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Watermelon Pond
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	Regulations Summary and Area Map July 01, 2023 - June 30, 2024


	This brochure is designed to provide the public with information and a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting and other recreational use on the Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental 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 and the Florida Hunting Regulations handbook should provide the information necessary for you to plan your hunting activities. These publications are available at MyFWC.com. Persons using wildlife and environmental areas are required to have appropriate licenses, permits and stamps. The following persons are exempt from all license and permit requirements (except for quota permits when listed as “no exemptions,” recreational use permits, antlerless deer permits, released quail permits and the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp [federal duck stamp], if applicable): Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older; residents who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate; residents in the U.S. Armed Forces, not stationed in Florida, while home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders; and children under 16 years of age. Children under 16 years of age are exempt from the federal duck stamp. Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 and 16 years of age or older must have passed a Commission-approved hunter-safety course prior to being issued a hunting license, except the Hunter Safety Mentoring exemption allows anyone to purchase a hunting license and hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter, 21 years of age or older. Youth and mentor license holders are required to be accompanied by a supervisor during any hunt. A youth hunter (less than 16 years of age) must be supervised by a person at least 18 years of age. A mentor license holder must be supervised by a licensed hunter at least 21 years of age. Unless exempt, only those supervisors with proper licenses and permits may hunt. Licenses and permits may be purchased from county tax collectors, license agents, by telephone at 888-486-8356 or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. A no-cost Migratory Bird Permit is available when purchasing a hunting license. Any waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a federal duck stamp. Released quail permits may only be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
	Quota Permit Information: Youth Turkey - 10, no-cost, quota permits (no exemptions). 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: Guest hunters are not allowed during youth turkey hunts. Youth and mentor license holders: If a youth or mentor supervisor is hunting during any hunt for which quota permits are issues, at least 1 person in the party must be in possession of a quota permit. Transfer of permits: Quota 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 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 head and evidence of sex shall remain with any deer harvested on the area and shall not be removed from the carcass of any turkey harvested on the area. 14. The planting or introduction of any 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 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 this area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from quota permits during hunts requiring them. Public Access and Vehicles Public Access and Vehicles: 1. Open to public access year round but only from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset. 2. Persons must enter and exit the area through a designated entrance or via Watermelon Pond. 3. Motorized vehicular access is prohibited, except in designated parking areas. 4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane. 5. Bicycles and horses may be ridden only on roads, firelanes or designated trails. 6. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike. Hunters Hunters and Harvest Reporting: 1. Hunting equipment may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every season. 2. 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. 3. Quail release participants must enter and exit the area only at a designated quail release entrance (see map). Guns Guns: 1. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited. 2. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 3. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. 4. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult. 5. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 6. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles (muzzleloading and rimfire only), pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. 7. For hunting migratory game, only 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. 8. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire rifles, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited. 9. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS. Dogs Dogs: 1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers are allowed during the small game season and on the Gladman Tract (see map) during statewide waterfowl seasons. 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, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Camping Camping: Camping is allowed only on the Goethe State Forest portion of the area at designated campsites as authorized by the Florida Forest Service (see Florida Forest Service Rules and Information below). Bag and Possession Limits Bag and Possession Limits: 1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits. A. Area limits - 1 deer. 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 (No bag limit for released quail). 6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limit. 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 386-758-0525 (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 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 head and evidence of sex shall remain with any deer harvested on the area and shall not be removed from the carcass of any turkey harvested on the area. 14. The planting or introduction of any 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 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 this area is open for public access. Falconers are not exempt from quota permits during hunts requiring them.

	Public Access and Vehicles: 1. Open to public access year round but only from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset. 2. Persons must enter and exit the area through a designated entrance or via Watermelon Pond. 3. Motorized vehicular access is prohibited, except in designated parking areas. 4. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane. 5. Bicycles and horses may be ridden only on roads, firelanes or designated trails. 6. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. For more information visit MyFWC.com/ebike.
	Hunters and Harvest Reporting: 1. Hunting equipment may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of any season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. 1 day after the end of every season. 2. 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. 3. Quail release participants must enter and exit the area only at a designated quail release entrance (see map).



