Message from the FWC by Chairman Rodney Barreto

Growing the Future of Hunting in Florida

We are excited to announce several positive changes that will expand hunting opportunities and strengthen conservation efforts across Florida for the 2026-27 hunting season.

The FWC established hunting rules for three new wildlife management areas (WMAs): Catlett, Creek Ranch, and Lochloosa Slough. These additions bring thousands of new acres into Florida’s public land system, including 1,563 acres in Clay County, 1,342 acres in Polk County, and 5,247 acres in Alachua County. These lands will provide new opportunities for hunters while supporting habitat conservation and responsible wildlife management across our state.

We are also proud to introduce new youth and family hunting opportunities on WMAs throughout Florida.  Four new youth turkey hunts will take place in the Northeast, Northwest and Southwest regions, along with three new family hunts in the Northwest and South regions. These hunts are designed to help families spend time outdoors together while also passing on Florida’s hunting traditions to the next generation.

As Chairman of the Commission, I am proud of the steps we are taking to expand access, support conservation, and help grow the future of hunting in Florida. Public input remains an essential part of this process, and we appreciate the continued engagement of hunters, stakeholders, and conservationists as we look ahead to even more opportunities in the future.