Hunting
In support of the resource management goals and
objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all
area users, the following recreation activities are allowed,
The Western Sloughs are popular with squirrel
hunters, and many squirrels are harvested in both locations each
year. Hogs are abundant on the area, particularly on the central
portion west of the Wacissa River. Turkey hunters can find good
opportunities on some of the higher areas in the Western Sloughs
and along the Aucilla River sinks south of Goose Pasture Road. Deer
are common throughout the area. Some of the areas popular
with turkey hunters should also be productive for deer, due to the
abundance of mast producing tree species.
Fishing
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Jenny Novak
Fishing Hole at Western Slough
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Aucilla WMA offers several different fishing opportunities. The
Western Sloughs are popular with bank fishermen who target
redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish (shellcracker), spotted sunfish
(stumpknocker), bluegill and largemouth bass. The Aucilla River
Sinks is a good place to combine hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail
with fishing the numerous sinkholes and river rises for bream and
catfish. The Wacissa River offers many angling opportunities for
various species of bream. Early mornings out of Goose Pasture
campground can be productive for largemouth bass. The Wacissa is
one of only a handful of rivers in north Florida with Suwannee
bass, a smaller cousin to the largemouth bass. This small bass can
be distinguished from the largemouth by its tan coloration with
dark brown markings, red eye, and absence of a notch separating the
two sections of the dorsal fin. Reference the map of Aucilla 
for boat ramp locations. Fishing license
information.
Wildlife Viewing
The best way to see wildlife on the area is by
canoe or kayak early in the morning or evening or by walking
quietly along the Aucilla Sinks Trail or the trams accessed from
Highway 98. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding
Trail. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the
area's wildlife. You may also request
a copy or download or print the Aucilla Bird List .
Hiking
Aucilla Sinks Trail
According to Elizabeth F. Carter in A
Hiking Guide to Florida, "Searching for the sinkholes makes
for a fascinating hike since the woods are heavily forested with
beautiful magnolia, oaks and other hardwoods." Along the trail are
Chocolate, New, Mosquito Slap, Hurry Up, Kitchen, Long Suffering,
Watts, Frink, Sunshine, Long, and Break-down Sinks. If you cross
Goose Pasture Road and walk .2 miles, you'll see Roadside, Overflow
Sinks, and the Silver Blaze Tree, a 1984 commemoration of the
completion of a major connection of the Florida Trail.
Aucilla River Trail
For 7.1 miles, from Goose Pasture Road to just
short of Walker Springs bridge, this trail follows the east bank of
the Aucilla River. The banks are high and heavily wooded and the
steep gradient and rocky outcrops produce a number of shoals and
ledges.
Biking
There are bicycling opportunities along
approximately 10 miles of trams within the Western Sloughs area,
accessible from Highway 98 and on any roads in the area.
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David Moynahan
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Paddling
Wacissa River Paddling
Trail
The Wacissa, a state designated paddling trail, is one of the
most pristine rivers in Florida. Twelve major springs feed the
Wacissa making it a magnet for wildlife and a recreation hub for
swimmers, snorkelers, boaters and anglers.This well-loved river
offers rewarding excursions for beginning paddlers and families
with children.
The headsprings are located at the Wacissa Springs County Park,
a busy spot on weekends. The river may be crowded for the first
mile or so down to Blue Springs, a favorite swimming hole. To
experience the river's solitude and serenity, plan to visit on a
weekday or early or late in the day.
The historic man-made Slave Canal was dug during antebellum
times in an attempt to join the Wacissa and Aucilla Rivers and
create a means of moving cotton to the coast. The Canal venture
failed but rocks stacked along the banks provide visitors with a
solemn testimony to the past. About five miles long, the shady
Slave Canal is a short, but challenging paddle. The experience
varies with water levels and the number of downed
trees.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Commission partnered with the Suwannee River Water Management
District to create a map guide for the Aucilla, Wacissa, and
Econfina Rivers, which can be ordered on-line by visiting the Wildlife
Foundation of Florida. Offering a variety of trip options and
shuttling directions, visitors can create their own adventures
along these scenic waterways.
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David Moynahan
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Aucilla River Paddling
Trail
The Aucilla River, designated a state paddling
trail, is popular with paddlers and anglers. Aucilla offers a
stretch of rocky shoals and rapids that, depending on water levels,
can challenge even experienced paddlers. A portion of the
Aucilla River flows through dramatic geologic formations that mark
the beginning of a sequence of sinks and rises created as the river
disappears into the underlying karst and resurfaces. After about 8
miles of hide-and-seek, the river finally emerges as a large spring
at Nutall Rise. It widens and continues its journey to
the Gulf, flowing through panoramic palm-fringed vistas of salt
marsh. Power boats ply the lower portions of the river, and anglers
find excellent fishing in the productive seagrass habitat of the
protected coastline.
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David Moynahan
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Camping
Camping is allowed along the Wacissa River at Goose Pasture
campground. The camping area is open on a first-come, first-served
basis by self-issued special-use authorization, which is available
at the kiosk. Campers are limited to a 10-day stay. Camping is not
allowed during the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area general gun
season. Primitive camping (tents only) is allowed at designated
sites along the Florida Trail only by permit from the Suwannee
River Water Management District. For information contact the Suwannee River Water Management
District (800) 226-1066 (good in Florida only) or (386)
362-1001.
Persons with Disabilities