Hunting is a wonderful way for friends and families to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors. Building new outdoor skills and learning about wildlife and their habitats also provides a great sense of accomplishment. Plus, those who are successful can take satisfaction in providing food that is healthy and nutritious. It’s no wonder so many people are interested in experiencing what hunting is all about.
Florida offers a big variety of hunting opportunities. While more people hunt deer in Florida than any other species, turkey hunting is also popular. People throughout North America travel to the Sunshine State for a chance to hunt Osceola turkeys because Florida is the ONLY destination for this subspecies. To others, Florida means alligator hunting. The state’s alligator harvest has been internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Florida hunting traditions also include hunting hogs, squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, quail, and raccoons and other furbearers.
Getting Started
Hunting is a safe activity as well as being fun to learn. There are a couple of great ways to get involved. Taking a hunter safety course is ideal for getting up to speed about being safe, but you’ll also learn about conservation, wildlife and hunting strategies. Those born on or after June 1, 1975, and are 16 years or older, must pass a FWC hunter safety course before purchasing a hunting license. FWC has other programs as well that are designed to help new hunters gain the experience and skills they need.
Looking for a place to hunt?
Florida’s wildlife management areas include more than 5.8 million acres of public land, which is one of the larger systems east of the Mississippi. FWC is the landowner or lead managing agency on about 1.4 million acres where we work to provide quality wildlife conservation and recreation opportunities such as hunting. Before hunting public or private land, make sure you read and know all applicable hunting laws, rules and regulations for the game you are pursuing.
This year, if you’re looking for a way to get back to nature, make time to experience hunting!
