Waterfowl Hunting 
in Florida

          Wetland habitat covers a vast expanse of Florida, and much of this habitat is open and available for public hunting.  Large numbers of migratory ducks winter in the Sunshine State, particularly ring-necked ducks, scaup, teal, wood ducks, and wigeon.  In addition, four species, the mottled duck (a.k.a. Florida duck), wood duck, black-bellied whistling duck, and fulvous whistling duck, live in the state year round.  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. 

Regulations & Information

       2008-2009 WATERFOWL SEASON

Brochures

• 2008-09 Early duck, dove, crow, and snipe seasons
• 2008-09 Regular duck, coot, and goose seasons

     License and Regulations

• Hunting Information
  - including License Requirements and Fees
• 2007-2008 Waterfowl Worksheets
• Where to Purchase a Federal Duck Stamp
• Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations - links to current status and issues related to the setting of waterfowl hunting regulations.
• Approved non-toxic Shot Types

     News

• Florida Canada Goose Season Now Statewide
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Approves Four Nontoxic Shot Types
• Avian Influenza Guidelines

     Tools for Hunters