Deer Management Units (DMUs)

Would you like a say in how White-tailed Deer populations are managed in Florida?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is developing a framework for you to do just that! This framework is based on Deer Management Units (DMUs). DMUs are subdivisions within Florida’s four hunting zones and are based on similar habitat characteristics and deer herd characteristics (e.g. breeding chronology, productivity, body size, and antler development).

Draft Statewide DMU Map

Zone D DMU Pilot

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently piloting the DMU process in Zone D. Once we have completed and evaluated the process in Zone D we will begin implementation of DMUs throughout the rest of the state.

Public Input Process for Deer Management Units in Zone D: The Florida Panhandle

FWC is providing interested stakeholders with an opportunity to share their opinions on deer management within the two proposed Deer Management Units in Zone D of the Florida Panhandle. Stakeholder input is important in designing DMU management goals and objectives and your input is needed and valued. Specifically, FWC is looking for feedback on:

• Deer population management
• Antlerless deer take opportunities
• Antler regulations
• Bag limits
• Other local deer issues

Normandeau Associates, Inc., of Gainesville, FL, has been contracted to work with FWC to facilitate stakeholder meetings and input. We have created a diverse system for public input that includes meetings, webinars, and online comments. All input will be recorded and used by FWC staff for further consideration of what changes, if any, may be recommended within these DMUs.

To continue to receive updates on the DMUs, sign up for the DMU e-mail list.

Meeting Information and Dates

We had three public meetings at the end of January to discuss deer management in Zone D’s two proposed DMUs.  These meetings were a great success and we appreciate everyone that was able to attend and provide input.  We had approximately 250 individuals attend.

If you were not able to make one of the public meetings there are other ways to view the presentation and to provide input on deer management in Zone D.

Technical Assistance Group

Online Presentation

If you could not make a meeting or could not participate in one of our webinars, you may view an online presentation.