Everglades Headwaters Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Forest Service.

Everglades Headwaters Wildlife Management Area conserves one of the largest tracts of prairie and savanna anywhere east of the Mississippi, as well as large areas of the well-known Lake Wales Ridge. These two factors result in a tremendous diversity of plants and animals, including many endangered species. Various opportunities to explore the area exist. Recreational users can hike, hunt, fish, view wildlife and ride horses. Wildlife viewers and those interested in plants have the chance to see species including the Eastern indigo snake, Curtiss' milkweed, Florida sand skink and Florida scrub-jay.

Add your bird observations to the Everglades Headwaters NWR - Gulfstream Tract eBird Hotspot.

Hunting is only permitted on the Arbuckle, Hatchineha, Okeechobee and Kissimmee Bend units of Everglades Headwaters WMA. 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 a current negative Coggins Test for their horses when on state lands.

Rules Regarding Dogs

Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs and retrievers may be used for hunting migratory game birds in season and any dog may be used to hunt small game during small game season. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game. For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. 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

Visit the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's website for Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit the Florida Forest Service's website for Kissimmee Bend State Forest.
View FWC's regulations summary brochures for the Arbuckle, Hatchineha, Okeechobee and Kissimmee Bend units of Everglades Headwaters WMA for area maps, hunting seasons, permits, fees and area regulations.