Charles H. Bronson Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Bordering the St. Johns River and straddling Seminole and Orange counties, the Charles H. Bronson WMA occupies more than 11,600 acres within the Charles H. Bronson State Forest. It is part of a network of public lands along the St. Johns River that creates a significant conservation and recreation corridor. Opened to the public in 2011, the area is named for Charles H. Bronson, a former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

Hydric hammock, floodplain swamp, mesic and wet flatwoods, and improved pasture are the area’s primary habitats, though many other plant communities are represented here. The most notable feature is the St. Johns River on the eastern boundary. Scenic creeks wind through the property on their way to the St. Johns River. 

For rules about public access, vehicles and fees see FWC's regulation summary brochure. 

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Charles H. Bronson WMA.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Camping

For information about camping visit the Florida Forest Service's webpage for Charles H. Bronson State Forest.

Recreation

Visitors can enjoy hunting, horseback riding, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. A 40-mile network of unpaved roads and designated hiking and horse trails provides short and long-distance trail options. Some trail systems connect with trails in adjoining natural areas, creating additional opportunities. The Florida National Scenic Trail traverses more than seven miles of the forest.

Wildlife

Wildlife is abundant and includes deer, turkeys, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes and fox squirrels. Birds found in the area include swallow-tailed kites, sandhill cranes and nesting bald eagles as well as wood storks, roseate spoonbills and a variety of wading birds.

Add your bird observations to the following eBird hotspots:

Charles H. Bronson State Forest eBird hotspot 

Charles H. Bronson State Forest--Joshua Creek Trailhead eBird hotspot

More Information

• Visit the Florida Forest Service's webpage for Charles H. Bronson State Forest.
• For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view regulations summary brochure for Charles H. Bronson WMA.