FWC’s waterfowl management program is looking for new places to band ducks this summer. Marshy lakes with lots of vegetation that hold ducks are preferred. These lakes should be fairly free of stumps and trees because FWC biologists use airboats for banding. Traps may be used anywhere near a lake or river, even in backyards of lakeshore properties. Many people have wood duck boxes in their yards, and ducks tend to congregate in these areas.

Banding takes place July through September and is done to assess harvest, lifespan and movement patterns. Wood ducks, mottled ducks and whistling ducks are caught either by trap or boat on public and private lakes and rivers throughout Florida.

 If you know of an area that fits the description or if you see numerous ducks in a particular area during late spring or summer, please forward the location and details to ducks@MyFWC.com or call 850-488-5878. 

To buy the type of hunting license that allows you to legally hunt unsupervised, you must complete FWC’s hunter safety class if you were born after May 31, 1975. Hunter safety courses are a great way for new hunters to learn about safety, wildlife, hunting skills, conservation principles, and respect for the great outdoors.

Taking the course now is a smart idea since courses tend to fill up fast. FWC offers a couple options for taking a hunter safety class, including free opportunities. You can take a traditional classroom course, plus a six-hour skills day. Or you can complete the classroom portion via an online course and then take the skills-day part of the course, which includes time at a shooting range.

See your hunter safety course options

Register for a course

Learn more about Florida’s hunter safety program

Explore how to get started hunting

Summer is a great time to introduce your kids to archery. They can spend summer outside practicing archery, learning about wildlife, and getting ready for upcoming hunting seasons. Below are resources to get you started!

Learn more about youth archery opportunities

FWC-managed shooting ranges with archery opportunities (check out Klondike, Osceola, Tenoroc, Indian River, Knight Trail)

Take a bowhunter education course

How to introduce youth to bowhunting

Sign up for FWC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops and enjoy learning outdoor skills in a safe environment with expert instructors and comfortable facilities. While primarily designed for women; it’s an excellent opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older to learn and try fishing, camping, canoeing, target shooting, hunting and more.

The next workshop is being held Oct. 27-29, 2017, at the Ocala Conservation Center. There’s also a workshop scheduled for Feb. 16-18, 2018, in West Palm Beach.

Learn more and sign up for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop today!