Florida Hunting Season 2023 New Regulations & Dates

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Florida Hunting Season 2023-2024 brings forth exciting changes and rule modifications for hunters to anticipate. This updated list and guide offer a thorough overview of prospective hunting possibilities, emphasizing both particular wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state-wide seasons. Hunters may anticipate a season full of exciting challenges and gratifying experiences in the varied landscapes of Florida, whether it is new restrictions, altered bag limits, or updated hunting methods.

Florida has four distinct hunting zones: A, B, C, and D. Zone A includes the region south of State Road 70, which includes Lake Okeechobee and much of the state. Zone B, including a piece of Western Central Florida, is located north of Tampa. Zone C encircles Zone B as it stretches north of Zone A towards the panhandle. State Road 61 separates Zones D and C. To guarantee compliance with the rules and laws unique to that zone, it is essential to thoroughly review the area you wish to visit while organizing a hunting trip in Florida.

Florida Hunting Seasons

The Florida hunting season offers some of the most varied hunting chances. Along with hunting for deer, hogs, and turkeys, Florida’s alligator season serves as an example of how hunting may be used to maintain the sustainability of natural resources.

Florida Hunting Seasons
Florida Hunting Seasons

Florida Deer Season

Antlered Deer Season

FL Antlered Deer SeasonZoneStart DatesEnd Dates
Archery seasonASaturday, July 29, 2023Sunday, August 27, 2023
Crossbow seasonASaturday, July 29, 2023Friday, September 01, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonASaturday, September 02, 2023Friday, September 15, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendASaturday, September 09, 2023Sunday, September 10, 2023
General gun seasonASaturday, September 16, 2023Sunday, October 15, 2023
General gun seasonASaturday, November 18, 2023Sunday, January 07, 2024
Archery seasonBSaturday, October 14, 2023Sunday, November 12, 2023
Crossbow seasonBSaturday, October 14, 2023Friday, November 17, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonBSaturday, November 18, 2023Friday, December 01, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendBSaturday, November 25, 2023Sunday, November 26, 2023
General gun seasonBSaturday, December 02, 2023Sunday, February 18, 2024
Archery seasonCSaturday, September 16, 2023Sunday, October 15, 2023
Crossbow seasonCSaturday, September 16, 2023Friday, October 20, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonCSaturday, October 21, 2023Friday, November 03, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendCSaturday, October 28, 2023Sunday, October 29, 2023
General gun seasonCSaturday, November 04, 2023Sunday, January 21, 2024
Archery seasonDSaturday, October 21, 2023Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Crossbow seasonDSaturday, October 21, 2023Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Crossbow seasonDMonday, November 27, 2023Friday, December 01, 2023
General gun seasonDThursday, November 23, 2023Sunday, November 26, 2023
General gun seasonDSaturday, December 09, 2023Sunday, February 18, 2024
Youth deer hunt weekendDSaturday, December 02, 2023Sunday, December 03, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonDSaturday, December 02, 2023Friday, December 08, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonDMonday, February 19, 2024Sunday, February 25, 2024

Antlerless Deer Season

FL Antlerless Deer SeasonZone/DMUStart DatesEnd Dates
Zone A:
Archery seasonDMU A2Saturday, July 29, 2023Sunday, August 06, 2023
Archery seasonDMU A3Saturday, July 29, 2023Sunday, August 13, 2023
Crossbow seasonDMU A2Saturday, July 29, 2023Sunday, August 06, 2023
Crossbow seasonDMU A3Saturday, July 29, 2023Sunday, August 13, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendDMU A2, A3Saturday, September 09, 2023Sunday, September 10, 2023
General gun seasonDMU A2Saturday, November 18, 2023Sunday, November 19, 2023
General gun seasonDMU A3Saturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Zone B:
Archery seasonBSaturday, October 14, 2023Sunday, November 12, 2023
Crossbow seasonBSaturday, October 14, 2023Sunday, November 12, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendBSaturday, November 25, 2023Sunday, November 26, 2023
General gun seasonBFriday, December 29, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
Zone C:
Archery seasonCSaturday, September 16, 2023Sunday, October 15, 2023
Crossbow seasonCSaturday, September 16, 2023Sunday, October 15, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonC5Saturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 22, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendCSaturday, October 28, 2023Sunday, October 29, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C1Friday, November 17, 2023Monday, November 20, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C2Friday, November 17, 2023Sunday, November 19, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C3Friday, November 17, 2023Sunday, November 19, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C4Friday, November 17, 2023Monday, November 20, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C5Saturday, November 04, 2023Sunday, November 05, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C5Saturday, November 18, 2023Sunday, November 19, 2023
General gun seasonDMU C6Friday, November 17, 2023Monday, November 20, 2023
Zone D:
Archery seasonDSaturday, October 21, 2023Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Crossbow seasonDSaturday, October 21, 2023Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Muzzleloading gun seasonDMU D2Saturday, December 02, 2023Sunday, December 03, 2023
Youth deer hunt weekendDSaturday, December 02, 2023Sunday, December 03, 2023
General gun seasonDMU D1Saturday, November 25, 2023Sunday, November 26, 2023
General gun seasonDMU D1Saturday, December 30, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
General gun seasonDMU D2Saturday, November 25, 2023Sunday, November 26, 2023
General gun seasonDMU D2Saturday, December 16, 2023Sunday, December 17, 2023
General gun seasonDMU D2Saturday, December 30, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023

