Tate's Hell St. James Island Unit

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

St. James Island Unit Wildlife Management Area is located within the larger Tate’s Hell State Forest and spans over 8,000-acres in Franklin County. This unit features a mosaic of habitats including pine flatwoods, wet prairies and cypress swamps, providing essential habitat for a variety of native wildlife.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Tate’s Hell - St. James Island Unit WMA. 

Fishing

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

Camping

Camping is allowed at Blue Springs Campsites only by permit from the Florida Forest Service.

Recreation

The area features three lakes that visitors can enjoy by kayak, canoe or small boat. The use of gas-powered motors is prohibited.

For information about horseback riding, hiking, bicycling and other recreation, visit the Florida Forest Service’s webpage for Tate's Hell State Forest.

Wildlife

St. James Island Unit WMA is home to many native species. Visitors may spot bald eagles soaring overhead or encounter a gopher tortoise in the sandy uplands. The area provides critical habitat for the Florida black bear, which depends on the forests and wetlands for food and shelter. It also supports white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, river otters and a variety of wading birds.

Tate’s Hell State Forest is part of the Great Florda 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 Tate’s Hell - St. James Island Unit.

View the Florida Forest Service webpage for Tate’s Hell State Forest.