Geocaching

Geocaching on FWC Lands

Geocaching, an activity that blends traditional hiking and scavenger hunting, is growing in popularity.  Geocaching is allowed on FWC managed properties within certain guidelines.  These guidelines were developed to protect wildlife, our natural resources and you! Please abide by them.  For more information about geocaching visit: http://www.geocaching.com/faq. To search for a cache in your area visit http://www.geocaching.com/seek.

Wildlife management areas provide opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife.  Many areas offer hiking trails and viewing sites.  We invite you to enjoy these other opportunities as well. You can find links to area regulations and hunt calendars by visiting the WMA's Web site through our Explore by Area Web page. Please abide by all rules while on the areas.

If you are interested in placing and maintaining a geocache on FWC property, first read our official Geocaching Guidelines and then follow the instructions below to apply for a permit.

General Information

• The FWC requires all geocaches to be permitted (at no cost) and all caches must display an FWC-issued permit number. Any cache located on FWC property that does not have a valid permit number displayed will be removed.

• The exact coordinates of the proposed cache must be stated on the request.

• The cache application will be reviewed for potential negative impacts to wildlife, wildlife habitat or cultural resources, potential user conflicts and public safety at the proposed site.

• If approved, the cache posting (description), typically found on http://www.geocaching.com, must contain the following text: This cache is located within the (WMA/WEA/FMA NAME). Visitors should be aware of seasonal hunting and must abide by all area regulations while on the area.

• Registrations must be renewed annually. If the permit holder wishes to change the location of the cache, a new application must be submitted.

• The permit holder is responsible for removing the cache and for removing the cache location from all websites and any information source once the registration period expires. If the permit holder fails to remove the cache, it will be removed and disposed of by FWC staff.

• FWC reserves the right to remove the geocache at any time without prior notice to the geocache owner.

Permit Application Instructions

• To apply for a permit, click on the Submit Geocache Application link below.

• This will take you to a login screen. If you have not applied for a Fish and Wildlife Commission permit before click on "Register". Enter the requested information on the registration screen and click Create Account to create your username and password.

• You will be redirected back to the login screen. Enter your username and password and click Login.

• You will now be able to create, change or view your permits. For new permits, enter the requested information on each screen and submit the application when you get to the final page. The application lists those areas where FWC has authority to approve geocaches. If the WMA/WEA where you would like to apply for a cache permit is not listed then FWC does not have authority to approve geocaches on that area.

• The application will be forwarded to the appropriate FWC staff for review and once approved or denied you will receive an email stating the status of your application. If approved you will receive a link to access and print your permit. You may also log back into the system at any time to review the status of your application, or to print approved permits.

• The cache permits that must be displayed on the caches (as noted above) are generated by the system, and are available when you view your permit by clicking the Generate Cache Permits button.