	Guns: 1. Hunting at night with a gun is prohibited. 2. Hunting wildlife (other than migratory birds) with air guns is allowed. See Florida Hunting Regulations handbook for details. 3. Hunting turkey with air guns is prohibited, except pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt or arrow are allowed. 4. Children under the age of 16 hunting with a firearm or air gun must be in the presence of a supervising adult. 5. No person shall discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in hand while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 6. For hunting non-migratory game, only shotguns, rifles (muzzleloading and rimfire only), pistols, air guns, bows, crossbows or falconry may be used. 7. For hunting migratory game, only 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. 8. Hunting with full-automatic firearms, centerfire rifles, explosive or drug-injecting devices and set guns is prohibited. 9. The discharge of a firearm outside of periods open to hunting or in areas closed to hunting is prohibited per s. 790.15 FS.
	Dogs: 1. Hunting with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers are allowed during the small game season and on the Gladman Tract (see map) during statewide waterfowl seasons. 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, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
	Camping: Camping is allowed only on the Goethe State Forest portion of the area at designated campsites as authorized by the Florida Forest Service (see Florida Forest Service Rules and Information below).
	Bag and Possession Limits: 1. Deer - No person shall exceed statewide bag limits. A. Area limits - 1 deer. 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 (No bag limit for released quail). 6. Raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk and nutria - No bag limit. 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: 6) Archery Season October 14-22 Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, archery permit, deer permit (if hunting deer), wild turkey permit (if hunting wild turkey) 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, 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 shotguns are allowed for hunting migratory birds and non-protected birds. Hunting with crossbows is prohibited (except by disabled crossbow permit). Small Game Season November 18 - December 3, December 16 - January 7 Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, released quail permit (if releasing northern bobwhite), migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl 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 beginning December 1. Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 1. Hunting with centerfire rifles is prohibited. 2. Hunting with dogs is prohibited except bird dogs and waterfowl retrievers may be used to hunt quail, migratory birds, and non-protected birds. 3. Northern bobwhite may be released and taken by 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 https://myfwc.com/hunting/quail/released-quail/ for more information. 4. Released quail permit participants must enter and exit the area only at designated quail release entrances (see map). Trapping Prohibited. Spring Turkey Season Youth Turkey: March 9-10 Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Quota permit, hunting license, management area permit and wild turkey permit. Legal to Hunt - Bearded turkey or gobbler. Regulations Unique to Spring Turkey Season - 1. Legal shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. 2. Hunting other animals is prohibited. 3. Only bows, crossbows, PCP air guns propelling a bolt or arrow and shotguns using a #2 or smaller shot size may be used for hunting. 4. 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 for taking wild turkeys may participate when in the presence of a youth, but may not harvest a wild turkey. Migratory Bird Season Migratory game birds and crows may be hunted during their respective statewide seasons that coincide with the seasons listed in this brochure. See migratory game bird hunting regulations. On the Gladman Tract (see map), ducks, geese and coot may be hunted during statewide waterfowl seasons. Permit, Stamp and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit, and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - See migratory bird season dates, bag limits and regulations. Non-protected birds may also be taken. Regulations Unique to Migratory Bird Seasons - All Migratory Bird Regulations shall apply. 1. Hunting ducks, geese and coot with lead shot is prohibited. 2. Centerfire shotguns are allowed for hunting during established area seasons when migratory birds are legal to hunt. 3. Shooting hours for mourning and white-winged dove are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. 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 - All General Freshwater Fishing Regulations shall apply. Shooting frogs is allowed only during the listed open hunting seasons and only with the legal methods of take during each particular season. Frogs may only be taken by firearms during daylight hours.


	General Information: 1. Information for persons with disabilities can be found at MyFWC.com/ADA. 2. If you have any questions about this material, please call the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386-758-0525 (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.



	Florida Forest Service Rules and Information: 1. Most Florida State Forest campsites are reservable on any mobile device or computer by visiting FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com, or by calling ReserveAmerica at (877) 879-3859. For your convenience, most locations also have walk up, first-come, first-served campsites. 2. The Florida Forest Service requires a fee at some day-use areas and all campgrounds. Hunters are exempt from paying day-use fees 2 weeks prior to and during scheduled hunts. All campground and other fees apply. For information on general recreation and fees, please contact the Florida Forest Service at 352-465-8585. 3. Florida Forest Service management includes prescribed burning and timber management most months of the year, including hunting seasons. Area users should contact the Florida Forest Service for information and location of burn areas, 352-465-8585.
	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. FWC programs receive Federal 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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) at: FWC, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399, Ph: (850) 488-6411, or you may write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.