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Dinner Island Ranch WMA

Recreation

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.

Hunting

Hunting is limited to high quality hunts with a limited number of hunters during seasons that run from September to March. A hunting license, Wildlife Management Area Permit and a quota hunt permit are required to hunt here. Check the Dinner Island Ranch Hunt Brochure for the type of quota permit required for each season.   A quota permit is not required during the small game season.  This area was one of the most sought after quota hunt areas in the state when it was opened for hunting in 2003. The area boasts excellent hog hunting and good opportunities for deer, turkey, dove and migratory birds.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted throughout the area but opportunities are limited to bank fishing along canals and in scattered ponds. Water levels fluctuate with seasonal rainfall. Appropriate licenses and permits are required.

Wildlife Viewing

Dinner Island Ranch WMA is an excellent place to view wildlife year-round. Wading birds of all types - ibis, herons, egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills - as well as Florida sandhill cranes, crested caracaras, kestrels and white-tailed deer are common. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.  You may also request a copy or download or print the Dinner Island Ranch Bird List .  Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife. 

Hiking

Hikes are pleasant along the unpaved roads and mowed trails from fall through spring. Eleven short trail segments branch off from the unpaved roads. All trails are open to vehicles during hunts and seasonal rainfall periodically floods some trail sections. Trail 5 is the driest trail and offers one the best opportunities for foot travel.

Biking

Off-road bicyclists will find that the unpaved road offers the best travel conditions. Trail 7 and Trail 10 are decent for mountain bikes.  Mountain bikes may be able to travel on Trail 5 (see Hiking). Both roads and trails offer great scenery and abundant wildlife.

Horseback Riding

Horses are prohibited during archery, muzzleloading gun, general hunt, family hunts, and spring turkey season.  During the remainder of the year, horses are permitted only on named or numbered roads and named or numbered trails.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when riding on public lands.  For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law .  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Camping

Camping is permitted year-round at designated campsites only.

Scenic Driving

Well-maintained, unpaved roads pass through a variety of natural communities and offer opportunities to observe wildlife, wild flowers, butterflies and much more.