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Garcon Point Wildlife Management Area

a scenic view of a habitat with wiregrass and pine trees

Managed in cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Located about nine miles south of Milton in Santa Rosa County, Garcon Point WMA covers over 3,000 acres and is bordered by Escambia and Blackwater Bays. The WMA protects vital wet prairies and salt marshes, along with scattered oak hammock and longleaf pine wiregrass communities. The natural wetlands found on the WMA filter stormwater from adjacent lands and protect the water quality and ecosystems of the surrounding bays.

Public access is allowed year-round, except access to improved recreational areas is only allowed from sunset to sunrise for those participating in authorized hunting and fishing activities.

Hunting

Quota hunts are available for archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun and spring turkey seasons. For more detailed information on hunting regulations and dates, see FWC's regulations brochure for Garcon Point WMA.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed year-round. A Florida fishing license is required, which can be obtained through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Please refer to FWC's freshwater fishing regulations for more information.

Recreation

Garcon Point WMA offers two designated hiking trails: Garcon Point North Trail runs 1.2 miles and Garcon Point South Trail is 1.5 miles. These trails are ideal for watching wildlife, with opportunities to see the diverse plants and animals that thrive in the wetlands and salt marshes.

Wildlife

The WMA is a haven for birds, making it an excellent site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Garcon Point WMA is home to several kinds of imperiled wildlife including Henslow's and Le Conte’s sparrows.

Visitors can contribute their bird observations to these eBird Hotspots:

Garcon Point WMD Trail eBird Hotspot

Garcon Point WMD - North Trailhead eBird Hotspot

Garcon Point WMD - South Trailhead eBird Hotspot

Garcon Point - Boat Ramp eBird Hotspot

More Information

For an area map, hunting dates, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Garcon Point WMA.