Waterfowl

Duck Hunting

In general, waterfowl hunting in Florida is permitted on any water body that has public access, unless it is closed for a specific reason, such as being in a park or in an area where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. Wildlife management areas (WMAs), water management district (WMD) lands, and national wildlife refuges (NWRs) that offer duck hunting may have special permit requirements and restrictions on when and where you can hunt. Regional offices of the FWC can provide additional information on WMAs and other duck hunting areas. Please check with local law enforcement agencies for specific firearm discharge regulations on public water bodies prior to hunting.

News

• Where Florida's Ducks Come From (offsite)
• 2010-2011 Waterfowl Management Program Annual Report
• 2012-2013 Mallard Control Permits available.
• Report on January 2011 TLS survey of duck hunters
• Summary of Leon County Waterfowl Regulations Survey

2011-2012 Waterfowl Season Dates

Ducks

Early season teal and wood ducks - Sept. 24 -28, 2011

Regular season - Nov. 19-27, 2011; Dec. 10 - Jan. 29, 2012

Youth (duck and goose*) - Feb. 4-5, 2012

Geese

Canada Geese Early Season - Sept. 2-28, 2011

Canada Geese Regular Season - Nov. 19-27, 2011; Dec. 1 - Jan. 30, 2012

Light Geese Regular Season - Nov. 19-27, 2011; Dec. 10 - Jan 29, 2012

Season Brochures

• 2011-2012 Early duck, dove, crow, and snipe seasons
• 2011-2012 Regular duck, coot, and limited goose seasons

Regulations

• Approved non-toxic shot types
• Synopsis of federal regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting
• Federal migratory bird regulations
• Baiting information
• Duck blind rule information (Leon, Jefferson counties)

Quota Permits

• Apply for 2011-2012 waterfowl quota permit
• STA information for 2011-2012 season

2012-2013 Waterfowl Quota Hunt Application Periods

ADA Duck Blind

• Duck blind information for persons with disabilities (STA 5, Guana, Goodwin)
• ADA Accommodation Request Form

FWC and Other Hunt Areas

• T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area
• PotashCorp - White Springs WMA
• Guana River WMA
• Hickory Mound Impoundment WMA
• STA Public Small Game Hunting Areas
• Ockalawaha Prairie Small Game Hunting Area
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl-hunting information
• A list of all FWC-managed hunting areas (WMAs) is available.

Helpful Links

• Where to Duck Hunt in Florida (5MB)
• Waterfowl identification
• Sunrise table (for any US location)
• Avian influenza guidelines
• Where to purchase a federal duck stamp

Harvest Data

• 2011-2012 check station harvest data
• Past check station harvest data

Report Duck Bands

• Call toll-free: 800-327-2263
• Internet: www.reportband.gov