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Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area

Lafayette Creek

Managed in cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Located in Walton County, the Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 3,160-acre tract east of Eglin Air Force Base and west of the Choctawhatchee River. The area lies within the Choctawhatchee River watershed, which spans 5,350 square miles in Florida and southeastern Alabama. Lafayette Creek and its tributaries, Magnolia Creek and Wolf Creek, run through the WMA. After leaving the site, Lafayette Creek flows to Choctawhatchee Bay. Steephead ravines along portions of Magnolia Creek are closed to hunting to protect the steep slopes, the shallow, clear water and state-threatened Baltzell's sedge and mountain laurel that thrive in this fragile habitat.

Lafayette Creek is owned and operated by the Northwest Florida Water Management District and is open for public use year-around, during daylight hours only, when hunting is not allowed. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Scheduled hunts include archery, muzzleloading gun, small game, family hunt, general gun and spring turkey. Fishing is permitted year-round during daylight hours only, when hunting is not allowed. A quota hunt permit is required for archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun and spring turkey. Motorized vehicles may be operated on named or numbered roads during hunting season; ATVs are prohibited. Equestrian use is currently prohibited, but may be permitted in the future when designated horse trails are developed.

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, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited. 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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