Florida Deer Hunting

[JLeMieux]

Recently found out I'll be going to St. Augustine on a family trip around New Year's. My girlfriend's dad and I decided we're going to make the most of it and try to get in a few bow hunts while we're there.

I've been looking through the regs for some of the public areas close by and from what I can tell, archery season doesn't run the entire season like it does many other places. Is this correct? If so then what public areas will be open for gun at that time? And of course an internet scouting post would not be complete without asking if anyone has any recommendations on which area to try.

Not too happy about leaving here during primetime but I'm going to try to make the most of it.

Jeremy

[alligatordond]

On most WMAs you can hunt with bow during the general gun hunt. You are not far from several WMAs. I used to hunt Camp Blanding , about an hour west, as they have archery only zones. Go to MYFWC.com and check out the areas near where you'll be.

[alligatordond]

Just looked at the 2011 regs. I would take a good look at Camp Blanding's Archery only area. It's a straight shot, more or less, west on SR16 from St Augustine.

[JLeMieux]

Thanks I appreciate it! I'll definitely check that one out.

[gregg dudley]

What Don said.  You can hunt with any "lessor" weapon on most WMAs.  The FWC site is good.  Just remember that each WMA has unique rules.  On some of them you have to apply for a quota permit.  That process starts in early June.

[Hoyt]

I agree with trying Camp Blanding. I hunted the Archery only areas yrs ago and lots of deer and turkeys..with some hogs.

Back then the Archery only areas were walk in only.. had to enter from the gates and you could walk a long ways from the roads.

[tarponnut]

Lots of deer and turkey in that area, some hogs.