Recreation (updated
yearly)
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.
|
Steven Coughlin
White-tailed deer
|
Hunting of waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and feral hog occurs in the
fall and winter. 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 will maintain and perhaps
increase the deer population, which decreased during the floods of the
1990s. Waterfowl such as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and ring-necked,
mottled, and wood ducks are abundant, and 2001-2002 was a banner year
for
duck
hunting.
Betsy Purdum
|
The over 200 miles of canals on the area support many species of game
fish including largemouth bass and 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 (pdf
file) for boat ramp locations. Fishing
license information.
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 -
pdf file. Visit the Wildlife page for
more information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking is possible on most levees, but is most popular along the L-67
and L-35 levees.
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 is permitted 7 days prior to the beginning of archery
season until 7 days after the close of general
gun 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 - pdf file.
