Waterfowl

Duck Hunting

In general, waterfowl hunting in Florida is permitted on any water body that has public access, unless it is closed for a specific reason, such as being in a park or in an area where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. Wildlife management areas (WMAs), water management district (WMD) lands, and national wildlife refuges (NWRs) that offer duck hunting may have special permit requirements and restrictions on when and where you can hunt. Regional offices of the FWC can provide additional information on WMAs and other duck hunting areas. Please check with local law enforcement agencies for specific firearm discharge regulations on public water bodies prior to hunting.

News

• NOTE: Electronic Duck Stamp Temporary Receipt Only Valid For 45 Days 
• Where Florida's Ducks Come From
• 2010-2011 Waterfowl Management Program Annual Report
• 2012-2013 Mallard Control Permits 

2012-2013 Waterfowl Season Dates 

Early Season Canada Goose:
Sept. 1-26, 2012

Special September Season Teal and Wood Duck:
Sept. 22-26, 2012

Regular Season (Ducks, Coots, and Light Geese):
Nov. 17-25, 2012 and Dec. 8, 2012 - Jan. 27, 2013

Regular Season Canada Goose:
Nov. 17-25, 2012 and Dec. 1, 2012 - Jan. 30, 2013

Youth Duck and Goose:
Feb. 2-3, 2013

Season Brochures

• 2012-2013 Early duck, dove, crow and snipe seasons  
• 2012-2013 Regular duck, coot and limited goose seasons

Regulations

• Electronic duck stamp temporary receipt only valid for 45 Days 
• Approved nontoxic shot types
• Synopsis of federal regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting
• Federal migratory bird regulations
• Baiting information
• Duck blind rule information (Leon, Jefferson counties)

Quota Permits

• Apply for 2012-2013 waterfowl quota permits
• News Release: Changes to 2012-2013 Quota Permit Application Dates 

ADA Duck Blind

• Duck blind information for persons with disabilities (STA 5, Guana, Goodwin)
• ADA Accommodation Request Form

FWC and Other Hunt Areas

• A list of all FWC-managed hunting areas (WMAs)  is available.
• Where to Duck Hunt in Florida (5MB - Brochure)
• T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area
• PotashCorp - White Springs WMA
• Guana River WMA
• Hickory Mound Impoundment WMA
• STA Public Small Game Hunting Areas
• Ockalawaha Prairie Small Game Hunting Area
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl-hunting information
• Water Management Districts - NW  Suwannee  St. Johns  Southwest  South 

Helpful Links

• Public Boat Ramp Finder
• Forecasts for Lakes and Rivers
• Sunrise table (for any US location)
• Avian influenza guidelines 
• Where to purchase a federal duck stamp

Harvest Data

• 2012-2013 check station harvest data 
• Past check station harvest data

Report Duck Bands

• Call toll-free: 800-327-2263
• Internet: www.reportband.gov