Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved. Prions shed into the environment by deer with CWD persist for many years, even when exposed to harsh conditions, and are capable of infecting healthy deer for years. If you have questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional office. AskFWC; Social Media; FWC Offices; Law … You can play an important role in conserving our fish and wildlife resources and maintaining public safety. This publication is provided as a guide to Florida hunting laws and regulations; however, the Wildlife Code of the State of Florida is the final authority on hunting laws. New rules require all hunters -- including youth under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years and older, those with a disability license, military personnel, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence -- to report deer they harvest. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Regulations, fishing tips, artificial reefs, and more. Keep in the know with the latest regulations updates.

All antlerless deer taken on lands enrolled in the antlerless deer permit program must be tagged with an issued antlerless deer tag, even if they are harvested on a day when the take of antlerless deer is otherwise allowed (such as archery season) within the zone in which the enrolled lands are located. The good news is the FWC, with help from hunters, has tested over 14,000 deer for CWD since 2002, and the disease has not been detected in Florida. Youth 15-years-old and younger can harvest any deer except spotted fawn, but youth must be supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. Firearms that can be loaded from the breech are not legal during muzzleloading gun season. In Holmes County, the daily bag and season limit is 1. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. There is a directory of outfitters and guides to help you plan your hunt. Use WMA Finder to locate wildlife management areas (WMAs) based on species, season, location and more. Under “Subscription Topics” select “Hunting” and check box for “Hunting Hot Sheet” and “Outta the Woods”. Inside FWC. Studies have shown infected deer populations are significantly impacted. DMU A 1-3 | DMU B1 | DMU C 1-6 | DMU D 1-2 (including antler point regulation information) 2020-2021 Florida Resident Game and Furbearer Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits. We hope even more people report wild turkey sightings this summer, particularly hens and poults, to help the FWC build its knowledge base about nesting success, brood survival, and distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. Youth 15 years old and younger may harvest only one antlered deer (any deer having one or more antlers at least 5 inches in length) annually that does not meet antler point regulations for the DMU being hunted, and it counts toward the youth’s annual bag limit.

What’s New. Live traps and snares (including power snares) can be used to take furbearers and wild hogs, but must be checked every 24 hours. Commission Meetings; Commissioners; Agency Overview; Strategic Planning; Rules & Regulations; News.

The FWC strives to ensure the information in this publication is accurate but assumes no liability for substantive or typographical differences between this publication and the Florida Administrative Code. During all other seasons, only antlered deer may be taken. Before heading afield, print, take a screenshot or download the WMA regulations brochure and map to a mobile device so you can access them without an internet connection. Sign up for free hunting and shooting range email updates, 1. The U.S.

Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Seasons, dates and bag limits do not apply to wildlife management areas. Centerfire rifles, shotguns, centerfire pistols, muzzleloaders, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, crossbows and bows may be used. Social distancing: maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when possible and avoid handshakes and large gatherings. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Recreational License, Permit Information and Requirements, Hunting on Military Bases and National Wildlife Refuges, Limited Entry/Quota and Special Opportunity Hunt Permits, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. You help improve fishing opportunities every time you buy fishing gear, a fishing license or boat fuel. Public hunting opportunities. Masks: cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others, such as when approaching and interacting with the check station operator. California Waterfowl & Upland Game & Public Lands, Georgia Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) Student Manual, Nevada Big Game Hunting Seasons & Applications, New Mexico Hunting Rules & Info – 2016-2017. AskFWC; Social Media; FWC Offices; Law … You can help guard against CWD by reporting sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes to the CWD hotline at 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282). However, adult supervisors with a hunting license and turkey permit can “call in” the turkey and otherwise participate in the hunt, but they cannot shoot or shoot at turkey. ** Youth turkey hunt weekend – Youth 15-years-old and younger can harvest turkey, but youth must be supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. “The annual statewide bag limit was developed through extensive collaboration with FWC staff and stakeholders, and aligns with the goals and objectives outlined in the Commission-approved strategic plan for deer management,” said Cory Morea, deer management program coordinator. This often involves enacting and enforcing rules and regulations governing human activity in many areas - such as hunting and fishing. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. New Bag Limit On Scaup. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building

