In mid-August, birders are drawn to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area as the fall migration of warblers begins. Bald eagles are present throughout the year. Opportunities for hunting on Three Lakes occur during many days in the fall and winter. On the Prairie Lakes Unit, there are fewer hunting days. (The Sunset Ranch tract is closed to hunting.) Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are likely to be most pleasant on non-hunting days in the fall through the spring when water levels are likely to be lower and temperatures cooler. On the lakes, specks are generally abundant January through March, and fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish is generally best late spring through the summer. Catfish may be caught at Parker Slough and Jackson Canal throughout the year.

Hunters must comply with all hunting regulations

 

Three Lakes:

Hunting Regulations and Map  | Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance * Adobe PDF

Seasons Summary Dates (range July 2011 through June 2012)
Archery September 17-18 and September 19 through October 16
Muzzleloading Gun October 22-24
General Gun Mobility Impaired October 28-30 (east of Canoe Creek Road)
General Gun November 5-6 and November 7 through January 1
General  Gun-Dog December 8-11 and December 29 through January 1 (east of Canoe Creek Road)
Small Game January 2 through March 4
Raccoon January 27-29 (only between the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 441) (1 1/2 hours before sunset on Friday until 1 1/2 hours after sunrise on Sunday.)
Quail (Quail enhancement area only) - January through February (Saturdays only, maximum of 8 days)
Spring Turkey - Youth March 10-11 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)
Spring Turkey March 17 through April 22 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)

 

 

Prairie Lakes Unit:

Hunting Regulations and Map  | Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* Adobe PDF

Seasons Summary Dates (range July 2011 through June 2012)
Archery September 30 through October 2 and October 7-9
Muzzleloading Gun October 28-30
General Gun November 18-20 and 25-27
Wild Hog-Still December 2-4 and January 6-8
Small Game December 10 through January 1
Spring Turkey - Youth March 10-11 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)
Spring Turkey March 17-19, March 30 through April 1 and April 13-15 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)

 

 

(*Calendar does not reflect migratory game bird hunting seasons.)



FWC Facts:
According to The Economist, eco-tourism is the fastest growing segment of world tourism.

Learn More at AskFWC