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Etoniah Creek Wildlife Management Area

Yellow River Black bear

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

Etoniah Creek WMA includes more than 7,185 acres in northern Putnam County. The area is home to many wildlife species as well as a wildlife or travel corridor for the Florida black bear. Scrub, flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and sandhill are the main community types. Etoniah Creek State Forest contains one of only two known population of the endangered Etonia rosemary found on public land. Etoniah Creek, Rice Creek, and Falling Branch flow through scenic bottomland hardwoods along seepage slope ravines to George's Lake. White-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, wild turkey, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and great horned owl are commonly found in the forest. Listed species include eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise. Recreational activities permitted in the forest include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, paddling, and primitive camping. There are two designated hiking trails, and one multi-use trail for horseback riding, biking, and hiking.  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. The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the northeast portion of the forest, and the Longleaf Pine Trail is included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program.

Add your bird observations to the Etoniah Creek State Forest eBird Hotspot.

Rules Regarding Dogs

  • For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times.
  • Hunting dogs may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. one day after the end of the season. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs or dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less may be used during the small game season. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.
  • Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.

More Information

View FWC's regulations summary brochure for Etoniah Creek for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees and area regulations.