Fl Hunting Thread

I searched the forum and did not see a thread specific to hunting in Florida so figured I would kick one off. I typically go back to MS to hunt with my family but as my youngest is getting the itch to hunt more and more we have started scouting local WMAs in S. Fl. Just wanted to see where everyone else is hunting at and any experience with the WMAs or leases.

 

We hit up Okaloacoochee last weekend...not much sign but found some gators.

 

Lakeland resident here, but I hunt on a lease in Jefferson County that backs up to the Georgia line. What are you looking to hunt? I have zero experience with public land hunting but there are tons of public places around me as well as some decent private leases

 

I would prefer a lease but in S. Florida the prices are just ridiculous. We are trying the WMAs as that is about the only option within close driving distance. Mostly white tail (bow/rifle/muzzleloader) with some hog and turkey thrown in. With my little one we will probably do some squirrel hunting as well.

 

@Sippi Hey man your not to far from me. I do some wma hunting.

 

@TacoTRD78 - I was looking into DuPuis but haven't scouted up there yet. I kinda want to avoid Corbett as I hear it is pretty chaotic there.

 

I’ve hunted Dinner Island, Ok slough, Spirit of the Wild, most of the S Fl WMA’s. I’ve killed deer on all of them. They are all tough hunts in their own way. They are all very thick and wet. They are tough hunts with youths but it’s still possible to connect with something. I personally love that area of Florida and hunting in the heat. I also hunt around Sarasota and am part of a lease up by Lake City. It’s much cheaper for a lease in N Fl than S Fl but you have to make the drive. Good luck, hope to see you out there.

 

Agreed with you @Front sight as Ok Slough was pretty thick. I am ok with a lease as well if we find a decent priced one but as you mention S. Fl prices are kinda absurd compared to N. FL. We will keep searching around as it is always a good time in the woods.

 

Ok slough is also where they release nuisance panthers. Allapattah flats great place if you can pull a permit. I hunt there during small game for hogs.

 

DuPuis is pretty wet all the time decent place for a early hunt bow or muzzle loader. I do a lot of Archery at a place called Arbuckle. It has a nice campground with showers and you can harvest some pretty good FL deer there.

 

Thanks for the suggestion on Arbuckle!

 

It’s funny you say that, I’ve actually seen a panther there. I’ve also seen plenty of prints as well. I love hunting it though.

 

True story there is a shit ton of prints. A guy that has been hunting that place for years told me he seen one while he was in his climber.

 

I am in Margate and would like to hunt hog in a WMA, but not alone due to nuts in S FL

 

Can hunt wild hog a a place called Allapattah WMA west of Martin County with a shotgun during small game which ends in Jan I think

 

Is that slug or buckshot only? Is there a quota for Allapattah?

 

There is also Myakka State Forrest in North Port. It’s a smaller WMA and it’s small game only. Shot gun only and slugs. Decent chance for a hog.

 

https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/BrochureDetails.aspx?sb=Specific Area&srctype=pfs&title=Allapattah Flats

Small Game Season: November 11 - January 9 Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements - Hunting license, management area permit, migratory bird permit (if hunting migratory birds), and state waterfowl permit and federal duck stamp (if hunting waterfowl). Legal to Hunt - Wild hog, gray squirrel, rabbits, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, beaver, coyote, skunk, nutria, and migratory birds in season. Quail may be hunted beginning November 13. Regulations Unique to Small Game Season - 1. Dogs may be used to hunt gray squirrel, migratory birds, quail, and rabbits only. 2. Only bows, crossbows, shotguns, and airguns may be used for hunting.

 

I have never hunted there. I might check it out thanks

 

Agreed, might take my son up there next week (Myakka) while he is off to scout one day and get a few hunts in. I am taking him back to MS the week after Christmas to our family's land.