Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 10,000-plus-acre tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is located along the east side of the Withlacoochee River in western Sumter County, south of Lake Panasoffkee.

Most of this area is floodplain forest and oak-cabbage palm hammock. Jumper Creek is a blackwater creek that runs through the WMA and flows north into the Withlacoochee River. The WMA can be accessed off CR 416. Access by water is available at a boat ramp at CR 470 and the Panasoffkee Outlet River, which is on the north side of the WMA.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Jumper 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 at Shell Island Campground, which is open year round and accessible only by boat.

Firewood may only be gathered to be burned in a designated area in a Florida Forest Service campground.

Recreation

Recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, paddling, biking and hiking. The area features two loop trails and access to the excellent paddling opportunities on the Withlacoochee River.

Wildlife

Wild hogs, swallow-tailed kites, white-tailed deer, raccoons and wild turkeys are a few of the wildlife that can be seen on the area. The 470 bridge is an excellent spot to view limpkins.

Add your bird observations to the Jumper Creek WMA – 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 Jumpers Creek WMA.