Bowhunting In Florida

[Roger9070]

I moved to the Tampa area in May and have been slowly learning about bowhunting in Florida after years of living and hunting in the Northeast.  The most challenging part, besides the heat and mosquitos, is the regulations and seasons for all the different WMA's.  Many of the WMA's have quota-only hunts that restrict the number of hunters for the archery season and also how many days you are allowed to hunt.  Some of these quota WMA's only allow a two-day hunt even though the season can be open for a month or more.  The WMA's I'm used to are open 24/7 to anyone with a hunting license as long as the season is open in that area.

Can any longtime Florida hunters share their thoughts on how this came about and if they feel it's the best system?  The few hunters I've met here are split 50-50 on whether they think it helps or hurts.  The proponents say it guarantees a quality hunt, even if restricted to two days.  Those against it say that it forces hunters to travel long distances and puts greater pressure on the few WMA's without quotas, or worse, they are made to hunt out of state.  One resident I know has been putting in for a WMA by his house for nine years and has not drawn a quota permit yet.

As a new hunter in this state, I'm struggling to learn a vastly different terrain and navigate these new regulations that are very different than what I am used to.  I also looked into private property and leases, but they are expensive and hard to find in this area.  I will say that I am enjoying a new and exciting habitat and all its challenges.

Thanks, Roger

[blackpowderscout]

There’s some good WMA’s within reasonable drives of Tampa. I’m not saying you are, but don’t limit yourself just to hunting the archery quota hunts. You can bow hunt during other seasons too, and the big WMA’s are usually non-quota after the first 9 days of gun. The timing varies by region of course but generally that’ll men cooler weather anyways.

I grew up in eastern Hillsborough county and I’ve hunted a lot of different WMA’s in the state. I’d be glad to answer any questions via PM if you want to know specifics. There’s some GREAT options if you have a small motorized boat.

As far as the regs and seasons…well, it’s always been screwy and I imagine it always will be. But once you figure out places you like and that work for you within the system, I don’t think it should bother you too much. There’s a LOT of public ground here but unfortunately in some of them, there’s a LOT OF hunters trying to squeeze in. Florida is getting full, lol.

[Roger9070]

Thanks for the information, BlackPowderScout. I will PM you, and we can talk I appreciate the help!

[Swamp Stick]

Welcome to Florida! The system is a little difficult to start on but once you figure it out it's easy. I'd say start by using the WMA finder on the FWC website. From there see when small game season is open. Most WMA you can bow hunt hogs during small game. Great way to get out and explore new spots and scout. Typically I have areas that are non quota that I'll casually hunt after work. When I put in for a quota it'll be for a quality wma that I know I'll be going for 2-3 solid days of hunting. There's some good wma near Tampa but still a little bit of a drive. Best of luck with it!

[Roger9070]

Thanks Swamp stick I appreciate the info and that’s what I have been doing hog hunting and scouting at the same time.  I’m looking forward to exploring and finding new hunting areas!

Just wondering if you are going to the TBOF shoot in Jacksonville on Saturday?

[Mint]

When I first started hunting and was completely clueless I  visited my Mom in Florida and hunted the Citrus WMA for deer and Jumper Creek for hogs. This was back in 1991/92 and they were both nice areas. Came close to getting a deer in citrus and hogs in Jumper Creek and I only hunted them a couple of times so they must have had a decent population then since i just picked random trails to set up on.

[blacktailbob]

Can any longtime Florida hunters share their thoughts on how this came about and if they feel it's the best system?

How this came about? Well when you have a thousand people a day moving into Florida for the last few decades you can't just let everybody go roaming all over the place with weapons in the woods. Add to that loss of habitat (gotta house all den yanks movin in) and on and on. I don't think there is a best system for Florida. Just as soon as something migh be feasible it's already outdated by the time it gets implemented.

No thanks to Walt Disney for starting all this. I've been here in central Florida since 1955 and it makes me sick to see such a beautiful state turn into a giant turist trap.

Even with fishing the laws change so fast even the FWC can't hardly keep up depending on which coast you're on.

[Roger9070]

Blacktailbob,

I hear what you are saying many long-time residents have the same sentiments about the invasion of Florida.  I’m like many people who came to be closer to my grandchildren.  I hope things improve because I think Florida is a great state and has a lot to offer.

Thanks,

[Swamp Stick]

Roger, I was not able to make it to the December shoot in Jacksonville due to prior commitments. Hoping to get to the January shoot at the canyons and the state shoot in March. Did you happen to make it over to the shoot?

[Bogle]

I'm Tampa, actually Odessa. Lived in FL my whole life. Its a mess to be honest. The best thing about it is, you can literally hunt deer just about year round if you are wiling to drive (Everglades to the Panhandle). As others have mentioned, the amount of people and money coming into Florida is killing it. Throw in the amount of dog hunting that takes place in Florida and its a tough nut. The hardest part is the quality of the deer you kill vs the amount effort you have to put in to it. There are a few WMA's that aren't quota only areas, but not many. I hunt Chassahowitzka from time to time during archery season, but not during gun season. Most of us go to Georgia/Alabama, as they are significantly better.

[Stumpkiller]

Hunt yourself up a copy of the book: "The Witchery of Archery" by Maurice Thompson.  He and his brother were Confederates and, after the Civil War, took to Florida to bowhunt.  Any bowhunter will enjoy it.  Being in Florida you might especially enjoy it.  Check AbeBooks.com   

[Bogle]

Not an answer to your question, but a buddy of mine has a Youtube page, Andy Kallis, its all deer killed in Hillsborough.