Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with
Florida Forest Service
Suwannee River Water Management District
Department of Environmental Protection

Located in southeastern Hamilton County, Big Shoals WMA extends along three miles of bluffs above the Suwannee River and features the largest whitewater rapids in the state. The floodplain consists of basin swamps and slope forests. The uplands include high-quality pine flatwoods and mixed hardwood forests.

Hunting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission administers hunting-related activities. For information about hunts on the area, see the regulations brochure for Big Shoals WMA and visit FWC's Hunting in Florida page.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed year round. A fishing license is required. For more information, see FWC's freshwater fishing regulations.

Wildlife

Turkeys, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontails, gopher tortoises, American kestrels and barred owls are some of the wildlife found on the area. It's possible that a Florida black bear may wander through the area.

A viewing tower is available for those willing to patiently wait for wildlife to use the nearby food plot. Hunting from the viewing tower is prohibited.

This area is a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Add your bird observations to the Big Shoals State Park eBird Hotspot.

Recreation

For information on horseback riding, hiking, paddling and other recreation, visit the Department of Environmental Protection's webpage for Big Shoals State Park.

More Information

View FWC's regulations summary brochure for Big Shoals WMA for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees and rules about dogs.