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.
During hunting days, the area is closed to other
recreational uses.
Hunting
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David Johnson
Hunters awaiting results of drawing.
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Joe Budd is a small area with an abundant,
well-balanced deer population that yields an excellent harvest.
Fall track counts are used to monitor changes in the population.
Weekend archery and muzzleloader hunts draw hunters from throughout
the state.
Quota hunt permits are distributed throughout the
state in June. A drawing is held for additional permits the
Thursday before each weekend hunt. Zones have been established to
distribute hunting pressure. Only a limited number of hunters are
allowed in each zone.
Joe Budd has a substantial population of gray
squirrels, raccoons, and wild turkeys, and small populations of
northern bobwhite quail, eastern cottontail rabbits, and waterfowl.
The resident population of mourning doves is moderate, although the
fall and winter migratory population may be temporarily abundant.
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. Hogs have only
recently appeared on Joe Budd. They are very damaging to the
environment, rooting up rare plants as well as archeological sites.
Hunting is a welcome means of controlling their population.
Fishing
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Children fishing in pond
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Joe Budd Pond is a 20-acre impoundment that is the
focal point for the Joe Budd Aquatic Education Center. The pond is
stocked with channel catfish and sunshine bass, and native sunfish.
Between Labor Day and late June, thousands of school children enjoy
fishing and learn about fish anatomy, aquatic ecosystems, and
resource management. The pond is open to the public for fishing on
Saturdays and Sundays only from Independence Day through Labor Day.
Lake Talquin, an 8850-acre impoundment adjacent to Joe Budd, is
known for its crappie and bluegill fishing. Anglers may fish from
the pier or from boats. Reference the map of Joe Budd WMA 
to locate boat ramp(s). Fishing license
information.
Wildlife Viewing
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David Moynahan - hiker pausing at a stream
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Joe Budd has a variety of wildlife indigenous to
the flatwoods and sandy upland areas of panhandle Florida. The
combination fishing pier/wildlife observation platform at Lake
Talquin is a Great
Florida Birding Trail site and is an excellent spot to observe
wading birds, osprey, and perhaps bald eagles. You may request a copy or download or print
the Joe Budd Bird List
. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the
area's wildlife.
Hiking
The extensive network of roads and old logging
trams provide ample opportunities for hiking and nature study. The
Wetland Nature Trail at the Joe Budd Aquatic Education Center takes
you through a cypress swamp.
Biking
The extensive network of roads provides ample
opportunities for biking.
Horseback Riding
The extensive network of roads allows ample
opportunities for horseback riding. Children under the age of
16 are required to wear a helmet when riding on public lands.
For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law . All horseback riders must have proof of
current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on
state lands.
Paddling
Lake Talquin and Little River. Reference
the map of Joe Budd WMA to locate boat ramp(s).
Scenic Driving
Roads traverse a variety of natural communities and offer the
exploring driver opportunities to observe wildlife, wild flowers and much more on
Florida's wild lands.
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Betsy Purdum - High Bluff Campground
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See vehicle use regulations.
Camping
Camping is prohibited, except at the High Bluff
campround by permit from the Florida Forest
Service. Permits are available at a self-service pay station
located at the campground. For fee and other information, call
(850) 488-1871.
Persons with Disabilities