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Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area

Fort Drum Wood Stork

Managed in cooperation with St. Johns River Water Management District.

Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of nearly 21,000 acres in southwestern Indian River County. This area is a mosaic of wetland and upland communities, including dry prairie, pine flatwoods, hardwood swamp, and floodplain marsh. These diverse habitats support Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, crested caracaras, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and a large population of feral hogs.

Add your bird observations to the Fort Drum Conservation Area eBird Hotspot.

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. Vehicle access to Horseshoe Lake during non-hunting periods requires a permit from the St. John's Water Management District. 

Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, paddling, and camping are permitted on the area. 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. 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.

Rules Regarding Dogs

  • 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.
  • 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 deer or wild hog with dogs is prohibited. Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs or retrievers may be used during the small game season. 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. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.

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