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Lower Econfina River Wildlife Management Area

Lower Econfina River

Managed in cooperation with the Suwannee River Water Management District.

The 3,004-acre Lower Econfina River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Taylor County, about 16 miles west of Perry. The Cabbage Creek Tract (2,387 acres) and the Scanlon Tract (617 acres) lie within the boundaries of the WMA and are managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District (District). The District manages the natural resources and recreation; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission administers hunting related activities.

The narrow and twisting Econfina River meanders through the property, creating scenic beauty, wildlife habitat and paddling opportunities. Wildlife species include Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, swallow-tailed kite (spring and summer), wild hog, deer, turkey and squirrel. Turtles, otters, herons, egrets and other wading birds frequent the river. Since prehistoric times, people have enjoyed the abundant resources found here, which include Econfina chert, a type of rock used to make stone tools and projectile points.

Add your bird observations to the Lower Econfina River WMA - Cabbage Creek eBird Hotspot.

Habitats within the WMA include floodplain forest, floodplain swamp, bottomland forest, pine plantation and mixed hardwood forest. These habitats along the Econfina River act as water storage areas during flood periods, reducing damage to surrounding communities. They also help to clean and filter the river water that eventually makes its way downstream to the coastal estuary.

Recreational opportunities in the WMA include hunting, fishing, paddling, horseback riding, hiking, bicycling and wildlife viewing on existing unpaved roads. No camping is allowed. Many of the river access points provide canoe or small-boat launches. There are three entrances to the WMA from paved roads. Questions regarding the use of horses should be directed to the District (386-362-1001). Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Check the regulations summary brochure for more detailed information about hunting seasons. The WMA is open for public use year-round, from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset.

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