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FWC Deer and Wild Turkey Harvest Reporting

Options for Logging and Reporting Harvested Deer and Wild Turkey

Infographic

Hunters have the following user-friendly options for logging and reporting their harvested deer and wild turkey:

Option A – Log and Report (Steps 1 and 2) on a mobile device with the FWC Fish|Hunt Florida App or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com prior to moving the deer or wild turkey.

Option B – Log (Step 1) on a paper harvest log prior to moving the deer or wild turkey and then report (Step 2) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or Fish|Hunt Florida App or calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356) within 24 hours.

Scroll down to see how to log and report harvested deer and wild turkey using these options.

All hunters (including those under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years old and older, military personnel on leave for 30 days or less, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence*) must (Step 1) log their harvested deer and wild turkey prior to moving it from the point where the hunter located the harvested animal, and (Step 2) report their harvested deer and wild turkey within 24 hours.** 

*Hunters exempt from license requirements who do not have an FWC customer ID number (CID) can obtain one by visiting GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and clicking “Create Customer Account.”
**Hunters must report harvested deer and wild turkey: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing, or 3) prior to the deer or wild turkey or any parts thereof being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer or wild turkey leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

Options for Logging and Reporting Harvested Deer and Wild Turkey

Log and report (Steps 1 and 2) on a mobile device using the FWC Fish|Hunt Florida App.

Get instructions for using the FWC Harvest Reporting app.

Tip: Before going afield to hunt, download the Fish|Hunt Florida App from the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play.

FAQs

What if I don't have cellular service when attempting to submit a harvest report? You will still be able to log your harvest report. Once you regain cell service, open the mobile app and your harvest report will be automatically submitted. You will then receive a confirmation number.

Does the Fish|Hunt Florida App capture and record my location? Harvest reporting does not require or use your location. Like other mobile apps, the Fish | Hunt Florida App is unable to retrieve your location unless you allow the app to access that information to use other app features such as forecasted sunrise and sunset times.

What should I do if I can't see the harvest reporting option on the homescreen of my Fish|Hunt Florida App? You may need to update your mobile app to the latest version. The way to update the app depends on your phone and app settings. You may need to manually update it through the app store. Another way to update is by using the “sync” option within the app menu options. Depending on what selections you made when you originally downloaded the app, it may automatically update (for example, it may update only when you’re connected to WiFi).

Can I add a customer account to my existing Fish | Hunt Florida App account? Customer accounts can be synced to the Fish | Hunt Florida App only if you have an active license on file. Those exempt from license requirements (who do not have an active license) will not be able to sync their account. Exempt hunters can use the mobile app to report by selecting the “Hunting” tab at the bottom of the app home screen, selecting “Harvest Reporting,” and then following the prompts. Exempt hunters also may log and report at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or log using a paper harvest log and report by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356).

 

Where it's possible to connect to the internet, log and report (Steps 1 and 2) by logging into a customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Get step-by-step instructions on how to report harvest online.

Tip: If you want to use this online option but don't have a customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, create a customer account before going afield to hunt.

 

Hunters can log* (Step 1) on a paper harvest log. Hunters than have up to 24 hours to report** (step 2) by:

  • Logging into or creating a customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by using the Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app.
  • Calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356). Select option “7” to begin the reporting process. The harvest report is not valid until you receive a confirmation number. If there is a valid email address on file, a summary of the submission and confirmation number also will be emailed.

Notes: 

*Hunters must log (Step 1) their harvested deer and wild turkey prior to moving it from the point of harvest, which is that point where the hunter located the harvested animal. 

