Everglades - Recreation

In an effort to support the resource management area's goals and objectives and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed.

Hunting

Hunting of waterfowl, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game occurs in the fall, winter and spring. The Commission conducts annual deer recruitment and population index surveys and manages the deer population on a sustained-yield basis by recommending annual harvests based on these surveys.

Prescribed burning and tree island restoration programs are implemented to maintain and perhaps increase the deer population, which decreased during the floods of the 1990s. Waterfowl such as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, mottled ducks and wood ducks are abundant. 

Fishing

The over 200 miles of canals within the area support many species of game fish including largemouth bass, bluegill and other sunfish, as well as catfish and several species of exotic fishes. In addition, the canal system serves as refuge for smaller fish species during periods of severe drought. These forage fish are an important part of the prey base for many species of wading birds. Reference the map of Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA for boat ramp locations. Fishing license information.

Wildlife Viewing

Wading birds and raptors are common on the area. The area hosts one of the top 10 wading bird rookeries in the nation and usually supports 10-20 pairs of roseate spoonbills and 90-100 nesting pairs of the wood stork. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. You may also request a copy or download or print the Everglades Bird List . Visit the  Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.

Hiking

Hiking is possible on most levees, but is most popular along the L-67 and L-35 levees.

Biking

Biking is possible on most levees, but is most popular along the L-67 and L-35 levees. If you bike along L-35B, start from Sawgrass Recreation Area and ride to Sawgrass Expressway and back (about 12 miles round trip) or out of Holiday Park along L-67A.

Camping

Camping is permitted 7 days prior to the beginning of  archery season until 7 days after the close of general gun-vehicle season. During other times, camping is permitted on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Camping is allowed along the L-5 levee and Miami Canal levees.  Everglades WMA map .