Deer Dog Training Season

Deer Dog Training ZoneStart DatesEnd Dates
ASaturday, August 12, 2023Thursday, August 31, 2023
BSaturday, October 28, 2023Thursday, November 16, 2023
CSaturday, September 30, 2023Thursday, October 19, 2023
DSaturday, October 28, 2023Thursday, November 16, 2023

Deer Bag Limits

Deer Season Bag LimitsBag LimitNotes
Archery and Crossbow2 deerEither antlered or antlerless
Muzzleloading Gun and General Gun (Antlerless)1 deerOnly 1 antlerless deer
Youth Deer Hunt Weekend1 deerCounts towards annual bag limit
All Other SeasonsOnly antlered deer
Annual Bag Limit:
SeasonAnnual Bag LimitNotes
All Seasons5 deerOnly 2 can be antlerless
Youth Deer Hunt Weekend1 deerCounts towards annual bag limit
Possession Limit:
SeasonPossession Limit
All Seasons4 deer

Florida CWD Management Update 2023 by FWC

CWD Management Update 2023Details
Date of Release15-Sep-23
Issuing AgencyFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
CWD Confirmation in Holmes CountyA single positive test sample for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in June 2023
Purpose of Executive OrderImplement management actions to prevent the spread of CWD in Florida deer
Existing Regulations• Establishment of the CWD Management Zone
• Baiting and feeding restrictions
• Prohibition of rehabilitating or releasing injured or orphaned deer
• Export restrictions on high-risk deer parts
New Regulations• Deer taken between Dec. 9-10, 2023, in Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties must be checked at FWC check stations.
• Deer Management Unit (DMU) D2 allows antlerless deer take during the antlered deer open season.
• Antlerless deer take allowed in Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties within DMU D1 (excluding commission-managed areas) from Dec. 9-10, 2023.
Public Feedback MeetingsTwo further public sessions in Bonifay and Marianna to debate and receive comment on the new guidelines will be aired on The Florida Channel.
Importance of Early Detection and Control of CWDDue of CWD prions' environmental persistence, prompt action is needed to avoid infection.
Reporting Sick or Dead DeerReport ill, emaciated, or dead deer to the CWD hotline at 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282).
Human and Livestock Safety ConcernsCWD has not been shown to spread naturally to people or cattle, although care is urged. The CDC advises against eating CWD-positive or ill animal meat. Handling exposed deer requires care.
Collaborative Efforts for CWD ControlThe Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Health, CDC, and Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study work with FWC.
Additional InformationRegular updates available at MyFWC.com/CWD.

Alligator Season

FL Alligator SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesNotes
Alligator Hunting15-Aug1-NovHunters may take two alligators every season Alligator trappers must obtain a Statewide Alligator Harvest Permit Lottery permits
Quota Week 115-Aug21-Aug2 alligators every season
Quota Week 222-Aug28-Aug2 alligators every season
Quota Week 35-Sep11-Sep2 alligators every season
Quota Week 412-Sep18-Sep2 alligators every season

Squirrel Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Gray Squirrel (Statewide)14-Oct3-Mar1224

Quail Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Quail Season (Statewide)11-Nov3-Mar1224

Bobcat Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Bobcat Season (Statewide)1-Dec31-MarNo limitNo limit

Otter Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Otter Season (Statewide)1-Dec1-MarNo limitNo limit

Rabbits Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Rabbits Season (Statewide)1-Jan31-Dec1224

Wild Hogs Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Wild Hogs1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Raccoons Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Raccoons Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Opossums Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Opossums Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Skunks Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Skunks Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Nutrias Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Nutrias Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Beaver Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Beaver Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

Coyotes Season

SeasonStart Dates End DatesBag LimitPossession Limits
Coyotes Season1-Jan31-DecNo limitsNo limits

