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Escambia River Wildlife Management Area

Escambia River WMA

Managed in cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Escambia River WMA consists of more than 35,000 acres bordering 25 miles of the Escambia River from CR 4 south to near Pensacola in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Much of the river is bordered by floodplain forest. Water levels fluctuate considerably throughout the year, subject to rainfall amounts. Hunting is permitted in season. A boat is needed to access most of the area, but vehicle access is possible at Cotton Landing, Little Williams, Bogia Road, Mystic Springs, Bluff Springs and Salters Lake in Escambia County. Vehicle access in Santa Rosa County is available at Quintette Landing, Webb Landing, Keyser Landing, and Williams Lake. Primitive camping is permitted throughout the area and one group campsite is available at Mystic Springs with a permit from the Northwest Florida Water Management District (850-539-5999). Fishing is the major recreational draw in this area. The Escambia River has the richest assemblage of freshwater fish of any river in Florida, including numerous sportfish species - shadow bass, warmouth, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, spotted bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, chain pickerel, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish and sunshine bass. Numerous boat launches are available along the Escambia River.

Add your bird observations to the following eBird Hotspots:

Escambia WMA - Century Landing

Escambia WMA - Bluff Springs

Escambia WMA - Bogia Swamp

Escambia WMA - Cotton Lake

Rules Regarding Dogs

  • For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
  • Hunting dogs may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. one day after the end of the season. Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited on Parker and Morgan Islands (except when hunting raccoon) and in the remainder of the still hunt area. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.

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