When does deer hunting season end in Florida?
Deer hunting is a popular and highly regulated activity in the state of Florida. Hunting seasons are determined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which sets the dates based on various factors, including the deer population, agricultural and urban areas, and hunter participation.
Armed with this information
Before we dive into when deer hunting season ends in Florida, it’s essential to understand that there are different types of deer permits and seasons in the state. Florida offers:
• Archery season, which allows hunters to take deer using bows and primitive weapons.
• Flintlock season, during which hunters can use historical firearms, such as black powder rifles.
• Modern gun season, also known as rifle season, which allows the use of modern firearms, including rimfire and centerfire cartridges.
Season Dates:
The dates for each season vary depending on the region and the type of permit. Here are some general guidelines:
- Archery season: July 1st to April 15th for Zone A (north of I-4) and August 27th to April 8th for Zone B (south of I-4)**.
- Flintlock season: November 20th to December 12th.
- Modern gun season: December 11th to January 15th for Zone A ( north of I-4) and December 24th to January 11th for Zone B (south of I-4).
End of Hunting Season:
After reviewing the dates above, it’s clear that modern gun season in Florida comes to an end in Zone A on January 15th, while Zone B’s season ends January 11th. Archery season usually concludes on April 15th (Zone A) and April 8th (Zone B).
Important Reminders:
Keep in mind the following when planning your deer hunting trip:
Permit requirements: Both residents and non-residents must obtain a deer hunting permit from the FWC before hunting. Non-residents can apply for the permit through the FWC’s online permit system, while residents can apply online or through a license provider.
Daily bag limit: The daily bag limit for deer is only one deer per licensed hunter, except for senior hunters (65 years of age or older), who are allowed to harvest a second deer on the designated "senior deer quota days".
Additional Season Restrictions: In some cases, specific seasons or periods may be closed due to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or heavy rainfall events, which can impact hunter safety and the deer habitat.
Consequences:
Failing to obtain a permit or comply with season dates can result in:
• Fines: Up to $5,000 or more depending on the offense.
• License revocation: Permits and licenses revoked for a set period (usually 5-15 years).
• Prosecution: Legal action could be taken, including incarceration.
Conclusion:
Deer hunting season dates in Florida can be quite complex, but understanding them is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations and maximize hunting success. Mark the dates:
• October 1st to start planning your trip
• November 20th: Flintlock season begins (for those using historical firearms)
• December 11th: Modern gun season begins (Zone A), and December 24th (Zone B)
• Early January: Modern gun seasons end (January 15th for Zone A, and January 11th for Zone B)
• April 8th for Zone B, and April 15th for Zone A: Archery seasons conclude
Stay informed by regularly checking the FWC’s website and consulting your local hunting regulations for additional information. Stay in the know, and prepare for a safe and exciting deer hunting adventure in Florida!