FL Migratory Birds Season

Duck Season

FL Duck SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesDaily Bag Limit
Duck (W) (Teal and Wood Duck Only)Sept. 16Sept. 206 (including 2 Wood Ducks)
Duck (W) (Teal Only)Sept. 21Sept. 246
Duck (W) (General Duck)Nov. 18Nov. 266 (including no more than 4 Mallards, 4 Sea Ducks, 3 Wood Ducks, 2 Redheads, 2 Black Ducks, 2 Canvasbacks, 1 Pintail, 1 Mottled Duck, and 1 Fulvous Whistling-Duck)
Duck (W) (General Duck)Dec. 9Jan. 286 (including no more than 4 Mallards, 4 Sea Ducks, 3 Wood Ducks, 2 Redheads, 2 Black Ducks, 2 Canvasbacks, 1 Pintail, 1 Mottled Duck, 1 Fulvous Whistling-Duck, and 1 Scaup*)

Coots Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Coot18-Nov26-Nov1545
Coot9-Dec28-Jan1545

Merganser Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Merganser (Common, Red-breasted, Hooded) (W)18-Nov26-Nov515
Merganser (Common, Red-breasted, Hooded) (W)9-Dec28-Jan515

Crow Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Crow12-Aug29-OctNo LimitNo Limit
Crow11-Nov18-FebNo LimitNo Limit

Rail Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Rail (King and clapper)1-Sep9-Nov1545
Rail (Sora and Virginia)1-Sep9-Nov2575

Gallinule Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Common gallinule (Moorhen)1-Sep9-Nov1545

Goose Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Canada Goose (W)2-Sep24-Sep515
Canada Goose (W)18-Nov26-Nov515
Canada Goose (W)1-Dec30-Jan515
Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross') (W)18-Nov26-Nov15No Limit
Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross') (W)9-Dec28-Jan15No Limit

Snipe Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Snipe Season1-Nov15-Feb824

Dove Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Dove (Mourning and White-winged)23-Sep15-Oct1545
Dove (Mourning and White-winged)11-Nov3-Dec1545
Dove (Mourning and White-winged)19-Dec31-Jan1545

Woodcock Season

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Woodcock18-Dec31-Jan39

FL Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd Dates
Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl DaysFeb. 3Feb. 4

FL Youth Waterfowl Hunt

Species/SeasonStart DatesEnd Dates
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days11-Nov11-Nov
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days10-Feb10-Feb

Turkey Season in Florida

FL Turkey Hunting SeasonZonesSeason Dates
Archery SeasonA30-Jul - 28-Aug
Crossbow SeasonA30-Jul - 2-Sep
Muzzleloading Gun SeasonA3-Sep - 16-Sep
Fall Turkey SeasonA3-Oct - 1-Oct
Fall Turkey SeasonA19-Nov - 1-Jan
Archery SeasonB15-Oct - 13-Nov
Crossbow SeasonB15-Oct - 18-Nov
Muzzleloading Gun SeasonB19-Nov - 2-Dec
Fall Turkey SeasonB3-Dec - 29-Jan
Archery SeasonC17-Sep - 16-Oct
Crossbow SeasonC17-Sep - 21-Oct
Muzzleloading Gun SeasonC22-Oct - 4-Nov
Fall Turkey SeasonC5-Nov - 1-Jan
Archery SeasonD22-Oct - 23-Nov
Crossbow SeasonD22-Oct - 23-Nov
Crossbow SeasonD28-Nov - 2-Dec
Muzzleloading Gun SeasonD3-Dec - 9-Dec
Fall Turkey SeasonD24-Nov - 27-Nov
Fall Turkey SeasonD10-Dec - 15-Jan

Turkey bag Limits

SeasonDaily Bag LimitMaximum Bags Per SeasonApproved Take Techniques
Fall Season2 turkeys2 bagsShotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows
Spring Season2 turkeys2 turkeysShotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows

The Florida turkey season for 2023 is a great opportunity for hunters to bag a big gobbler in the sunshine state. Hunters should familiarize themselves with specific dates, regulations, and appropriate hunting methods and equipment. Our website has a useful article on turkey hunting in Florida exclusively, including tips and specific regulations from experts.

Fall Season

  • Two turkeys every day, per bag
  • For the entirety of the fall seasons, there is a two-bag maximum every season.
  • Approved take techniques include shotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows, and bows.

Spring Season

  • Two turkeys every day, per bag
  • Two per season, including all spring seasons.
  • Approved take techniques include shotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows, and bows.
  • **Weekend youth turkey hunts allow 15-year-olds to harvest turkeys with adult supervision. If the adult supervisor has a hunting license and turkey permit, they may actively participate in “calling in” the turkey and other hunt activities. The adult supervisor can help hunt, but they cannot shoot the bird. Additional resources or the official rules might provide further information on the weekend-long youth turkey hunt.

