Hunting in Florida

Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend

Youth Turkey VideoIn 2011 the FWC established a brand new Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend on private lands in order to encourage adults to take kids hunting. This special weekend was all about the kids.

As it turns out, the inaugural Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend was a huge success! So the 2-day season for youth will include public as well as private land beginning in spring 2012. A total of 78 of our wildlife management areas will now be included among the youth turkey hunting opportunities.

Learn exactly which areas you can take a youth spring turkey hunting in 2012.

New YouTube Video!!

Regulations

The Hunting Handbook summarizes the hunting regulations for private and public lands. The FWC also cooperates with other landowners to establish wildlife management area (WMA) regulations.

Licenses and permits

Florida residents and visitors need a Florida hunting license, unless they are exempt.  The limited entry permit program offers quality hunting on WMAs. Application periods begin in early spring. For some hunts/times, no quota permit is required.

Hunter safety

Hunters born on or after June 1, 1975 and 16 years old, must pass a hunter safety course before purchasing a license.  The mentoring exemption allows certain hunters to purchase a one-time only hunting license without completing the course.

Public hunting opportunities

FWC cooperatively manages public hunting on more than 5.5 million acres in our WMA system. The FWC cannot give permission to hunt on other lands. Land that is not posted or fenced, including some water bodies, may not be open to hunting. There is a directory of outfitters and guides to help you plan your hunt.


FWC Facts:
Bowhunter Field Day is a hands-on, constructive experience covering bow setup and shooting, field walks, blood-trail exercises, tree stands, equipment preparation and survival.

Learn More at AskFWC