Geocaching, an
activity that blends traditional hiking and scavenger hunting, is
growing in popularity. Geocaching is allowed on FWC properties
within certain guidelines
(pdf
file).
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.
Geocaching on FWC Lands
Wildlife management areas provide
opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife.
Many areas offer hiking trails and viewing sties. 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 (pdf
file) 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. Please visit
http://myfwc.com/recreation/list.html
for more information.
-
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.
