Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with South Florida Water Management District.
Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area consists of nearly 4,000 acres in Highlands County and is bordered on the east by the Kissimmee River Public Use Area and on the south by the Istokpoga Canal.
The entrance is on Highway 98, eight miles past the Kissimmee River Bridge and Fort Basinger.
The area is open to public access year round. Access is only allowed by foot or bicycle unless you have obtained a Special Use License from the South Florida Water Management District.
Hunting
Deer hunting and turkey hunting are excellent on Hickory Hammock, and hog hunting is good. A no-cost special quota hunt permit is required during muzzleloading gun, general gun, hog and spring turkey hunts, and archery season.
For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Hickory Hammock WMA.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Camping
A primitive campsite is located on the Florida Trail and a campsite is located at the Equestrian Center. All campers must possess a Special Use License from the SFWMD.
Recreation
The Hickory Hammock portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs the length of the area for 7.5 miles through oak and palm hammocks and upland pastures.
You'll find an equestrian center at Hickory Hammock and there are miles of dirt roads and firebreaks for off-road bicycling. Horseback riding on the area requires a Special Use License from SFWMD.
For information about horseback riding, hiking, bicycling and other recreation, visit the SFWMD’s webpage for Hickory Hammock.
Wildlife
Wildlife seen on the area include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gopher tortoises and swallow-tailed kites.
Hickory Hammock WMA is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Add your bird observations to the Hickory Hammock WMA eBird Hotspot.
More Information
Visit the South Florida Water Management District's webpage for Hickory Hammock.
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Hickory Hammock WMA.