Etoniah Creek Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.
Etoniah Creek Wildlife Management Area spans over 7,000 acres in northern Putnam County. This diverse landscape supports a variety of wildlife and serves as a critical travel corridor for the Florida black bear. The area features several key habitats, including scrub, flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods and sandhills. Within the area lies Etoniah Creek State Forest, home to one of only two known populations of the endangered Etonia rosemary (Conradina etonia) found on public land. Etoniah Creek, Rice Creek and Falling Branch flow through scenic bottomland hardwoods along seepage slope ravines to George's Lake.
Hunting
For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Etoniah Creek WMA.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Camping
Camping is allowed only by permit from the Florida Forest Service.
Recreation
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Etoniah Creek WMA including wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and paddling. The area's trail system includes two well-marked hiking paths and a multi-use trail designed for horseback riders, bikers and hikers.
The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the northeast portion of the forest and trails on the area are included in Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program.
For more information about recreation, visit the webpage for Etoniah Creek State Forest.
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, bobcats, fox squirrels, wild turkeys, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and great horned owls are commonly found in the forest. Listed species include eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.
Etoniah Creek State Forest is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Add your bird observations to the Etoniah Creek State Forest eBird Hotspot.
More Information
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Etoniah Creek WMA.