**Hunters must report harvested deer and wild turkey: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing, or 3) prior to the deer or wild turkey or any parts thereof being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer or wild turkey leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

FAQs: General Information About Harvest Reporting Requirements

All hunters (including those under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years old and older, military personnel on leave for 30 days or less, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence*) must (Step 1) log their harvested deer and wild turkey prior to moving it from the point where the hunter located the harvested animal and (Step 2) report their harvested deer and wild turkey within 24 hours.** 

Hunters exempt from license requirements who do not have an FWC customer ID number (CID) can obtain one by visiting GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and clicking “Create Customer Account.”
**Hunters must report harvested deer and wild turkey: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing, or 3) prior to the deer or wild turkey or any parts thereof being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer or wild turkey leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

Hunters must log their harvested deer and wild turkey prior to moving it from the point of harvest, which is that point where the hunter located the harvested animal. 

Hunters must report harvested deer and wild turkey: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing, or 3) prior to the deer or wild turkey or any parts thereof being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer or wild turkey leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

NOTE: After a deer or wild turkey has been logged and prior to reporting it, hunters may field dress their harvest and begin processing the meat themselves while afield or at camp. However, if a commercial meat processor is used, harvested deer and wild turkey must be reported before transferring the deer/wild turkey or parts of the harvested animal to a commercial processor. 

No. Once a deer or wild turkey has been logged and the confirmation number recorded, the harvest log is no longer required to be retained by the hunter.

Yes. All harvested deer and wild turkey must be logged and reported in addition to checking in at a check station at WMAs that operate check stations.  

Yes. After a harvested deer or wild turkey has been logged and prior to reporting it, hunters may field dress and dismember their harvest while afield or at camp. 

Remember, hunters must log their harvested deer and wild turkey prior to moving it from the point of harvest, which is that point where the hunter located the harvested animal. 

Hunters must report harvested deer and wild turkey: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing, or 3) prior to the deer or wild turkey or any parts thereof being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer or wild turkey leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

Wild turkey

Positive evidence of sex identification, including the head, and if applicable, the beard, shall remain on all wild turkey taken during any season when taking of unbearded wild turkey hens is prohibited so long as such wild turkey is kept in the field or camp or is en route to a meat processor, taxidermist or the permanent residence of its possessor or until such wild turkey has been cooked or is stored at the permanent residence of its possessor.

Deer

Positive evidence of sex identification, including the head with any antler or antlers if applicable, shall remain with any deer for the duration that such deer is kept in the field or camp or is en route to a meat processor, taxidermist, or the permanent residence of its possessor or until such deer has been cooked or is stored at the permanent residence of its possessor.

After a harvested deer or wild turkey has been logged and prior to reporting it, deer and wild turkey may be dismembered and/or transferred to another person in the field or camp. Each deer or wild turkey, or each portion and part of the deer or wild turkey, shall have written information attached to it containing:

  • First and last name and the address of the person who harvested it
  • Date of harvest
  • County or if applicable name of public hunting area where harvested
  • Sex of the deer or wild turkey

In addition, above information must be readily traceable to the portion or portions of the animal bearing the sex identification. Positive identification of the sex of deer and wild turkey must remain on all harvested animals so long as such deer and/or wild turkey: 1) is kept in the field or camp, or 2) is en route to a meat processor, taxidermist or the permanent residence of its possessor, or 3) until the harvested animal has been cooked or is stored at the permanent residence of its possessor. See the FAQ above for more information about rules related to the “Evidence of Sex.”

As an alternative to labeling, a processor may use a logbook and numbering or other tracking system. The logbook shall contain the same information that is required on the label (first and last name and the harvest reporting confirmation number).

Once a harvested deer or wild turkey is logged and reported through the FWC’s harvest reporting system and prior to the harvest animal being transferred to another party (including taxidermists, meat processors or anyone else), the deer or wild turkey, or portions or parts thereof, must be labeled with:

  • First and last name of the person who harvested it
  • The harvest reporting confirmation number.

This labeling must remain on the deer or wild turkey, or portions or parts thereof, until final processing or until stored at the permanent residence of its possessor.

In addition, the above information must be readily traceable to the portion or portions of the animal bearing the sex identification. Positive identification of the sex of deer and wild turkey must remain on all harvested animals so long as such deer and/or wild turkey: 1) is kept in the field or camp, or 2) is en route to a meat processor, taxidermist or the permanent residence of its possessor, or 3) until the harvested animal has been cooked or is stored at the permanent residence of its possessor. See the FAQ above for more information about rules related to the “Evidence of Sex.”

