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KICCO Wildlife Management Area

crested caracara

Managed in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District.

KICCO Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of more than 7,000 acres along the channelized Kissimmee River in Polk County south of SR 60. About 13 miles of the Florida Trail traverse the area through oak hammock, scrub, cypress strand, and pine-palmetto flatwoods. There is an excellent biking opportunity on the 9-mile shell KICCO Grade road. Wildlife is abundant and includes white-tailed deer, alligators, feral hogs, bald eagles, wild turkeys, hawks, wading birds and sandhill cranes. The threatened crested caracara has been observed on the area.

Add your bird observations to the KICCO WMA eBird Hotspot.

All hunters are required to have quota hunt permits, except during the Small Game Season. A portion of the area is set aside for feral hog hunting only, and another portion of the area is closed to all hunting. Camping is allowed at a designated campsite (Hunter's Campground) during periods when hunting is allowed or by persons possessing a special use license issued by the South Florida Water Management District. Call 1-800-250-4200 ext. 3333 for a free permit.

A public boat ramp is located at structure 65, adjacent to SR 60, and a private boat ramp is located at River Ranch Resort, which can be used for a small fee. The use of airboats is prohibited except in old river runs and the C38 Canal. Hunters in possession of a valid quota hunt permit are able to drive on named or numbered roads during the Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Spring Turkey, and General Gun Hog Seasons. A South Florida Water Management District special use license is needed for vehicular access for scouting or for driving on the area during the Small Game Season.The use of tracked vehicles, airboats or all-terrain vehicles is prohibited. Horses are allowed by permit from the South Florida Water Management District.  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 with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs, retrievers or dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less are allowed 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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