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Perdido River Wildlife Management Area

Perdido WMA

Managed in cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The 6,261-acre Perdido River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes 15 miles of frontage on the Perdido River, which forms the border between Alabama and Florida, west of Pensacola. Habitats include hardwood swamps in the river floodplain, eight perennial streams, mixed hardwood/pine, and commercial forestland. The latter will be restored, primarily, to native longleaf pine/wiregrass habitat. Seepage slopes, flatwoods and wet prairie areas within the river basin are home to rare pitcher plants.

The Perdido River discharges into Perdido Bay, a shallow estuary about 15 miles west of Pensacola. Protection of habitat along the river helps protect water quality in the bay, which provides spawning, nursery and adult habitat for a variety of commercially and recreationally important species. The river and its tributaries also support several species of rare and imperiled fish including the saltmarsh topminnow and the Gulf sturgeon. Wildlife species on the area include white-tailed deer, feral hogs, turkey and a variety of resident and migratory birds.

This land, acquired in 2006, is owned and managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, and is open for public use year-around. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Future plans call for a recreational water trail with several access points for canoes, kayaks and small boats and designated trails for equestrians and hikers. Two canoe/kayak landings and one small boat ramp are currently open for use.  Scheduled hunts include archery, muzzleloading gun, small game, family hunt, general gun, archery/muzzleloading gun and spring turkey. Fishing and frogging are permitted year-round. A quota hunt permit is required for archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun, archery/muzzleloading gun and spring turkey.

Motorized vehicles may be operated on named or numbered roads; horses are allowed on designated horse trails. 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. ATVs and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

For information on camping, see the regulations summary brochure.

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.
  • For regulations regarding hunting dogs, see FWC's regulations summary brochure or visit the Northwest Florida Water Management District page for Perdido River Water Management Area.

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