As an alternative to labeling, a processor may use a logbook and numbering or other tracking system. The logbook shall contain the same information that is required on the label (first and last name and the harvest reporting confirmation number).

Infographic about labeling a deer or wild turkey carcass when transferring it to another party after it's been reported.

Exempt hunters may report their harvest at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com by selecting “Harvest Reporting,” checking “Exempt Hunter,” and then entering their identifying information. Once logged in, select “Report” next to the “Deer Harvest Form” and complete each field with your harvest information and select “Submit.” Confirm that the information is correct and select “Submit.” Once submitted, you will receive your confirmation number. Please make note of your confirmation number as you will not be able to see your harvest history.

Hunters exempt from license requirements who do not have an FWC customer ID number (CID) can obtain one by going to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and clicking “Create Customer Account.”

Hunters exempt from license requirements who do not have an FWC customer ID number (CID) can obtain one by going to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and clicking “Create Customer Account.”

FAQs Specific to Deer Harvest Reporting

Hunters should have a mobile device with the Fish|Hunt Florida App (see mobile app instructions); a mobile device connected to the internet (see instructions for reporting online); or a paper harvest log with them in a backpack, fanny pack or pocket while hunting to avoid any delays in moving their harvested deer. Hunters will need the following information when reporting a harvested deer:

  • Name (first and last name of the person who harvested the deer)
  • Date of birth
  • FWC Customer ID number (CID)
  • Date of harvest
  • Time of harvest
  • Public or private land
  • County
  • Deer management unit
  • Wildlife management area (if applicable)
  • Method of take
  • Antlered or antlerless deer
  • Number of antler points (if antlered deer was indicated)
  • Antlerless male or female (if antlerless deer was indicated)
  • For deer taken on private lands, whether a deer program permit was used (Antlerless Deer Program permit or Private Lands Deer Management Program permit)
  • 6-digit Tag number (if a deer program permit was used)

The annual statewide bag limit is 5 deer per person of which no more than 2 deer can be antlerless. Learn more about bag limits including exemptions.

Antlered and antlerless deer harvested under Private Lands Deer Management Program permits and antlerless deer harvested under Antlerless Deer Program permits are excluded from a hunter’s annual bag limit. Deer harvested under these deer program permits must be logged and reported to the FWC’s harvest reporting system by the hunter who harvested the deer. Hunters can use multiple deer harvest logs to accommodate additional deer harvest.

NOTE: Only hunters who harvest a deer on lands participating in the Private Lands Deer Management Program or Antlerless Deer Program need to record the 6-digit tag number on their paper harvest log or a mobile device with the Fish|Hunt Florida App (see mobile app instructions); or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com (see online reporting instructions).

 

No.

A harvest reporting system will foster bag limit compliance and give the FWC another source of deer harvest data. The annual hunter phone survey will continue to be done after the season ends.

FAQs Specific to Wild Turkey Harvest Reporting

Hunters should have a mobile device with the Fish|Hunt Florida App (see mobile app instructions); a mobile device connected to the internet (see instructions for reporting online); or a paper harvest log with them in a backpack, fanny pack or pocket while hunting to avoid any delays in moving their harvested wild turkey.

Hunters will need the following information when reporting a harvested wild turkey:

  • Name (first and last name of the person who harvested the wild turkey)
  • FWC Customer ID number (CID)
  • Date of harvest
  • Time of harvest
  • County
  • Public or private land
  • Wildlife management area (if applicable)
  • Male or female
  • Spur rounded or pointed/sharp
  • Estimated spur length
  • Beard present
  • Estimated beard length (if applicable)
  • Method of take

A harvest reporting system will foster bag limit compliance and give the FWC another source of wild turkey harvest data. The FWC will continue to conduct its annual phone survey with turkey hunters after the spring season ends.

Find more information about wild turkey hunting and management.