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Richloam Wildlife Management Area

Open/Closed Status

Check our Notices for the open/closed status of Wildlife Management Areas.

Notices
Richloam WMA

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

Richloam Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one of seven large tracts of land that make up the Withlacoochee State Forest. The Richloam Tract, consisting of more than 58,000 acres, is located in Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, and Lake counties. Pine flatwoods with scattered oak hammocks, bottomland hardwoods and cypress swamp are the main natural communities on this area.

Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping, horseback riding, hiking and bicycling are popular recreational activities on Richloam. There are eight miles of shared trails for horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking, as well as three loop hiking trails ranging in length from 9.4 to 13.6 miles. 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.

The Little Withlacoochee River flows through the northwestern half of the WMA. Wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, wild hogs, gray squirrel and non-venomous water snakes are common. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. You may see little blue, great blue and tricolored herons, along with sandhill cranes, wood storks, limpkins and a variety of songbirds.

Add your bird observations to the Withlacoochee State Forest - Richloam Tract eBird Hotspot.

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 codes. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Pets" by the Florida Forest Service. 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.

More Information

  • Visit Florida Forest Service's information on Withlacoochee State Forest for reservations, fees, facilities, activity permits for individuals and groups and restrictions during hunt seasons and special events.
  • View FWC's regulations summary brochure for Richloam WMA for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees and area regulations.