News Release

Time to bag a special-opportunity hunt

For immediate release: April 22, 2008
Contact: Office of Licensing & Permitting, 850-488-3641

If you're looking for a quality hunting experience, look no further. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers hunters unique fall-season hunts for deer, wild hogs and released quail on the state’s best public hunting lands.

These special-opportunity hunts present hunters with vast areas, abundant game, low-hunting pressure and excellent chances to bag quality game on select wildlife management areas (WMAs) throughout Florida.

Special-opportunity deer and wild hog hunts take place on Fort Drum (Indian River County), Lake Panasoffkee (Sumter County), Triple N Ranch (Osceola County) and Green Swamp West Unit (Pasco County) WMAs.  The released-quail hunts take place on Blackwater WMA - Carr Unit in Santa Rosa County.

All deer hunts allow you to take only mature bucks with one antler having at least four points.  Does also may be taken if you apply for and draw an antlerless deer permit.  During hog hunts, there are no size or bag limits.  For released-quail hunts, you must bring and release your own pen-raised quail.

If you find these special-opportunity hunts appealing, you may apply for one or more of these fall hunts beginning May 6.  The FWC will continue accepting applications for special-opportunity hunts through June 10.  Worksheets are available from any FWC regional office or online at MyFWC.com/hunting.  To apply for these hunt permits, take a worksheet to any license agent or tax collector’s office or submit an application at MyFWC.com.

Historically, demand for these hunts is greater than the number of available slots, so the FWC conducts a random drawing to select hunters. Individuals can improve their chances of being selected by submitting as many nonrefundable $5 applications as they would like. The cost of the hunts for selected applicants ranges from $50 to $175. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for more information on how to apply for special-opportunity hunt permits.