Going Fishing? Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building Florida was the only state in the Southeast without a specified annual bag limit for deer. Understanding CWD is an important first step in reducing the risk to Florida deer. Official 2020 Florida Hunting rules & regulations. Sign up for news releases; Contact. Sign up for news releases; Contact. Required for recreational anglers fishing for snappers and other reef fish species in Gulf and Atlantic wa…, Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. Research Institute; Hunting and Game Management; Freshwater Fisheries Management; Law Enforcement; Habitat and Species Conservation; Marine Fisheries Management; See All ; Commission . The majority of speakers opposed the change. Version History. Bobcats and otters may be taken by rifle, shotgun, pistol, muzzleloader, air gun, crossbow or bow. From the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: A message of appreciation for hunters Hunters’ commitment to conservation and the future of hunting is essential, and the FWC’s staff and Commissioners deeply appreciate the many ways they contribute. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 CWD has not been detected in Florida. May 15 is the earliest you may apply for all hunting zones, but deadlines vary by zone – July 14 for Zone A, Aug. 11 for Zone C and Sept. 29 for zones B and D. Beginning with the 2019-2020 hunting season, youth 15 years old and younger who are supervised by an adult (18 years or older) may participate in a new youth deer hunt weekend. For more information about STA standby hunting opportunities, visit FWC's website. Hunting Zone Map. Go Outdoors! Applications are available at MyFWC.com/Turkey. FWC cooperatively manages public hunting on nearly 6 million acres in our WMA system. Before the start of the deer season, hunters can access harvest logs online at MyFWC.com. The Florida Buck Registry recognizes hunters for taking quality deer in Florida. If you have questions regarding hunting laws and regulations, contact a FWC regional office. Go Outdoors! And for that, we salute you! The Florida FWC has been a national agency leader in providing customers and visitors with the most robust technologies and systems to increase awareness and conservation amongst the natural resources community, opening up channels to customers to promote Florida's outdoors and preserve the sport of fishing and hunting. You can learn more about CWD at MyFWC.com/Deer. During those portions of archery and crossbow seasons when antlerless deer can be taken, either deer may be antlered or antlerless. No limits on other species. Fall turkey season: Oct. 5-18, Nov. 21 – Jan. 3, Muzzleloading gun season: Nov. 21 – Dec. 4, Fall turkey season: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 12 – Jan. 17, Spring turkey season: March 20 – April 25. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits, Rabbits, Wild Hogs, Raccoons, Opossums, Skunks, Nutrias, Beaver, & Coyotes, See a full list of our Social Media accounts, Muzzleloading gun season: Nov. 21 - Dec. 4, Muzzleloading gun season: Oct. 24 – Nov. 6, Youth deer hunt weekend: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, Crossbow season: Oct. 24 – Nov. 25, Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, General gun season: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 12 – Feb. 21, Muzzleloading gun season: Dec. 5-11, Feb. 22-28. To get your antlers officially scored, contact an FWC regional office (see Introduction). All hunters (including those under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years old and older, military personnel on leave for 30 days or less, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence*) must (Step 1) log their harvested deer prior to moving it from the point where the hunter located the harvested deer, and (Step 2) report their harvested deer within 24 hours. Rifles, shotguns, pistols, muzzleloaders, air guns, crossbows and bows may be used. ** Gray squirrel and quail also may be taken during archery, crossbow and muzzleloading gun seasons using the respective methods of take allowed during those seasons.

The dates for next season’s youth deer hunt weekend are Sept. 14-15 in Zone A, Oct. 26-27 in Zone C, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 in Zone B, and Dec. 7-8 in Zone D. No license or permit is required of youth hunters (15 years old and younger) or accompanying adults (18 years or older) who only supervise. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications. Seasons, dates and bag limits do not apply to wildlife management areas. It’s moments like these that stir hunters to conserve Florida’s wildlife resources and create a future so others can experience the great outdoors. It’s believed to be caused by an abnormal protein called a prion. Land that is not posted or fenced, including some waterbodies, may not be open to hunting. Find 2020-2021 Florida migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits. Copyright 1999 - 2020 State of Florida. CWD is a highly contagious brain and central nervous system disease that is always fatal for deer. CWD has been found in 26 states now, most recently in Mississippi and Tennessee. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building Carianne Luter is a social media producer for News4Jax and has worked at Channel 4 since December 2015.