Hunting is a popular pastime in Central Florida where you will find plenty of quality acreage and game. It’s no surprise hunters from all over the country travel to this area to take advantage of our beautiful weather during hunting season.
Given ample hunting land, we’re often asked about the types of wildlife available for Florida hunting. Like all states, we have requirements and restrictions about the type of wildlife you’re able to hunt and when. You also need to be sure you have the right certifications.
Below is a quick list of the type of game you’ll find in Central Florida and what you need to do before you can hunt.
Deer
Deer hunting is the most common game in Central Florida. Archery season kicks off in mid-September and runs through mid-October. The general gun season runs from early November to late January. A deer permit is required.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys are also popular to hunt in the area. Fall turkey season is Nov. 5 through Jan. 1 in Central Florida and a turkey permit is required.
Gray Squirrel
The statewide hunting season for gray squirrels runs from Oct. 8 through March 1. A hunting license is required, but no special game permits are required.
Quail
Quail season runs from Nov. 15 through March 5 statewide. A hunting license is required, but no special game permits are required.
Bobcats and Otters
Bobcat and otter season runs from December 1 through March 31 statewide. A hunting license is required, but no special game permits are required.
Ducks
Duck season runs at different intervals throughout the fall. From Sept. 17 – 21, you can hunt teal and wood duck only. From Sept. 22 – 25, you may hunt teal only. General duck season runs from Nov. 19 – 17 and then from Dec. 10 through Jan 29. A Migratory Bird permit, a Florida Waterfowl Permit, and Federal Duck Stamp are all required.
Other Types of Game
Small game such as rabbits, wild hogs, raccoons, opossums, skunks, beavers, and coyotes may be taken year-round if hunting with an approved weapon. A hunting license is required, but no game-specific permits are needed.
In addition to a hunting license and any applicable permits, you also need separate permits if you’re planning to do any archery, crossbow, or muzzleloading hunting.
Obtaining A General Hunting License
Before you can enjoy Florida hunting, you need to obtain a general state hunting license. If you love to hunt and fish, we recommend the Gold Sportman’s license which includes hunting, saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing licenses, and permits for muzzleloading gun season, crossbow season, as well as your turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and lobster permits. The license is $100 per year.
If you’re over 65 years old, or you’re under 16 and are accompanied by a parent, you do not need a hunting license.
You can obtain your hunting license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA. If you were born after June 1 1975, you’ll need to complete a hunter’s safety course before ordering your license.
Want to hunt on your own land close to home? There are hundreds of properties available across Central Florida that are perfect for hunting. Contact us at Palmetto Realty today for help finding the perfect piece of land.