Hunting Seasons in Florida [FL]
Last Updated on August 31, 2022 by Albert Smith
Florida [FL] Hunting Seasons 2022-2023
Most people are surprised to learn that there are actually hunting seasons in Florida. Hunting is a popular pastime in the state and many residents take advantage of the opportunity to hunt during the various seasons. Hunting seasons in Florida vary depending on the type of game being hunted. Some of the more popular game animals to hunt in Florida include deer, hogs, and turkey.
In Florida, there are two main hunting seasons- Spring and Fall. Spring hunting season runs from late February through early May, while Fall hunting season typically begins in mid-August and ends in late October. The most popular game to hunt in Florida is white-tailed deer, however, other popular game includes wild hogs, quail, turkey, and dove.
Licenses and Permits:
In Florida, anyone wishing to hunt must first obtain a hunting license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). There are a variety of hunting licenses available, including a resident license and a non-resident license. The type of license you need depends on the type of animal you plan to hunt. For example, if you want to hunt deer, you need a deer hunting license. In addition to a hunting license, you may also need a permit. For example, if you want to hunt on a wildlife management area, you need a management area permit. You can purchase a hunting license and permits online, at a retail license agent or tax collector’s office.
Florida Deer Hunting Seasons:
In Florida, deer hunting seasons start in the fall and continue through the winter. The most popular season is the early season, which runs from October to November. This is when the deer are most active, and the weather is typically cooler, which makes for a more enjoyable hunt. The late season runs from December to February, and is a good time to hunting if you want to avoid the crowds.
The most popular season is the general season, which runs from late October to early January. This is the best time to hunt deer in Florida, as the animals are most active during this time.
Archery | July 31-Nov. 24** |
Crossbow | July 31-Dec. 3** |
Muzzleloader | Sept. 4-Feb. 27** |
Firearms | Sept. 18-Feb. 20** |
Youth Hunt | Sept. 11-12**, Oct. 30-31, Nov. 27-28**, Dec. 4-5** |
**Season dates vary by zone.
During the archery season, you can only hunt deer with a bow and arrow. During the gun season, you can hunt deer with a shotgun, a muzzle-loading rifle, or a pistol.
Florida Turkey Hunting Seasons:
In Florida, the hunting season for turkeys runs from March to April and July to December. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and permit, as well as a turkey tag. The bag limit is two birds per hunter. The best time to hunt turkeys is in the morning, when they are most active.
There are four turkey hunting seasons in Florida. The first is the fall season which runs from October to November. The second is the spring season which runs from March to April. The third is the summer season which runs from May to June. The fourth is the winter season which runs from December to February.
Fall Archery | July 31-Nov. 24** |
Fall Crossbow | July 31-Dec. 3** |
Fall Muzzleloader | Sept. 4-Dec. 3** |
Fall Firearms | Oct. 4-Jan. 30** |
Spring General Season | March 5-Apr. 24** |
Spring Youth Hunt | Feb. 26-27 |
**Season dates vary by zone
Florida Small Game Hunting Seasons:
The Florida small game hunting seasons are upon us and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the sport. From quail and squirrel to rabbit and dove, there is something for everyone. So dust off your shotgun and head on out to the woods for some fun.
The Florida small game hunting seasons are upon us! This is the time of year when hunters can pursue game such as squirrel, quail, rabbit, and hog. The seasons vary by species, so be sure to check the regulations before heading out. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your time in the woods and bag yourself a limit of tasty game.
Gray Squirrel | Oct. 9-March 6 |
Quail Bird / Duck | Nov. 13-March 6 |
Bobcat | Dec. 1-March 31 |
Otter | Dec. 1-March 1 |
Rabbit | Open season |
Wild Hog | Open season |
Raccoon | Open season |
Opossum | Open season |
Skunk | Open season |
Nutria | Open season |
Beaver | Open season |
Coyote | Open season |
For more information about hunting in Florida, or for precise season dates based on location, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.