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FWC considers restricting methods of take during public-land spring turkey hunts

Proposal would restrict firearms to shotguns and muzzle-loading shotguns only The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a rule proposal that would limit the methods of take allowed during spring turkey hunts on wildlife management areas (WMAs). The proposal would restrict firearms to shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns only, using shot no larger than number 2.  If FWC Commissioners approve the rule, all rifles, pistols, buckshot and slugs will be prohibited during spring turkey hunts on WMAs, beginning...

Time to apply for wild hog quota hunt permits

Phase I applications accepted until April 12 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting applications through April 12 during its Phase I random drawing for quota permits to hunt wild hogs on selected wildlife management areas. These quota permits are for hog-only hunts (both still and dog), where hunters can use modern firearms.  Many of the new summer hunts are night-only hunts.  In addition, permits for the dog hunts allow hunting with up to three dogs at...

Two Northwest Florida national wildlife refuges offer special hunts

Special deer and wild hog hunt applications begin May 4 This fall, Northwest Florida offers some special deer and wild hog hunts at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and a unique “big-game” hunt on the island of St. Vincent NWR. The application period for these hunts begins at 10 a.m. May 4 and continues through 11:59 p.m. June 10. There are two archery hunts, two general gun hunts and one mobility-impaired gun hunt on St. Marks NWR, which covers...

Apply for alligator hunting permits on May 5

Alligator hunting season will run Aug. 15 through Nov. 1 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications May 5 for a chance to obtain highly coveted permits to participate in the statewide alligator harvest. In Phase I, applications will be accepted for a random drawing from 10 a.m. (EDT) May 5 through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) May 18.  Approximately 6,000 alligator harvest permits will be available. During the Phase I random drawing, each person can submit...

Deer hunters get better-aligned zones, season dates

FWC announces 2010-2011 hunting season dates Click here for 2010-2011 season dates The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed new rules Wednesday affecting deer hunters, beginning with the 2010-11 season. The new rules modified zone boundaries and season dates for deer hunting on private property. “These changes will better align the deer hunting seasons with the rut and are intended to increase hunter satisfaction,” said Cory Morea, Deer Management Program Coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game...

FWC decides to draft rules guiding fox and coyote enclosures

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted Wednesday to temporarily prohibit the chasing of foxes and coyotes in enclosures, while moving forward to draft rules guiding such enclosures in Florida. An executive order prohibiting chasing of foxes and coyotes within an enclosure will be issued by Feb. 24. Before making the decision, Commissioners listened to more than 40 speakers on fox and coyote pens, beginning with Rep. Debbie Boyd, D-High Springs. Boyd urged the Commission to recognize the...

Where to hunt spring turkeys without a quota permit

Many wildlife management areas do not require quota permit If you weren’t lucky enough to get drawn for a spring turkey quota permit, or if you are looking for even more spring turkey hunting opportunity, don’t fret; there are numerous wildlife management areas (WMAs) that don’t require them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers 42 public hunting areas statewide where hunters need only to “walk on” to hunt spring turkeys. These hunts are made possible through the...

Deer season is not over yet in Florida Panhandle

Outta the woods: Northwest Florida deer in rut Thus far, this deer season has been pretty good to me as far as quantity goes.  I shot two does during doe week, and I got my season limit on fall gobblers, but I have yet to even see horns, much less harvest a buck.  But I still have plenty of room left in my freezer, and I’m not throwing in the towel just yet.  After all, there are still lots of...