Florida Chronic Wasting Disease 2023

Florida Chronic Wasting DiseaseDetails
What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?CWD is a fatal neurological infection affecting deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose.
CWD TransmissionIt is caused by abnormal prion proteins that lead to brain damage, resulting in abnormal behavior, emaciation, and death.
CWD in Florida 2023In June, a 4-year-old female deer in Holmes County, Florida, tested positive for CWD, the first known case in the state.
Other Affected Areas (States and Provinces)CWD has been reported in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Human Transmission RiskNo reported cases of CWD in humans, but studies suggest a potential risk to certain non-human primates.
Prevention MeasuresHunters in CWD-affected areas should consider testing harvested animals, avoid consuming infected meat, and follow specific handling procedures.
Signs of CWD in DeerInfected animals may appear normal for an extended period, followed by extreme weight loss, abnormal behavior, and death.
CWD Treatment and DecontaminationThere is no known cure for CWD, and decontaminating the environment is difficult and largely ineffective.
CWD Management Zone (Florida)FWC established a CWD Management Zone, including parts of Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties in Florida.
Mechanisms of CWD TransmissionTransmission primarily occurs from animal to animal, with minimal risk of transmission from mother to fetus. CWD agent can be present in various bodily fluids.
Transport RestrictionsAll states with CWD cases have transport restrictions in counties where the disease is reported.
Live Animal Testing for CWDCurrently, there is no practical live animal test for CWD diagnosis; it is diagnosed postmortem.
Incubation PeriodThe incubation period is approximately 16 months to 3 years, with clinical signs typically appearing late in the disease cycle.
Fatality RateCWD is always fatal once an animal is infected, with death occurring within months of clinical signs.
Prion Disease in HumansPrion diseases in humans include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and others.
Human Exposure to CWDWhile no strong evidence of CWD transmission to humans exists, human exposure to the infectious agent should be avoided.
CWD Hotline (Florida)To report sick or suspicious deer, call the CWD hotline at 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282).

FL hunting zone boundaries and maps.

FL Hunting Licenses & Permits

For details of Florida hunting licenses and permits find below.

Often Asked Questions on FL Hunting Seasons

What are the year-round hunting opportunities in Florida?

Wild or feral pigs, the second most frequent animal killed in Florida, are one of the year-round hunting options there. It is crucial to remember that wild pig hunting is only permitted on privately owned property with the landowner’s permission. To catch and kill wild pigs, hunters can use any authorized weapon, including rifles, shotguns, crossbows, bows, pistols, spears, or air guns.

Is it required to wear deer tags in Florida?

It is mandatory to wear a deer tag in Florida. All antlerless animals taken in areas covered by the Antlerless Deer Permit Program must be identified with a special antlerless deer tag. Even if the harvest occurs on a day when taking antlerless deer is typically permitted, this criterion still applies. Ensuring adherence to this tagging technique helps efficiently manage and oversee the antlerless deer hunt in the allocated areas.

Is hunting permitted on Sundays in Florida?

All species may be hunted on Sundays in Florida on private property, except bear and turkey in Game Zones 1 and 2, where it is illegal. This implies that, except for specified Game Zones, hunters may engage in hunting activities on Sundays across most of Florida. Understanding the rules and restrictions that apply depending on the place and species being hunted is essential.

Can pythons be hunted in Florida?

Yes, pythons can be hunted in Florida; Private and Commission-managed properties in Florida allow python hunting without a permit. Python bags are unlimited. Since live transit is prohibited, pythons must be killed on-site. The FWC advocates private land python capture and humane death. The annual Florida Python Challenge® awards cash prizes to those who remove the most pythons from public lands. The FWC website has regulations and standards for hunting pythons in Florida. The Removing Pythons in Florida page has further information.

Is Alligator hunting permitted in Florida?

Yes, alligator hunting is permitted in Florida. Florida alligator hunting season is August 15–November 1. Hunters need a Statewide Alligator Harvest Permit and a current Alligator Trapping License to participate. Lottery-issued licenses are few. To kill humanely, hunters must obey weapons and ethics standards. The FWC website accepts permit applications for the 2023-2024 season until June 15, 2023. Visit the Alligator Hunting in Florida website for additional information and the Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit page to learn more about it.

When does the Florida Hunting Season 2023-2024 start and end?

The Florida Hunting Season 2023-2024 spans from August to January. The particular dates for the several hunt seasons throughout this span are: Deer season runs from September to January, with archery and crossbow seasons in September and muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons in November. Late November is deer youth gun hunt weekend. A youth turkey hunt weekend is held in March during turkey season. Duck and teal seasons are September through February. Hog season is January, while the bear season is October–November.

John Lewis

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