Lake George - Dexter/Mary Farms Unit

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

The Dexter/Mary Farms Unit of Lake George Wildlife Management Area is in northwest Volusia County. The St. Johns River borders 3.5 miles of this more than 14,000-acre forest. This area was severely affected by the wildfires of 1998, and ongoing restoration efforts are underway across half of the forest. It features a variety of natural habitats, including slash pine forests, open pastureland, hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps and wetlands.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lake George Dexter/Mary Farms Unit.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Recreation

The area provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking and horseback riding on designated trails, roads and fire lines. 

The Bluffton Recreation Area is located along the St. Johns River and features a ¾-mile interpretive nature trail that’s ideal for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Fishing is also available at Jenkins Pond. Although there is no boat ramp on the area, canoes and kayaks may be launched from the bank. The use of boats is prohibited on Jenkins Pond.

Wildlife

Migrating songbirds are abundant in hardwood hammocks each fall and spring. Swallow-tailed kites, limpkins and wading birds can be seen throughout the year along the river. This area is also part of an extensive wildlife corridor that provides habitat vital to the survival of the black bear.

The Lake George WMA Dexter/Mary Farms Unit is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. 

More Information

For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lake George Dexter/Mary Farms Unit.

See the Florida Forest Service’s webpage for Lake George State Forest.