Hunting

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FWC temporarily prohibits take of freshwater softshell turtles and yellow-bellied sliders

FWC temporarily prohibits take of freshwater softshell turtles and yellow-bellied sliders On Aug. 26, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued executive order #21-19 that states the take or transport of all freshwater softshell turtle species or yellow-bellied sliders is currently prohibited until the order is repealed. These temporary regulation changes were made to help conserve freshwater turtle species that continue to be affected by a fatal disease caused by a virus called Turtle Bunyavirus (TBV). The virus...

FWC approves new bear management plan with no hunts in 2020

Panama City Beach – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a 2020 bear management plan on Dec. 11, 2019. The plan includes an updated bear management plan which reflects a comprehensive, science-based approach and continued public education and outreach. There was no proposal to open a hunting season in 2020, however FWC is not closing the door for the future. Click here to read the plan. “We’re proud to have approved a world-class plan for bear management...

Holmes County Outdoor Expo in Bonifay Sept. 14

The Holmes County Outdoor Expo will be held on Sat. Sept. 14, 2019 at 1169 E. Hwy. 90, Bonifay, FL. The event will be from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and admission is free. The Expo will offer hunting, fishing, recreation, resource management exhibits along with live animal displays. Florida State championship turkey calling contest, scavenger hunt, and silent auctions will be held as well. The event is hosted by University of Florida/IFAS Holmes county. Click here for more info....

FWC WMAs and quota hunts impacted by Hurricane Michael

Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Michael as the impacts of this storm continue to unfold. Our number one priority is the health and safety of residents and visitors. The FWC and its land management partners continue to assess and restore wildlife management areas (WMAs) in northwest Florida that are closed due to Hurricane Michael. Check the closed status of our WMAs and other facilities before heading afield.  As WMAs and facilities reopen, they will be removed from the...

Hunter safety internet-completion courses offered in Walton and Washington counties

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in Walton and Washington counties in September. Students who have taken the online course and wish to complete the classroom portion must bring the online-completion report with them. All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times. Anyone born on or after June 1,...

Freeport hunters harvest huge alligator from Basin Bayou

It was a busy morning on Aug. 25, 2018 as Freeport hunters Tilton Morrison, his son Dalton Morrison, and Cade Nick harvested a 13.675 ft. long alligator in Basin Bayou. The male alligator had a 42” tail girth and weighed approximately 800 lbs. The Florida state record for length is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County. The alligator was taken from the bayou close to Nick’s Seafood Restaurant. The gator was brought to Nick’s,...