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The A-1 Flow
Equalization Basin PSGA (A-1 FEB SGA) name might sound a little complicated but this wildlife management
area is good news for waterfowl hunters. This 16,000-acre water storage facility in Palm Beach County will
offer 35 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday waterfowl hunts. The opportunity will
consist of 100 quota permits per hunt day, with up to 3 hunters per permit, issued
via random draw through the FWC’s Recreational License Issuance Services (RLIS). Learn more about application periods, deadlines, worksheets and instructions and download the WMA
regulations brochure.
Getting involved in a new activity can be daunting, especially if
you’re on a budget. However, hunting does not have to be expensive. Below we’ve
offered 5 money saving tips.
- While many hunters wear camouflage, it’s not
necessary. Wearing darker, earth-toned clothing and footwear also will help you
blend into your natural surroundings.
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Except for birds, animals have a keen sense
of smell. So when hunting, care must be taken to cover your scent.
But the good news is scent-free soap, deodorant, laundry detergent and dryer
sheets don’t cost more than the scented versions. You can even create your own
cover scent with natural materials such as twigs, leaves, acorns, pine needles
and more.
- Many deer hunters prefer to hunt out of
treestands, however, hunting from the ground also can be effective. You’ll need
a location where you expect to see game and a lightweight chair. Build a DIY ground blind with downed limbs
and vegetation or inexpensive materials such camouflage burlap, wooden dowels,
clothespins, and tent stakes.
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You can take Florida’s Hunter Safety
course for FREE. The course, which covers hunting strategies, safety, and
information about wildlife conservation, is required before buying a hunting
license that allows you to hunt unsupervised.
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Hunting public lands is a cost saver and Florida has one of the largest wildlife management area (WMA) systems in the country. At nearly 6 million acres. Florida’s WMAs offer a wide range of hunting
opportunities from quota/limited hunts, special opportunity hunts, and public hunting
areas where hunters can walk on to hunt.
If you’re interested in getting involved in hunting or know
someone who is, check out the information to help you get started at MyFWC.com/NewHunter.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) report on 2017
Trends in Duck Breeding Populations shows duck numbers remain high. The report,
based on surveys conducted in May and early June, estimates total population is
47.3 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area. This is similar to
last year’s estimate of 48.4 million and is 34% above the 1955-2016 long-term
average.
Survey results show:
- Green-winged teal numbers are estimated at 3.6
million, 16% below 2016 and 70% above long-term average.
- Blue-winged teal populations are estimated at
7.9 million, 18% above 2016 and 57% above long-term average.
- Ring-necked ducks are estimated at 463,000, 19%
below the 2016 estimate but similar to the 1990–2016 average.
See the full
report and news release.
If you’re planning on waterfowl
hunting this season, get your Federal Duck Stamp, hunting license, Florida
waterfowl permit and migratory bird permit by visiting GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Waterfowl
season information is available at MyFWC.com.
Blue-winged teal photo courtesy of Ron Bielefeld.
Richard
Childress is a NASCAR legend with over four decades as a race car driver and
team owner. But he has another love that he’s just as passionate about -
outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and target shooting – and the
conservation efforts these activities support.
When he
was asked to serve as honorary chairman of National
Hunting and Fishing Day, which falls on Sept. 23, he wanted to do something
special so others could also experience hunting, fishing and target shooting.
So between now and Sept. 23rd, if you pledge to take someone with
you on your next outdoor adventure, you’ll be automatically entered to win a
V.I.P. Race Weekend for you and a friend or a weekend of outdoor fun at the
famous Big Cedar Lodge in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
See Richard’s video message
and then pledge
to take someone hunting, target shooting or fishing and enter for a chance
to win!
Hemorrhagic disease (HD) is
an important infectious disease of white-tailed deer,
impacting deer across the country. HD is caused by two
different viruses, bluetongue, named after the swollen blue tongue found in
infected animals, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Both of these viruses are
transmitted by tiny, blood-feeding flies called biting midges. When a female
biting midge feeds on the blood of an infected deer, the midge can become
infected with the virus and can spread it to another deer. Because biting
midges emerge when the weather is warm, most cases of HD occur in the late
summer and early fall (August–October). The viruses that cause HD do not cause
illness in people.
If you see a sick-looking or
extremely skinny deer, call 866-CWD-WATCH.
Learn more about bluetongue and
hemorrhagic disease and chronic wasting disease.
Photo of biting midge courtesy of Nathan Burkett-Cadena.
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 On Sept. 2, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Wildlife Restoration Act, which continues to benefit wildlife today. Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, or archery equipment, they are contributing to habitat conservation and science-based wildlife management through the Wildlife Restoration program.
This program is the cornerstone of wildlife conservation in North America because it brings funding to state wildlife management agencies such as the FWC from the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities. These monies, in addition to hunting license fees, are critical for conserving a range of wildlife, including species that are not hunted.
Learn more about the Wildlife Restoration program.
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Upcoming permit application periods
Phase
II (leftovers) application period for remaining dove quota permit for
Dupuis and Punta Gorda begins Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
Phase
I application period regular season waterfowl permits begins
Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Sept. 25
Phase
I application period for Merritt Island Waterfowl permits begins Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Eastern time and runs
through Sept. 25
Phase
II (leftovers) application period for remaining daily-dove permits
begins Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
Find a WMA to hunt with your bow or muzzleloader
Check out the list of wildlife management areas that offer archery season hunting opportunities
without a quota permit and muzzleloading gun season opportunities
without a quota permit.
Sign up for a hunter
safety course
Hunter safety courses cover firearms safety, wildlife conservation, responsible hunting
and more. Students can attend a no-cost traditional classroom course. Or they
can complete the classroom portion online. FWC’s website offers several online
courses including a FREE option. After the online classroom portion is
complete, students must sign up and attend a skills day.
Bookmark these links to find information fast!
Get your hunting license and permits
2017-2018 Florida hunting season dates and bag limits
2017-2018 Florida migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits (waterfowl doves, etc)
2017-2018 Florida Hunting Regulations
2017-2018 WMA Regulations Brochures and learn how WMA regulations brochures will be
available after this season.
2017 spring and summer hog hunting on public lands
2017 Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida
New hunter information
Find a FWC-Managed Shooting Range
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