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Waterfowl Hunting in Florida

Wetland habitat covers a vast expanse of Florida, and much of this habitat is open and available for public hunting. Easy access to hunting areas and a  hunter success rate nearly twice the national average make Florida a great place to hunt ducks.

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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (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.

2010-2011 Anticipated Waterfowl Season Dates

Finalized dates will be posted in black.

Regulations

• 2010-2011 Regular duck, coot, and limited goose seasons (available mid-Sept.)
• 2010-2011 Early duck, dove, crow, and snipe seasons
• Synopsis of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory game birds New
• Federal Migratory Bird Regulations (website)
• Approved non-toxic Shot Types
• Baiting Information
• Duck Blind Rule Information (Leon, Jefferson counties)

News

• 2010-2011 Mallard Control Permits now available here.
• The Commission has approved the staff recommendations to change all of the hunts where permits are currently issued first-come, first served to a random drawing (this will not apply to the Phase II or Phase II processes for alligator hunt permits).  For additional information on this action, please read the news release.

Tools for Hunters

• Hunting License Information- including License Requirements and Fees
• Where to Purchase a Federal Duck Stamp
• Waterfowl Hunting Areas, Brochures
• Harvest Data
• Duck Blind Information for persons with disabilities (STA 5, Goodwin WMA)
  • ADA Accommodation Request Form
• Report a duck band
• Florida Waterfowl Surveys 
• Duck Hunting in Florida 
• Sunrise Table (for any US location)
• Waterfowl Identification
• Avian Influenza Guidelines