Spirit-of-the-Wild - Things to Do
Explore a range of outdoor recreation at this peaceful spot.
Hunting
Enjoy excellent deer hunting as well as good opportunities for turkey and small game. Hunters must possess all appropriate licenses and permits, including quota permits. Check the regulations summary brochure and hunt calendar before you visit.
If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline, (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282).
Fishing
Fishing is permitted throughout the area but opportunities are limited to bank fishing along canals and in scattered wetlands. Water levels fluctuate with seasonal rainfall. Appropriate licenses and permits are required
Wildlife Viewing
Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA is an excellent place to view wildlife year-round. Wading birds of all types - ibis, herons, egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills - as well as Florida sandhill cranes, crested caracaras, kestrels, shrikes, wild turkey and white-tailed deer are regularly spotted. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking and Biking
Download the Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA Trail Guide.
Hikers can enjoy the nearly one-mile-long K-9 Gus Hiking Trail. Visitors can also hike, bicycle or horseback ride along several miles of unpaved roads from fall through spring. Note that horses are prohibited during periods open to hunting.
Scenic Driving
Well-maintained, unpaved roads pass through a variety of natural communities and offer opportunities to observe wildlife, wildflowers, butterflies and much more. See the regulations summary brochure for hours of operation and vehicle use guidelines.