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.
Betsy Purdum
Planted dove field
|
A special opportunity dove field is planted with grain sorghum and
millet. Hilochee offers very small quota hunts for deer, hogs, and turkey.
Hilochee is home to the Florida wild turkey, also called the Osceola
turkey. The Florida wild turkey is distinguished from the Eastern turkey
by its feathers, which show more iridescent green and red and less bronze.
Hilochee has good habitat for turkey: 1 to 3 foot vegetation (grasses
and weeds) open enough for young poults to move unimpeded, yet dense
enough to provide cover from predators. Two spring turkey hunts are
held with high hunter success rates.
Cyndi Gates
Turtle pond
|
Freshwater fishing opportunities exist on several of the area’s
numerous natural and man-made lakes and ponds. These fisheries support
many species of game fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, and several
species of sunfish.
Fishing is permitted on Peat Lake, Little Peat Lake, Hidden Lake, Stock
Lake, and Turtle Pond by those in possession of a Hilochee Fishing Permit.
Fishing permits are free and may be obtained by calling the Hilochee
Wildlife Management Area Field Office at (352) 241-8501. Fishing is
permitted only on Saturdays and only during daylight hours. Operation
of any boat propelled by an internal combustion engine is prohibited.
Fishing
license information.
Hilochee is a good place to observe birds as well as butterflies who
favor open fields adjacent to woodlands. You may
request a copy or download or print the
Hilochee Bird List -
pdf file. Visit the Wildlife
page for more information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking is available on a number of undeveloped access trails and roads,
which take the hiker through a variety of plant communities.
Biking is available on a number of undeveloped access trails and roads,
which take the biker through a variety of plant communities.
Horses are permitted on named and numbered roads or designated horse
trails during non-hunting days.
