Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following
recreation activities are allowed. The Babcock-Webb
Recreation Guide is a useful resource when visiting this area.
|
Phil Wilkinson
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The deer population has increased from 1 deer per 470 acres in 1986
to 1 deer per 161 acres in 1995. Deer condition indexes have remained
in the good to excellent range. Feral hogs are present and may be some
of the direct descendants of the original stock that escaped in the
1500s from de Soto’s expedition. Although turkeys are occasionally
seen, only one has been harvested on Babcock-Webb in the past 53 years.
For information about the dove fields, read FWC's General
Information on WMA Dove Fields. More current
dove field conditions can be obtained on the Field
Update page.
Bobwhite quail is the featured species on the area and the subject
of considerable research and management. Read More
The 395-acre Webb Lake has record-sized bluegill, huge freshwater snook,
and largemouth bass. Marl ponds 1, 2, and 3 are located in either side
of Tucker Grade Road. They are each about 2 acres in size and provide
excellent opportunities for bank fishing. Fish have been stocked and
feeders installed on Webb Lake and the ponds to help fish reach maximum
size in the shortest time possible. Surveys by biologists indicate that
bluegill 8 inches or longer are common and that some in the ponds exceed
11 inches in length. Reference the map
of Babcock-Webb WMA (pdf file) for boat
ramp locations. Fishing
license information.
A birding hot spot in southwest Florida, Webb is home to numerous resident
as well as migrating birds. Northern bobwhite, eastern cottontail
rabbits, gray squirrels,
raccoons, white-tailed deer, and feral hogs are common inhabitants of
the flatwoods. Visit the Wildlife page
for more information about the area's wildlife. This area is part of the Great
Florida Birding Trail. You may also
request a copy or download or print the
Babcock-Webb Bird List -
pdf file.
Lightly traveled trams provide many hiking opportunities. The slightly
elevated trams offer the hiker views of this expansive landscape. The
Babcock-Webb Recreation Guide indicates
especially scenic routes.
Trams offer miles of off-road cycling opportunities. The Babcock-Webb
Recreation Guide indicates especially scenic routes.
Horses may be used during hunting seasons
throughout the area unless otherwise specified. During other times of
the year, horseback riding is allowed in the recreation area lying south
of the northern boundaries of Sections 19, 20, and 21, During hunting
days, horses are prohibited on the Yucca Pens Unit.
Paddlers can explore the nooks and crannies of Webb Lake for a good
spot to cast a line or enjoy the many wading birds along it shores.
Reference the map of
Babcock-Webb WMA (pdf file) for boat ramp
locations.
A short interpretive drive along Webb Lake introduces visitors to the
natural resources of Babcock-Webb.
Only designated recreation area (see
map) is open to vehicle access during non-hunting
season. During hunting season, all
the area is open to vehicle access. Vehicular access for scouting is
permitted one week prior to the archery season on named and numbered
roads only. Vehicle
use regulations.
Camping is only permitted in
designated
primitive campgrounds - pdf file. During
hunting season camping is available 7
days a week and during non-hunting season,
camping is permitted from 5 pm Friday to 9 PM on Sunday and on Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Labor Day. Camping
is prohibited on the Yucca Pens Unit.
This popular 10-pad shooting range has 200-yard rifle, 100-yard rifle,
and 50-yard pistol ranges. More
information regarding Public Shooting Ranges.
