Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with St. Johns River Water Management District.
Located about 10 miles east of Yeehaw Junction, this large wildlife management area includes a mosaic of wetland and upland communities, including dry prairie, pine flatwoods and hardwood swamps. The marshes found on the area represent the southernmost reach of the St. Johns River’s headwaters. Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, paddling and camping are permitted on the area.
The area is open to public access year round, except during special-opportunity hunts when only individuals in possession of a valid special-opportunity permit are allowed on the area.
Vehicle access to Horseshoe Lake during non-hunting periods requires a permit from the St. John's Water Management District.
Hunting
A special-opportunity permit is required to hunt on this area during deer and spring turkey season, and a regular quota permit is required to hunt on this area during the scheduled hog hunts. The area is open to public access year round, except during special-opportunity hunts when only individuals in possession of a valid special-opportunity permit are allowed on the area.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed year round. A fishing license is required. For more information, see FWC's freshwater fishing regulations.
Wildlife
These diverse habitats found here support Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, bald eagles, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Add your bird observations to the Fort Drum Conservation Area eBird Hotspot.
Recreation
A boardwalk through a hardwood swamp leads to Hog Island, where trails and primitive camping sites have been developed by the Florida Trail Association. A picnic pavilion and tables are adjacent to Horseshoe Lake.
Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.
More Information
View FWC's regulations brochure for Fort Drum WMA for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees and rules about dogs.