Put the power of information to work this deer season by using the following tools:

• Get a better understanding of the number and quality of white-tailed deer taken in Florida by checking out this interactive map that shows where Florida Buck Registry entries are located by county.
• Search current and historic harvest totals for FWC-managed public hunting areas with operating check stations and/or harvest sign-out sheets.
• Download and review wildlife management area regulations brochures and maps to review regulations and locate entrances, roads, fields and more.

For more information about deer management and hunting in Florida, see MyFWC.com/deer.

FWC staff is at the beginning stages of the rule development process. We’re seeking input on the package of hunting-related draft rule change proposals, including many dealing with deer management and FWC-managed lands. These proposals concern 2019-2020 hunting seasons.

FWC Commissioners will consider hunting-related draft rule change proposals at their December 12-13, 2018, meeting in St. Augustine and provide guidance to staff on how to proceed. Commissioners will consider the proposed rule changes for final adoption at their February 2019 meeting.  If adopted, most rules will take effect July 1, 2019, and be in place for the 2019 hunting seasons.

Please take a few minutes to view proposed rule changes and provide your thoughts.

Florida’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) offer a wide range of hunting opportunities. If you didn’t draw a quota permit or special opportunity hunt, though, check out these possibilities for public land hunts.

• There are public hunting areas throughout the state where hunters can walk on to hunt. Find wildlife management areas that don’t require quota permits to hunt some or all of the area’s archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons.
• You also can try for quota hunt opportunities. Search for returned quota permits every week throughout deer season. Application periods run from Saturdays at noon until Tuesdays at noon, with drawing results posted on Wednesdays. Get more information about returned quota permits. 

We’ve added 69 Youth Hunting Program of Florida events to the fall hunt calendar. These opportunities are designed to introduce young people to hunting and conservation through safe, educational, mentored youth hunts.

Help us reach young people who have never experienced watching the woods wake up by sharing information about this program with interested neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members. Youth Hunting Program hunts are open to young men and women between 12 and 17 years old who have passed a Florida hunter safety course and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You can learn about hunting safety and wildlife conservation by attending FWC’s free traditional classroom course. No-cost training is available thanks to certified volunteer instructors and funding from the Wildlife Restoration (WR) program. The WR program provides grant funds to agencies such as the FWC to support wildlife conservation, research, access to public lands, shooting range development, and hunter safety education. The WR program is funded by the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities.

Hunter safety students also 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. Learn more about Florida’s hunter safety course options.

While September is designated as treestand safety month, safety should be top of mind every time you use one.

When hunting from a treestand, remember to ALWAYS:

• Use a fall-arrest system/full-body harness.
• Stay connected to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you’re back down.
• Inspect the treestand, all safety devices and the fall-arrest system/full-body harness before each use.

Get more tips through this FREE, fast and easy-to-understand treestand safety course. Also, read this true story: Living to tell about a treestand fall.