sheet metal and other building materials are also prohibited.
9.  The use of electrical generators powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
10.  A legible copy of the camping permit or the permittee’s name and permit number must be visibly affixed to camping shelters.
11. During the small game season, camping is allowed at the 471 campground and the Rock Ridge Road campground. During the fishing and frogging season, camping is allowed only at the Rock Ridge campground.
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.
     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.
     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.
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: 8)
  • Wild Hog-Dog Season
    October 3-6, 10-13
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Daily quota permit and management area permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Wild hog only.
    Regulations Unique to Wild Hog-Dog Season -
    1.  Each wild hog-dog daily quota permit allows a hunting group of 3 persons to participate in the hunt.
    2.  Hunting with more than 3 free-running dogs per hunting group is prohibited.
  • Archery Season
    November 1 - December 1 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, and Thanksgiving Day)
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, antlerless deer (which includes does and bucks with antlers less than 5 inches in length, but not spotted fawn), wild hog, turkey of either sex, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds.
    Regulations Unique to Archery Season - Only archery equipment may be used for hunting, except that centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit).
  • General Gun Season
    December 7 - February 2
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during first 9 days) or daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - Deer with at least 1 antler having 3 or more points (each point 1-inch or more in length) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more, wild hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, bobcat, otter, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. 
  • Small Game Season
    February 8 - March 2 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, 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, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, migratory birds in season, and non-protected birds. Bobcat and otter through March 1.
    Regulations Unique to Small Game Season -
    1.  Hunting with centerfire rifles is allowed.
    2.  Any dog may be used to hunt small game (quail, rabbit, squirrel, and migratory birds) and non-protected birds.
  • Trapping
    Prohibited.
  • Spring Turkey Season
    March 15 - April 20
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit (if hunting during first 2 days) or daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit and wild turkey permit.
    Legal to Hunt - Bearded turkey or gobbler.
    Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season - 
    1.  Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    2.  Hunting other animals is prohibited.
    3. Only bows, crossbows, PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow and centerfire and muzzleloading shotguns using a #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 that coincide with the seasons where migratory birds are listed as legal to hunt in this brochure. See migratory game bird hunting regulations.
    Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit or daily quota permit, hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl).
    Legal to Hunt - See migratory bird season dates, bag limits and regulationsNon-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 mourning and white-winged doves are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
    4.  Non-hunting assistants with required licenses and permits may actively participate in the 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.
    1.  Access for fishing and frogging is restricted to foot traffic only, except during periods open to hunting and May 4 through June 16, 2024 (Saturdays and Sundays only) and May 3 through June 15, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays only). Stanley Fish Hole, Orange Lake and Tillman Lake roads will be open to vehicular traffic during the May-June fishing season. Tanic Grade, Powder Grade and Levee Road north of Main Grade are closed during this period.
    2.  During the May-June fishing season, vehicular access is allowed at the designated entrance on Rock Ridge Road only and during daylight hours only.
    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.  Water in wells is not certified for human consumption.
2.  Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA.
3.  If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 863-648-3200 (TDD 800-955-8771).
4.  The FWC and the District are not responsible for protection of personal property and will not be liable for theft of or damage to personal property.
5. Please report the location of any sick or extremely skinny deer to the Chronic Wasting Disease hotline, toll free at 866-293-9282.

Southwest Florida Water Management District Rules and Information:

1.  Public use of District lands is regulated by Chapter 40D-9 of the Florida Administrative Code, in addition to the above-listed FWC rules. For detailed information regarding public-use rules and recreational opportunities on District lands, please visit WaterMatters.org/recreation or contact the District at 352-796-7211, 800-492-7862 (FL only), or Recreation@WaterMatters.org.

2.  The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on this area.

3.  The District’s management includes prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year including hunting seasons.  Area users should visit the check station daily for information and location of burn areas or contact the District’s Land Management office at 352-796-7211. Please do not park vehicles or leave any equipment in or adjacent to these areas.

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.
Disorientation is a common problem among persons walking in the swamp. Individuals are encouraged to be familiar with the area they plan to travel and possess minimal survival equipment - compass, flashlight, matches, etc.
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.