In mid-August, birders are drawn to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area as the fall migration of warblers begins. Bald eagles are present throughout the year. Opportunities for hunting on Three Lakes occur during many days in the fall and winter. On the Prairie Lakes Unit, there are fewer hunting days. (The Sunset Ranch tract is closed to hunting.) Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are likely to be most pleasant on non-hunting days in the fall through the spring when water levels are likely to be lower and temperatures cooler. On the lakes, specks are generally abundant January through March, and fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish is generally best late spring through the summer. Catfish may be caught at Parker Slough and Jackson Canal throughout the year.

Hunters must comply with all hunting regulations

 

Three Lakes:

Hunting Regulations and Map  | Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance * Adobe PDF

Seasons Summary Dates (range July 2012 through June 2013)
Archery September 15-16 and September 17 through October 14
Muzzleloading Gun October 20-22
General Gun Mobility Impaired October 26-28 (east of Canoe Creek Road)
General Gun November 3-4 and November 5 through December 30
General  Gun-Dog December 6-9 and December 27-30 (east of Canoe Creek Road)
Small Game December 31 through March 3
Raccoon January 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27(only between the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 441) (1 1/2 hours before sunset on Friday until 1 1/2 hours after sunrise on Sunday)
Quail (Quail enhancement area only) - January through February (Saturdays only, maximum of 8 days)
Spring Turkey - Youth March 9-10 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)
Spring Turkey March 16 through April 21 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)

 

 

Prairie Lakes Unit:

Hunting Regulations and Map  | Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* Adobe PDF

Seasons Summary Dates (range July 2012 through June 2013)
Archery September 28-30 and October 5-7
Muzzleloading Gun October 26-28
General Gun November 16-18 and 23-25
Wild Hog-Still November 30 through December 2 and January 4-6
Small Game November 30 through December 2 and January 4-6
Spring Turkey - Youth March 9-10 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)
Spring Turkey March 16-18, March 29-31 and April 12-14 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.)

 

 

(*Calendar does not reflect migratory game bird hunting seasons.Adobe PDF)



FWC Facts:
A 2011 survey showed that 49 percent of residents and 47 percent of tourists participate in wildlife-viewing trips in Florida.

Learn More at AskFWC