Florida - Friday May 20, 2022: If you’re interested in hunting deer or wild hog this fall/winter at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge, make plans to apply for quota, special-opportunity and national wildlife refuge hunt permits.
The phase I application period is now open and runs through 11:59 p.m. ET on June 15. You can apply in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office or online at: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Find 2022-2023 WMA regulations brochures and maps and application deadlines, worksheets and other limited entry hunt details.
Make sure you check out the fall quota hunt options at the newest WMA: Tate’s Hell – St. James Island Unit in northwest Florida. The FWC, in cooperation with the area’s lead land manger, the Florida Forest Service, is offering quota hunt permits for deer, wild turkey and wild hog. This new 8,182-acre area in Franklin County will also offer opportunities to hunt small game and migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, coot, snipe and woodcock) during statewide seasons without a quota permit.
Update About Everglades and Francis S. Taylor and Rotenberger WMA quota permits
Starting this year, FWC is changing its approach to issuing airboat quota permits at Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA and general gun vehicle quota permits at Rotenberger WMA.
• To avoid canceling these hunts, the FWC will no longer automatically include these quota permits in the phase I application period.
• Instead, the decision to issue these quota permits will be made in mid-June, after aerial survey results of deer are received and evaluated.
• If survey results support issuing quota permits for hunts on these WMAs, the FWC will announce their availability and how and when to apply.
Check in mid-June for information about the availability of these quota permits. Or to receive an update via email, sign up for FWC Hunting News and make sure your email is up-to-date at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
New Rules for Statewide Alligator Harvest
At their May meeting, FWC Commissioners approved increasing hunting hours for the statewide alligator hunt and adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator. Learn more about these new statewide alligator harvest program rules.
Don't forget about spring/summer wild hog hunts
Check out the spring and summer wild hog hunting opportunities on wildlife management areas across the state. While many of the WMAs that offer these wild hog hunts don’t require a quota permit, some of them do so please review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt. Also, a hunting license isn’t needed to hunt wild hogs at a WMA, however, a management area permit is required. Find more information and a list of WMAs offering spring/summer public hunting opportunities.
Summer camp job opportunities
Know someone who loves the outdoors and is looking for a summer job? A summer camp counselor or instructor position at the Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp may be a great option. We’re looking for people who want to teach youth ages 8-17 about conservation and outdoor skills such as archery, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
To be considered for this job, you must be at least 18 years of age and pass a mandatory background check. Pay starts at $520/week + room and board. Plus, your employment at the Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp can serve as an internship for college credit. For more information about these summer camp jobs, contact Will Burnett at 352-625-2804 or William.Burnett@MyFWC.com.
Summer camp opportunities are still available for kids aged 8 to 17 who want to experience the outdoors. The Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp offers a variety of safe, fun and age-appropriate week-long camps. Learn more and register. Find other summer camps through the FWC's Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network.
Hunting Season Dates
• 2022-2023 game and furbearer hunting season dates and bag limits on lands outside of the wildlife management area system.
• 2022-2023 migratory game bird hunting season dates and bag limits (these regulations are pending final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
• 2022-2023 wildlife management area regulations brochures and maps.
Learn more about hunting in Florida at: MyFWC.com/Hunting.
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