If
you’re looking for public land hunting opportunities, consider applying for the
FWC’s quota/limited
entry hunts for deer and hogs as well as hunts for families, youth, people
with disabilities, bowhunters and those hunting with muzzleloaders and modern
firearms.
You
also can apply for special opportunity
fall hunt permits, which provide access to large areas with low hunter quotas.
Special-opportunity permit fees range from $50 to $175 and offer permits for
deer, wild hog and more. We also issue permits for hunting on five national
wildlife refuges in Florida.
Jump
on these opportunities as soon as possible because the phase 1 application deadline
is midnight on June 15. Get
more details about fall quota/limited entry hunts and apply at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
 The best
first step for all would-be hunters is taking a hunter
safety course. And the best time to take
a class is NOW. Classes are being offered across the state, but they fill up
fast.
People born after May 31, 1975, must complete the FWC’s hunter safety
class before they can buy the type of hunting license that allows them to
legally hunt alone. Even if you were born before June 1, 1975, and are exempt
from having to take the class, it’s still a good idea to take the course because you’ll learn so
much.
Hunter safety classes cover firearms safety, wildlife conservation, responsible hunting
and more. You can attend a no-cost traditional classroom course. Or you can
complete the classroom portion online. FWC’s website offers several online
courses including a FREE option. After you finish the online classroom portion, you'll need to sign up and attend a skills day to successfully complete the course.
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 The FWC has contracted with Responsive
Management
to conduct a study about Florida hunters’ participation in deer hunting and
deer harvest success. You may receive a phone call or an email from the FWC and
Responsive Management asking you to participate in a survey. We encourage you
to respond because it’s important all those with a hunting license who are
contacted provide information to help us better understand hunters’
participation and harvest success. If you have any questions about the study,
please contact Cory Morea, FWC Deer Management Program Coordinator, at Cory.Morea@MyFWC.com.
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 The support and efforts of the FWC’s partners and the public are important
in the fight against invasive species in Florida. Everglades National Park
continues to work with the FWC to expand efforts to remove Burmese pythons from
within the park. A partnership will expand the park’s Python
Removal Authorized Agent Program by allowing paid FWC contractors to remove
pythons in Everglades National Park. Learn about our Python
Removal Contractor Program and how you can
help.
If you see a Burmese python in the wild, call the Exotic Species Hotline at
888-IVE-GOT1 (888- 483-4681) or report online at IveGot1.org
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 If
you’re heading outdoors this summer, make sure you take precautions to avoid tick bites.
Tick bites can transmit diseases to humans such as Rocky Mountain spotted
fever, Lyme disease and other illnesses. You can prevent tick bites by using repellent that contains 20-30% DEET and apply permethrin to
clothing and gear.
Ever
wonder how to remove a tick? There are a lot of theories but Florida Health has
best practice advice for removing ticks.
Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Health.
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Are you seeing fawns in your area?
Because peak rut dates vary from July to February in Florida, peak fawning
actually started in early February in south Florida and runs through
mid-September in northwest Florida and
Zone B. Florida has the greatest range in fawning dates, partly due to our long
growing season and mild winters.
Take this opportunity to remind your
friends and family if they see a fawn, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Newborn fawns have no scent and during this time the
female limits contact with the fawn so her scent won’t attract predators.
Rest assured, the doe is not far away!
Deer manager 101 course for
private landowners
Who: Private landowners from Bay,
Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties
When: Thursday, June 21 from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.)
Where: Chipola College, 4487
Longhouse Court, in Marianna. The course will be in the Public Service
Building, Room 107
Cost: Free (including lunch),
but you must pre-register by June 18 by calling Kay Haskins at 850-767-3634
Bookmark these links
to find information fast!
NEW: 2018-2019
Hunting Season dates
Get your hunting license and permits
New
hunter information
Find a FWC-Managed Shooting Range
Spring/summer hog
hunting opportunities
WMA regulations brochures are available only online. Download or print a copy
before heading afield.
Conservation Organizations
There are several
organizations in Florida working diligently on behalf of conservation and
creating opportunities for others to experience hunting. Learn more about how
you can get involved in Florida!
4-H Shooting Sports
Ducks Unlimited Events – Find Florida events
Everglades Coordinating Council
Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association
National Rifle Association - Find Florida events
National Wild Turkey Federation - Find Florida events
Quail Forever - Find Florida chapters
Quality Deer Management Association - Find Florida
branches
Safari Club International - Find Florida chapters
The Future of Hunting in Florida
United Waterfowlers-Florida
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